Ok, just out of curiosity, this thread is in regards to stone points. I don't want to start an argument about the lethality of them. But I've always kind of had this possessive interest in them, even so far as of late I've purchased some spalls of chert and a bopper , and made some of my own pressure flaking tools. Now see I live in New York, I've been told that stone heads aren't legal in New York by a few, I think uninformed or rather thinking individuals who know the law so to speak. Now just amongst friends here, I've read the regulations guide concerning arrow points as to whats legal in New York several times. It states," legal points cannot be barbed, and must be at least 7/8" wide". At no point in the regs does it state that the projectile point must be steel or metallic in nature. I'm asking for your thoughts on this. I'd hate to bring it up to a game warden, because we all know things can suddenly change if the "high uppers" get hold of something they don't know the answer to or don't understand. So I'm asking you for your thoughts on the subject. Not that I'm ready to make that jump right away in into hunting with stone heads right now but it'd be nice knowing weather or not I could. And also if you are a flint knapper if you would post some pics for us to enjoy that would be awesome! I enjoy seeing what some people create with just primitive objects. Or if you have some pics of what you've found that would be even better!! Nothing like holding a stone point in your hands that was crafted long ago, its like a direct link into our ancient past, as a way to gather around the camp fire with our ancestors from hunts long ago.
I would check the website or call your states DNR. Those little booklets they put out here are just basic general rules. Not much help I know but might be worth the hassle.
Talk to your DNR. Better yet. . email them the question. Don't get too wordy, just ask if stone points that fit the size and non-barbed description are legal.
Get the response. Print it out, and put it into your fanny pack or quiver for in-the-woods info if a warden questions it.
ChuckC
I agree with magnus. Shouldn't be a big hassle to call your DNR and ask. I got in a pushing contest with our club president, a retired judge, over a baiting question. One of the girls in our club wanted to put a sack of carrots in the tree stand with her just for the scent. The judge said that was baiting by Michigan's DNR rules. The intent of the MI baiting rules was to prevent disease from deer rubbing noses while feeding on bait on the ground. I called the DNR and they agreed with me, that if the attractant was not available to the deer, it was not baiting.
The same DNR threatened to write up a trad hunter for carrying a flint knife, since MI law prohibits "double edged blades". Some persuasive arguments got the state law changed to exclude stone knives from the prohibition.
Worst case, if someone gets interested in further defining stone points as legal or illegal, it would at least get the issue out in the open and discussion might get them exempted.
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Those are beautiful points Nathan!
Asking the game and fish dept will be the only way to get the correct answer.
Bisch
Nice work - work of art and looks deadly!
Our discription in Iowa is pretty much the same. I made an obsidian head. It came out with quite wide conical dished cutting edges. It was so sharp that I kept nicking myself tieing it up to the arrow I put it on. I sealed the arrow up with laquer and sprayed the feathers with Scotch Guard. Did some target practise at a floating pop bottle in shallow water, it flew good. I showed it to the game warden and he thought it was perfect. Then come deer season, a medium 8 pointer came by and gave me a nice shot. I drew back my pignut longbow, totally blew the shot, missed and lost my arrow.
Nice looking arrows there bud! Ya I'd like to ask, I guess I should although I did research it on the DEC website, (its called the department of environmental conservation here) and like I said they're not specifically saying it has to be metal, they're more stern on barbed heads. Pavan, maybe I'll try what you did if I can ever produce something worthy, make up an arrow or to and show it to a game warden and see what he has to say. Cant hurt.
I have hunted with them in NY. Its completely legal as long as they are wide enough and not barbed
Thanks skip! Any luck with them?
They are legal as long as they meet the aforementioned criteria. Youd be amazed at how much help a game warden will give if you only ask. The miserable ones dont last long and the good ones take their job to heart. If they dont have an answer to your question, they'll get you one. Good luck with the points.
QuoteOriginally posted by ChuckC:
Get the response. Print it out, and put it into your fanny pack or quiver for in-the-woods info if a warden questions it.
ChuckC
Very good advice :thumbsup:
I do the same when I'm going out of state for falconry. Sometimes the wardens themselves aren't aware of the correct answer. Having the answer/permission from their agency printed out for them to see saves a hassle and usually alot of time.
I come from a long line of enforcement- so I have nothing but highest respect. However, the Law enforcement officer can only quote the written statute. The final interpretation of a particular act occurs in the courts, not with an officer's determination or even a written citation. If the written statute does not prohibit it- just be ethical.
i have been doing some practicing. now all i need is some rivercane to make some arrows up for next season.
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They are legal in New York, just follow the general rules as to being barbed. If it looks like your average 2 blade your good to go!! Have fun!
Arrow30 those are sweet looking, thanks for all the helpful responses guys!
My brother MarK used this head for a pass through on a 170 class whitetail. The head was made from Kentucky flint by Don Gilson from Mich. The arrow still had enough momentum to break after hitting something hard on the ground. Mike
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I "glued" a set on with pitch. I gobbed it on the bottom of the head so it couldn't even come close to being barbed.
Wow that's awesome, that head held up good to!
See Sean this is w :nono: :nono: hy I thought I'd ask here first, I knew somebody had to know! Even a lot of the traditional guys I hang around with told me it was illegal.
Heardbull, did your brother send Don a photo of that very nice buck, If not I am sure he would apprecdiate it. Don is a knapping friend and my neighbor. If you need an address for Don, PM me for it.
Runninwild77, there is no better feeling that you get when you take an animal with one of your stone heads.
Hey Walter, I worked as a police officer with NYC Dept of Environmental Protection. I worked very closely with the NYS DEC officers, and had to enforce the Eviron. Cons, Law quite a bit. The ECL does not specify that broadheads must be made from metal. As others have stated, as long as it meets the size and no barbs, you're good to go. Good Luck!
according to the DEC website they are legal.
Jon
Selfbows and stone points are all I hunt with anymore. having good sharp points and being comfortable with your gear are the most important. I typically killed 2-3 deer a year with stone points and selfbows. If the law doesn't specify that it has to be a metal edge, then you are good to go! have at it
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Those points are awesome Ryan!
Thanks Jim!
Twisted limbs now that is incredible! My hats off to you sir!
thanks. I have had a pretty decent amount of experience with it. If you need any help or have any questions let me know, I don't mind helping. best of luck!
Jon Stewart- Yes I think Mark did send Don a pic. He also took a Bison with one of Dons heads as well as a nice doe with an obsidian head he got from someone else. Mike
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Here is the DEC NYS words on Flint, obsidian, heads. It's under FAQ. Subheading equipment.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8310.html
Thanks Converml! That definately answers the question.
You're welcome keep us updated. :archer: