A critical—though long overdue– piece of legislation is moving through the New York State Legislature with the goal of modernizing outdated hunting laws and expanding opportunities for hunters. The National Deer Association (NDA) supports Senate Bill S6360A and Assembly Bill A8330A, which would update New York’s hunting regulations by allowing the use of crossbows during hunting seasons where longbows can be used and eliminating obsolete equipment restrictions.
These bills represent a necessary step toward aligning state policy with current hunting practices and technology, while also increasing access and opportunity for broader range of hunters
If these bills were to be signed into law, they would:
- Grant the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) the authority to regulate crossbows in the same way it already regulates longbows, enabling the agency to apply science-based wildlife management strategies without legislative hurdles.
- Eliminate outdated equipment restrictions, ensuring hunters have access to effective, modern tools.
NDA supports the modernization of New York’s hunting laws to better reflect current practices, equipment advancements, and the needs of today’s hunters. Crossbows provide a safe and effective option for a wide range of hunters — including youth, older adults, and individuals with limited physical ability — and help expand access to deer hunting opportunities across the state.
Importantly, these changes can also be a powerful tool in managing New York’s abundant deer population, which can threaten forest regeneration, agriculture, and public safety via vehicle collisions. Giving DEC the flexibility to manage crossbow use alongside longbows is a smart, practical step toward healthier deer populations and balanced ecosystems.
We urge all New York deer hunters to contact their legislators and ask them to vote “YES” on S6360A and A8330A. Let them know you support fair, flexible, and modern wildlife regulations that increase opportunity and improve deer management. Together, we can ensure that New York’s hunting laws keep pace with modern tools, improve access, and support sustainable wildlife management. Don’t wait — take action today!