Bows are NOT considered firearms in New York.
Or anywhere else for that matter.
One they don;t fire...you need a propellant, and two...they are not arms. They are primitive weapons.
Better re re read the instruction manual.
However FELONS are FELONS no matter where you live.
Let them sit in the house and reflect on why they are not allowed to hunt.
Rules did not apply for them to get the felony charges .... breaking the law.
Now suffer.