What does New York State law say about spotlighting fields? It is that time of the year here in New York State when the farmers are clearing fields, or will be soon and there are more and more deer wandering around to find some food. New York State is pretty clear on what the laws are when it comes to using a spotlight. While in or on a motor vehicle and operating a light and no person has a firearm or bow unless:the firearm is taken down or the bow is unstrung, orthe firearm is securely fastened in a case, orthe firearm is locked in the trunk of the vehicle, orthe firearm is a handgun. In fact, New York State has a new program for hunters that allows them to get additional doe tags in an effort to talked more "antlerless deer" this coming hunting season.