Permits hunting with crossbows in certain circumstances; makes permanent certain provisions permitting hunting with crossbows

9 Co-sponsors

• Joseph A. Griffo
• Andrew J. Lanza
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Tom Libous
• George D. Maziarz
• Roy J. McDonald
• Thomas F. O'Mara
• Patty Ritchie
• David J. Valesky

BILL NUMBER:S6747A REVISED 03/22/12

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to permitting hunting with crossbows in certain circumstances; and to amend chapter 483 of the laws of 2010, amending the environmental conservation law relating to hunting by crossbow, in relation to the effectiveness thereof

Purpose

This bill would allow the Department of Environmental Conservation to promulgate standards to allow for a legalized crossbow hunting season.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of this bill makes crossbows a legal hunting implement.

Section 2 gives the DEC the authority through regulation to permit the use of crossbows to take game by any licensed person any hunting season.

Section 3 amends chapter 438 of the laws of 2010 to make permanent changes to the law aligning crossbow prohibitions with those for firearms and long bows and requiring the DEC to adopt regulations for training in the safe use of hunting with a crossbow.

Justification

Currently, hunting with a crossbow is not permitted in New York State except under very limited conditions relating to being almost completely physically disabled. However, a person is permitted to hunt with a long bow. In states including Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio that allow the use of crossbows, crossbows appear to be an important recruitment and retention tool for hunters.

Many people start out hunting with crossbows and eventually switch to longbows or compound bows. Also, the sportsmen in these states have realized that the recruitment of additional hunters outweighs any differences over hunting tools. The Sportsmen's cause and the future of hunting is only enhanced by more people entering the ranks of active and Participating Sportsmen. Further, these states found that crossbow use has not resulted in a decrease in "bag limits," nor has poaching increased.

As expected, where crossbow hunting is permitted, it has been documented as a safe, responsible and popular means of hunting, and it has had no ill effect on wildlife resources or on any other group of sportsmen. Crossbow seasons also create hunting opportunities for people with disabilities, and those that cannot use a longbow or compound bow. Many people want to hunt with archery equipment, but simply are not able to physically maneuver a longbow or a compound bow - i.e. disabled persons, older persons or persons that lack the upper body muscle strength needed for longbows or compound bows. Crossbows can be used by all of these persons, affording them the opportunity

they are now missing. Finally, the bill defines crossbow in accordance with the standards adopted by the American Crossbow Federation.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

Positive to the State, as there will be an increase in the number of licenses that are issued.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.