Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - Governor Signs Crossbow Bill into Law

Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Crossbow Bill into Law on Tuesday August 26th. The law takes effect immediately, just in time for the 2025-26 hunting season. 

The Crossbow Bill (S6360A/A8330A), which passed both houses of the NYS Legislature this past June, has been signed into law by the governor. On August 26th, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law the long-awaited measure which among other changes, allows the use of crossbows during all archery seasons. The law takes effect immediately. So, it’s now the law of the land just in time for the fast-approaching big game archery seasons coming up in just a few weeks. 

This bill has enjoyed immense political support. Kudos to legislators from both sides of the aisle who allowed it to sail through the senate and pass unanimously in the assembly. Governor Hochul did the right thing as well by signing the bill into law before the 2025-26 seasons commence. 

Highlights of the legislation include:

• The definition of “long bow” now includes crossbows as well as compound and other bows; this allows crossbows to be used in any deer season where long bows are legal, including early and late archery seasons.

• An archery privilege and stamp will be required when hunting with a crossbow

• Eliminates minimum width and length requirements for crossbows, and eliminates a minimum length for crossbow bolts. 

• Eliminates maximum peak draw weight requirements for crossbows.

• Crossbows can be discharged within 150 feet of dwellings/structures throughout the state except in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties where they are prohibited from being discharged within 500 feet of dwellings. 

*Hunting and trapping licenses went on sale in early August, but the new crossbow law changes have not been included in this year’s Hunting and Trapping Guide. NYS DEC will be issuing guidance via their website on changes to crossbow hunting. 

 The repeal of the requirements that crossbows be at least 17-inches wide and 24-inches in length is among the welcome provisions of this legislation. Crossbow technology has advanced to the point that many, if not most of the crossbows sold in stores and used by hunters in NY, fell into the illegal category. That’s despite the fact being out of specification with regulations allowed crossbows to be more powerful, accurate, and efficient hunting implements. I’m happy to report the Environmental Conservation Law has finally caught up with the technology.  

 If you want to hunt this year with a crossbow and have not taken the NYS bow hunter certification course, you must now take a bow class, (in-person if possible), and obtain that certification and purchase an archery privilege before hunting with a crossbow. Purchasing a muzzleloading privilege is no longer required and not valid to hunt with a crossbow. This new course requirement for the use of crossbows may lead to a run on bow classes. Sign-up for one now if you need it. You can go to https://www.register-ed.com/programs/new_york/166 to register for a bow course near you. In anticipation of the passage of the bill, DEC has added crossbow safety instruction to the archery course. 

 The passage and signing of the Crossbow Bill into law fulfills the dream and long-term effort personified by the late Rick McDermott, who founded the New York Crossbow Coalition back in 2012. Rick and his wife, Annemarie, were tragically killed in a car accident just over a year ago on June 10th 2024. Then vice president, Roy Dust, took the reins of the NY Crossbow Coalition upon Rick’s passing. He continued Rick’s efforts to get the bill passed and serves as the current president of the organization.

 Roy, and others, met with Environmental Conservation Committee Assembly Chair, (D) Deborah J. Glick, and Senate Environmental Conservation Committee Chair, (D) Peter Harckham, who Roy says were essential in getting the bill through both houses. Roy Dust also thanks (R) Assemblyman Robert Smullen, of Herkimer County, for his efforts and advice, and credits NYS DEC for coordinating an event where the public and legislators like Chairman Glick were instructed in the use, operation, and safety of hunting with crossbows.  

 Other organizations including the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, the NYS Sportsmen’s Advisory Coalition, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the NYS Conservation Council are among the many supporters contributing to the effort to get the legislation across the finish line. Now that the governor signed the Crossbow Bill into law, these organizations join all the grassroots sportsman-advocates, DEC, members of the legislature, and now the governor in the accomplishment of Rick’s mission. 

Happy hunting, fishing, and trapping until next time!

News and Notes 

Last Chance for the Norton Hill Trap Shooting and 3D Archery Programs 

The last date for the Norton Hill Wildlife Club’s Sunday Trap Program is Sunday, September 7th. Trap begins at 10:00 am and the cost is $5.00 per round. Bring your own ammo and ear and eye protection which is required. Breakfast sandwiches will be available starting at 9:00 am for $5.00. For further information call Chad at 518-291-3784. 

The last session of Norton Hill’s 3D Archery Program will take place on September 13th. A chicken BBQ will be available from 7:00 am until Noon. Cost for adults is $15.00, youth 12-17 at $7.00 and kids under 12 are free. For more information call Eric at 518-646-6338. 

*The gun range will be closed on the dates listed above.