First fallout of NY anti gun legislation

First fallout of NY anti gun legislation

One of my shooting partner’s works at Wal-Mart in the sporting goods department just called me tonight; he has been monitoring ammo stock and supplies since last November. He did inventory last week, actually he was talking to me on the phone while finishing up. He reported that the majority of cartridge ammo was out of stock and on backorder at the warehouse as of last week. Today he was told to limit sales to 6 boxes of ammo at a time & the store was not going to restock till they saw what NY was going to do.
I spoke to a customer of mine in Maine Saturday and he reported ammo sales are being held at 2 boxes per person in most stores. This is the same story I’ve been told by several people in various states. Hodgdon powder shipments were late and at one wholesale house the order was 1,300 pounds short. I’ve had brass on backorder since last fall~ & not just the Military fodder this is hunting brass in all flavors. In Pa. last week at a gun show near Pittsburgh another person I know said as he pulled up to the show there were 25-30 different law enforcement vehicles parked around the lot. So he figures, “oh crap” what’s up now! Low and behold cops in uniform were at the show in force “not to harass” but were buying ammo for themselves, by the case lot.
With all the budget cuts and Departmental of Environmental Conservation issues anyone with half a brain could have looked at past issues and seen what was happening.
This was not a vote for public safety; it was a vote of personal agenda.
Yesterday the New York legislature just threw gun owners and sportsmen under the bus twice in one week. Once by changing the legislative gun bill day and again by passing these BS bills.

Do ya think they, sportsmen that is; will remember how they got screwed next election cycle~
BPB

NY's anti gun Assembly screws firearms owners again!

I have a list of individual votes on each bill. You sportsmen better squeeze your Senators on both sides of the fence. All you sportsmen who have sat on your ass for years letting some of us tote the water ain't gonna cut it any longer.
You'll liable to find yourself friendless if you support any of the anti measures no matter how good they sound or make you feel.
BPB

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 28, 2008
Assembly Passes Comprehensive Gun Package
Bills Will Help Police Track Illegal Guns, Ban Armor-Piercing Ammunition
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Assembly Codes Committee Chair Joseph Lentol today announced the Assembly's passage of a legislative package to combat gun violence. The bills will enhance safety by assisting police in their efforts to investigate illegal firearms, prohibiting felons from buying guns, requiring child-proof devices on guns and banning advanced firearms and ammunition used to kill police officers.
"New York is one of the safest states in the nation and it must stay that way," said Silver (D-Manhattan). To achieve this, we must craft laws that prevent dangerous felons from possessing weapons while assisting law enforcement agencies as they combat gun trafficking. Although the majority of gun owners are law-abiding citizens, we must ensure that guns do not fall into the hands of violent felons or children. This package contains bills that address public safety, while weighing the needs of hunters and sportspeople."
Silver added that this year's legislation, considered this week in recognition of National Crime Victims Week, was introduced in remembrance of the tenth anniversary of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting and the 13 victims of the recent shooting in Binghamton.
"Last year, the Assembly successfully passed legislation which was enacted that creates a comprehensive database to help prevent people suffering from serious mental illnesses from purchasing guns," said Lentol (D-Brooklyn). "This year, we will continue pushing for smart gun laws to protect communities across New York. Today's legislation sets important record keeping and reporting standards for gun dealers and pawn shops and prohibits the sale of ammunition which serves no practical purpose yet possesses the capacity to pierce through protective bulletproof vests. Additionally, our legislation helps police investigate gun-related crimes through manufacturer identification of firearms."
One bill requires the re-licensing and recertification of firearms permits after five years (A.801A/Paulin). This will help ensure that licensing authorities have the oversight they need to protect the public while balancing the legitimate constitutional rights of gun owners. Another bill creates the Children's Weapon Accident Protection Act which requires that there be a weapons-safety program for schoolchildren and creates crimes of failing to safely store firearms (A.5844/Weisenberg).
The legislative package also addresses public safety by requiring all firearms sold in the state to be childproof (A.1326/Englebright) and capable of microstamping ammunition (A.6468/Schimel), and by instituting background checks for firearms sold at pawn shops (A.7574/Hoyt). Another bill requires stringent recordkeeping and reporting of gun sales, liability insurance and employee training for gunsmiths to prevent the sale of guns through so-called "straw purchases" (A.1093/Paulin).
Other measures in the Assembly gun package would:
Protect the safety of law enforcement personnel by prohibiting the sale and ownership of ammunition designed to fragment or explode upon impact and pierce body armor (A.2881/Koon);
Require law enforcement authorities to record projectiles, shell casings and guns in their possession which they suspect were used in a gun crime into an electronic databank (A.2882A/Koon);
Ban the sale, use or possession of 50-caliber or larger weapons, and creates a program to recall those currently legally owned (A.3211A/Eddington);
Define a "disguised gun" to include those weapons designed and intended to appear to be a toy gun and ban their production and sale. (A.5078/Lentol);
Encourage responsible gun ownership by establishing a standard firearms safety course for people applying for a gun license (A.3076B/Kavanagh);
Add to the definition of assault weapon to include additional weapons (A.6157/Titone); and
Empower courts to revoke licenses and seize weapons of certain individuals who could present a threat to the public (A.7733/Lupardo).

