Senator Patty Ritchie 2012 Sportsmens Survey

* Questions marked with an asterisk (*) were submitted by area sportsmen. 1. What do you typically hunt? Deer Bear Duck Other migratory birds All of the above Small game Other (coyotes, pheasant, grouse) 2. Whats your preferred hunting method? Rifle/shotgun Bow Crossbow All methods Muzzleloader Handgun 81% 12% 1% 2% 1% 1% 84% 2% 5% 2% 2% 2% 5%

3. Would you like to see NYs crossbow hunting law (set to expire Dec. 31) extended? Yes No No Opinion 55% 22% 23%

4. Would you support the use of crossbows during the REGULAR ARCHERY season? * Yes No No opinion 5. Should the state allow baiting for bear? * Yes No No opinion 49% 39% 12% 61% 26% 13%

6. Do you think the Junior hunting age should be lowered, to below the current 12 year old minimum? * Yes No No opinion 24% 72% 3%

7. Do you ever bring a relative or friend from outside the region or from another state to join you in hunting Central or Northern NYS? * Yes No 45% 55%

8. Do you think that DEC should offer a license fee discount for out-of-state relatives to encourage more of them to hunt and fish in NYS? * Yes No No opinion 45% 45% 9%

9. What is your opinion of nuisance permits? * The state should issue more nuisance permits Nuisance permits should be eliminated No opinion Keep as is 28% 37% 19% 2%

10. The DEC adjusted this years hunting calendar in the Northern Zone to avoid dates late in November, in response to hunters concerns. Do you support these changes? Yes No 66% 34%

11. Do you think the state should allow motorized access to state lands in the Adirondacks?* Yes No No opinion 58% 33% 8%

12. Do you or another family member participate in the Junior Hunting/Trapping Mentoring Program? Yes No 80% 20%

13. Should hunters be permitted to transfer their tags to other family members? * Yes No 77% 23%

14. I sponsored a law this year to require DEC to offer gift cards that could be used to pay sportsmans fees. Would you consider giving the gift of the outdoors to a friend or family member by purchasing one of these gift cards, when they become available? Yes No 80% 19%

15. Is hunting typically one one-day activity, or do you spend more than one day camping nearby? One day only Several days at camp, or other 28% 70%

16. How would you rate your fishing experience this year? Excellent Good Fair So-so Poor I dont fish 8% 27% 25% 19% 1% 21%

17. Should DEC relax its rules on bait fish, like minnows, so that you can catch and use your own bait? * Yes No No opinion 64% 19% 17%

18. Would you support a move to require sportsmen to purchase licenses and stamps online? Yes No No opinion 34% 55% 11%

19. What is your opinion of doe permits? More should be available Fewer should be available No opinion Leave as is 53% 27% 17% 4%