Crossbows are increasing in popularity and quickly becoming a favorite weapon for hunters to use during deer season. Their lightweight design and ease of use allow hunters to dial in on their target and quickly fire. The surge in growth for crossbows has created uncertainty with some hunters though. While many people want to use a crossbow, it is always important to do so legally.
The laws and regulations around crossbows are not as well known as laws for firearms and traditional bows, and many have changed in recent years with the increase of crossbow use. While we’ve compiled some information on basic regulations, we are not legal experts. We hope to give you a good introduction to the laws surrounding our favorite pastime, but you should always check with the appropriate local authorities prior to buying or using a crossbow.
Are Crossbows Legal?
Crossbows are legal in the United States. In most states, they are authorized for use in the woods and on other hunting grounds for the purpose of pursuing and hunting approved animals. This was not always the case as many states used to prohibit crossbows and crossbow equipment for hunting purposes unless you had a disability that prevented you from using a compound bow or other archery equipment.
The laws in many states have changed over the last 10 years. Many state government agencies have removed old laws and passed new regulations that make it legal for residents to use crossbow equipment for hunting.
While a few states do still limit the usage of crossbow equipment for hunting to only those who have a documented disability, most states now allow access to all. Although some have restrictions on the size and draw weight of crossbow equipment, most crossbow regulations are focused around using the crossbow in specified hunting seasons.
Since the laws vary from state to state, it’s always best to check with local authorities on state regulations that apply to your location for crossbow hunting. Your state may require a crossbow license before you are able to venture out into the woods to hunt deer, turkey or, other animals with a crossbow. Alternatively, the state may have clothing or safety requirements for crossbow hunting, or they may restrict where and when you can hunt with a crossbow.
As a hunter, you are expected to be knowledgeable and comply with all the hunting regulations applicable to what, when, and how you are hunting. The best way to do this is to learn the regulations from a local legal expert with knowledge of crossbow hunting.
Do You Need a Permit to Own a Crossbow?
Owning a crossbow does not require a permit from the federal government or any particular state. Crossbows do not meet the definition of a firearm, so they are not regulated by federal or state law in terms of owning and purchasing a crossbow.
Permit requirements do exist in some states for anyone who wants to pursue hunting with crossbow equipment. Generally, this requires that you have a valid hunting license from the state where you will be hunting and apply for a special permit that allows using crossbow equipment for trapping, hunting, and the kill of game. For other states that do not have a crossbow permit, a general hunting license is all that is needed in order to go crossbow hunting.
Is a Crossbow Considered a Firearm?
According to the Department of Justice, a firearm is any weapon that expels a projectile by means of an explosion. Even if the projectile isn’t expelled, it can be considered a firearm if it is designed to launch a projectile in this manner or can be modified to do so.
Crossbows do not fit into this category as they do not use powder, gas or other means to launch the arrow or projectile. Instead the crossbow launches the arrow using a mechanical device, so it does not meet the requirements to be classified as a firearm.
While it is not considered a firearm, some states have regulated crossbow hunting similar to firearm hunting. This is due to the mechanics of a crossbow mimicking a firearm. For example, shooting the crossbow requires pulling the trigger similar to what you would do when shooting with a gun. States where crossbow hunting is considered to be similar to firearm hunting have typically restricted crossbow use to the same time as firearm seasons, and some even go as far as to limit it to only certain periods within this firearm season. For example, crossbow hunting may be prohibited during muzzleloading season or a youth firearms season if the state offers such a season.
States that don’t view the crossbow as similar to firearms typically offer crossbow hunting during archery seasons, when compound bows and other equipment are used to hunt animals. These states lump crossbow hunting and archery together since the crossbow is similar to the compound bow in that it uses a bow and launches an arrow at the animal. The big difference of course being that the crossbow has a mechanical design that launches with the pull of a trigger while a compound bow requires the strength of the hunter to launch and hit the target. For these states, crossbow hunting is generally allowed during open archery seasons.
While some states classify crossbows as firearms and others as archery equipment, there are also a handful of states that allow it to be used during open seasons for both. These states recognize that the crossbow is the combination of the two, and thus allow hunters to use during bow season as well as firearm season. Hunting with a crossbow in such states is a major advantage for hunters who want to get the most out of their season.
Can a Felon Own a Crossbow?
As previously mentioned, crossbows do not meet the federal definition of a firearm, so they are not regulated by the federal or state government. This means that there is no law restricting a felon from owning a crossbow as there is for ex-convicts and firearms. Felons should have the ability to walk into a sporting goods store or another retail location where crossbows are sold and make a purchase of a crossbow without any worry of getting into trouble as long they have no probationary restrictions banning their ability to do so.
After a felon’s sentence has been satisfied owning a crossbow is legal in most areas. However, this does not mean that a ex-con is able to use and fire the crossbow for hunting purposes in all states and areas in the United States. Each state sets the regulations for crossbow hunting, and many require that hunters have a state hunting license in order to use a crossbow. Requirements for getting a hunting license vary from state to state, and a felon may have difficulty obtaining a hunting license in their state. In this situation, it would be illegal to target animals and prey with crossbow equipment since they don’t have the required hunting license. As long as a felon is able to obtain a license for hunting, when required, they should have no issue owning or using a crossbow to hunt.
