Changes in NYS regs

worstcaster · 09-15-2011, 04:19 AM

NYS made some changes to their regs after the printing the regulations book. Here is a link to the changes.

http://www.nrahuntersrights.org/Article.aspx?id=5477

BuckAlley · 09-15-2011, 06:03 PM

Gotta love the NRA, for twisting things around. They are correct on crossbows being left out in Cortland County NY. However is was not done intentionally. When the legislation was done to allow rifles, crossbows was mistakenly left out in the law. It was a oversight. But unfortunately its too late to be changed this year.
My guess is if anyone used a crossbow in Cortland Co. during the Reg. season Encon wouldn't go out of their way to write tickets from being a oversight, not a intentional necessary law.
I will tell you what I don't like about the crossbow use. The DEC has allowed a new weapon for use, but isn't holding any safety instruction on its use. Hunter safety courses cover all types of guns. Bow hunter safety covers different types of bows. But neither has added the crossbow. You simply need to take a online questionare to be approved to use one. To me thats total irresponsibility, and setting a whole new unsafe precedent in hunters safety. Sometimes I truly wonder what is wrong with this state these days!

tankerchief · 09-30-2011, 12:33 PM

Agree with the need for some course with practical application. Due to a shoulder injury I've picked up a crossbow here in NJ. Went my bow shop today to pick it up. Spent almost an hour going over every aspect of the crossbow before we fired about 25 bolts. Told him I'd be spending awhile getting used to it before I went out in the woods. He looked at me totally shocked and said most of his customers go right into the woods. Reminded him I have never been like that in the 15 years we'd been working together. He then showed me the hospital pics of the guy who shot off his thumb (1 of 3 customers who had done that) and the remains of a bow that was dry fired.

Later I was at a public range and watched a guy launch a bolt skyward because he mishandled his bow (how he did it I don't know the trigger pull is like 7 lbs). Said he'd had it two weeks and that was the second time that had happened.

Still got my bow to hunt in NY; but won't be heading into the woods any time soon with my crossbow until I am fully comfortable handling it.

BuckAlley · 10-01-2011, 08:10 AM

Tankerchief, I think the respect you show for your equipment, and game is great. I wish more crossbow folks had the same attitude. Not saying by anymeans all are bad, and I know some bowhunters are just as careless when it comes to their bows. But I read, and heard enough to know most that are capable of shooting a bow, but want the crossbow is because they think its easier to use, and requires less practice. In my book thats spells disaster!! Your examples show that. Its certainly not the type of hunter I care to be sharing the woods with.