Crossbows to be introduced for hunting in New York State

Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane) is pleased to announce that crossbows will be introduced into New York hunting circles now that Governor Paterson has signed into law legislation (S.6793-B) the Newfane lawmaker has long sponsored.

“Opening the door to crossbows is good for hunters across the state,” Senator Maziarz said.  “Getting people from every background involved in hunting helps preserve and expand sportsmen’s rights.”

Specifically, the new law specifies that crossbows shall be authorized for any big game season when the shotgun or muzzle loader is permitted.

“That means more seniors and the disabled can enjoy new hunting opportunities that they couldn’t experience before,” Senator Maziarz added.

Crossbows for hunting deer and bear must have a fourteen inch bolt, a seventeen inch width, a twenty-four inch length, a draw weight of between one hundred and two hundred pounds, and a trigger safety.  Training on the safe use of crossbows will also become part of the curriculum of basic hunter education courses.

The Disabled Sportsmen of America, Safari Club, New York State Conservation Council, the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs, and the Shooters’ Committee on Political Education (SCOPE) have expressed support for a new policy sanctioning crossbows.

The new law also eases the requirements for physically disabled persons to obtain permission to use a longbow modified with a mechanical device to help draw, hold, and release the long bow.

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