Cayuga County gun registration program to begin

Cayuga County gun registration program to begin

AUBURN – Cayuga County Sheriff David Gould announced the County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a gun registration program from May 4 through May 22. The program will allow all county residents to register their unregistered handguns without penalty of criminal prosecutions.

The program is a joint effort of the Sheriff’s office and County Court Judge Thomas Leone, who is the county’s pistol licensing officer.

Often handguns have come into a citizen’s possession by inheritance from another family member, was one that was brought back as a wartime souvenir and never registered, or was brought into the state from another state where the licensing laws are different. Many don’t know what to do with the handguns and fear that the weapon will be confiscated.

The program is designed to assist county residents in fulfilling their legal responsibility to register handguns that have come into their possession and have never been registered without fear of prosecution.

All guns are to be unloaded and locked in a person’s vehicle. Do not bring firearms into the sheriff’s office building. A deputy sheriff will escort the gun holder to retrieve the weapon from the vehicle.

For more information about the program, call Sgt. John Leja at 315-253-4148.

SCOPE ALERT Assembly session time change

Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 11:51 AM
Subject: [SCOPEny] SCOPE ALERT:

Assembly Gun Bill Session Time Change

I just got a call from the Assembly Minority Counsel's office, the timeof the Anti-gun Bill Assembly session for tomorrow has been changed from 3:30pm to 1:30pm Make your phone calls before then.

Ken Mathison, President
SCOPE, Inc.
SCOPEny@yahoogroups.com

NY had a FREE 5-yr check ~ What happened to it?

Here is my reply to a recent article on the 5 yr re-newable permit. It seems all my wordy sportsmen friends have forgotten something.

Assemblyman Omara,

I am a Federal licenses firearms dealer. When the Brady NICS system first began New Yorkers could, if they had a 5yr-NICS check done by their local Sheriff purchase a firearm without the FFL calling in for a back ground check. (Explanation further down in my comment)
BUT, NY failed to institute some federal guidelines and the FBI stopped allowing firearms dealers to use permit holders license information for purchases.
Dealers stopped using NY's Permit information & then began calling the FBI/NICS center for the "instant background check". Like we do on all firearms purchases whether they be at our shops or gun shows.

Now the deal was permit holders had an extra background check that was renewed every 5 years. Permit holders would show this to the dealer and the issue / expiration date,permit number were recorded on the FFL's 4473.

The 4473 is the federal paperwork all firearms purchasers have to fill out in order for the Dealer to call in and request a NICS back ground check.

The short story is, NY had a 5 year background check up until NY did not comply with Federal standards.
The permit was still good, as we say for a lifetime. The 5 yr check paperwork we were given was free for the asking.
The latest revision to the 4473's were the mental health portions and some jargon clarifications. If my memory serves me correctly The 4473 has been updated some 6 times in the last 10 years !

NY DOJ also shares criminal information with the FBI/NICS center.

A 5 yr renewable permit is not a good idea, it will cost permit holders undue money and I feel will be used to harass firearms owners.
However the 5 year paperwork New Yorker's once enjoyed was a good idea.
My preference is why do we need a permit at all if a person wants to hunt,fish,trap,target shoot?

Remember a NY citizen already has a FBI/NICS check done when they purchase a firearm. Also NY had a 5-year background check at one time for all of NY's permit holders. It was free~but NY State failed to meet federal guidelines so the FBI/NICS would no longer accept permit holders information as an alternative to the call in NICS check.

To this date I've seen no references to the paperwork I've spoke about in this letter????

Regards,

BlackPowder Bill Brookover
SCOPEny.org Director @ Large
NYS Muzzleloaders NYSMLA.org President
WCSC Director NYGUNCLUB.org

SCOPE to Brief Albany Minority members

Early in the month when the anti gun stuff was starting to heat up Ken Mathison, SCOPEny.org President was asked by Minority Leader Brian Kolb and his staff to come to Albany on the 28th and brief the members that will be doing the debating on the gun bills the next day. They asked Ken because he has been working with the minority staff for a few years and they all appreciate the information SCOPE has given them, they don't understand most of the bills and SCOPE clears it up for them.

