Crossbows in NY

[Freytown]

Looking for the history of legal crossbows in NY. Not sure when they were legalized, I do know that the season is now 2 weeks after the regular archery season. I hunt NY and am from PA. I wish PA could follow this format as our current archery season is taking nearly 40% of the antlered harvest. And everyone is switching over to crossbow and I think the harvest % will continue to climb. Thxs for any data. FT

[jjb4900]

they've been legal for about two weeks now, not sure how much data is available at this point.

[Freytown]

But weren't they legal in prior years?

Edited November 19, 2014 by Freytown

[jjb4900]

But weren't they legal in prior years?

short period of time.....this is the first year they were able to be used in the archery season. The past they were only allowed during regular gun and the late season, I don't think that would provide and good info since not many would pick up a crossbow when you could use a rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader during the same time.

[Freytown]

Thxs. I was under the impression that they were legal in archery and then put in their own 2 week season after regular archery. My bad.

[The_Real_TCIII]

No archery safety cert necessary. For reasons that escape everyone

[Pat]

Crossbows were legal in the recent past but the Governor let the statue expire to see how many complaints were registered. Anyway he has decided to re legalize the crossbow i just hope it lasts