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Resident urges town to create hunter registry and increase enforcement after dangerous shots near Pumpkin Hill Road
Summary
Patty Ackman, a long-time Hillsdale resident, told the board loud, frequent shooting near her Pumpkin Hill Road farm has endangered livestock and neighbors; she asked the town to create a hunter registry, facilitate landowner-hunter dialogue per DEC recommendations, and increase patrols during hunting season.
Patty Ackman, who identified herself during public comment as a Hillsdale resident of 27 years, described escalating and loud shooting around her farm on Pumpkin Hill Road and said the pattern of shots and some near-misses have left neighbors fearful for livestock and personal safety. She told the board she had spoken with the DEC and read DEC guidance urging hunters to contact landowners in advance, plan safe shooting directions and take hunter-safety courses, and she asked the town to "create a registry of hunters and to organize a dialogue with landowners within the firing ranges of their weapons."
Board members advised Ackman on next steps: confirm whether shooters have permission from landowners, report illegal trespassing or poaching to the DEC or the sheriff, and begin sending introductory letters to neighboring property owners so residents can arrange a meeting. The deputy clerk offered practical help (office hours), and the Supervisor asked Ackman to keep the board posted while staff and officials investigate enforcement and outreach options.