This year SCOPE went one step further by supplying Position Papers on most of the major anti gun bills which they see as a tremendous help. Member Bill Gibson needs to be thanked for the work he has put into researching and writing the papers. He's done a fantastic job saving Ken much valuable time. Bill will be with Ken on Tuesday briefing the Minority members.

In anticipation of SCOPE's rally to visit Albany on Gun Bill day the Albany leadership has changed the date at the last minuet from April 29th to April 28th a day earlier in an effort to thwart our collective efforts and show Albany we can rally to the cause. Regardless of what you may have heard , SCOPE members will visit Albany on the 29th and pass out papers on our position for the 14 bills that will be voted on.

Ken writes, "All I know is that I have done my best to represent the interest of all New York gun owners whether they are a SCOPE member or not".

I pass this info on to you to keep you informed and to let you know that SCOPE is respected in Albany and we can be effective.

Regards,
BlackPowderBill
SCOPE Director @ Large
NYSMLA.org President
Williamson gun club Diector

SCOPE Legislative Report UPDATE

SCOPE Legislative Report UPDATE

The SCOPE Legislative Report has been updated and shortened to include only those bills that will be brought to the floor for a vote on April 29, Gun Bill Day.

SCOPE_Legislative_Report

You should make copies of this report, it's only 2 pages, to take to your legislators if you are going to Albany on the 29th.

Ken Mathison, President
SCOPE, Inc.

Senator Volker has a pole about micro-stamping!

Senator Volker has a pole about micro-stamping guns on is front page website Micro-Stamp Poll

Would you support legislation to require microstamping on all semiautomatic pistols with identifying marks which copy the information to discharged ammunition?
Yes / 6%

No / 94%
Total of votes : 9958

Hum, kind of a one sided affair ain't it. LMAO

Regards,
BlackPowderBill

Vermont closing fish hatcheries

For those of you who follow such things, like state budgets. It seems VT has decided to close all of the fish hatcheries. In NY the injunction against the state in the pheasant stocking program is billed at costing sportsmen a cool 12 grand.
Even is sportsmen spent a 100 grand their is no guarantee that the farm will be open in 2010 and beyond.
BlackPowderBill
===
Good Afternoon Fellow Conservationists and Lake Champlain Business Community,
I thought you might be interested in the below note from accountant and Vermont's state auditor, Tom Salmon, on the House Appropriations Committee's proposal to close Vermont's fish hatcheries.

Sincerely,
James Ehlers
===
-----Original Message-----
From: Salmon, Tom
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 10:43 PM
To: 'james@mychamplain.net'
Subject: Fish hatcheries

James-

I have fished VT streams and the Connecticut river since I was a boy. Discussion of closing fish hatcheries is a foolish gimmick; both financially unsound and short-sighted.
Our Vermont brand and the outdoor sports that promote it should be preserved and protected.
The post-stimulus tsunami of budget shortfalls should be getting more urgent attention. Next legislative session will be a lot different than this one.

Tom
Thomas M Salmon CPA
Vermont State Auditor

Guns shows on public property ~ Court decision

California 9Th circuit court upholds gun shows on public ground. Guns shows on public property Court decision. Ca. 9th decision

We'll see how far this goes.
BPB

UPDATE--Albany Trip April 29--UPDATE

I've gotten confirmation that the legislative session on the 29th will start around 11am-11:30am. Usually there are announcements and introductions of visitors and that can take up to an hour sometimes. After that they go right in to the bills and the debate and vote.

Make sure you arrive in time to get through security and get to the legislative chambers and upper gallery. If you come through security via the concourse the LOB is to the left and the Capitol building is to the right down a long hallway & up the escalator. Once you get to the Capitol you can get directions to the Legislative chambers and the upper gallery.

If you get there earlier you should visit your legislators office (making an appointment in advance is preferable) and leave your card or maybe a copy of the SCOPE Legislative Report which will have our position on the bills for them.

The New Yorkers Against Gun Violence will most likely have a dog and pony show set up in the lobby of the LOB so you may want to take a look at what they have. Remember, we don't want any confrontations with anyone for any reason. The press will be there and we will be held to a higher standard than the other side.

All indications I am getting are pointing to a very good turnout of gun owners! This could be a very important event, don't be left out, come and be a part of it.

Ken Mathison, President
SCOPE, Inc.

SCOPEny.org & REAL ID

As you may know, SCOPE joined a coalition of various groups to oppose the Real ID Act. New Yorkers Against the Real ID Act jointly lobbied state and federal legislators in opposition to Real ID. A report on the Real ID Act by the NYCLU (one of the coalition members) is available in PDF format at this link

Real ID Report

Real ID is a very serious threat to privacy in the US and could be used as a backdoor registration of firearms owners.

Read the report and get the facts on Real ID

Ken Mathison, President
SCOPE, Inc.

