A bill (A.924-B) co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) would lay the groundwork for legalized crossbow hunting in New York State, a practice currently limited to all but certain physically disabled hunters. At a press conference in Albany today, Lupardo, surrounded by a bipartisan group of legislators, the Safari Club, New York State Conservation Council, the Niagara County Federation of Conservation Councils and the Shooters' Committee on Political Education (SCOPE), urged the Assembly and Senate to pass this bill immediately.

“This legislation will broaden hunting access to those with a disability or older hunters for whom the alternative bows are too heavy,” said Lupardo, a member of the Environmental Conservation Committee in the Assembly. “Hunting contributes nearly a billion dollars to the state’s economy annually and it is a key component to our economy in the southern tier as well. This measure does not compromise safety and will generate revenue by increasing both tourism and the number of licenses issued.”

The legislation co-sponsored by Lupardo defines acceptable crossbows as requiring the use of 14-inch and longer arrows and the inclusion of a working safety. It would also allow crossbow use on private property during any deer hunting season.

Lupardo added that states embracing crossbow hunting, such as Georgia, Michigan and Ohio, appear to benefit from the activity’s merits, as it is an environmentally sound recruitment and retention tool for hunters. She hopes to emulate their success in New York.