A measure introduced last week by New York State Senator Patrick Gallivan (R-59) would authorize the use of crossbows during regular archery seasons and repeal certain provisions now in place.

S7005 would:

- Codify that the hunting of deer and bear by crossbow be included with long bows regarding the special archery season.
- Eliminate the current 200-pound maximum draw weight restriction for crossbows.
- Eliminate the 17-inch minimum width restriction.
- Permit 12 and 13 year olds use crossbows for big game hunting as well as small game.
- Permit crossbows the same setback of 150 feet from buildings at all other bows.
- Remove the restriction on minors and their mentors using a crossbow to hunt from the ground.
- Allow crossbows to be used during the entire archery season except for special archery-only areas in Suffolk and Westchester counties and the ones around Albany and Rochester.


Contained in S7005 is the following text:

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.

The measure has been referred to the Senate Environmental Committee.

A companion bill in the New York State Assembly is expected to be forthcoming.

Learn more at: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2015/s7005