Bow Hunting and DEC regulation questions

[jrm]

I have received different answers on this. Hopefully someone here knows the definitive answer.

I understand you may NOT "Possess a firearm of any description when bowhunting or when accompanying a person bowhunting during special archery seasons." (from the DEC website).

 

A few questions:

 

1. What about when not hunting? I have some land and have both archery and rifle targets set up. Is DEC likely to give me a problem if I continue to target shoot on my property during hunting season? Will I have a problem target shooting with my rifle/handgun during bow season?

 

2. What about hunting during _rifle_ season? If I decide to use my bow for hunting during regular season, can I carry a (licensed) sidearm (not for hunting with the sidearm)? The above quoted rule only seems to apply for special bow seasons - there is no mention of regular season.

 

3. Can I carry a rifle and a bow (during regular season) and decide which to use? Or can I only enter the field with one or the other?

 

 

Also, on the DEC website it states:

 

"Residents may use a bow to take legally antlered deer and bear during the regular season provided the taker possesses both a valid Big Game license and either a current bowhunting privilege or a valid bowhunter education certificate."

 

Does this mean you do NOT need to purchase a "bowhunting privilege" on top of the regular license to hunt with a bow during regular season? The wording suggests that the bowhunter class is all you need.

 

Finally, the wording for a small game license is:

 

"Hunt small game species with gun or bow during appropriate season."

 

It would seem that with this license you can use a bow for small game WITHOUT the bowhunter class. Is that correct? If that is the case, what happens if you are in the field bowhunting small game during the time that overlaps with deer/bear season? Does the DEC hassle you claiming you are improperly hunting deer/bear when you are actually legally hunting small game?

 

 

I'm new to this and just trying to figure out how it all works.

Edited September 17, 2013 by jrm

[PREDATE]

1.) you may want to call an ECO on that. Maybe give them a heads up that you're just target shooting.

2.) I don't know

3.) Seems harmless, but have fun with that mess

 

I'm pretty sure you need a bowhunting tag to hunt with a bow

[shawnhu]

I have received different answers on this. Hopefully someone here knows the definitive answer.

I understand you may NOT "Possess a firearm of any description when bowhunting or when accompanying a person bowhunting during special archery seasons." (from the DEC website).

A few questions:

1. What about when not hunting? I have some land and have both archery and rifle targets set up. Is DEC likely to give me a problem if I continue to target shoot on my property during hunting season? Will I have a problem target shooting with my rifle/handgun during bow season?

2. What about hunting during _rifle_ season? If I decide to use my bow for hunting during regular season, can I carry a (licensed) sidearm (not for hunting with the sidearm)? The above quoted rule only seems to apply for special bow seasons - there is no mention of regular season.

3. Can I carry a rifle and a bow (during regular season) and decide which to use? Or can I only enter the field with one or the other?

Also, on the DEC website it states:

"Residents may use a bow to take legally antlered deer and bear during the regular season provided the taker possesses both a valid Big Game license and either a current bowhunting privilege or a valid bowhunter education certificate."

Does this mean you do NOT need to purchase a "bowhunting privilege" on top of the regular license to hunt with a bow during regular season? The wording suggests that the bowhunter class is all you need.

Finally, the wording for a small game license is:

"Hunt small game species with gun or bow during appropriate season."

It would seem that with this license you can use a bow for small game WITHOUT the bowhunter class. Is that correct? If that is the case, what happens if you are in the field bowhunting small game during the time that overlaps with deer/bear season? Does the DEC hassle you claiming you are improperly hunting deer/bear when you are actually legally hunting small game?

I'm new to this and just trying to figure out how it all works.

Your local ECO would know best, as a lot of your questions is grey and would fall under the discretion of the officer on scene.

1, you are target shooting and not hunting, none of the DEC laws apply here aside from discharge of bow and firearm. 500' rule.

2, you may use a combination of any hunting implement during regular season.

3, same as 2

Regarding bow license vs bow certificate during regular season for big game, yes only cert is required.