I'd like everyone to remember SCOPE is a 2nd amendment group in NY and only NY. Even though people may not agree on every issue,SCOPE believes in supporting those who support our life style as well.
Regards,
Black Powder Bill

Tea Party You're invited to my cyber Tea Party

It's high time we started protesting~ Payroll withdraw is forced savings for bailout spending!

FWMB Region 8

This one is a long scroll~bpb

Minutes of the February 13, 2009
FULL BOARD MEETING
DEC Region 8, Headquarters, Avon
The meeting called to order at 6:05 PM by Chairman John Andrews

Chemung County Genesee County Livingston County
Stanley Neu Ray Cianfrini Ivan Davis

Monroe County Ontario County Orleans County
Marvin Vahue Dodie Huber Ken Rush
Jim DeMay Mike Elam
Gary Evans

Schuyler County Seneca County Steuben County
Delmar Blieler John Andrews Tom Ryan
John Updike Frank Sinicropi Dick Stephens
Royce Kilmer
Mike Warren

Wayne County Yates County Guests
Bill Lansing Keith Kappel Norm Auger
Gene VanDeusen Steve Castner Steve Bockleman
Steven LeRoy Dennis Race

Advisory NYSDEC
Cooperative Extension Webster Pearsall
Dave Thorp Lt. Frank Lauricella
Randy Nemecek
CFAB Mike Wasilco
Charlie Hancock

Izaak Walton
Steve Castner

NYSCC
Minutes: Minutes from the October 24, 2008 meeting were approved; VanDeusen/Evans

Correspondence: All correspondences were photocopied ands circulated during the meeting. Copies are available with meeting notes on file at DEC Avon.
County Reports:
Chemung County: Catharine Valley Trail project continues and may involve lands owned by the Chemung County Sportsmen Federation.

Genesee County: No Report

Livingston County: Question on the process to expand the rifle bill to include Livingston County. The proposal must be approved by the Board of Supervisors and Farm Bureau; then the Legislature. Staff was asked to contact the Army Corp of Engineers regarding the release of water from the Mt Morris Dam during pike season.

Monroe County: Lighting/reflector installations on Rte 65 to deter deer from highway seems to be working. Monroe County supports Rifle Bill up to Rtes 5 & 20.

Ontario County: Concern was raised regarding the cutting of hay on the Honeoye Inlet WMA during nesting season. The old contract did not have restrictive dates. The new agricultural agreement does; no cutting before June 1st. A special thanks was given to Wayne Housemen for moving the Rifle Bill. Ontario County is exploring the construction of a canoe/kayak launch site on the Canandaigua Outlet at the intersection of County Roads 4 & 10.

Orleans County: Orleans County Federation of Sportsmen, Inc’s annual meeting is March 28, 2009.

Schuyler County: A resolution to expand the rifle bill to include Schuyler County was passed. Working through the legislature is the next step.

Seneca County: No report

Steuben County: Passed a resolution to have funds from the licence fee increase support Venison Donation Program

Wayne County: Asked a deer take question. Asked a question on the Howland Bridge project for the Northern Montezuma WMA. Remains an active proposal should funding become available. Discussion on lawsuit regarding Reynolds Game Farm. Informed board that several bills are in front of both houses that impact sportsmen. Question on bear take in Region 8. Total of 98; 6 from the new areas.
Yates County: Passed two resolutions as follows: 1. Support hunting safety classes and 2. Increase in fines and penalties for hunting and fishing violations. Fishing Derby scheduled for June 27, 2009. Firearms safety course for instructors being organized by SCOPE; 4 day class.

Advisory Committee Reports:

Izaak Walton League: The NRCS wetland rehabilitation project in Branchport is complete.

Cornell Coop Ext: No report

CFAB: Habitat and Access stamps are not selling. Roughly $297,000 remains in the account. Promotion of the stamp by license sales agents remains a problem. Discussion ensued on a Habitat and Access button to help promote the program. Until Law is amended, the best means of promotion is through outreach. The Trail Patch program was discussed as a means to generate revenue. Currently a volunteer purchase program. Discussion ensued on whether the patch should mandatory. Such a proposal would require legislative action. Governor’s budget includes a $6 million Marine licence component and a trout and salmon stamp ($4 million). License fee increase package will sustain the Conservation Fund for roughly 2 ½ years. The fee increase of 2002 carried through to 2007. 120 Law enforcement personnel were moved off the Conservation Fund to the General Fund. Marine Licenses and the Trout and Salmon Stamp were not included in CFAB’s license fee increase package. An audit of the Conservation Fund is available on the DEC’s website. Deadline for federally mandated saltwater fishery registry is 2011. DECALS costs roughly $2 ½ million per year to operate. Age threshold for senior licenses now 70. Visit the DEC’s and NY Conservation Council’s websites for more information. (Note: Charlie Hancock provided electronic versions of CFAB’s Annual Report and the Conservation Fund Audit. This information is available by contacting Randy Nemecek at rxnemece@gw.dec.state.ny.us).

NYSCC: No report

Farm Bureau: No Report.

Old Business: 1. 2009 Elections

Chairman John Andrews- Seneca
Vice-Chairman Jim DeMay - Ontario
Secretary Randy Nemecek - NYSDEC
State Board Legislative Rep. Dodie Huber - Ontario
State Board Alt. Legislative Rep. Wayne Housemen - Ontario
State Board Landowner Rep. Gary Evans - Ontario
State Board Alt. Landowner Rep. Royce Kilmer - Steuben
State Board Sportsmen Rep. Keith Kappel - Yates
Alternate Sportsmen Rep. Marc Osypian - Livingston
Old Business (cont.) 2. By-Laws

Article 2 of the proposed Region 8 By-Laws was proposed to be amended. Vahue/Demay.

Article 2 amended, By-Laws approved. VanDeusen/Vahue.

New Business: 1. Next meeting - April 17, 2009, 6:00Pm at the Villager Restaurant in Canandaigua. Meals will be paid out-of-pocket.
2. State Board report given by Gary Evans. Visit website for more information. Spring meeting Scheduled for March 26 & 27, 2009. Fall meeting scheduled for October 22 - 24, 2009, in Region 7
3. Discussion ensued on holding meetings on evenings other than on Friday. 4. Minimum of four meetings will be held per fiscal year.

NYSDEC Program Reports:

Natural Resources:

Staff to Participate in Yellow Ribbon Program

Regional Fish and Wildlife staff will participate in the New York State Naval and Military Affairs’ Yellow Ribbon Program designed to welcome back service men and women from overseas duties. Staff will host a display and discuss various Fish and Wildlife programs with the service men and women. Fisheries will offer the cooperative diary program to anyone interested in assisting the Department with surveying angling opportunities. Habitat pins from previous years will be given to service men and women free of charge. In addition, applications for a free sporting license will be available for those currently serving in active duty status.

Staff Meets with the Department of Transportation Regarding the Genesee Valley Greenway, Village of Mount Morris, Livingston County

Staff will met with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to discuss details of the proposed construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Genesee River, in the Village of Mount Morris, Livingston County. DOT plans to construct the bridge and a boat ramp during the Spring of 2009. Upon completion of the operation, the bridge will be become the property of the Department of Environmental Conservation. Of concern to staff are the costs associated with inspections and maintenance of the bridge. The Department continues to move toward transferring the entire trail to the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). Once the transfer is complete, OPRHP will assume responsibility of the bridge.

Staff to Meet with Regional Department of Transportation Office

Staff will meet with Regional Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) representatives to discuss construction projects scheduled for 2009 and forecasts for the next five years. This meeting will center on activities in NYSDOT’s Region 5 sector which includes the central and northern area of the Department’s Region 8. The meeting is held on an annual basis and is a good opportunity to provide and exchange of information regarding stream protection, wetland issues, permit requirements and processes for dealing with solid and hazardous materials.
Western Finger Lakes, Open Space Priority Project, Canadice and Hemlock Lakes, Livingston and Ontario Counties

The Department remains optimistic that acquisition of the watershed lands surrounding Hemlock and Canadice Lakes will take place. Staff completed the deed descriptions in December 2008, which involved review of over 630 deeds. Canadice and Hemlock Lakes are last two Finger Lakes with largely undeveloped shorelines. The land is currently owned by the City of Rochester, who manages property primarily for watershed protection for drinking water purposes. The lands surrounding Canadice and Hemlock Lakes are also included in New York State’s 2006 Open Space Conservation Plan as a priority project and has been one of the Department’s highest acquisition priorities over the last 15 to 20 years. Department staff have invested considerable time and effort in developing a framework for acquisition.

Open Space Hearings Held, Region 8 Headquarters, Town of Avon, Livingston County

Public hearings were held to receive comment on the 2009 Draft New York State Open Space Conservation Plan. The hearings were held at the Department’s Regional Headquarters in Avon, Livingston County. A total of twenty-seven individuals attended the hearings with five providing public comments. Several questions were fielded by staff and a total of six comments were received at the hearings. The discussions and public comment were overwhelmingly supportive of the efforts by the Department and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in developing the draft Open Space Plan.

