Support NY S6360 and A8330 – Modernize Crossbow Regulations

S6360

Clarifies provisions...

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A8330

Clarifies provisions...

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email advocacy

Support NY S6360 and A8330 – Modernize Crossbow Regulations

Dear [Your Elected Official],

As your constituent and an active New York hunter, I’m writing to urge you to support Senate Bill S6360A and Assembly Bill A8330A — legislation that will modernize our state’s outdated hunting laws and expand access and opportunity for hunters across New York.

These bills would allow the use of crossbows during hunting seasons where longbows are currently permitted and would eliminate outdated equipment restrictions. Most importantly, they would grant the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) the authority to regulate crossbows the same way it already regulates longbows. This change would allow the DEC to apply science-based wildlife management strategies without needing additional legislation.

This isn’t about expanding seasons or changing safety standards. It’s about bringing New York’s regulations in line with modern hunting practices and providing more equitable access to hunting opportunities. Crossbows offer a safe, effective tool — especially for youth, older adults, and individuals with limited physical ability — and allow more people to participate in our hunting traditions.

Additionally, these bills provide additional opportunity in managing New York’s abundant deer population, which can negatively impact forest health, damage agricultural crops, and increase vehicle collisions. Giving DEC the flexibility to regulate crossbows like longbows is a practical and responsible step toward healthier deer populations and a more balanced ecosystem.

Please stand with New York’s hunting community and support S6360A and A8330A. These bills reflect common-sense policy, support conservation, and promote fair access to the outdoors.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your City & State]

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Summary

A critical—though long overdue-- piece of legislation is moving through the New York State Legislature with the goal of modernizing outdated hunting laws and expanding opportunities for hunters. The National Deer Association (NDA) supports Senate Bill S6360A and Assembly Bill A8330A, which would update New York’s hunting regulations by allowing the use of crossbows during hunting seasons where longbows can be used and eliminating obsolete equipment restrictions. These bills represent a necessary step toward aligning state policy with current hunting practices and technology, while also increasing access and opportunity for broader range of hunters If these bills were to be signed into law, they would: · Grant the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) the authority to regulate crossbows in the same way it already regulates longbows, enabling the agency to apply science-based wildlife management strategies without legislative hurdles. · Eliminate outdated equipment restrictions, ensuring hunters have access to effective, modern tools. NDA supports the modernization of New York’s hunting laws to better reflect current practices, equipment advancements, and the needs of today’s hunters. Crossbows provide a safe and effective option for a wide range of hunters — including youth, older adults, and individuals with limited physical ability — and help expand access to deer hunting opportunities across the state. Importantly, these changes can also be a powerful tool in managing New York’s abundant deer population, which can threaten forest regeneration, agriculture, and public safety via vehicle collisions. Giving DEC the flexibility to manage crossbow use alongside longbows is a smart, practical step toward healthier deer populations and balanced ecosystems. We urge all New York deer hunters to contact their legislators and ask them to vote “YES” on S6360A and A8330A. Let them know you support fair, flexible, and modern wildlife regulations that increase opportunity and improve deer management. Together, we can ensure that New York’s hunting laws keep pace with modern tools, improve access, and support sustainable wildlife management. Don’t wait — take action today!

Who will receive your email?

Your State Senator and State Representative(s)