Syracuse.com - Updated crossbow hunting bill sits on governor's desk, awaiting his signature

[HuntingNY-News]

Part of the bill would eliminate the DEC-backed, special youth firearms hunt for deer set for Columbus Day weekend. The hunt was supposed to begin this fall.

As of Friday, a bill that would continue the state’s restrictions and seasons for hunting with a crossbow until December 2014 still sits on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk.

The current regulations, which expire Dec. 31, allow the use of crossbows only during the regular firearms season and late muzzleloader seasons. The use of crossbows to hunt deer is not allowed during the regular bow hunting season.

Crossbow advocates were hoping new legislation would allow crossbows in the regular archery season, at least for senior and physically challenged hunters. It appears that won’t happen.

The new bill also includes a clause that eliminates the DEC’s proposed Columbus Day weekend youth deer hunt, which was set to begin this year.

The bill’s approval in the state Legislature was seen by many as a victory for New York Bowhunters, Inc., the statewide group that has lobbied against crossbow use within the regular archery season. It was a setback for the newly formed New York Crossbow Coalition, which is pushing for more liberal use of crossbows during the fall hunting seasons.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog