“I Love Hunting New York”
This may well be a new take on the old tune with New York Governor Eliot Spitzer’s broad outdoor agenda. So the next “I Love New York” tourism ad you see may very well have more emphasis on outdoor recreation opportunities the state offers.
As attorney general, Spitzer supported the limiting of guns, but the announcement of his outdoor plans has sportsmen singing his praises, if at least guardedly. The announcement was made amid controversy of his selection of “Pete” Grannis as head of the Department of Environmental Conservation. Outdoorsmen criticized the appointment because of Grannis’ past support and affiliation with anti-gun and anti-hunting opposition groups.
Although possibly not related to his intentions, the timing is interesting to say the least. Add to it the fact that elections are coming soon, and garnering the votes of the outdoor community would be a huge benefit, it makes it even more interesting. Then there is the fact that the revenue generated by outdoorsmen would always be nice, so that is yet another good reason to support such initiatives. No matter the reasoning, though, there is no doubt outdoorsmen will benefit from them.
Some of the proposals Spitzer is recommending are:
Reduce liabilities for landowners as a way to boost hunting and fishing and lure more sportsmen and tourists to New York.
Spitzer said no new gun law would be adopted without hunting group consultation.
The state will support a major fishing tournament in the coming year.
Work with hunting and fishing groups to increase hunting and fishing license sales.
Upgrade existing DEC fish hatcheries.
Add 109 new staff at the DEC, including 6 new staff to promote fishing, a new fish pathologist and a new wildlife pathologist.
Use added funds from a proposed expansion of the state bottle law to create new fishing sites, boat launches and hiking trails.
From an outdoorsman standpoint, these are definitely reasons to be singing “I Love New York”.
hunting, New York, legislation, outdoor tourism, outdoor initiatives, politics
Leave a Reply