Can You Use a Crossbow During Bow Season?
Crossbows share similarities to archery equipment, such as compound bows. This has led some states to classify them with this type of equipment in their hunting regulations and seasons. For states that lump crossbow hunting in with archery, the open season to hunt with the crossbow often occurs at the same time as open archery season.
When archery season is in full swing and crossbows can be used, hunters can spend their time hunting deer, bears, squirrels, fox, elk and other animals allowed by their state.
Archery season can have some restrictions though that may prevent crossbow hunting. For example, a state may have an early archery season specific to bow hunting, or it may be designated for youth only as the early season increases the youth’s chance of catching something before the seasoned hunters start hunting. If the state has specific restrictions on archery or bow season, it’s important that crossbow hunters learn of these in advance.
As the laws vary from state to state, it is highly recommended that you talk to your state hunting enforcement agency to better understand the regulations for using crossbows in your state during your bow and archery season. They will not only be able to inform you of any restrictions for the season, but they can also help make sure you have any required licenses or permits necessary for your crossbow and the type of animal you are planning to hunt.
Can You Use a Crossbow for Home Defense?
While it may not be the best weapon of choice for defending your home, the judicial system does approve of you using a crossbow to protect yourself and others if you feel threatened. As with all cases of self-defense, it is important that you don’t simply fire the crossbow at the first sign of trouble. Only act when you feel immediate danger to your life as it may otherwise not be ruled as self-defense by police and prosecutors.
For more information on personal and home defense regulations and whether or not you can use a crossbow for home defense, it’s recommended that you speak with legal counsel knowledgeable of these laws in your area. They can get you up to speed on what you need to know and do in order to use a crossbow to protect yourself.
Is Crossbow Hunting in NY Legal?
Crossbow hunting in New York State (NYS) was previously illegal except for individuals with a physical disability that impeded their ability to hunt with a regular vertical bow. However recent changes have made it so that crossbows are legal during fall hunting season, which is great if you may want to use a crossbow during NYS deer season.
Crossbow deer hunting season in NY opens and closes in October. However, hunting regulations also make it acceptable to hunt deer in both the Southern and Northern NYS hunting zones during regular deer season, which lasts from October to December. The only exception to this zone location rule is that crossbows cannot be used for hunting in Westchester, Nassau, or Suffolk County.
In addition to NYS deer season, hunters can also use crossbows to hunt black bears. Crossbows are legal in the Northern and Southern zones during early bear season, muzzleloader season, and regular firearms season, which provides a window from September to December for hunting bears. Similar to deer season though, crossbows are restricted in Westchester county.
Crossbows can also be used to hunt other animals in the state. Wild turkeys, small game, or birds can be targeted during their respective open seasons by crossbow hunters. Turkey hunting in New York does require a turkey permit. Unprotected wildlife, such as red squirrels or woodchucks, can be hunted at any time with a crossbow. However, crossbows cannot be used to hunt or capture waterfowl, migratory game birds, or fish. They are also prohibited when hunting small game with a dog in the Northern zone.
Hunting with a crossbow requires that you are at least 14 years of age or older. You must have taken and passed a standard hunter education course offered by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) or an equivalent course from an approved provider. You will want to purchase a valid hunting license issued by the state in advance. You will need a muzzleloading privilege as well if hunting during the early portion of bow season in NY.
The full extent of NYS DEC hunting laws and regulations can be obtained through the DEC website or by speaking with a DEC official. As a hunter in NYS, it’s your responsibility to ensure that you are fully aware of all the laws and NYS hunting regulations that apply to crossbow hunting in NY before hunting season begins.
What are the Michigan Crossbow Laws?
Crossbow hunting is allowed in Michigan and can be used to shoot and skill big or small game, including deer, bears, turkey, foxes, bobcats, and coyotes. Crossbows can be used across the state during Michigan bow seasons and firearm seasons except in the upper peninsula. In the upper peninsula, using a crossbow is illegal during late archery and bow season. It is also prohibited during muzzleloading season.
Archery season for deer hunting in Michigan begins in October and runs until January. There is a brief pause in archery season when regular firearm season runs for two weeks in November. During both these seasons, hunters in Michigan can use their crossbow in all areas except for the upper peninsula. The hunters cannot legally use a crossbow in this area beginning in December, which is when muzzleloading and late archery season begins.
When using a crossbow in Michigan to hunt deer, turkey, bears, or elk, hunters must use arrows, quarrels, and bolts that are 14 inches or longer in length, and the broadhead point must be nearly an inch in width. When not in use, crossbows should be unstrung or in an enclosed case for transport to and from the hunting spot by automotive or off-road vehicle.
