Crossbows in Nys Big Game Use.

Crossbows in Nys Big Game Use.

How  is crossbow hunting for big game in NYS going to be received? I know many hunters are looking forward to the new crossbow season this fall. There is no special lic. required.You will simply need any of DEC's licenses that allow big game hunting. If you are using a crossbow during the late muzzleloading or bowhunting seasons, you will need to have the required privileges for those late seasons.Here are the crossbow and bolt in NYS Law-The crossbow must have a stock with a working safety, and a minimum limb of 17 inches. It must have a minimum peak draw weight of 100 pounds, and a maximum peak draw weight of 200 pounds. The overall length (butt of stock to front of the limbs) must be at least 24 inches. A bolt (the term used for the "arrow" shot from a crossbow) must be at least 14 inches long (excluding the point).Crossbows may not be used by anyone during the early bowhunting season.Crossbows can be used Only during the REGULAR firearms seasons in the Northern and Southern Zone, during the LATE muzzleloading and bowhunting seasons, and during the January firearms season in Suffolk County, beginning with the 2011-2012 hunting seasons and continuing until December 31, 2012. You may use a crossbow during the LATE special seasons (bowhunting and muzzleloading) after the close of the regular season. All these facts are from the NYS DEC.
Although the bill is now law, the major changes do not go into effect until February 1, 2011. This means that you cannot use a crossbow until the 2011-2012 hunting seasons.

For more Info go to  http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68802.html