Regarding small game with a bow, you

May take small game at anytime when it is open season for them with a bow, without the need for a bow license nor a bow cert. this is for small game ONLY. Don't bring big game broad heads and carry with you small game specific hunting items and you should be fine. An experienced ECO can tell the honest hunters from the poachers right away.

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[Doc]

I would suggest that you send an e-mail to your regional DEC office. I say e-mail because that way you will get back a written reply that you can keep on file in case some over-zealous conservation officer comes up with a different opinion.

[sweet old bill]

I was once stopped by the DEC shooting stumps prior to the opening of the archery season. I was on my own land, and they saw me from the road, stopped and walked over and asked to see my licence, which of course I did not have on my person as I was in shorts and a t-shirt. I asked them to walk over to the house and showed them my licence, which is a life one and at that time I had to buy the archery stamp which I had. So they wanted to see the arrows in my side quiver and all were with judo blunts. So they said they were ok to use, but no hunting deer points allowed in the woods.

[growalot]

I do not believe there is any law against shooting wood chucks with a bow...and If I'm correct a license isn't even required  if you are a land owner and on your own land....may be wrong...don't think so...if I'm not..... again I wonder when they are going to teach these ECO's the correct application of the rules and regulations a cross the state

[growalot]

I'm partially right...knew I read that some place.....

 

 

ll residents must have a valid hunting license in their possession except:

• Resident owners primarily engaged in farming, lessees and members of their immediate families do not need a hunting license when hunting on farm lands they are occupying and cultivating.

 

[jrm]

Thanks for the input. Seems at least some of my questions fall into a gray area. I will definite check the local DEC/ECO to make sure there is not any trouble.

 

One thing that I find curious is the warning to not be in possession of broadheads. I do plan on hunting coyote (my bad - i wrote small game and was thinking fur bearers). That would mean broadheads. 

 

 

 

@growalot - I am aware of the rule you pointed out. I am not "primarily engaged in farming" so cannot use that (although it would be nice).

 

 

Another interesting point. Someone mentioned the 500' discharge rule. i recently heard some folks instructing others about this, which is something I am familiar with from my involvement in other shooting activities. While it may be obvious to the experienced folks around here, there is another point to that rule which at least some people are not aware of. I know it confused the new people I saw it being explained to.

 

The "other part" is that the 500' rule applies to a building UNLESS "you own it, lease it, are an immediate member of the family, an employee, or have the owner's consent." May be obvious to some, but not to everyone, especially when the rule is explained with the "unless" left out.

 

 

Again, thanks everyone for the information.

 

[Culvercreek hunt club]

Thanks for the input. Seems at least some of my questions fall into a gray area. I will definite check the local DEC/ECO to make sure there is not any trouble.

 

One thing that I find curious is the warning to not be in possession of broadheads. I do plan on hunting coyote (my bad - i wrote small game and was thinking fur bearers). That would mean broadheads. 

 

 

 

@growalot - I am aware of the rule you pointed out. I am not "primarily engaged in farming" so cannot use that (although it would be nice).

 

 

Another interesting point. Someone mentioned the 500' discharge rule. i recently heard some folks instructing others about this, which is something I am familiar with from my involvement in other shooting activities. While it may be obvious to the experienced folks around here, there is another point to that rule which at least some people are not aware of. I know it confused the new people I saw it being explained to.

 

The "other part" is that the 500' rule applies to a building UNLESS "you own it, lease it, are an immediate member of the family, an employee, or have the owner's consent." May be obvious to some, but not to everyone, especially when the rule is explained with the "unless" left out.

 

 

Again, thanks everyone for the information.

JRM, Just wondering. why the questions about all teh small game and broad heads during archery season? If you are a bowhunter and are proficient anough to go after yotes, why wouldn't you carry broad heads to take a deer if you had the chance? I mean if the season is open and you can legally hunt, why not take full advantage of it. I know my luck and about the time I wandered out there with just Juddo points for small game the biggest buck of would walk over and stand broadside at about 10 yards....lol

[shawnhu]

Coyote season runs well after deer season has ended, so his question is valid. I he wants to hit coyotes with a bow, an not get caught up with the authorities, he'll have to prove to the responding officer that he was indeed hunting yotes and not deer.

