This allows crossbows to be used for the entire archery season for big game, similar to longbows. The bill also removes the previous draw weight and width restrictions (except must be 100-pound draw weight minimum), and grants the NYSDEC authority to set specific regulations. This means that the NYSDEC will be responsible for determining the specific rules and guidelines for crossbow hunting, ensuring that it is conducted in a safe and sustainable manner. The bill also mandates that crossbow instruction be part of the bowhunter safety course in hunter education.

The use of crossbows during the early archery season in New York marks a significant cultural shift within New York’s hunting community. Many are excited and elated for what’s ahead.

On the other hand, opposition to crossbow use during archery season has existed for decades, as traditional bowhunters and archery organizations have pushed back. Much of the pushbacks belong to a treasured category entitled tradition and skill. Many consider vertical bows (longbows, recurves and compounds) to be demanding, requiring years of practice, dedication and expertise in woodsmanship. They say crossbows are too easy, with their firearm-like stock, trigger, and ability to be cocked in advance. Some say crossbows are not in the spirit of archery hunting. Of course, that’s what recurve bowhunters said when compound bows were introduced.

Critics raise concerns about fair chase, citing that crossbows increase effective range and accuracy, giving hunters an advantage that could reduce the challenge of close encounters and the woodcraft associated with archery. Some feared that if crossbows were allowed, it would erode the distinct identity of archery hunting altogether. The archery season in New York is long (Oct. 1 to Nov. 14) and is usually not crowded. Traditional bowhunters worried that allowing crossbows would dramatically increase hunter numbers, potentially reducing deer encounters and pressuring herds earlier in the season.

Many versions of modern crossbows (this is a Centerpoint Sinister 430) provide an internal, stowable, cocking handle, which enables physically limited hunters to keep hunting. Submitted photo

This recent law aligns New York with most other states (more than 30 already allow crossbows in archery seasons).

Across the board, consideration and final acceptance for crossbows here in New York has grown for many reasons. Many hunters in our licensed hunting population are getting older, with reduced strength and mobility. This bill allows older and physically limited hunters to stay active. Crossbows will enable older individuals to spend more time in the woods when the weather is not totally in blizzard mode.

Today, recruitment and retention are big topics. Crossbows are a viable gateway for new hunters, particularly youth, women, and those without prior archery experience. There is a more straightforward (easier) learning curve for newcomers. Comparing the technology catch-up, the modern compound bows have advanced so much that the gap between compounds and crossbows is narrower than it was in the 1990s.

From a wildlife management perspective, DEC biologists generally support practical and effective tools for managing deer populations, regardless of their name, especially in areas with high deer densities. Crossbows will increase the number of hunters able to contribute to deer population control. Crossbows produce cleaner, more consistently accurate shots, resulting in less wounding loss. This is a significant benefit for wildlife management, as it helps to ensure that hunting is conducted in a humane and sustainable manner, contributing to the overall health and balance of the deer population.

More hunters in the woods during archery season could lead to crowding, particularly in popular public land areas. Can the new law deepen the divide between “vertical bow” hunters and crossbow hunters? Time will tell. Pro or con, both sides need to highlight that there is now more choice, not replacement. Crossbows aren’t replacing vertical bows; they are now just another option. Hunters can still choose traditional methods. Just as we have rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders, we now have another hunting tool that will help keep hunting vibrant through all the big game hunting seasons.

To hunt deer and bear with a crossbow during the bowhunting seasons, a hunter must have a hunting license and bowhunting privilege. To be eligible to purchase a bowhunting privilege, a hunter must have a bowhunter education certification. If you are already a bowhunter with an existing archery license, that counts. Additionally, crossbows are no longer associated with muzzleloading privileges.

To hunt deer and bear with a crossbow during the bowhunting seasons that overlap muzzleloader seasons, a hunting license and bowhunting privilege are required. Deer harvested with a crossbow during any NYS bowhunting season (early or late) may be tagged with a bow/muzzleloader either-sex tag, bow/muzzleloader antlerless tag, Deer Management Assistance Program tag (antlerless deer only), or a Deer Management Permit (antlerless deer only) for the WMU where the deer was harvested. This variety of tagging options gives you the flexibility to choose the most suitable one for your situation. A regular-season deer tag may be used during the late bowhunting season for a deer of either sex.

Whether we choose a longbow, recurve bow, compound bow, or crossbow, what unites hunters is a shared passion for hunting, conservation, and passing traditions on to the next generation. This commitment to preserving our hunting heritage and instilling a love for the outdoors in future generations is the most important point moving forward.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Aug. 30: Labor Day Shoot, Hanover Fish & Game, sporting and 5-Stand, NSCA registered, 780 Overhiser Road, Forestville; 716-934-4028.

Aug. 31: Hanover Fish/Game, Invitation from the Fredonia Trap Team, clay shooting open house. Students from grades 7-12 are invited to learn about trap shooting. Cost is $10. Club is at 780 Overhiser Road, Forestville. Info: https://www.hanoverclays.com/.

Sept. 1: NYS squirrel season opens (gray, black and fox). No closed season for red squirrels.

Sept. 1-25: NYS Canada goose designated southern zone hunting season, 15 birds per day, ends Sept. 25.

Sept. 3: 3-D Archery, Evans Rod/Gun, 864 Cain Road, Angola; 4 p.m. to dark, 15-target course, kitchen open, Jerome Gorski, 716-398-3008. Ends Sept. 24.

Sept. 7: NYS Hunter Education, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., no charge, West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls; Visit: https://dec.ny.gov.