Clarifies provisions regarding the use of crossbows for hunting

• Democratic16
• Republican9

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Pete Harckham says this is needed

Current statutes governing the use of crossbows for hunting in New York are inadequate for game management purposes, do not satisfy hunter pref- erences for use of crossbows, and fail to effectively capitalize on crossbows as a tool to recruit and retain hunters. Additionally, cross- bows serve as an implement that is accessible for hunters with physical limitations and are preferred by a growing group of hunters looking for an alternative to traditional hunting implements. Further, statutory crossbow specifications do not align with standard crossbow design or market availability, making it nearly impossible for the public to find and use a crossbow that is legally compliant in New York. Statutes should be amended to allow crossbow use for hunting in the same places, in the same manner, during the same time frames, and with the same eligibility requirements as with vertical bows. In addition, by removing the restrictions on crossbow size (e.g., minimum limb width) and maximum draw weight, more appropriate specifications effective for hunting and consistent with standard crossbow designs can be used. This will simplify, standardize, and expand access to archery hunting for more New Yorkers. Hunting with crossbows is expressly prohibited in parts of the state suffering from chronic and excessive deer-related impacts (e.g., deer- vehicle collisions, loss of forest regeneration and biodiversity, increased tick-borne illness) like Suffolk and Westchester counties and portions of Albany and Monroe counties. In these areas, current statute constrains deer hunting to use of vertical bows. In other areas of the state, use of crossbows is constrained to only the final days of the archery season. Thus, allowing crossbows to be used in the same places and same manner as vertical bows is an essential step toward meeting the public's desire for hunting opportunity and deer management. Many of these areas are near urban centers and use of crossbows will open new opportunities for New Yorkers near where they live. Additionally, cross- bows are an excellent tool for mentored hunting programs, providing a more rapid learning curve and consistent proficiency than vertical bows for new archers.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.