Bow mounted rangefinder is LEGAL in NY

[Deerthug]

Yesterday I sent an email to the DEC regarding use of the Leupold Vendetta bow Mounted range finder. Below is my email and their response.

Hello Mr. Masiakos,

 

Thank you for your inquiry.  Please be aware that there is no prohibition on mounting a rangefinder to a bow or crossbow.

 

Please let us know if you have any further questions.

 

Aphrodite Montalvo

Citizen Participation Specialist

NYSDEC Region 1

50 Circle Road

Stony Brook, NY 11790

[email protected]

(631) 444-0350

 

>>> <[email protected]> 9/18/2011 12:20 PM >>>

Hi,

I am inquiring as to whether or not it is legal to use the Leupold Vendetta bow mounted rangefinder for hunting purposes in New York State. This rangefinder mounts on a bow and is triggered with the press of a button similar to a basic rangefinder. This one allows the user to range objects while at full draw. 

I understand that the regulations set forth that no artificial lights, lasers or mechanical devices may be used on a bow. However, my research has resulted in different answers on various hunting and bow hunting forums and I am confused as to whether this particular rangefinder can be used in New York for hunting purposes. 

Thank you in advance for your anticipated courteous attention and prompt response. 

Very truly yours,

Jordan Masiakos

[Caveman]

I would print and laminate that response and stuff it in your pack...just in case an overzealous ECO disagrees.

[Deerthug]

I'm way ahead of you Wildcats. Already printed and shoved in my wallet and in my pack.

[WNYBuckHunter]

Awesome, great info to know. Thanks for posting what you found!

[Deerthug]

My pleasure. Now I just have to go through the hassle of remounting and siting in the rangefinder again.

[sits in trees]

oohhh, why the hell wouldnt it be??

[Doc]

Aphrodite Montalvo?????? Is that a real name?? ......... lol.

[WNYBuckHunter]

oohhh, why the hell wouldnt it be??

The DEC regs say you cant have a laser mounted to the bow that points at the target for hunting. There was a question about if that included range finders.

[WNYBuckHunter]

My pleasure. Now I just have to go through the hassle of remounting and siting in the rangefinder again.

So how exactly do you site it in so it can aim at the same object that your site is aimed at at multiple distances?

[Deerthug]

According to the instructions you need to align the red dot laser with your first pin usually at 20 yds. Once aligned then all you need to do in the field is put that pin on the animal press the button and you get your yardage and then use the appropriate pin. The only hassle is mounting the rangefinder so that the eye is not blocked by anything and that it doesn't block you peep site and view if the pins. Not always easy to do. You need to experiment with placement.

[Deerthug]

Aphrodite Montalvo?????? Is that a real name?? ......... lol.

I was wondering about that too!

[RangerClay]

Just remember that it will DQ you from a Pope & Young entry.

[RPIBuckHunter]

When I was taking the hunter safety course, the DEC officer that came said any range finding device, bow mounted or otherwise, was legal as long as it did not project a visible beam of light.

[Deerthug]

Just remember that it will DQ you from a Pope & Young entry.

Does not apply to me. I hunt for meat. If I get a nice rack, it's a bonus.

[Deerthug]

When I was taking the hunter safety course, the DEC officer that came said any range finding device, bow mounted or otherwise, was legal as long as it did not project a visible beam of light.

The concern with the Leupold Vendetta was that in order to site it in to your first pin (20yds) you need to hold the button for a 10 sec count down. Then it emits a red laser similar to a Crimson trace laser in order to help you site it in. Once sited in you depress the button for a 5 sec countdown and it turns the laser off. That is why in my inquiry to DEC I specifically mentioned the brand and type of rangefinder. I'm gonna be packing the response in my pack and wallet just in case.

[Deerthug]

Well I just finished re-mounting and aligning my bow mounted rangefinder. Hopefully it will stop raining long enough this weekend so I can test it outside.

[Chromeslayer]

if any of you bothered to read the reg book on page 60 it clearly states the answer to the question

[biggamefish]

Who can read here we just post answers to the question. We are suppose to read the question first?

[WNYBuckHunter]

if any of you bothered to read the reg book on page 60 it clearly states the answer to the question

Right, but it says as long as it does not project a visible beam of light. The Leupold range finder he has does project a visible laser for sighting in, which is what was being questioned. Always better to check and make sure rather than assume and end up with a ticket.

[Deerthug]

Right, but it says as long as it does not project a visible beam of light. The Leupold range finder he has does project a visible laser for sighting in, which is what was being questioned. Always better to check and make sure rather than assume and end up with a ticket.

You said it WNY. Better to be right than dealing with an overzealous CO.

[WNYBuckHunter]

BTW, my fiance is gonna be pissed at you next season when I buy one of my own lol

[Deerthug]

Just tell her what I tell my wife when I buy new hunting equipment- "I need it to help me make sure I get my deer faster so I can come back home to you and the kids sooner...lol.

[WNYBuckHunter]

LMAO thats a good line!

[burmjohn]

LOL, my wife knows all my tricks. If I come home from work, and go through the garage door entrance, first thing I hear is "What did you buy?".

[wdswtr]

MIne doesnt ask and I dont tell.