Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) announced that legislation expanding the use of crossbows for hunting in New York State has been signed into law by the governor. The bill, identified as S.6360A/A.8330A, was co-sponsored by Senator Gallivan and passed both the Senate and Assembly in June.
The new law updates New York’s environmental conservation regulations to allow hunters to use crossbows in any area and during any season where longbows are currently permitted.
“These changes to New York’s hunting regulations are long-overdue and are the result of strong advocacy from hunters and sportsmen organizations across the state,” Senator Gallivan said. “The law will help attract new hunters and provides new opportunities for licensed and trained hunters, especially those with physical limitations that prevent them from using traditional bows.”
Sportsmen’s organizations have supported these changes, noting that more hunters prefer crossbows as an alternative to traditional equipment. The Department of Environmental Conservation has also backed expanded crossbow use as a means to manage wildlife populations and support hunter recruitment and retention efforts.
The legislation removes outdated restrictions on crossbow size and weight so they better match current designs available on the market. Hunters have noted that many modern models do not comply with previous state regulations.
The law is effective immediately.
