New legislation legalizes crossbow hunting where longbow hunting is already allowed

NEW YORK (WBNG) -- A new law will allow New York hunters to be able to use crossbows in the same places where longbows are used.

The legislation, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, will allow crossbows to be used in the same manner, time frames, and eligibility requirements as vertical bows.

The bill simplifies, standardizes and expands access to archery hunting across the state.

According to the New York State Senate documents, hunting with crossbows was prohibited in parts of the state that suffered from “chronic and excessive deer-related impacts” such as vehicle collisions, loss of forest regeneration and biodiversity and tick-borne illnesses.

Assemblyman Joe Angelino was one of the supporters of the bill garnered bipartisan support.

Angelino said hunting with a crossbow is usually