Are Slingshots Actually Banned In New York State?

This has to be the warmest opening week of deer season we have had in a long time in New York State. Five days in, and the temps are in the mid 80’s! It sure has been dry, and warm, and there is even a temporary burn ban in place for New York State. The cooler weather will be here and many of us who have lived here long enough know that the snow is not the far away!

The archery season is going and that now means crossbow season as well after recent legislation was passed in New York State. Sitting around at our hunting camp this week someone brought up owning a slingshot when they were kids! Slingshots can be a powerful, and deadly, weapon if in the wrong hands. But in some areas of the world, people even hunt with them!

In portions of Asia, slingshots are used in close quarters like jungle to hunt. Some even hunt iguanas with them as is pictured below.

But what about here? What does New York State have to say about slingshots? Are they legal and if so, can they be used to hunt things like small game animals?

New York State Law On Slingshots

The law is very clear that in New York State, slingshots are not allowed.

According to the law, “A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree when: (1) He or she possesses any firearm, electronic dart gun, electronic stun gun, switchblade knife, pilum ballistic knife, metal knuckle knife, cane sword, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, plastic knuckles, metal knuckles, chuka stick, sand bag, sandclub, wrist-brace type slingshot or slungshot, shuriken, or throwing star”.

Many of us who have been hunting with a bow for years are torn over the new crossbow laws. I love shooting my bow and I also love the accuracy and speed of a crossbow. This season, I think I will be hunting mainly with my crossbow. I feel more confident with it even though I still enjoy shooting my compound bow.