In NY State a hunter can not posses a pistol during bow or muzzleloader season .
Also a hunter cannot use a shot gun in place of a muzzleloader .
Bow season is Bows ONLY..
Muzzleloader season is Muzzleloader or Bow .
Rifle is Rifle , shotgun, pistol or bow ..
But must be tagged with our big game tag and be a buck with at least one 3 inch antler ,,,,
Again this is NY ,,,,Many grey areas, but , look up your local laws or ask a game warrden.....
I no laws differ in VT, I here you can buy a pistol with just a hunting license,
In NY you MUST get a pistol permit first ( 6 to 9 month wait ) before you can buy a pistol ,
