FletchLives

Actually, the New York firearms penal code (265) defines a "firearm" as follows: "3. "Firearm" means (a) any pistol or revolver; or (a shotgun having one or more barrels less than eighteen inches in length; or a rifle having one or more barrels less than sixteen inches in length; or (d) any weapon made from a shotgun or rifle whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise if such weapon as altered, modified, or otherwise has an overall length of less than twenty-six inches; or (e) an assault weapon. For the purpose of this subdivision the length of the barrel on a shotgun or rifle shall be determined by measuring the distance between the muzzle and the face of the bolt, breech, or breechlock when closed and when the shotgun or rifle is cocked; the overall length of a weapon made from a shotgun or rifle is the distance between the extreme ends of the weapon measured along a line parallel to the center line of the bore. Firearm does not include an antique firearm." The DEC "regulations" for "hunting" are clear, but the for a non-hunting target shooting situation, the NY penal code "law" does not appear to preclude the bow discharge within any distance from anything. Does anyone have experience with this distinction? For me personally, hunting in my backyard would be a stretch. But target shooting is a different story. If someone can shoot a .30-06 within 501 feet of a dwelling, then shooting a compound bow within 51 feet is just as safe...or unsafe depending on your viewpoint. As in most situations, common sense still needs to apply. Know what's beyond your target. Don't setup your bag target in front of your neighbor's swing set.