Syracuse.com - Crossbows for hunting could be legal by fall -- provided Cuomo's budget passes

[HuntingNY-News]

The DEC hasn't said whether that means allowing their use for senior and physically challenged hunters during the regular archery season, or for all hunters in all big game hunting seasons.

Joe Martens, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, said the use of crossbows by hunters in this state could be legal by this fall -- provided Gov. Andrew Cuomo's budget is passed by the state Legislature.

"It's got to pass," said Martens, speaking Wednesday before the Syracuse Media Group editorial board.

Cuomo placed language in his spending plan that would give the DEC the authority to develop regulations governing crossbow use in New York.

DEC officials have previously said they favor crossbow use but the parameters are unclear. The DEC hasn't said whether that means allowing their use for senior and physically challenged hunters during the regular archery season, or for all hunters in all big game hunting seasons.

"We haven't thought it out yet," Martens said, noting as with every regulation change the DEC will have a public comment period to gauge public opinion.

Either way, he said, if Cuomo's proposal passes hunters will most likely be legal by this fall.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog