by Rebecca Sunshine
This August, a sneaky and dangerous bill was enacted in New York State that expanded the use of crossbows for hunting deer and bears. This bill, backed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and hunting groups, removed restrictions on crossbows that now allow them to be used during regular archery seasons as well as the regular firearms season that started on Nov. 15th. Crossbow Hunting Changes: Questions and Answers (See the third question!) Some traditional archery hunters have expressed concern about their safety due to potentially greater numbers of crossbow hunters, newer hunters, and the fact that little to no training is needed, as crossbows have gun-like triggers.
Under the guise of equal opportunity, there is a monetary motivation: more hunting licenses sold! The DEC hopes that crossbows that shoot bolts at greater range with just the pull of a trigger, and require little training and strength, will attract more women, children, seniors, and the handicapped to the gruesome “sport” of killing wild animals.
Crossbows are powerful, deadly weapons that have been used in serious crimes, yet they do not require the same background checks as firearms. That is bad enough, but the fact that this bill passed so quickly in both houses, with so little opposition, was another gut punch. Only two senators out of 63, and two assemblymembers out of 150 voted “Nay.” Shockingly, even legislators who had been reliable animal advocates were among those who voted for the Crossbow Bill!
Though we don’t know what went on behind the scenes, the bill’s likely success is, in part, due to the fact that the Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee happened to be the Crossbow Bill’s sponsor!
When some legislators were asked why they voted for the bill, one responded that he had received memos of support from a number of environmental organizations. As we know, many “conservationists” condone hunting, and support the DEC’s goals by influencing public opinion.
Normally, it’s a long, tedious process for a bill to pass into law. Many good bills languish on Governor Hochul’s desk despite strong lobbying campaigns by their supporters. Yet, she signed the Crossbow Bill in a flash.
Due to the large number of assembly members, getting sufficient votes for a bill to pass is particularly difficult. Yet this one passed quickly and almost unanimously!
We see with the Crossbow Bill that when the powers that be (in this case, the DEC) want something done, it happens seamlessly! When it comes to harming animals, there is often little to no debate!
Rebecca Sunshine is a staunch protector of wildlife who was shocked by how easily the awful Crossbow Bill became law. You can contact Rebecca through wildwatch@verizon.net Please put “NYS Crossbow Bill” in the subject line.