ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) The Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking public comment on proposed regulations allowing the use of big bore air rifles for taking big game, starting in the Fall 2016 hunting season.

The agency enacted regulations in 2010 allowing air-powered firearms for hunting small game.

Air-powered rifles that meet certain specifications, termed ``big bore air rifles,'' have adequate energy to kill big game species.

One of the advantages of using air-powered rifles is that they're not as loud as conventional rifles or shotguns, making them more acceptable in locations with higher human densities and overpopulations of deer.

Air rifles would only be allowed for taking big game where other types of rifles are allowed.

Details of the proposed rule can be viewed on DEC's website ( http://on.ny.gov/1JB27Sj )