08/29/2025
The New York Crossbow Coalition announced Wednesday that Senate Bill S6360A and its Assembly counterpart A8330A were signed into law by the Governor as of August 26, 2025. The bill takes effect immediately.
This legislation makes key updates to the Environmental Conservation Law, focusing on the use of crossbows for hunting:
+ Redefines “long bow” to include longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows.
+ Removes outdated restrictions on crossbow design, such as limb width, draw weight, and bolt length.
+ Allows crossbows for big game hunting in all areas where longbows are permitted, and removes prior limitations on crossbow use during archery and muzzle-loading seasons.
+ Requires a bowhunting privilege to hunt with a crossbow under the new law. Previously, a muzzleloader privilege could be used — this has now changed. Going forward, anyone wishing to hunt with a crossbow must purchase and hold the archery license privilege.
Because the law is effective immediately, these updates apply to the 2025 hunting season. Hunters using crossbows this fall will now be required to have a bowhunting privilege in addition to their hunting license. Completion of bowhunter education training and an education certificate is required to purchase a bowhunting privilege. This can be achieved by an in-person or an online course.
Thank you for your efforts over the years, NYS Crossbow Coalition!!
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