SALAMANCA, N.Y. — For as long as anyone can remember, Sunday hunting was not allowed in Allegany State Park.

That changed right after Labor Day.

The Allegany Region Commission agreed with the state Office of Parks, Recreation and HIstoric Preservation’s proposals to bring park hunting regulations more in line with state Department of Environmental Conservation rules.

Sunday hunting will only be permitted south of Bay State Road, France Brook Road and Limestone Run Road, said Allegany Region Director Jay Bailey. The southern area will also allow centerfire rifles and handguns for hunting.

There is no bear hunting in the park in either the northern or southern area, Bailey said.

No hunting of any kind is permitted in the area surrounding Red House Lake.

In the area north of those roads, hunting with centerfire rifles and handguns is prohibited, he said, and so is Sunday hunting.

“So far the reaction has been positive,” said Bailey. “We’ve had some hunters call for clarification. They are very excited for this opportunity.”

They hadn’t expected it and wanted to make sure they read it right, he said.

“We haven’t had any negative feedback,” he added.

The hunting public, Bailey said, will have the chance to stay in the state park all weekend rather than pack up and leave to hunt outside the park on Sunday.

Park officials publicized the new hunting regulations with information sheets at the toll booths and rental offices, and sent letters to campers about the changes, Bailey said.

The new regulations are also posted on the state park website and on Reserve America, the website where campers book cabins and campsites.

“We’ve made an effort to lever everyone know these new hunting regulations are in effect,” Bailey said.

A summary of the other changes in state park hunting regulations includes:

• Hunting permits are valid from the Tuesday after Labor Day until the Friday preceding Memorial Day;

• Hunting is permitted within 150 feet of park routes one, two and three. Hunting is not allowed within 500 feet of any structure or within 1,000 feet of Camp Turner;

• Centerfire rifles and handguns are permitted south of Bay State Road, France Brook Road, and Limestone Run Road;

• Small game hunting will be permitted during the regular big game season parkwide. Previously, no small game hunting was permitted during big game season; and

• Plugging shotguns for three shells is only required while waterfowl hunting.