Bill > S00588

This bill establishes a county of Nassau deer management pilot program that allows the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to issue deer cull permits to nuisance wildlife specialists under specific conditions. The bill defines a nuisance wildlife specialist as a government employee or contractor responsible for wildlife management who must meet certain qualifications, including marksmanship skills, liability insurance, carrying proper documentation, and following reporting requirements. The DEC can issue a permit to the county of Nassau after reviewing their application and finding that deer have become a nuisance or threat to public health and property. The permit application must include details such as the timeframe, a site-specific management plan, geographic area, and a list of participating specialists. The bill also modifies existing environmental conservation law to allow nuisance wildlife specialists to use certain hunting techniques and tools that were previously restricted, such as setting salt licks or using artificial lights. Additionally, the bill requires the DEC to prepare a report examining the effectiveness of the pilot program within thirty months, including the number of permits issued, deer taken, and recommendations for potential improvements. The pilot program and associated sections of the bill are set to expire three years after becoming law.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S588