Schuyler County Proposes Land Swap in the Towns of Orange and Tyrone

During mid-2005 Schuyler County officials identified the parcel of land they would consider for a land swap with the Department for the construction of a radio tower needed to upgrade emergency communication capabilities. The county parcel consists of approximately 50 acres that is bounded on three sides by Coon Hollow State Forest in the Town of Orange. In exchange for this parcel the Department identified five suitable acres on the Sugar Hill State Forest in the Town of Tyrone for the construction of the tower. Deed descriptions and surveys were completed during 2006. The last remaining element to the transfer was the completion of an appraisal to confirm that the swap would be of benefit to the State of New York. After nearly two years of inactivity on this project, staff was contacted by Schuyler County indicating that an appraisal of the 50 acres had been completed and they wished to move the project forward. Staff will review the appraisal to confirm the above-mentioned benefit and forward our determination to Central Office to complete the transfer.

Division of Mineral Resources Audit

The Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) is conducting an audit the Division of Mineral Resources, Bureau of Oil and Gas Regulation. This review is a follow-up to an audit conducted in 2005 which had recommended minor changes to reviews of drilling permit applications and other methods of documentation. Part of OSC’s audit is a request for copies the permit process checklist and drilling inspection reports since January 2007.
Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement Scoping Sessions For Oil, Gas and Solution Mining Regulatory Program, Steuben and Chemung Counties.

Scoping sessions for the Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) for the Oil, Gas and Solution Mining Regulatory Program, were held in the Village of Bath and City of Elmira in Steuben and Chemung Counties, respectively. The scope of the SGEIS will focus on gas well permit issuance for horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing operations in the Marcellus Shale formation and other low permeability gas reservoirs. The first session (Bath, Steuben County) was held on November 12, 2008. Over 100 people attended the session with 18 providing comment. Concerns focused primarily on air and water quality, water use and disposal along with employment and economic benefits. The turnout for the Elmira sessions (November 13, 2008) was slightly higher. The Scope was released to the public last week.

Fisheries:

Public Fishing Rights and Fishing Access Sites

Due to ongoing budget issues all easement and acquisition activities for fishing sites are on hold.

State Wildlife Grant

The Region 8 State Wildlife Grant biologists received funding for a four year mussel study for the southwest and southeast lake Ontario Watersheds.

State of the Lake Meeting

The State of the Lake meeting will be held at RIT on March, 10, 2009 at 7:00 PM in Ingall auditorium.

Fisheries Field Season

Spring electro-fishing surveys dates have been set. Naples Creek will be held on March 19, 2009 at 9:00 AM. Cold Brook will be held on March 20, 2009 at 10:00 AM.

Wildlife:

Deer Citizens Task Forces

Deer Citizens Task Forces (CTF) meetings will be held March/April in units 8A (Orleans, Monroe), 8F (Wayne, Monroe), and 8S (Seneca, Schuyler, Tompkins). Each CTF will be composed of representatives from several stakeholder groups including farmers, drivers, business and hunters (both organized sportsmen and general population). The CTF’s and the process for providing input will be advertised in local papers in each of the three units. The only item being considered at this time is the population level of deer in each unit.
Deer Reproductive Study

Work has started on the third year of a three-year study on the reproductive parameters of deer in the Southern Tier of Western New York and in the Albany area. Road-killed female deer are being examined for evidence of pregnancy, number and size (age) of fetuses, and nutritional state at the time of death. From the fetus age, average doe conception and projected fawning dates can be determined. The information collected will help DEC understand more about the reproductive contribution of does in differing parts of the state, and how harvest of this segment of the deer population affects overall management.

Internal Audit of Deer Cooperative Areas

The FWMA Cooperative Program provides free Conservationist subscriptions to cooperating landowners. The Cooperative Program has been idle in this region since roughly 1993, yet the landowners are still getting free subscriptions. We will be auditing the subscription list this spring to ensure that subscriptions are being properly distributed. This program is still available to landowners who would like to enter into an with DEC.

North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) Grant Approved
DEC and Duck Unlimited have been successfully awarded another NAWCA grant to continue the wetland restoration program in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. This grant will provide over $600,000 in federal funds to restore the wetland habitats on recently acquired lands

Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area
DEC recently completed the purchase of the Ventimiglia parcel, adding over 200 acres to the Braddock Bay WMA. We are currently starting the bid process create an agricultural agreement to allow 125 acres to continue to be farmed. We will be using an $11,000 grant from the Migratory Bird Stamp Program to create grassland buffers on each side of the parcel.

Law Enforcement:

Budget
Budget also having an impact on Law Enforcement especially with overtime. Law Enforcement is currently exempt from mileage restrictions.

