Syracuse.com - Controversial N.Y. crossbow bill vetoed by Gov. Cuomo

[HuntingNY-News]

Many crossbow advocates would like to see new legislation allowing use of crossbows during the bowhunting season, and that would hand the regulatory authority over their use to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

A state legislative bill that would have extended the current regulations concerning hunting with a crossbow, while adding a few extra provisions, was left unsigned by Gov. Andrew Cuomo Monday.

Current regulations, which limit their use to hunting for big game (deer/bear) during the regular firearms and muzzleloading seasons, expire on Dec. 31.

The vetoed bill, A10583, submitted by Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, D-Suffolk County and endorsed by the New York Bowhunter group, would have extended the current regulations for two years – in addition to doing away with the special, DEC-endorsed youth firearms hunt during the Columbus Day weekend, which took place for the first time this fall.

The main issue boils down to this: Crossbow hunters want to hunt during bowhunting season, which precedes the firearms season. Bowhunters say they’re not against crossbows — they just don’t want to share the woods with them during that time.

Many crossbow advocates, such as Rick McDermott of the N.Y. Crossbow Coalition, would like to see new legislation allowing use of crossbows during the bowhunting season, and that would hand the regulatory authority over their use to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Stay tuned.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog