A push to protect New York’s rare white deer sparked debate in Seneca County after officials realized a proposed state hunting ban wouldn’t cover the region’s most famous herd, according to the Finger Lakes Times.
The county’s Agriculture and Environmental Affairs Committee backed legislation that would prohibit hunting white, albino and black deer on public land. However, supervisors noted the white deer at the former Seneca Army Depot live primarily on private property and would remain unprotected under the bill.
Committee Chairman Paul Kronenwetter said he plans to ask state lawmakers to expand the legislation to cover all land in New York. The proposal remains in committee in both the Senate and Assembly, and could require reintroduction next year if lawmakers don’t act before the current session ends.
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