Albany, N.Y.--Legislation sponsored by State Senator George Winner (R-C-I, Elmira), Assemblyman Jim Bacalles (R-C-I, Corning), and Assemblyman Tom O’Mara (R-C, Horseheads) to continue to allow rifle hunting for deer and bear in Chemung, Steuben, and Yates counties for three more years, has been signed into law by Governor David Paterson.

"We experienced a safe and successful rifle hunting season last fall, and so I’m pleased that Governor Paterson has reauthorized rifle hunting for area sportsmen and sportswomen. It provides valuable economic and recreational benefits for our local counties," said Winner.

A 2007 Winner-sponsored law established the local rifle hunting season last fall on a one-year, trial basis. The 2007 law expired on July 18, 2008.

The new law authorizes rifle hunting through October 1, 2011.