NY says it's legal to possess a switchblade while hunting, fishing, or trapping as long as you're in possession of a hunting, fishing, or trapping license. However, it's illegal to even possess it any other time, so you just always have to be on your way to hunting, fishing, or trapping.
NYS Penal Law
265.01 Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree
Class A Misdemeanor
A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree when:
(1) He possesses any ... switchblade knife
265.20 Exemptions
a. Sections 265.01, ... 265.10, ... 265.15, ... shall not apply to:
6. Possession of a switchblade or gravity knife for use while hunting, trapping or fishing by a person carrying a valid license issued to him pursuant to section 11-0713 of the environmental conservation law.