Crossbow Regulations By State

Crossbow Regulations in Alabama

During the deer season, it is legal to hunt with a crossbow in Alabama. However, you have to obtain a license to do so. You can inquire about the license by contacting 888-848-6887. It has also become legal since July 2010 to use a magnified scope on your hunting crossbow.

You must complete a hunter education course if you’re born after August 1st, 1997, or you will not be given a hunting permit. Here are few other things you need to know:

Crossbow Regulations in Alaska

Crossbow Regulations in Arizona

It is legal to take crossbow during the general hunting season in Arizona – for small game, big game, and snakes. Here are the minimum requirements for hunting the big game:

Crossbows can be used to take animals like antelope, elk, deer, buffalo, and beat. You can also use your crossbow to hunt javelina, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, tree squirrels, cottontail rabbits, migratory game bird, and upland game birds. However, you are not allowed to hunt Bison. Please call the Arizona Fish and Game Department on (602) 942 3000 if you’re doubting or not so sure about any species.

If you’re a disabled hunter, you can always get a crossbow permit which will allow you hunt certain games during the archery season only. However, you have to be certified to have one physical limitation or the other by a healthcare provider.

You will also need a general permit for hunting and a resident fee if $37. You can’t obtain a general license for hunting if you’re a non-resident, you can only get a combination of Fish and Hunt license. It cost $160.

Crossbow Regulations in Arkansas

You are not allowed to use poison on the tip of your arrow when hunting with a crossbow in Arkansas. You are also restricted from hunting elk using a crossbow. It is also unlawful to use any form of scope and sight magnifier.

You are allowed to hunt any kind of feral hogs that you can find on wildlife management areas in Arkansas with the use of a crossbow. Regardless of the fact that Arkansas gives you an excellent opportunity to hunt, you must adhere to all regulations and laws. Your hunting weapon has to be compliance with the current specified season; these are daylight hours and open hunting.

As a hunter, you are to decide whether to take for processing or leave the hog where you took it down. You are required to have a hunting permit to hunt feral hogs during special permit, and you’re not allowed to use baits, traps, or dogs during this type of hunt.

Here are the requirements:

Crossbow Hunting Regulations in California

Hunting with a crossbow during all gun season is legal. Although In California, a crossbow is not viewed as an archery weapon, however; it can be used during archery season as an archery weapon by people who have any disease or disability that makes it difficult for them to draw and hold on to the draw on a usual vertical crossbow. To obtain the crossbow permit for disabled, you have to possess the California FGC and have it with you anytime you’re hunting. It must contain the following:

Crossbow hunters in California should take note that their broadheads must be 7 to 8 inches in diameter. This also applies for expandable broadheads, in their case, you should take note of the cutting edge diameter while the blades are opened. Note, you should not carry around your arrow in the flight rail whenever you’re transporting it in any kind of motorized vehicle.

Crossbow Regulations in Colorado

It is legal to hunt big game using crossbows during the general firearm season in Colorado. You can as well hunt fowl as small games with them. During the archery season, only the handicaps are allowed to use a crossbow. As a crossbow hunter, you have to always carry your permit or license with you.

Crossbow Regulations in Connecticut

As at the moment of writing this content, it is illegal to hunt with a crossbow in Connecticut, unless you possess a disability license or permit. However, a notice has been issued that may change the situation, thereby letting people use their crossbow during the Deer season hunting in January in specific locations – note that this is not yet certain and there is no known date. The intent notice also states that people should no longer undergo any form of interview whenever they want to acquire a disability hunting license or permit.

The following applies for disabled hunting permit:

• You have to prove that you indeed suffer from a disease or permanent disability that makes it impossible for you to use vertical bows.
• Applicants must go through and complete the firearm safety/conservation education bowhunting course or a similar one in Connecticut, and you have to show proof of completion
• You are required to provide an application as well as a form of a statement from any licensed physician which certifies that applicant is permanently disabled.
• Your application will be processed within two weeks. You will also be contacted if any information is missing.

