Photo provided by Centerpoint Archery Proposed bipartisan legislation aims to modernize crossbow hunting regulations in New York State and expand authority for the Department of Environmental Conservation to regulate crossbow use in the same way it currently regulates longbows.

For a few decades, traditional bowhunters and crossbow advocates have debated the use of the crossbow for hunting, especially big game hunting. This has led to a complicated patchwork of rules and laws that have grown to define what many wanna-be modern crossbow users declare are ill-advised limitations. This is especially true for the aging elderly hunter core and young hunters alike.

This new bipartisan legislation, a result of collective efforts, aims to modernize hunting regulations in New York state. It expands the legal use of crossbows for big game hunting and gives the Department of Environmental Conservation the authority to regulate their use in the same way it currently regulates longbows.

The proposed bills would allow crossbows to be used in any area and during any season where longbows are permitted. They also eliminate outdated equipment restrictions that no longer align with what is manufactured and used by hunters today. Many current models of crossbows do not meet New York’s existing specifications, which are now considered obsolete.

The Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, a key authority in environmental matters, has acknowledged the importance of these changes. By empowering the DEC to manage crossbow use directly, the legislation addresses long-standing flaws in current hunting laws while responding to the increasing interest among sportsmen and sportswomen for using crossbows throughout the whole archery season.

“This is a common-sense update to our hunting regulations and represents the consensus of the membership of the Council,” said NYSCC President Keith Tidball, PHD. “It supports conservation, expands access to the outdoors, and provides a boost to the state’s economy — all at no cost to taxpayers.”

Allowing broader use of crossbows is not just about hunting, it’s about boosting the economy.

It’s expected to generate increased economic benefits through expanding equipment sales, increasing New York’s portion of the Pitman Robertson funding, and attracting out-of-state hunters. This is a win-win situation that will also provide more opportunities for New Yorkers to enjoy bowhunting, especially those with physical limitations that prevent them from using traditional longbows.

Conservation organizations across the state have been advocating for this change for a long time. They have long advocated for crossbows to be recognized as a legal hunting implement in archery seasons. The DEC has supported this change for several years, citing it as an essential tool for effective wildlife management.

There is no compelling reason to deny properly licensed and trained hunters the opportunity to use crossbows. Many conservation and sportsmen’s clubs have expressed that such legislation represents a step forward for conservation, accessibility, and outdoor recreation in New York.

The New York State Conservation Council had promised to stay on top of the legislation, but is asking sportsmen and sportswomen supporting this regulation revision to contact their legislators in the Assembly and Senate and acknowledge their position. Bill S7415 proposes to allow hunters over 60 years of age to hunt deer with a crossbow during the special archery season and requires the DEC to establish regulations for this privilege. All set to take effect June 1, 2026. Bill S6360A aims to clarify provisions regarding crossbow use, allowing the DEC to permit crossbows in any area where longbows are allowed. This is the short word summary. For more details, please refer to the full text of the bills.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

May 17: Ribbons and Bows 3-D Archery Shoot, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., $20, Hawkeye Bowmen, 13300 Clinton St., Alden; Info: Deb Frederiksen, defrederiksen85@gmail.com.

May 18: NYS Archery Shooters Association 3-D Archery Shoot, West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls. Info: Mike Cummings, 716-655-5030.

May 18: US Coast Guard Boat Inspection, Southtowns Walleye Association clubhouse, 5895 Southwestern Blvd.; Pre-register by leaving your name, number, boat size, and type of boat at 716-649-8202.

May 20: Junior Olympic Archery Program for youth 5-16 yrs of age, 6 p.m. start, West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls.

May 20: Erie County Fish Advisory Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Bison City Rod/Gun, 511 Ohio St., Buffalo, open to the public.