We should talk about the upcoming National Walleye Tournament, which is coming up this weekend in Green Bay. Several local anglers are participating in the match. But the crossbow move is upon us, and there is excitement in the air because of this law change.

New for 2025, hunters in New York State may use a crossbow in the same seasons, places and manner as a vertical bow for hunting deer and bear. Crossbows have been used throughout most of New York for over a decade, but New York State law previously limited the location, time, and type of crossbows that were allowed for legal use. Changes made to the law in 2025 remove those barriers and will make hunting more accessible for all ages and physical abilities, allowing for a more effective tool in deer management. Crossbows are deadly accurate.

These changes are not just about regulations, they’re about inclusivity. Crossbows are now easier for people of all backgrounds and physical abilities to master and use than vertical bows. This aligns with several of the recommendations made in the DEC Management Plan for White-Tailed Deer, and it’s a step towards a more united hunting community.

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 (license), a hunter must have a bowhunter education certification. Hunters can obtain the certification through an online or in-person course. To find and register for a 2025-26 NYS Hunter Education Course, visit the official NYSDEC hunter education page (https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/hunter-education).

You can choose between online, in-person instructor-led courses, or a blend of online/in-person options. The NYSDEC website also provides information for first-time hunters and those who need to prove their education status for a NYS hunting license. Additional answers to commonly asked questions that apply to crossbows are available on the DEC website.

Hunters must stay informed about the latest changes. When the NYS Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide went to print, the new crossbow regulations were not yet enacted. Although we had tried to speed up Governor Hochul for the last several months. Therefore, smart folks will recommend to their hunter friends to check the DEC website for the most up-to-date information before heading out for a hunt.

Download the HuntFishNY APP and you can have the latest fish and game syllabus, changes and rules, and all your licenses and permits too, right in your hand, 24-7.

If you’re thinking about the use of a crossbow and the entire concept is new to you, visit a local archery pro shop. Locally, there is S&S Taxidermy & Archery Pro Shop in Springville (716-592-2404), Doc’s Tackle in Honeoye (585-229-2277), Doc’s Archery (716-693-2703), Nick’s Sporting Goods (716-875-9218), Wolcott Guns (716-901-7807), and, of course, Cabela’s (716-608-4770). Chautauqua Reel Outdoors (716-763-2947) had a few crossbows, the last time I visited, too.

I recently purchased a CenterPoint Sinister 430D crossbow, and I am impressed with the accuracy and features of this hunting tool. Using 400-grain arrows with 100-grain broadheads that fly at 430 feet per second, it delivers 164 foot-pounds of kinetic energy. Accuracy is achieved with the 1-5 to 5×32 speed ring internally illuminated scope. Best of all, it has a silent crank system to cock the bow manually. It is only 9-inches wide when cocked! I think it matches other bows priced in the thousands of dollars – the complete bow with options, arrows, case, etc. – is under $800. Doc’s Tackle (Honeoye) carries Centerpoint Archery Products; I’m not sure about anywhere else.

Whatever you choose to use, visit a pro shop to get your crossbow or any bow type set up to understand all the functions for safe use. You won’t get that from a website.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

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/day, ends Sept. 25.

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

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