The History of New York State Archers & Bowhunters N.Y.F.A.B.     NEW YORK FIELD ARCHERS (NYFA) was organized in 1949 by a group of "bowhunters".  The members of this group believed that the bowhunters of this State needed to group together in order to address their needs.   Dr. Paul Crouch, a bowhunter who was responsible for the two week bow season for the antlered deer in 1948, was NYFA's first Bowhunter and Conservation Chairman.  Dr. Crouch, along with his successor, Bill Wadsworth, and NYFA, were instrumental in achieving many of the hunting privileges we enjoy today.  These include:
 

• In 1952 it became legal to take a deer of either sex while bowhunting.

• In 1967 bowhunting stamp was first issued.  The stamp plus a big game license enabled a person to hunt deer with a bow in the early "bowhunting only" season.

• In 1974 the bow season was extended to four weeks in the Northern Zone and to five weeks in the Southern Zone.

• In 1975 a five day bow season was added after the gun season.

• In 1976 the Junior Archery License became effective.

• In 1977 the pilot course of the Bowhunter Education Program began with volunteers from NYFA holding classes for all new bowhunters.

• In 1979 use of the mechanical release was approved for bowhunting.

• In 1980 the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation adopted the BEP course and required that all bowhunters complete a bowhunting training course.  NOTE:  This course is being used throughout the United States and the world.  NYFA boasts very proudly that we piloted such a prestigious and timely program.

• In 1982 NYFA becomes New York Field Archers & Bowhunters ( NYFAB).

• In 1986 the "second deer permit" was adopted.

• In 1987 NYFAB supported the Deer Search program which was adopted by the DEC.

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