In a recent legislative battle between archery hunters and crossbow hunters the archers came out on top with two legislative bills, Sweeney A10583 and Marcellino S7705, being passed on June 21st.

An effort was led by the New York Bowhunters, Inc. organization to ensure archery season would not be invaded by an army of crossbow hunters. The group went up against a crossbow coalition lobbyist, as well as the NYSCC, SCOPE, SASI and many other, firearm driven organizations.

The battle is not over yet, however, as the Governor still must sign these bill into law. Please take the time to thank both Assemblyman Sweeney and Senator Marcellino (marcelli@nysenate.gov) for their efforts in getting these bills passed under pressure and trying circumstances on their part.

Ed Gorch and Rich Kirshner from the New York Bowhunters, Inc. organization spent all of Monday and Tuesday in Albany and said that the legislators were extremely thankful or the support that archers gave in the form of phone calls and letters.

Here's a quick recap of the two bills:

1. Crossbows stay in firearm season for two more years.
2. No youth firearm hunt during archery season.
3. Adaptive equipment for physically challenged with a doctors note, not the complicated restrictive permit.
4. Enhance the law to make crossbow hunters accountable for violations.