Governor Hochul signs bill into law allowing crossbows to be used anywhere where longbows are permitted

ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill on Tuesday that now permits hunters to use crossbows to target big game in areas where long and/or compound bows are allowed.

Based on the buzz going around on social media, it appears that several hunters are applauding the Governor’s signature.

The law takes effect immediately.

The bill first passed in the Assembly back in June and was delivered to the Governor’s desk last Friday. Hunters will still need to have a Bow Hunter Education Certificate and an Archery Privilege to use a cross bow during its legal season.

For the Northern Zone, bow hunting opens on September 27 and October 1 for the Southern Zone.

NYS DEC image.