Long Island, New York - October 2, 2014 - As part of a statewide effort to promote outdoor recreation and make hunting information easily accessible to sportsmen and sportswomen, Empire State Development (ESD) Corp. and the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the creation of the I Love New York Hunting webpage, a new outdoor recreation feature that will be available at the I Love New York website and tourism offerings.
I Love NY is now providing more resources to outdoor enthusiasts with the inclusion of fishing, camping and now hunting on its New York Nature page. The I Love NY Hunting webpage promotes the extensive and rich hunting opportunities in New York State, and will help residents and visitors plan their hunting adventures. People can access the ILOVENY website which is located in the right hand column of this page. "The I Love New York website has many improved features, including special dedicated recreation pages such as the new hunting webpage," Empire State Development Division of Tourism Executive Director Gavin Landry said. "The site does a great job of showcasing all that the Empire State has to offer for residents and visitors alike in a continued effort to boost tourism and grow the economy."
DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said, "Big game and small game hunting are two of New York's most popular activities. The new and easy-to-use I Love NY Hunting webpage invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore the world-class hunting access we have here in New York. It highlights some of the best hunting areas in its location search feature for visitors to easily locate a destination and the attractions and amenities nearby."
In addition to hunting locations, the site provides information on both big and small game hunting and serves as an informational tool on how to become a sportsman or sportswoman and make the most of your hunt. The site also highlights information on species such as, white tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey and waterfowl. Through links to DEC's website, visitors can access all the important information they need in one location.
Jason Kemper, chairman of the Conversation Fund Advisory Board, said, "This new webpage is a perfect way to encourage new outdoor enthusiasts to explore the sport and engage the active sporting community in learning more about the state's expansive natural beauty. I thank Governor Cuomo, the state DEC and New York's Empire State Development for adding this site to the existing tourism offerings."
The I Love NY Hunting webpage adds another technological advancement to the I Fish NY website on the tourism pages and the New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife mobile app, both announced early this summer. DEC developed the free New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife mobile app in partnership with Parks By Nature Network at no cost to the state. The app provides up-to-date information on fishing, hunting, wildlife watching and other outdoor adventure opportunities in New York and gives both novice and seasoned outdoorsmen and women essential information in the palm of their hand.
Under the NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, the app was released in May and is available for use on iOS and Android devices; users can download it from the state's mobile app webpage which is located in the right hand column of this page. New York's sporting industry generates $4.95 billion in economic activity and supports more than 56,000 jobs across the state. In support of the NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, this year's budget includes $6 million in NY Works funding to support creating 50 new land and water access projects to connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others who enjoy the outdoors to more than 380,000 acres of existing state and easement lands that have not reached their full potential. These 50 new access projects include building new boat launches, installing new hunting blinds and building new trails and parking areas. In addition, the 2014-15 budget includes $4 million to repair the state's fish hatcheries; and renews and allows expanded use of crossbows for hunting in New York State.
Photo by Jonathan Kendrick via Free Images