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You can actually. If you are on private land and have a NY State Big Game license as long as:
that the load or arrow doesn't pass over any part of a public highway,
within 500 feet (for a firearm), 250 feet (for a crossbow) or 150 feet (for a longbow) of any school, playground, or an occupied factory or church
OR
within 500 feet (for a firearm), 250 feet (for a crossbow) or 150 feet (for a longbow) of a dwelling, farm building or structure in occupation or use unless you own it, lease it, are an immediate member of the family, an employee, or have the owner’s consent.
NYS law in Suffolk county.
Close, but no cigar.
The rules you reference are correct. I am pretty sure that there are some additional restricitons that apply to Long Island, but am too busy to look that up right now. Instead, I will mention the town restrictions that are in effect.
Just about all towns on Long Island prohibit projectile discharge (bow, rifle, shotgun, firearm... some even specify BB guns).
While you would be in compliance with DEC laws, you would still run afoul of local laws.
Also, while the rest of NY alllows crossbow hunting, it is prohibited in Suffolk County (I'm not aware of any place in Nassau where deer hunting is permitted with any implement).
The rules you reference are correct. I am pretty sure that there are some additional restricitons that apply to Long Island, but am too busy to look that up right now. Instead, I will mention the town restrictions that are in effect.
Just about all towns on Long Island prohibit projectile discharge (bow, rifle, shotgun, firearm... some even specify BB guns).
While you would be in compliance with DEC laws, you would still run afoul of local laws.
Also, while the rest of NY alllows crossbow hunting, it is prohibited in Suffolk County (I'm not aware of any place in Nassau where deer hunting is permitted with any implement).
I just copied that right off the DEC's site. Pretty sure Smithtown is the only town that has a weapon law that is more restrictive than the state's when it comes to hunting.
I just copied that right off the DEC's site. Pretty sure Smithtown is the only town that has a weapon law that is more restrictive than the state's when it comes to hunting.
Town of Babylon, Town of Huntington, and Town of Smithtown all prohibit discharge of any bow/gun/bb gun/etc. inside the town limits. This includes one's own property.
Town of Islip has a similar prohibition to cover public land. Town of Riverhead has noise ordinances that would make the use of guns impossible.
I'm too lazy to dig up more detail on these and other towns. I don't keep up on LI hunting when there are much better (less crowded) areas upstate.
What you copied off the DEC site is correct. My point is that it is not the only source of laws that cover the topic. There are discharge laws, noise laws and other impediments in the way. Long Island is NOT gun, bow, or hunting friendly.
I have personally been involved in situations that were 100% legal and also had a county permit in my hand for the activity. That didn't stop the local police from shutting the event down and threatening tp arrest participants.
You may have a valid hunting license and follow every DEC rule to the letter. Before you decide to "brandish" that weapon or take a shot at the deer in your backyard, just make sure you:
1. Have checked all local laws that may cover the activity
2. Hope your bambi loving neighbor doesn't drop a dime to say they felt threatened. It wouldn't be the first time some peta-type lied about where you were shooting or how close you were to their home.
3. Make sure your shot is perfectly placed for an instant takedown. Good luck getting owner's permission to track your deer across multiple properties/roads in suburbia. Even where legal, it just isn't very practical unless you have some acreage. I can just see someone in full camo holding a bow or shotgun and walking through backyards (or worse yet, county/town property). I'm sure nothing can go wrong with that scenario.
Is it theoretically possible to legally hunt on your own property in Suffolk? Sure, there are places where it is possible. In most of those cases it isn't practical or advisable. If that's your thing, then go for it. Just know that there is no one-size-fits-all answer on LI.
You can actually. If you are on private land and have a NY State Big Game license as long as:
that the load or arrow doesn't pass over any part of a public highway,
within 500 feet (for a firearm), 250 feet (for a crossbow) or 150 feet (for a longbow) of any school, playground, or an occupied factory or church
OR
within 500 feet (for a firearm), 250 feet (for a crossbow) or 150 feet (for a longbow) of a dwelling, farm building or structure in occupation or use unless you own it, lease it, are an immediate member of the family, an employee, or have the owner’s consent.
NYS law in Suffolk county.
You got me on a technicality. In *my* situation, I can not as some of my abutting neighbors homes are less than 150' from my property lines.
I do know a guy over in Setauket who took a deer in his own yard as he did meet the parameters you so kindly shared
Town of Babylon, Town of Huntington, and Town of Smithtown all prohibit discharge of any bow/gun/bb gun/etc. inside the town limits. This includes one's own property.
Town of Islip has a similar prohibition to cover public land. Town of Riverhead has noise ordinances that would make the use of guns impossible.
I'm too lazy to dig up more detail on these and other towns. I don't keep up on LI hunting when there are much better (less crowded) areas upstate.
What you copied off the DEC site is correct. My point is that it is not the only source of laws that cover the topic. There are discharge laws, noise laws and other impediments in the way. Long Island is NOT gun, bow, or hunting friendly.
I have personally been involved in situations that were 100% legal and also had a county permit in my hand for the activity. That didn't stop the local police from shutting the event down and threatening tp arrest participants.
You may have a valid hunting license and follow every DEC rule to the letter. Before you decide to "brandish" that weapon or take a shot at the deer in your backyard, just make sure you:
1. Have checked all local laws that may cover the activity
2. Hope your bambi loving neighbor doesn't drop a dime to say they felt threatened. It wouldn't be the first time some peta-type lied about where you were shooting or how close you were to their home.
3. Make sure your shot is perfectly placed for an instant takedown. Good luck getting owner's permission to track your deer across multiple properties/roads in suburbia. Even where legal, it just isn't very practical unless you have some acreage. I can just see someone in full camo holding a bow or shotgun and walking through backyards (or worse yet, county/town property). I'm sure nothing can go wrong with that scenario.
Is it theoretically possible to legally hunt on your own property in Suffolk? Sure, there are places where it is possible. In most of those cases it isn't practical or advisable. If that's your thing, then go for it. Just know that there is no one-size-fits-all answer on LI.
mm3846 responded with the laws to me. In my area (Stony Brook, Town of Brookhaven) one can take a deer on their land provided they meet the criteria.
Can't be too strict in Town of Brookhaven. I hear shots going off all the time. Then again, this is Mastic Beach.
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In *my* situation, I can not as some of my abutting neighbors homes are less than 150' from my property lines. 
