Hunters across New York are rejoicing after a long fight to make crossbows legally equivalent to other archery equipment ended successfully late yesterday when Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Senate bill S6360 into law.

The bill passed the Assembly on June 17 and was delivered to Hochul last Friday.

Crossbows are now permitted for hunting big game in any area longbows and compound bows are allowed. The law goes into effect immediately.

Hunters will need a Bow Hunter Education Certificate and an Archery Privilege to use a crossbow during bow season, which opens Sept. 27 in the Northern Zone, and Oct. 1 in the Southern Zone.

Hunting licenses went on sale earlier this month. Bowhunter education and testing materials can be found on the state Department of Environmental Conservation website.

“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all those who supported the passage of the crossbow bill in New York State,” said Jim Froio, president of the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs.

“Thanks to your efforts, New York’s sporting community has gained new opportunities that will benefit hunters, conservation, and future generations.”

Froio gave special credit to the hard work and cooperation of the New York State Conservation Council, the New York Crossbow Coalition, the members of the legislature, and Gov. Hochul.

Assemblyman John Lemondes (R-126), of Lafayette, said the bill is a good example of what bipartisanship in Albany can do for citizens of New York.

“This law will enable greater management of our deer herd and should help reduce some number of accidents on our roadways,” Lemondes said. “Every deer taken by a hunter saves the family of four on our roadways.”

Here’s a summary of the new crossbow law from New York Crossbow Coalition:

  • Allows crossbows to be used anywhere longbows are permitted
  • Requires archery privilege to hunt with a crossbow
  • Crossbow usage will be taught in a bow hunter safety course
  • Removes maximum draw weight and width restrictions
  • Adds 500 feet discharge setback for Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties

Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com.

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