S6360A/A8330A is a bill that would allow crossbows to be used during any season that a longbow can. The legislation aims to redefine the definition used for bows to make it all inclusive and allow the DEC to regulate crossbows the same as longbows. Current law treats crossbows the same as a muzzleloader for DEC purposes.

The bill originally passed the Senate by a vote of 57 to 2. It then went to the Assembly where it had stalled in one of the committees, and looked like it would not pass before the session ended for this year. But the Assembly reconvened and passed it on June 17, by a unanimous vote (that was reported, but I have not yet found an official tally).

The bill has been sent to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk for her signature. She has three options.  She can sign it into law, she can veto it, or she can take no action and allow it to become law by default after 30 days. Roy Dust, the President of the New York Crossbow Coalition, believes that she will sign it. The Governor has supported crossbow hunting as part of past budget proposals. 

The bill mandates a 500-foot setback from dwellings, farm buildings, occupied commercial buildings, schools, etc. in three counties (Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester). It also requires all hunters using a crossbow to have a bow hunting privilege and a required safety course. 

Historically, crossbow certification has been a 15-minute lesson included in hunter safety and bow hunter safety courses. I’m sure that will change and I will update everyone as soon as the bill becomes law and the DEC Hunter Education Program releases guidance for instructors on the new requirements.

The bill also removes all of the restrictions on size and draw weights. That should make crossbow hunters happy as many of the newer, more powerful crossbows have been illegal in New York State.

I will keep everyone posted as the events continue to unfold on this bill and all of the new requirements. I’m sure it will take months to get everything ironed out, but I’m told that if the Governor signs the bill within the 30 days, everything should be in place for the upcoming Fall seasons.

The proponents of the bill credit the grassroots phone calls and letters from hunters with getting the Assembly to go back into session and passing it.

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.