Many would advise you to purchase the bow license and be done with it, unless you plan on night hunting with a bow and broad heads for yotes, then that again puts you in the gray area.

Again, there hasn't been an ECO I met that isn't polite and knowledgable when it comes to differentiating an honest hunter and one that's trying to break the law.

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[jrm]

JRM, Just wondering. why the questions about all teh small game and broad heads during archery season? If you are a bowhunter and are proficient anough to go after yotes, why wouldn't you carry broad heads to take a deer if you had the chance? I mean if the season is open and you can legally hunt, why not take full advantage of it. I know my luck and about the time I wandered out there with just Juddo points for small game the biggest buck of would walk over and stand broadside at about 10 yards....lol

 

 

Fair question. 

 

Right now I am not a bowhunter (or hunter), nor do I consider myself proficient enough to go after anything. I am just finishing my bowhunter class and this will be my first season hunting using bow or rifle. 

 

Once I complete my bow course (already have my regular hunter ed class) I will get all the appropriate licenses and take full advantage of all I can.

 

I have property upstate. Turkey is plentiful. I have almost walked into several deer in my woods. There were recent bear sightings on adjacent properties. We have a very healthy local coyote population. Based on the numerous tracks and scat I have found, there is at least one bobcat who frequents my property. In short, I have a numerous hunting opportunities right in my own "backyard." It's all these different opportunities that is creating confusion. Had I only been interested in "deer" for example, it would simpler to figure out.

 

I know experienced hunters who will advise and mentor me. I still have this "OCD" mentality where I like to know the rules for myself. I have already heard too many "experts" misquote or misrepresent rules/laws to me and others. Before I go into the field to hunt a coyote, deer, rabbit, turkey or just target shoot I want to make sure I know what the rules "really" are, and not just "we've always done xxx and never been caught."

I harbor no misconceptions of going out back one sunny afternoon after lunch, harvesting a bobcat or coyote with my bow and getting home in time for dinner. I know there is a lot to this and much to learn. Doesn't mean I'm not going to get out there and give it a go and have fun while learning. Fun for me is _knowing_ I am legal when I am out there. I do NOT want to be in the field and have a DEC officer bust my horns (or worse) because I am ignorant of the rules.

 

Shawnhu mentions one possible scenario - hunting a coyote at night (which I plan to do). There is also hunting a coyote in the day before or after deer season. Being new to this sport, the laws are a bit confusing and overwhelming. Seasons overlap and it isn't immediately clear what you can do when. 

 

The information provided here has been very helpful. I appreciate all your patience with the "new guy" (or FNG as we used to call them). Armed with these clarifications, I will contact my local DEC office and make sure we are both on the same page. It is good to hear that other have had positive experiences with ECOs.

[Culvercreek hunt club]

Coyote season runs well after deer season has ended, so his question is valid. I he wants to hit coyotes with a bow, an not get caught up with the authorities, he'll have to prove to the responding officer that he was indeed hunting yotes and not deer.

Many would advise you to purchase the bow license and be done with it, unless you plan on night hunting with a bow and broad heads for yotes, then that again puts you in the gray area.

Again, there hasn't been an ECO I met that isn't polite and knowledgable when it comes to differentiating an honest hunter and one that's trying to break the law.

X-Calibur Lighting Systems

http://facebook.com/XCaliburLightingSystems

 Best bet is to email them. They are always very helpful.

 

Just a FMI in your first paragraph. How would one go about proving that? I guess you would have the same "problem": proving you are out after deer season ended with our rifles hunting Yotes. I hate the whole guilty until proven innocent line but it sure seems like it can be applied here if that is true. I think (as with so many topics) there were a few threads on just this last year.

[Culvercreek hunt club]

Fair question. 

 

Right now I am not a bowhunter (or hunter), nor do I consider myself proficient enough to go after anything. I am just finishing my bowhunter class and this will be my first season hunting using bow or rifle. 

 

Once I complete my bow course (already have my regular hunter ed class) I will get all the appropriate licenses and take full advantage of all I can.