Hunting Related Shooting Incidents (HRSI)
12 HRSI’s were logged last hunting season. Three involved personal injuries. Genesee County involved a fatal incident during pheasant season. Yates County involved an incident while hunting coyotes. The third incident involved a tree stand.
Motion to adjourn: Vahue/Evans
Adjourn: 9:15 PM

Ken Mathiason of SCOPENY.org to speak at LPNY State Convention

Subject: [SCOPEny] sort of off-topic:
Ken to speak at LPNY State Convention
All,I figured since Ken will be speaking at our State Convention, it would be a matter of interest to members of this list.This year, the Libertarian Party of New York State Convention will be held in Rochester, on April 25.
You can get details here: Libertarian Party

There is a $50 fee for lunch/speakers (i.e. to hear Ken speak). Although we say "Registrations not received before April 18th will be subject to an additional $10 charge" this is for LPNY members who may procrastinate.

Those of you receiving notice at this late date will not be subject to any extra "door charge".Don't forget it was a Libertarian who made DC v. Heller possible! Hope to see you there.

for Liberty, Chris Edes

Hon. Senator Dean Skelos~Concealed Carry Act

Concealed Carry Act
Hon. Senator Dean Skelos
907 Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247

Dear Senator Skelos,

Licensing officials in some New York State counties issue concealed carry
pistol permits, while officials in other counties issue restricted permits that
limit firearm use to sporting activities such as hunting, target shooting, or collecting. New York State law does not yet preclude such discretionary authority.
This arbitrary practice results in a stratification of rights, rewarding one class of citizens, while unfairly discriminating against another - based solely upon their county of residence.
The current policy clearly violates the spirit of equal protection under the law.
I support the act amending the penal law to remedy this disparity. I respectfully request that you support A6187/S3478: The Concealed Carry Act

Thank You,
BlackPowderBill

New York firearms owners gun bill day

Every year the New York Assembly has a day when they debate and vote on
a package of anti gun legislation. This "gun bill" day always coincides with the "Albany Lobby Day" of the New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (NYAGV) which includes their dog and pony show of anti gun propaganda in the lobby of the Legislative Office Building (LOB).

Every year NYAGV gets a free ride on this day. They bus in a handful of activist and basically get to puff up their collective chests and show how much power they have. This year we would like to disrupt their free ride by having gun owners show up in Albany in large numbers and pretty much overshadow them, take the day away from them.

By large numbers I mean thousands, anything less will be ineffective and not worth doing. Gun bill day is April 29 and we are asking gun owners from all over the state to make the commitment to come to Albany, spend the day visiting legislators and filling the Assembly galleries before the anti gunners can, show the legislators that we do care about our rights.

We are asking you to take the day off from work, car pool, rent a bus whatever it takes but be in Albany on April 29 to show you care about your rights.

Details are still being worked out but the legislative session that day will most likely be in the afternoon at 1pm or 3pm, the exact time will be nailed down later. I would suggest that you plan to be at the Capitol no later than 11am and be prepared to stay until at least 4pm.

If you are coming as a group or individually, make appointments with your legislators or their staff. If you can't get an appointment you should still go to their office and let their staff know you are there and your position on gun legislation. Print a copy of the SCOPE Legislative Report from our website to leave with your legislator.

Most importantly, once we nail down the time of the legislative session,we need to be at the Assembly chambers (legislative chambers are in the Capitol building which connects to the LOB) and fill the seats in the chamber, the lobby and the upper gallery. Let those who debate the bills see that gun owners care and will take action.

Some rules to abide by.

1. NO CAMO of any kind should be worn or overalls. Dress casual but not down.
2. Wear your SCOPE, NRA, Club, NYSRPA, NYSCC or other group hat, shirt or some other article that identifies you as a gun owner. Repeat NO CAMO anything.
3. NO confrontation with any of the anti gunners of any kind.
4. If questioned by the press (it could happen) keep it short and to the point that you are a gun owner who cares about your rights and you are there to show the legislature that you care.
5. You will have to go through security screening to get in the LOB, so no weapons of any kind, the less metal you have on you the easier it will be to get through quickly.
6. No signs, I don't think they will allow them but they would be a negative distraction anyhow.
7.Be courteous with any and all legislators even if they are rabidly anti gun.
8. When in the Assembly chambers no outburst or demonstrations are allowed. Regardless of how outrageous the debate may be do not make a scene.

Many of the legislators think gun owners don't care because we don't show up, this is our chance to show them otherwise.

Having an idea in advance or our numbers would be helpful, so let us know if you are coming by email or phone. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. Please spread the word on this action to all your contacts.

Sincerely,
Ken Mathison, President
SCOPE, Inc.
info@SCOPEny.org
585-663-8741

Directions to the Empire State Plaza
http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/visiting/gettingaround/defaultdirections.html

Parking information at the plaza
http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/par king/forVisitor/parkingmap.html

New York firearms owners gun bill day

Every year the New York Assembly has a day when they debate and vote ona package of anti gun legislation. This "gun bill" day alwayscoincides with the "Albany Lobby Day" of the New Yorkers AgainstGun Violence (NYAGV) which includes their dog and pony show of anti gunpropaganda in the lobby of the Legislative Office Building (LOB).Every year NYAGV gets a free ride on this day.

They bus in a handful ofactivist and basically get to puff up their collective chests and showhow much power they have. This year we would like to disrupt their freeride by having gun owners show up in Albany in large numbers and prettymuch overshadow them, take the day away from them.By large numbers I mean thousands, anything less will be ineffective andnot worth doing.

Gun bill day is April 29 and we are asking gun owners from all over thestate to make the commitment to come to Albany, spend the day visitinglegislators and filling the Assembly galleries before the anti gunnerscan, show the legislators that we do care about our rights.We are asking you to take the day off from work, car pool, rent a buswhatever it takes but be in Albany on April 29 to show you care aboutyour rights.Details are still being worked out but the legislative session that daywill most likely be in the afternoon at 1pm or 3pm, the exact time willbe nailed down later.

I would suggest that you plan to be at theCapitol no later than 11am and be prepared to stay until at least 4pm.If you are coming as a group or individually, make appointme nts withyour legislators or their staff. If you can't get an appointmentyou should still go to their office and let their staff know you arethere and your position on gun legislation.

Print a copy of the SCOPELegislative Report from our website to leave with your legislator.

Most importantly, once we nail down the time of the legislative session,we need to be at the Assembly chambers (legislative chambers are in theCapitol building which connects to the LOB) and fill the seats in thechamber, the lobby and the upper gallery.

Let those who debate the bills see that gun owners care and will take action.Some rules to abide by.

1. NO CAMO of any kind should be worn or overalls. Dress casual butnot down.
2. Wear your SCOPE, NRA, Club, NYSRPA, NYSCC or other grouphat, shirt or some other article that identifies you as a gun owner. Repeat NO CAMO anything.
3. NO confrontation with any of the antigunners of any kind.
4. If questioned by the press (it could happen)keep it short and to the point that you are a gun owner who cares aboutyour rights and you are there to show the legislature that you care.
5. You will have to go through security screening to get in the LOB, sono weapons of any kind, the less metal you have on you the easier itwill be to get through quickly.
6. No signs, I don't think theywill allow them but they would be a negative distraction anyhow.
7.Be courteous with any and all legislators even if they are rabidly antigun.
8. When in the Assembly chambers no outburst or demonstrationsare allowed. Regardless of how outrageous the debate may be do not makea scene.Many of the legislators think gun owners don't care because wedon't show up, this is our chance to show them otherwise.Having an idea in advance or our numbers would be helpful, so let usknow if you are coming by email or phone. If you have any questionsfeel free to contact me.

Please spread the word on this action to allyour contacts.

Sincerely,Ken Mathison, President

SCOPE, Inc.info@SCOPEny.org 585-663-8741

Directions to the Empire State Plaza

http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/visiting/gettingaround/defaultdirections.htmlParking information at the plaza http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/par king/forVisitor/parkingmap.html

NY CSE union wins big, why is that?

Ever wonder why unions have such huge influence on State government?

Because they show up in Albany.

This past week the NY legislature voted on the Governors budget and the Civil Service Employees Union had a rally in the Convention Center in the capitol complex and then they went on to lobby the legislators.

""We're here today as one big, ugly green machine to kick the ass of any politician that doesn't work with us," said Danny Donahue, president of the Civil Service Employees Association union."

2000 union members made a difference to their cause. That's why they win. We can do the same but we have to show up. 2000 gun owners isn't enough, we need at least twice that number to make an impact . Are your going to be there on April 29? Or are you going to let the Manhattan Liberal machine dictate your gun rights to you? Seems like a no brainer to me. Ken Mathison, President SCOPE, Inc.

NYSMLA.ORG events for April

NYSMLA.ORG events for April
APRIL

5 High Woods Sportsmen’s Club - Blanket Shoot

5 Land of the Seneca’s – Shoot
Chuck Plant 607-387-6987

5 Middleburg Rod & Gun Club - Meat Shoot

18 Lock Stock & Barrel - Turkey Shoot

19 Upper Esopus Fish & Game - Blanket Shoot

25~26 Batavia Gun Show @ Batavia Downs
Sponsored by Alabama Hunt Club

26 Painted Post BP Silhouette Shoot

26 Morgan Hill—Blanket Shoot
Morgan Hill Game Association in Hurley, N.Y.
Woods walk/ blanket shoot format.
Entry fee $10 plus a blanket prize in the $10 +/- range.
Lunch at nominal cost & starting time 9:30
Barry Selzner esopusjeep@aol.com


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