New for 2025, New York hunters can now use a crossbow in the same season, places and manner as a vertical bow for hunting deer and bear. There is also no minimum limb width, no minimum length, and no maximum draw weight. However, hunters must obtain a hunting license as well as a bowhunting privilege. To purchase a bowhunting privilege, hunters need a bowhunter education certification which is available through an online or in-person course.

Crossbows can be used anywhere and anytime bowhunting occurs, including in the archery-only portions of Albany and Monroe counties, and in Westchester and Suffolk counties. The minimum setback distance for discharge is 500’ in Westchester and Suffolk counties and 250’ in all other areas. Crossbows must have a working trigger safety and a minimum peak draw weight of 100 pounds.

According to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, other general crossbow requirements include:

• Age requirement: Crossbows may be used by hunters ages 14 and up with a valid hunting license and bowhunting privilege to hunt deer and bear during any season and in any location where a longbow is permitted. Hunters ages 12 and 13 that have a valid hunting license and bowhunting privilege may hunt deer with a crossbow only in those counties that have passed a local law allowing such hunters to do so. Licensees who are 14 or older may use crossbows to hunt unprotected wildlife and most small game species.
• Without landowner permission, crossbows may not be discharged within 250 feet of any home, school building or playground, public structure, farm structure in use, or occupied factory or church. In Suffolk and Westchester counties, this setback distance is 500 feet.
• Age requirement: Crossbows may be used by licensees who are 12 or older to hunt deer and licensees 14 or older to hunt bear, unprotected wildlife, and most small game species.
• Without landowner permission, crossbows may not be discharged within 250 feet of any home, school building or playground, public structure, farm structure in use, or occupied factory or church.
• A crossbow may not be possessed in or on a motor vehicle unless it is un-cocked.
• While on lands inhabited by deer or bear, and in or on a motor vehicle using artificial lights, a crossbow may not be possessed unless it is unstrung or taken down or securely fastened in a case or locked in the trunk of the vehicle.