NY S03191

Allows hunters ages 12-13 to hunt with a crossbow when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or designated adult (previously prohibited for this age group).

Permits hunters ages 16-17 and those 55+ or physically unable to draw a longbow to hunt deer and bear with a crossbow during special archery seasons.

Removes the maximum peak draw weight limit of 200 pounds for crossbows and eliminates the 17-inch minimum limb width requirement, keeping only the 100-pound minimum draw weight.

Changes the minimum distance requirement for crossbow use near dwellings from 200 feet to 150 feet (matching longbow distance restrictions).

Authorizes the Department of Environmental Conservation to adopt regulations permitting licensed hunters of any age to take small game and wild upland game birds with a crossbow during small game seasons.