Cortland hunters can use rifles for big game - Legislation allowing Cortland County hunters to use rifles for deer or bear has been signed into law, state Sen. James Seward, R-Milford, announced Thursday.  The legislation (S.1683-A/A.4357-A) amends the environmental conservation law to add Cortland County to the list of counties in which the taking of deer by rifle is authorized. Current law allows for rifle use in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chemung, Chenango, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Oswego, Otsego, Schoharie, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Yates and a portion of Broome County.