Crossbow Hunting Regulations In New York: 2023 Edition

New York offers some of the best hunting in the country, and with so many diverse habitats to choose from, it’s sure to have something for everyone. Whether you hunt whitetails or other big game animals, crossbows are a great way to get that elusive kill. However, in order to ensure safe and responsible hunting practices in New York State, there are a few regulations you should be aware of when using a crossbow. In this article, we’ll outline the most important crossbow hunting regulation in New York, as well as some tips for hunting crossbow safely.

Are crossbows legal in NYC?

You may be wondering, are crossbows legal in NYC? The answer is yes. But you should keep a few other things in mind before hunting with a crossbow.

Crossbow Hunting regulations in new york That You Must Need to Know

• Anyone aged 12 years and over with a valid license can hunt deer with crossbows.
• To hunt bears and other unprotected wildlife and small game, you must be over the age of 14 years with a license.
• The law requires that arrows used to be at least 14 inches long without the broadheads.
• Also, the crossbows must have a draw weight of at least 100 pounds but not more than 200 pounds.
• The overall length of the crossbow should be at least 24 inches from the but stock to the limbs.
• At the uncocked position, the minimum limb width of your crossbow should be 17 inches ( Without considering wheel and cams)
• You must possess a muzzleloader hunting privilege to hunt big game with crossbows during muzzleloader season.
• Also, if you want to hunt with a crossbow during the open portions of the early bowhunting seasons, you must have a muzzleloader hunting privilege and meet all other applicable regulations.
• You can carry a crossbow in the motor vehicle only if that is in an uncocked position.
• You can use crossbows for turkey hunting, upland or migratory birds, unprotected wildlife, and any small game species.
• Crossbows are, however, illegal in the following counties Nassau, Suffolk, or Westchester. Also, crossbows are prohibited in Albany county’s wildlife management unit.
• You can not propel an arrow using a crossbow without getting permission from the landowner within 250 feet of any occupied building, school building, or playground.
• You can not use the crossbow to take any fish species.
• During small game animal hunting with a dog in the northern zone, you cannot use the crossbow for hunting.

What Are The Dates To Use The Crossbow In New York?

you can use a crossbow to hunt deer in New York during the following seasons:

Northern Zone:

• Regular Season: September 16 – December 3
• Bowhunting: September 16 – October 20
• Crossbow: October 11 – October 20
• Muzzleloading: October 14 – October 20
• Regular Season: October 21 – December 3

Southern Zone:

• Early Bowhunting: October 1 – November 17
• Crossbow (except WMUs 4J or 8C): November 4 – November 17
• Regular Season: November 18 – December 10
• Late Bowhunting: December 11 – December 19
• Late Muzzleloading: December 11 – December 19

Please note that crossbows may not be used during the Youth Firearms Season or in WMUs 1C (Suffolk County), 3S (Westchester County), 4J, or 8C. Make sure to follow all relevant regulations and check for any updates or changes before you go hunting.

Why Should You Consider New York for Hunting?

There are many reasons to go hunting in New York. A big part of it is the opportunity to explore a variety of different habitats, from suburban areas to rolling farmland and true wilderness timber up north. New York also has plenty of deer, making it an ideal destination for hunters of all levels of experience.

Another reason to hunt in New York is the quality and quantity of games available. The state has an estimated 1 million whitetails, making it one of the top destinations for bowhunters and rifle hunters. In addition, there are many other types and sizes of games to be found, from big bucks to small doe and fawns.

Additionally, many hunters enjoy bowhunting because it allows them to hunt without leaving any noise behind. This is especially important when targeting deer or other large animals that may spook easily.

And last but not least, New York has some of the best crossbow hunting regulations in the country. With a draw weight of only 100 pounds, crossbows under 300 dollars are an ideal choice for small and mid size game hunting, and there are few restrictions on their use. This makes New York one of the top destinations for bowhunters and crossbow hunters alike.

So, If you’re looking for an exciting hunting experience that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime, New York is the perfect place to go.

Use The Above Regulation Carefully

The above regulations are subject to change, so be sure to check with the Fish and Wildlife Department in your area for the latest information. When writing this article, we tried our best to be accurate, but always advise you to consult with a local resource for the most up-to-date regulations. Please contact us if you find any errors or have additional information that could be included in this article.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a truly exhilarating experience when hunting in New York, look no further than crossbow hunting. Crossbows offer an incredibly stealthy way to take down big games without ever having to touch them. With regulations that are as strict as any other type of hunting in the state, this is one activity not to be missed!