Hunters in Michigan using a crossbow are required to wear clothing and apparel that is hunter orange. This is a mandatory requirement when hunting deer during regular firearm deer season as it helps to protect and keep crossbow hunters safe and not mistaken as wildlife by firearm hunters. In addition, the color also has to be worn when hunting small game at any time with a crossbow in Michigan.
The age requirement for a person to shoot a crossbow during hunting activities in Michigan is 10 years of age and up. Children 9 and under can use a crossbow to hunt if they are licensed through the Michigan Youth Hunting Program.
What are the Crossbow Laws in Illinois?
Illinois hunting regulations previously limited crossbow use to the elderly and disabled. However, the laws were updated in 2017 to allow all hunters to pursue animals using crossbows. The crossbow was designated as a legal archery device, which allows it to be used during the Illinois archery season for deer, turkey, and other animals.
Beginning the second Monday after Thanksgiving through the end of the archery season, hunters with a valid archery license have the ability to shoot and kill deer with a crossbow legally. Illinois squirrel hunting occurs in the fall as well, and crossbow equipment is legally allowed to be used for squirrel hunting in the state of Illinois if hunters have a valid archery license.
The state does have regulations on the type of crossbow equipment that can be used during crossbow hunting in Illinois. For example, the weight of the crossbow when drawn must fall between 125 and 200 pounds.
The length of the crossbow is required to be 24 inches while the long part of the arrow shaft is at least 14 inches. Expandable broadheads are legally approved to be used in Illinois bow season, and broadheads cannot be less than 7/8 an inch in diameter.
What are the Crossbow Laws in Other States?
Crossbow hunting laws and regulations in other states vary. California allows crossbows to be used during any season open for firearm hunting, while Kansas law only allows for crossbow equipment to be fired and used for hunting during the deer bow season in January.
The state of Florida allows crossbow hunting during archery season for deer if hunters have the necessary permits for both a crossbow and deer. In addition to hunting deer with crossbows, hunters can also hunt feral hogs with them. These can be hunted year-round on private property with crossbows if the hunter has permission from the land owner.
Florida crossbow regulations also regulate certain aspects of the equipment. Broadheads have to have at least 2 sharp edges and have a minimum width of 7/8 inch. All crossbows have to have a mechanical safety, and the state requires that hunters use only crossbows manufactured after 1980. When in transport in vehicles, a crossbow must be unstrung, and hunters must wear hunter orange to protect themselves from hunting accidents when out in the wood pursuing animals as part of a hunt.
Alabama legal requirements for crossbow hunting are similar to Florida. They can be used for deer hunting, and broadheads must be 7/8 inch in diameter. Equipment requirements have more specifications in Alabama though. For example, the crossbow must have a minimum draw weight of 100 pounds, and any arrows shot from the crossbow during hunting must be a minimum length of 14 inches.
Crossbow hunting in Alabama does requires hunters to have a valid hunting license from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. New hunting licenses are only granted after the crossbow hunter has completed an approved hunter education course. Crossbow hunting is only allowed during daylight hours unless the hunter is using crossbows for opossum and raccoons. Shooting a crossbow cannot occur within 100 yards of a residence unless permission from the property owner has been granted in advance. Finally, any area where an Alabama hunter has left bait to lure animals is off limits to crossbow hunters for 10 days from when the bait was set.
Texas is similar to Alabama in that it shares some of the same regulations for crossbow equipment. Broadhead requirements are identical with two sharpened edges and a diameter of 7/8 inch, and crossbows in Texas have to be equipped with a mechanical safety. The minimum draw weight in Texas is slightly higher than Alabama at 125 pounds.
Crossbows can be used in Texas for hunting. Hunters can use crossbows when the general hunting season is open as well as during archery only season and the eastern spring turkey season. However, crossbows are prohibited during archery only season in a few counties around Dallas.
Regulations for crossbow hunting in other states vary from one extreme to another. Massachusetts and Hawaii are two examples of states were crossbow hunting is not permitted if you have not gotten written proof from a doctor that you have a permanent disability that prevents you being able to use a compound bow or other archery equipment.
For some states, such as North Carolina and Pennsylvania, crossbows are classified as archery equipment and can be fired during open archery seasons. Other states, including Colorado and Montana, view crossbows as firearms and only allow them to be used during open firearm hunting seasons.
Most states require that hunters have a valid hunting license in the state where they plan to go hunting with the use of crossbow equipment. Some require a special crossbow permit or that hunters complete a hunter safety course prior to the license or permit being issued. Wearing hunter orange is a regulation shared by many states across the U.S. for crossbow hunting.
If you are interested in hunting animals with one of the more popular pieces of hunting equipment, a crossbow, learn the specific laws and regulations that apply to your state.
The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be deemed as official legal advice. A great place to acquire the knowledge you need to become a crossbow hunter in your state is by contacting your state department of wildlife or natural resources. As they are charged with regulating hunting activities within the state, they can provide complete details regarding the laws applicable to crossbow hunting and answer any questions you might have.