The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is accepting public comment on proposed change to regulations that would allow the use of big bore air rifles as a legal weapon for taking big game at certain times and places in New York, beginning in the fall 2016 hunting seasons.

Air-powered rifles that meet certain specifications, termed “big bore air rifles,” have adequate downrange energy to effectively harvest New York big game species, according to a press release from DEC.

In 2010, DEC amended these regulations to allow the use of air-powered firearms for hunting small game.

“The popularity of air-powered firearms is growing, largely because of technological advancements,” said Acting DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “These modern firearms produce the force necessary to efficiently harvest big game animals. In addition, because big bore air rifles are not as loud as conventional rifles or shotguns, allowing their use may make hunting more acceptable in locations with higher human densities, including areas where deer are overabundant.”

Big bore air rifles are available commercially, and they fire bullets of sufficient size at sufficient velocities to safely and efficiently harvest big game. These big bore air rifles would only be allowed for taking big game where other types of rifles are allowed to be used for taking big game. Use of rifles for big game hunting is allowed in most New York counties (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/35010.html).

Details of the proposed rule can be viewed in the Dec. 23 publication of the New York State Register and on DEC’s website under Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources Proposed, Emergency and recently adopted regulations http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/propregulations.html.

DEC will accept written public comment on the proposed rule changes through Feb. 8.

Citizens who wish to make formal public comments through Feb. 8 may do so by sending an email to WildlifeRegs@dec.ny.gov (include "air rifle regulations" in the subject line) or by writing to Bryan L. Swift, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Wildlife, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754.