NY Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law the bill to make crossbows part of archery equipment. Previously they had been classified similarly to muzzleloaders and were only allowed in the special primitive seasons or by hunters with a disability. The new law takes effect immediately.

Crossbows can now be used in any season and any area where vertical bows are allowed. A hunter will need to complete a DEC Hunter Education Program Bowhunter Safety Course and get a Bowhunter Privilege on their license to hunt with a crossbow.

In anticipation of the need to certify more hunters, we have scheduled a Bowhunter Safety course at the Sullivan County Conservation Club on Saturday, September 13 starting at 8am. Check the DEC website to sign up. The course can also be completed online, although I personally believe that the in person courses are far better.

The crossbow bill passed both the State Senate and the State Assembly with nearly universal bipartisan support. It has taken many years of effort to come to fruition.

Switching gears a bit, I want to make everyone aware that the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County will be holding its annual Kay Danchak Memorial Youth Outdoor Expo on Saturday, September 6, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Mark your calendar for this wonderful free event for youth between 5 and 15 years old.

The Youth Expo takes place at the Little World’s Fairgrounds in Grahamsville, NY. There will be hotdogs, chips, beverages and ice cream. Events include archery, fishing, BB gun shooting and building bluebird houses. There will be trapping and fly fishing demos and birds of prey to check out. 

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and NYC Department of Environmental Protection will be there, as will the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. So grab the young folks and bring them on down. We hope to see you there.

I want to say a special Thank You to our Expo co-sponsors the Sullivan County Long Beards chapter of the NWTF and the Tri-Valley Lions Club. I also want to thank the Sullivan County Legislators who help us fund this wonderful youth event.

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.