About

Our Mission  

NYSCC’s mission is to aid in the formulation and establishment of sound policies and practices designed to conserve, protect, restore and perpetuate forests, wildlife and scenic and recreational areas with especial regard to the state of New York, to the general end that the present and succeeding generations may continue to enjoy and to use these great natural resources. 

The NYSCC is the oldest conservation organization in New York State, comprised of volunteers who are concerned with sound management of the state’s and the nation’s land, water, fish and wildlife.  Our members are involved in all aspects dealing with the environment, ranging from educating youth and adults, to legislation, and including hands-on projects, cleaning up waterways and roadsides, and habitat improvement projects.

OFFICERS

NYSCC Officers

DIRECTORS

NYSCC Directors

COMMITTEES

Committees

PHOTO GALLERY

Photo Gallery

CONTACT

Contact

What We Do

  • Advocate for Conservation, Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping
  • Serve as a leading group representing sportsmen and women at the state level
  • Represent Council members on Conservation Fund Advisory Board (CFAB), state Fish Wildlife Management Board (FWMB), Waterfowl Taskforce, and more
  • Maintain a positive working relationship with the NYSDEC
  • Collaborate with other conservation organizations and advocacy groups
  • Provide relevant resources and information to our membership and the general public
  • Speak out in support or opposition of legislature that affects natural resources and/or the outdoor community

History and Accomplishments

The New York State Conservation Council (NYSCC) is the oldest statewide conservation organization in New York, incorporated in 1933 by sportsmen/conservationists to help secure and manage our natural resources for future generations, as well as to protect the rights of sportsmen and sportswomen to hunt, fish, trap and own firearms.  Since its inception the NYSCC has fought for regulations and laws to protect and manage our fish, wildlife and other natural resources.  Many of the hunting, fishing and trapping regulations safeguarding our resources today are the result of the NYSCC’s efforts. Following are just a few of our accomplishments over the past 79+ years:

NYSCC has been successful in …

  • changing the EnCon Law to allow 14-15-year-olds to hunt big game with a rifle or shotgun.
  • establishing through EnCon Law a junior muzzleloading license for 14-15-year-olds to participate in special muzzleloading seasons.
  • altering EnCon Law to allow a person over 21 to take a 12-13-year-old youth small game hunting.
  • creating a trapper mentor program for youth under 12 through EnCon Law.
  • working to get legislation passed to allow archery hunting of big game.
  • creating separate archery and firearms seasons.
  • having separate game tags for archers and allowing them to use DMP tags.
  • seeking legislation to allow the use of rifles for deer hunting in areas of central and western NYS.
  • stopping the NYS Assembly from acquiring personal information about hunters, trappers and anglers that is required on license applications.
  • fighting for early deer, waterfowl, pheasant and turkey seasons for junior hunters.
  • persuading the NYS Senate to stop anti-gun legislation that had been passed by the NYS Assembly.
  • securing passage of a law establishing the “Hunters Helping the Hungry” Program, whereby meat from legally harvested deer may be donated to food programs for the needy.  Today, the effort has moved forward and become a state-funded program called the Venison Donation Coalition.
  • getting laws passed to establish the Habitat and Access Stamp with money designated for habitat and access projects across New York, and the Adopt-A-Resource Stewardship Program whereby a local organization may “adopt” an area to make improvements and provide needed cleanup.
  • establishing an affordable club insurance liability program available to member clubs of the Council.
  • collaborating with other like-minded groups to see landmark legislation signed into law allowing youth ages 14 through 20 to handle and use handguns on a range for firearms training, target practice and shooting competition.

NYSCC has requested or recommended … 

  • season lengths and bag limits for game animals and birds to protect them from over-harvest.
  • open and closed seasons and creel limits on fish to protect them during spawning seasons.
  • state acquisition of easements along streams throughout the state.
  • opening 17,000 acres of buffer lands for hunting around upstate reservoirs acquired by New York City.
  • state acquisition of lands suitable for reforestation and parks.
  • open access for state-acquired lands in the Adirondacks.

NYSCC also …

  • opposes a ban on .50 caliber firearms.
  • supported and worked for passage of the “Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.”
  • worked with DEC and other organizations to restore many game and non-game animals and birds.
  • opposes the NY SAFE Act.

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