What is the Crossbow Law?
That’s a question hunters are asking, as laws change. Most states provide permits to those with physical limitations to hunt during archery or firearm seasons. Oregon is the only state in which crossbows are entirely outlawed. For able-bodied hunters, states are adopting one of three general approaches to the issue, with slight variations. Here is an overview of these laws. Differing laws have certainly led to some interesting discussions, and probably a heated argument or two!
The most open states allow crossbows for use during archery and firearm season, though some of them restrict their use to certain less-populated zones, or to hunters of a certain age. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana (late archery season only), Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan (50+), Mississippi (65+), New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma (60+), Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas (except Grayson County), Virginia, and Wyoming.
Use of a crossbow by any hunter is allowed in mixed bow/firearm or firearm-only areas in: Alaska, Arizona, California (gun season only), Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, and Nevada.
States following a more traditional approach by allowing crossbow use only by hunters with physical limitations include: Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Some states have established minimum specifications for the crossbows that may be used. Draw weight must be, typically, at least 75 lbs. Unloaded width must exceed 20-22 inches in these states, with arrows 10.5 inches or longer.
Due to the changing nature of crossbow laws, it is a good idea to check each year to make sure your use of a crossbow complies. For complete laws where you intend to hunt, visit the state’s Department of Natural Resources site.
Add Your Opinion to This Page
If you would like to provide additional info for this What is the Crossbow Law?, please go to our Content Submission page and allow us a few days to moderate and possibly approve your content.
