1. (1) Crossbow means a bow and string, either compound or recurve, that launches a bolt or arrow, mounted upon a stock with a trigger that holds the string and limbs under tension until released.

2. (2) Crossbow Certificate of Qualification means a certificate, as provided by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC or department), signed by the hunter that will be using a crossbow, certifying that he or she has satisfied the department's legal requirements for crossbow training.

   (b) Purpose.

   The provisions of this section shall apply to the taking of deer, bear, small game and upland birds by crossbow pursuant to sections 11-0713, 11-0901, 11-0907, 11-0929 and 11-0933 of the Environmental Conservation Law.

   (c) Specifications.

3. (1) Crossbows must have a minimum limb width of 17 inches when uncocked and measured from the outer limb tips and a minimum length of 24 inches measured from the butt-stock to the front of the limbs.
4. (2) The peak draw weight shall be a minimum of 100 pounds and a maximum of 200 hundred pounds.
5. (3) Crossbow triggers must have a working safety.

6. (4) Crossbow bolts or arrows must be a minimum of 14 inches, not including the point or broadhead.

   (d) Training.

   Hunters may use a crossbow to hunt wildlife, or act as a mentor for a junior hunter using a crossbow, only after they have completed training that includes at a minimum instruction in the types and parts of a crossbow, cocking and uncocking the crossbow, proper holding and use while afield, and effective shooting range. Such training shall be completed either through:

7. (1) a Standard Hunter Education course offered by DEC on or after April 1, 2014; or

8. (2) a DEC-approved on-line or other training program in the safe use of hunting with a crossbow and responsible crossbow hunting practices. The department shall post on DEC’s website, and in the New York State Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, requirements and directions for completing crossbow training. After completion of the training, the hunter and any mentor must complete and sign a crossbow certificate of qualification provided by the department. Hunters or mentors who have not attended a Standard Hunter Education course on or after April 1, 2014 must carry this signed self-certification in the field when hunting with a crossbow as proof of compliance.

   (e) Hunting with a crossbow.

9. (1) Crossbows may only be used by hunters 14 years of age or older.
10. (2) Small game and upland game birds (including wild turkey) may be taken with a crossbow in accordance with the provisions of sections 1.40, 2.20 and 2.25 of this Title, except that crossbows may not be used in Nassau, Suffolk, or Westchester Counties.

11. (3) Deer and bear may be taken with a crossbow in accordance with the provisions of sections 1.11 and 1.31 of this Title and the following:

    1. (i) Crossbows may be used to take deer during the regular and muzzleloader seasons in the Northern Zone and during the regular and late muzzleloader seasons in the Southern Zone, as described in section 1.11 of this Title.
    2. (ii) Crossbows may be used to take bear during the early and regular bear seasons in the Northern and Southern bear ranges, during the early muzzleloading season in the Northern bear range, and during the late muzzleloading season in the Southern bear range, as described in section 1.31 of this Title.
    3. (iii) Crossbows may be used to take deer or bear during the last 10 days of the early bowhunting season in the Northern Zone (same as Northern bear range) and during the last 14 days of the early bowhunting season in the Southern Zone (same as Southern bear range).
    4. (iv) Hunters must possess a muzzleloading hunting privilege to hunt deer or bear with a crossbow during any muzzleloader season or during open portions of the early bowhunting seasons.

(a) Definitions.