There is some confusion about the new crossbow law that has gone into effect here in NY and hunters have been asking a lot of questions about it. The DEC has sent a FAQ sheet to Hunter Education Instructors to provide some clarification. Let me share some of the new guidance.

In order to hunt deer or bear with a crossbow during any bow hunting season, a hunter must possess a hunting license and a bow hunting privilege. In order to purchase a bow hunting privilege, a hunter must complete a Bowhunter Education Course.

In order to hunt deer or bear with a crossbow during the regular firearms season, a hunter must possess a hunting license and must have completed a Bowhunter Education Course and carry proof of completing the course. That is a significant change.

Previously, during the regular firearms season a hunter needed a license and either a Crossbow Certificate of Qualification or proof of a Hunter Education Course taken after April 1, 2014 to be legal. Those certificates and the crossbow training section of a Hunter Ed course are no longer valid under the new law. 

It specifically requires completion of a Bowhunter Education Course (note that any course from the past meets the requirement and if you took it long ago you don’t have to retake it as long as you have proof).

Crossbows are no longer associated with muzzleloaders under the new law, so hunters must have a hunting license and bow privilege during the muzzleloader/bow season. 

Hunters that are 14 and older may hunt deer and bear with a crossbow during any season in any area where vertical bows are allowed. Hunters that are 12 and 13 may hunt deer (but not bear) only in those counties (such as here in Sullivan) where a local law has been passed to allow it.

Crossbows can now be used in “archery only” areas although the setbacks from dwellings and other similar structures are different. Suffolk and Westchester counties are 500 feet and all others are 250 feet as I pen these words, but double-check for any last minute changes before going afield.

The specifications for allowable crossbows have significantly changed as well. All must have a functional trigger safety. They must have at least a 100 pound minimum peak draw weight. There are no longer any minimum lengths or limb width restrictions or any maximum draw weight. That allows more modern crossbows to be used.

I hope this answers everyone’s questions. If not, please reach out to the DEC for further information.

Let’s all enjoy the outdoors!

John S. Van Etten is the current president of the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County, Inc.