Senator Patrick M. Gallivan announced that both the Senate and Assembly have approved legislation to expand the use of crossbows for hunting in New York State. The bill, known as S.6360A, was co-sponsored by Senator Gallivan and aims to amend the state’s environmental conservation law.
If Governor approval is secured, hunters would be allowed to use crossbows in any area and during any season where longbows are currently permitted.
“This legislation provides long-overdue updates to New York’s current hunting regulations,” stated Senator Gallivan. “It also 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 crossbows are increasingly preferred by hunters seeking alternatives to traditional implements. The Department of Environmental Conservation has endorsed the use of crossbows for wildlife management and to attract more hunters in New York.
The bill proposes amendments to remove outdated restrictions on crossbow equipment related to size and weight, aligning them with modern designs. Many current models do not comply with existing state regulations.
The Senate and Assembly passed this measure at the end of their legislative session, forwarding it to the governor for consideration.
