Relates to crossbows; repealer

Section 2 - amends ECL 11-0703 to codify that the hunting of deer and bear by crossbow be included with long bows regarding the special archery season.

Section 3 - repeals ECL 11-0713 subdivision 6 which requires training in the safe use of hunting with a crossbow as part of the basic hunter education course for new hunters.

Sections 4 and 5 - amends ECL 11-0901 to permit the use of crossbows to take wild game and wild upland birds and remove the provision that crossbows may be used only by those 14 years of age and older.

Sections 6 and 7 - amends ECL 11-0901 to remove the maximum peak draw weight requirement of 200 pounds in relation to the use of a crossbow and the minimum limb width of such crossbow to be seventeen inches for both the taking of deer and bear. Further codifies the taking of deer and bear with a crossbow within the provision related to the possession of a bow hunting privilege.

Section 8 - repeals ECL 11-0901 subdivisions 11 and 16 restricting the carrying of a longbow afield which is equipped with a mechanical device used to draw, hold or release the bow string or arrow and the issuance of a permit to take big game or small game by use of crossbow equipped with an apparatus which releases the bowstring by means of such person's breath, respectively.

Section 9 - amends ECL 11-0903 to permit DEC to promulgate regulations on the taking of wildlife by the use of a crossbow. The summary of such regulations must be published annually in the hunting syllabus.

Section 10 - amends ECL 11-0929 to permit 12 and 13 year olds to hunt with a crossbow so long as they are supervised by a parent or legal guardian, or by a person 21 years of age or older who is designated by the parent or guardian and holds a hunting license. Section 11 - amends ECL 11-0929 removes the provision that the minor hunter and his or her chaperone remain at ground level while hunting.

Section 12 - amends ECL 11-0931 to reduce, in relation to the discharge of a crossbow in proximity to a dwelling or generally occupied structure, from 200 feet to 150 feet.

Section 13 - amends ECL 11-0933 to permit the use of a crossbow, for the taking of small game and wild upland game birds, to include any licensed person ages 12 and older. Makes a technical change to remove references to the use of a crossbow in areas where shotgun or muzzle loaders are permitted.

Section 14 - sets forth an immediate effective date.

Justification

Crossbow hunting in New York State has proven to be a safe and effective option for many hunters since their use was first authorized in 2014. Unfortunately, for crossbow users the hunting season has been adversely impacted due to the current statutory restrictions which do not recognize the correlation of the crossbow with that of conventional bows.

The crossbow contains limbs and strings which are used to propel an arrow, the same as that of a compound bow and long bow. Importantly, the Federal government, via the Internal Revenue Service, has classified crossbows, accessories attached to them and their arrows as archery equipment subject to the archery excise tax.

This legislation rightfully identifies hunters' use of a crossbow to be in sync with the privileges afforded to those which hunt with a conventional bow, thereby providing for additional hunting opportunities which will ultimately help properly manage wildlife populations and stimulate the economy of our great State.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.