 

I have property upstate. Turkey is plentiful. I have almost walked into several deer in my woods. There were recent bear sightings on adjacent properties. We have a very healthy local coyote population. Based on the numerous tracks and scat I have found, there is at least one bobcat who frequents my property. In short, I have a numerous hunting opportunities right in my own "backyard." It's all these different opportunities that is creating confusion. Had I only been interested in "deer" for example, it would simpler to figure out.

 

I know experienced hunters who will advise and mentor me. I still have this "OCD" mentality where I like to know the rules for myself. I have already heard too many "experts" misquote or misrepresent rules/laws to me and others. Before I go into the field to hunt a coyote, deer, rabbit, turkey or just target shoot I want to make sure I know what the rules "really" are, and not just "we've always done xxx and never been caught."

I harbor no misconceptions of going out back one sunny afternoon after lunch, harvesting a bobcat or coyote with my bow and getting home in time for dinner. I know there is a lot to this and much to learn. Doesn't mean I'm not going to get out there and give it a go and have fun while learning. Fun for me is _knowing_ I am legal when I am out there. I do NOT want to be in the field and have a DEC officer bust my horns (or worse) because I am ignorant of the rules.

 

Shawnhu mentions one possible scenario - hunting a coyote at night (which I plan to do). There is also hunting a coyote in the day before or after deer season. Being new to this sport, the laws are a bit confusing and overwhelming. Seasons overlap and it isn't immediately clear what you can do when. 

 

The information provided here has been very helpful. I appreciate all your patience with the "new guy" (or FNG as we used to call them). Armed with these clarifications, I will contact my local DEC office and make sure we are both on the same page. It is good to hear that other have had positive experiences with ECOs.

 Well welcome to the sport and I want to give you Kudos for actually reading the regulations and trying to understand them before you start. Good luck this season.

 

You planning on gun hunting as well?

[shawnhu]

Best bet is to email them. They are always very helpful.

Just a FMI in your first paragraph. How would one go about proving that? I guess you would have the same "problem": proving you are out after deer season ended with our rifles hunting Yotes. I hate the whole guilty until proven innocent line but it sure seems like it can be applied here if that is true. I think (as with so many topics) there were a few threads on just this last year.

Bob, this isn't a case of "guilty until proven innocent", more so that its "avoid a ticket to appear in court" scenario. I am too familiar with over zealous LEO handing out tickets just because they can, and waste tax payers money in court.

To answer your question, a serious yote hunter would have calls, lights, decoy, etc. But what's more important is, what he won't have, like rattlers, doe bleats, grunt tubes, doe estrous scents, etc.

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[jrm]

 Well welcome to the sport and I want to give you Kudos for actually reading the regulations and trying to understand them before you start. Good luck this season.

 

You planning on gun hunting as well?

 

Thanks for the welcome.

 

Yes, I plan on hunting this season, both bow and gun.

 

I have some trail cameras set up on my property right now to get a feel for things. Also plan to connect with an experienced friend to take me out and "show me the ropes." I think I have a pretty good handle on things, especially considering I would be hunting my own land which I know well. Also plan to connect with an experienced friend to take me out and "show me the ropes." Am sure I will benefit having someone experienced nearby to help me along.

Edited September 17, 2013 by jrm

[Culvercreek hunt club]

don't want to hijack the thread but we are talking regulations so here goes anyway...lol

 

See that is what I meant. none of what you listed is required gear for one or the other. I have gone out deer huntig with no rattlers, doe bleats, grunt tubes, doe estrous scents, etc. I have been out yote hunting with just a simple Rabbit bleat call in my pocket and the same flashlight I have when deer hunting. The over lapping seasons really does confuse things. That same probable cause doesn't exist for the DEC Officers as it does with reagular LEO's?

 

 

[shawnhu]

don't want to hijack the thread but we are talking regulations so here goes anyway...lol

See that is what I meant. none of what you listed is required gear for one or the other. I have gone out deer huntig with no rattlers, doe bleats, grunt tubes, doe estrous scents, etc. I have been out yote hunting with just a simple Rabbit bleat call in my pocket and the same flashlight I have when deer hunting. The over lapping seasons really does confuse things. That same probable cause doesn't exist for the DEC Officers as it does with reagular LEO's?

