Governor Kathy Hochul has signed Senate Bill S6360A (2025A8330A) into law on August 26, 2025, authorizing expanded use of crossbows throughout New York State. The new legislation enables the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to permit crossbow hunting during any big-game season and in any area where longbows are currently allowed.

Under the updated law, hunters using crossbows must now complete a Bowhunter Education Course and secure an archery hunting privilege, aligning crossbow use with longbow requirements. The bill also removes outdated equipment standards—like minimum limb width and maximum draw weight—that had rendered many modern crossbows noncompliant under the old rules. Additionally, a 500-foot discharge setback is now in effect for densely populated areas in Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties to enhance safety and community protection.

The legislation achieved widespread bipartisan support, passing the Senate 572 and the Assembly 1392 on June 17, 2025, and took effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature.

Industry Impact:

• Expanded Market Opportunity
  With regulatory barriers removed, hunters—especially those with physical limitations or older adults—can adopt crossbows more freely, potentially driving increased sales of modern crossbow models in New York.
• Boost to Outdoor Recreation & Hunter Recruitment
  The modernization is expected to attract new participants and retain existing hunters by offering more accessible equipment options. This could strengthen hunting license sales and support conservation funding via firearms excise taxes.
• Enhanced Safety Through Education
  Mandating bowhunter education ensures users understand the mechanics and responsibilities of using crossbows—optimizing safety and game recovery, particularly important for harvesting and tracking.
• Wildlife Management Benefits
  DEC gains operational flexibility to manage big-game populations using crossbows, potentially improving effectiveness and sustainability of wildlife conservation efforts.

Kinsey’s Inc. is excited what this new legislation means for the archery, hunting, and outdoor industry.

“This expansion for crossbows in New York is a game-changer,” said Phil Dixon, National Sales Director at Kinsey’s Inc. “We’re fired up about the opportunity it brings to hunters, and equally excited about the boost it will deliver to our dealers. At Kinsey’s, we can’t wait to be part of driving this next chapter of growth.”

New York’s legalization of crossbow use marks a milestone in updating legacy hunting regulations. It simultaneously advances access, safety, conservation, and economic opportunity within the state’s outdoor and hunting industry. Hunter education, modern equipment standards, and thoughtful safety provisions will ensure crossbows can be integrated sustainably long-term.