I hold a New York State Pistol Permit, can I carry my pistol while bow hunting or muzzleloader hunting?
No, even though you possess a valid pistol permit to carry the pistol, the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) states the following: No person engaged in hunting deer or bear pursuant to a bowhunting stamp or muzzleloader stamp and no person accompanying him or a member of his party, while he is so engaged in hunting during a special longbow or muzzleloader season, shall have in his possession a firearm of any kind. A pistol is defined as a firearm in the Environmental Conservation Law and possession is not allowed afield with or near a person while they are engaged in hunting pursuant to the special bow or muzzleloader season.