I would think the rabbit call would be suffice. But more importantly, when confronted by an ECO, they'll know just by hearing the tone of your voice.

X-Calibur Lighting Systems

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[NFA-ADK]

I have received different answers on this. Hopefully someone here knows the definitive answer.

I understand you may NOT "Possess a firearm of any description when bowhunting or when accompanying a person bowhunting during special archery seasons." (from the DEC website).

 

A few questions:

 

1. What about when not hunting? I have some land and have both archery and rifle targets set up. Is DEC likely to give me a problem if I continue to target shoot on my property during hunting season? Will I have a problem target shooting with my rifle/handgun during bow season?

 

2. What about hunting during _rifle_ season? If I decide to use my bow for hunting during regular season, can I carry a (licensed) sidearm (not for hunting with the sidearm)? The above quoted rule only seems to apply for special bow seasons - there is no mention of regular season.

 

3. Can I carry a rifle and a bow (during regular season) and decide which to use? Or can I only enter the field with one or the other?

 

 

Also, on the DEC website it states:

 

"Residents may use a bow to take legally antlered deer and bear during the regular season provided the taker possesses both a valid Big Game license and either a current bowhunting privilege or a valid bowhunter education certificate."

 

Does this mean you do NOT need to purchase a "bowhunting privilege" on top of the regular license to hunt with a bow during regular season? The wording suggests that the bowhunter class is all you need.

 

Finally, the wording for a small game license is:

 

"Hunt small game species with gun or bow during appropriate season."

 

It would seem that with this license you can use a bow for small game WITHOUT the bowhunter class. Is that correct? If that is the case, what happens if you are in the field bowhunting small game during the time that overlaps with deer/bear season? Does the DEC hassle you claiming you are improperly hunting deer/bear when you are actually legally hunting small game?

 

 

I'm new to this and just trying to figure out how it all works.

1) I doubt you will get in trouble for target shooting regardless of season if targets are present and safety is followed but I would e-mail to be safe.

2)You are correct, during rifle season you can carry any LEGAL weapon as long as you have the license for it, EX: You need a bow hunting license to use a bow during rifle season and use the rifle tag even if taken with a bow...  As I understand it you need a bow license to hunt anything that is legal with a bow...

3)Seems like the same question.  But yes you can carry both as long as you have both a bow and big game license and only during rifle season. 

 

It is illegal to bow hunt with a fire arm of any type in your possession during bow season and you may not hunt with or be accompanied by a person hunting with a fire arm.  EX:  While I am bow hunting deer by buddy can not push for me with a rifle while hunting bear during bow season and early bear season...  But during rifle season I can be next to my friend with a bow and his gun and I can have a legal hunting side arm during rifle season while using a bow...  These are big game regulations.

 

This is how I was informed it worked but It could have changed, pretty sure this still applies.

[shawnhu]

1) I doubt you will get in trouble for target shooting regardless of season if targets are present and safety is followed but I would e-mail to be safe.

2)You are correct, during rifle season you can carry any LEGAL weapon as long as you have the license for it, EX: You need a bow hunting license to use a bow during rifle season and use the rifle tag even if taken with a bow... As I understand it you need a bow license to hunt anything that is legal with a bow...

3)Seems like the same question. But yes you can carry both as long as you have both a bow and big game license and only during rifle season.

It is illegal to bow hunt with a fire arm of any type in your possession during bow season and you may not hunt with or be accompanied by a person hunting with a fire arm. EX: While I am bow hunting deer by buddy can not push for me with a rifle while hunting bear during bow season and early bear season... But during rifle season I can be next to my friend with a bow and his gun and I can have a legal hunting side arm during rifle season while using a bow... These are big game regulations.

This is how I was informed it worked but It could have changed, pretty sure this still applies.

I don't think #2 is correct. A bow license is not required during regular season, only a bow certificate if you are hunting big game. No certificate if hunting small game.

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