Permits hunting with crossbows in certain circumstances

11 Co-sponsors

• Joseph A. Griffo
• Mark Grisanti
• Andrew J. Lanza
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Tom Libous
• Kathleen A. Marchione
• George D. Maziarz
• Thomas F. O'Mara
• Patty Ritchie
• James L. Seward
• David J. Valesky

BILL NUMBER:S1699B

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to authorizing crossbow hunting in certain regions of the state

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 expands the definition of hunting accident to include an injury or death caused by the discharge of a crossbow.

Section 2 and Section 3 of this bill directs the DEC to adopt safety regulations for crossbows and to include such regulations in basic hunter education courses.

Section 4 of this bill includes discharging a crossbow from a motor vehicle where the arrow passes over a public highway as a violation

Section 5 gives the DEC the authority to revoke a crossbow license for misuse.

Section 6 regulates the taking of deer.

Section 7 addresses hunting with artificial light.

Section 8 authorizes the DEC to regulate crossbow hunting.

Section 9 defines regulations for travelling in a motor vehicle with a crossbow.

Section 10 and Section 11 puts limitations on hunting with a crossbow.

Section 12 sets the effective date

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 are 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

2011-12 S.6747-A/A.9682 Passed Senate/Referred to Environmental Conservation

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.