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New YorkS 63602025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Clarifies provisions regarding the use of crossbows for hunting

Sponsored By: Pete Harckham (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATIONCODES

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Broader crossbow hunting access through state rules

The law takes effect immediately and includes crossbows in New York's long-bow rules. The Department of Environmental Conservation can authorize licensed hunters to use crossbows wherever long bows are allowed during big game seasons. The law removes prior specified-area limits and the limit to final days of archery-only seasons. Hunters still need regulations authorizing crossbow use for their season and area.

Crossbows lose special muzzleloader season authorization

The law removes crossbows from the provisions authorizing special open seasons for muzzle-loading firearms. Those provisions no longer authorize crossbow hunting. The special seasons remain available for muzzle-loading firearms, with a hunting license and valid muzzle-loading privilege.

Crossbow distance limits protect nearby buildings

In Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties, firing a crossbow is prohibited within 500 feet of listed buildings and places. These include dwelling houses, farm buildings or structures actually occupied or used, school buildings or playgrounds, and public structures. Occupied factories and churches are also covered. Other counties can adopt the same restriction by local law.

Crossbow hunters face revised equipment rules

Hunting crossbows must have at least 100 pounds of peak draw weight and a working safety. They must have a compound or recurve bow and string mounted on a stock. A trigger must hold the string and limbs under tension until release. The law removes minimum bolt length, minimum limb width, maximum draw weight, and minimum overall length requirements.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Pete Harckham

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Christopher Ryan

    Democratic • Senate

  • George Borrello

    Republican • Senate

  • Jake Ashby

    Republican • Senate

  • James Skoufis

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

    Democratic • Senate

  • Julia Salazar

    Democratic • Senate

  • Leroy Comrie

    Democratic • Senate

  • Michelle Hinchey

    Democratic • Senate

  • Pamela Helming

    Republican • Senate

  • Patrick M. Gallivan

    Republican • Senate

  • Rachel May

    Democratic • Senate

  • Robert Jackson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Thomas F. O'Mara

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 206 • No: 5

House vote • 6/17/2025

Assembly floor vote

Yes: 139 • No: 2

Senate vote • 6/11/2025

FLOOR Vote

Yes: 57 • No: 2

committee vote • 5/13/2025

Environmental Conservation Committee Vote

Yes: 10 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. SIGNED CHAP.358

    8/26/2025Senate

  2. DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR

    8/22/2025Senate

  3. RETURNED TO SENATE

    6/17/2025House

  4. PASSED ASSEMBLY

    6/17/2025House

  5. ORDERED TO THIRD READING RULES CAL.876

    6/17/2025House

  6. SUBSTITUTED FOR A8330A

    6/17/2025House

  7. REFERRED TO CODES

    6/11/2025House

  8. DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY

    6/11/2025Senate

  9. PASSED SENATE

    6/11/2025Senate

  10. ADVANCED TO THIRD READING

    5/15/2025Senate

  11. 2ND REPORT CAL.

    5/14/2025Senate

  12. 1ST REPORT CAL.1055

    5/13/2025Senate

  13. PRINT NUMBER 6360A

    5/8/2025Senate

  14. AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

    5/8/2025Senate

  15. REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

    3/11/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Amendment A

    5/8/2025

    PDF

  • Original

    3/11/2025

    PDF

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