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New York Hunters can now legally use crossbows when hunting big game. (Photo by Realtree)

New York has made it legal for hunters to use crossbows for big game wherever bowhunting is allowed.

According to wgrz.com, Governor Hochul Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill S6360A into law after its passage in the New York State Assembly on June 17. Republican State Senators George Borrello and Patrick Gallivan sponsored the bill.

"These changes to New York’s hunting regulations are long-overdue and are the result of strong advocacy from hunters and sportsmen organizations across the state,” Senator Gallivan said. “The law will help attract new hunters and provides new opportunities for licensed and trained hunters, especially those with physical limitations that prevent them from using traditional bows.”

The bill reworks New York's longbow definition to include recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows. Hunters can now use a crossbow during any big game season where bow hunting is allowed.

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The bill also removes requirements that crossbows have a minimum bolt length, limb width, overall length, and maximum draw weight; however, all crossbows must have a working "safety" feature and have a minimum peak draw weight of 100 pounds.

Anyone who wishes to hunt with a crossbow must have the Bow Hunter Education Certificate and Archery Privilege. Additional information can be found on the DEC's website.

Bow season begins Sep. 27 in the Northern Zone and Oct. 1 in the Southern Zone.