regulation changes

Crossbows will be allowed during any season longbows are permitted, aligning regulations and giving hunters more flexibility.

Redefines “bow” so the DEC can regulate crossbows equally with longbows.

Education Requirements

• All crossbow users must now have:

• A valid bowhunting privilege

• Completion of a bowhunter safety course

• Training will likely be updated beyond the previous 15-minute certification.

Setback Rule

• Requires a 500-foot setback from dwellings, schools, and occupied buildings—but only in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties.

Equipment Freedom Lifts restrictions on:

• Draw weight 

• Limb width

• Overall length

• Modern crossbows previously banned will now be legal.

Next Steps : Governor Hochul has 30 days to:

• Sign

• Veto

• Or let it become law by default

Proposed Deer Hunting Regulation Changes by NYSDEC

1.  Electronic Tagging (E-tags) System

   • Hunters can now use digital tags via the HuntFishNY mobile app as proof of license and harvest reporting.

   • Physical tags still required if leaving game at a non-residential location (e.g., taxidermist or camp).

   • Homemade paper tags with name and electronic confirmation number are acceptable in such cases.

   • Mandatory harvest reporting period will shrink from 7 days to 48 hours, encouraging more immediate reporting.

   • App can store reports offline until connectivity resumes—handy for backcountry hunters.

2. Youth Hunter Tag Enhancement

   • Youth hunters who fill a regular season tag during the Columbus Day weekend Youth Big Game Hunt may receive a replacement tag.

   • Replacement tag will be for the opposite sex of the deer previously harvested (e.g., doe if a buck was taken).

   • Intended to provide continued hunting opportunity and enhance youth engagement.

3. DMAP (Deer Management Assistance Program) Updates

   • Permit renewal extended from 3 to 5 years for better program continuity and less paperwork.

   • Removes restriction on number of DMAP tags per hunter to improve landowner success.

   • Total number of tags per property still set by DEC staff based on management goals.

Public Comment Period

• • Comments accepted until August 18.

  • Email: wildliferegs@dec.ny.gov (Subject: “e-tags and DMAP”)

  • Mail: NYSDEC, Attn: Deer Hunting Regs, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754