Legislation making the importation or possession of the African Big 5 species a felony failed to pass before the New York legislature recessed for the remainder of the year. Senate Bill 4235 and Assembly Bill 7556, which would make felons out of law-abiding hunters, will remain alive and can still move when the legislature reconvenes, likely next year.
Animal-rights groups have made bills banning possession of Big 5 trophies a priority in recent years, following the death of “Cecil” the lion. Bans already have been enacted in Washington state and New Jersey, and have been proposed in California and Connecticut, in addition to New York.
“The recess provides New York sportsmen and women time to educate legislators and prepare when they return next year,” said Luke Houghton associate director of state services Sportsmen’s Alliance, reiterating that the threat isn’t dead, but rather delayed.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.