Crossbow Hunting Information

Crossbow Use

At press time, pending legislation would, if adopted, expand when and where crossbows could be used, making the following information incorrect. Refer to DEC's website (http://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/regulations/crossbow) for the most up to date information about hunting with crossbows, including qualification documentation.

• Crossbows may be used to take deer during muzzleloader seasons and a portion of the early bow seasons (see maps) by hunters with a valid hunting or junior hunting (ages 12–15 only) license and a current muzzleloader privilege. Junior hunters (ages 14–15) may also take bear with crossbows during these seasons (see map).
• Crossbows may be used to take deer during the regular season by hunters with a valid hunting or junior hunting (ages 12–15) license and to take bear during the early bear and regular seasons by hunters with a valid hunting or junior hunting (ages 14–15 only) license.
• See DEC's website for the required Crossbow Certificate of Qualification.