First National Gun Appreciation Day

1/19/2013 (Updated 10:46:46 PM)

KIRKWOOD -- In the midst of a heated gun control debate--today marks the first Gun Appreciation Day.

World War II Veteran Rudolph Hektor has been a master instructor at the Broome County Sportsman Association for 66 years.

"It's just like somebody else who likes to play football or go to a football game.  Instead we go out hunting and fishing and enjoy it,"

And he eats whatever he hunts.

"Regardless of whether you get game or not, the thing is getting out into the woods and relaxing," said Hektor.

Hektor says the popularity of the sport has grown immensely since he started teaching-- he teaches 1-2,000 people every season.

"You're getting a lot more of the youngsters involved in hunting and fishing, and a lot more women are enjoying it too," said

New York State has the toughest gun laws in the country now, after a new measure bans assault weapons, requires background checks, and calls for tougher criminal penalties. But Hektor says veterans are unhappy with the restrictions.

"We're fighting for the freedom of all the American people, but the more you look at it, the government has taken more of our freedoms away from us, instead of leaving them alone.  And it's a sham.  If the criminals want guns, they're going to get them.  If the killers want guns, they're going to get them.  They don't care about any laws," said Hektor.

Governor Cuomo signed the New York Safe Act on January 15. Starting April 15, only magazines that contain 7 rounds or less will be sold.

Samantha McDonald, Fox 40 HD News.

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