Pete A, You can hunt porcupines, their unprotected. In NY, as long as your not shooting anything out of season, I don't think you would have a problem. I have state land all around my place and guys shoot their guns at targets all the time. If thats ok then why wouldn't target shooting with a bow be ok.Even if that target is a stump or dirt mound ect.The law is there to protect the game,not to deny your access and recreational use of the land. You can hunt unprotected wildlife at any time. You are required to have a small game licence however. Sorry about the speel, just thought you should know.