Furthermore, there are additional requirements you need to meet; this includes the minimum draw weight of your crossbow. You should also take note that your license must be with you every time you’re hunting; it should never be left in your home. You can reach the wildlife division of Connecticut on (860) 424 3011 If you need more information.

Crossbow Regulations in Delaware

Using scopes for crossbow hunting is legal. Disabled hunter with license and legal permit are allowed to use crossbows during the archery season. Monday through Saturdays in November and all through December and January, you can use a crossbow in place of a gun. Hunter can use a crossbow during muzzleloader, handgun, and shotgun season; if they possess at least 400 square inches hunter orange material required which you should display at your chest, back, and head.

Wide regulations for Delaware state says:

You are not allowed to take down any deer without having both the hunter’s choice deer tag and quality buck deer tag required. If you’re not allowed to purchase a hunting license, you will be given a hunter’s choice deer for free.

Crossbow Regulations in Georgia

You can now legally hunt game species with crossbows during all hunting seasons in Georgia. During primitive firearms, weapons, and archery hunting season, you can legally use them to hunt deer. Turkey should be hunted with a crossbow during turkey season and bear during bear season. You can also hunt small games legally during its season.

All hunters are permitted to use a crossbow for hunting, and it is being classified as part of the deer season of the state archery. It is also allowed in the context of all gun and general seasons. As a crossbow hunter, you need to acquire a primitive weapon license.

All residents and non-residents born on or after the 1st of January, 1961 wishing to obtain a hunting license or permit in Georgia must complete any hunter education course before you’re given a permit. The course required can be any state wildlife course including that of Canada.

The following may not apply if you’re going for a GORP plus three days fishing and hunting or license for apprentice hunting. However, if you’re hunting on your relative’s land or that which is yours, you won’t be needing the hunter’s education course.

Crossbow Regulations in Florida

In 2011, the Florida Wildlife and Fish Conservation Commission put in place a law that prolonged the zonal crossbow season by one month. This provides an extra month for all hunters with deer permits and crossbow license. Any gender of deer can be taken down by hunters.

Points to note:

Crossbow Regulations in Idaho

In Idaho hunting with a Crossbow is legal, during any weapons season once you are with an hunting license and legal hunting tag. Only hunters with archery permit, hunting license, and disabled hunter with a tag are allowed to use crossbows during archery season. you are required to buy a tag for each big game animal harvested with Crossbow, however, these tags are limited per hunter
While Small game crossbow harvesting has a restriction of bag limit and possession.
The use of Mechanical broadheads is illegal in the state of Idaho. Any bow with the capacity of shooting more than one arrow at once is also prohibited.
Bolts and/or arrows must not be less than 0.875 inches wide and must possess a primary cutting edge of at least 0.015 of an inch thick.
bolt or arrow must precede nock and shaft.
The use of explosives and chemicals in conjunction with bolts or arrows are prohibited.
A Bolt or arrow and broadhead must not be more than 300 grains in weight or more.

Crossbow Regulations in Kentucky

In Kentucky all hunters are legally permitted to use crossbows for hunting but only on a particular season called Crossbow season, It is also legally permitted to use crossbows during the firearms season; however, there are rules, regulations, and guidelines they must follow for all zones, like restriction and requirement for hunting which comply with the firearms season. Once again the use of Crossbows are also legally permitted for all hunters during the muzzleloader, and in some cases, for rifle seasons. Crossbows are legit to use during archery season. A disabled hunter with a hunting license may legally hunt with crossbows or probably harvest deer during a bow only deer season.
The above-mentioned dates are likely to change frequently, but most particularly annually. Kindly always check the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Department for the accurate dates before attempting to go on a hunt date with crossbows.
Currently in Kentucky, There is no legal draw weight for crossbows; however, your crossbow must possess a functional safety.
Mechanical Broadheads are permitted in Kentucky.
Broadheads must least be 7/8 inch wide with extended blades.
It is prohibited for broadheads to be barbed.
The following are also legal in Kentucky: Carbon, metal, and wood arrows/bolts
broadheads equipped with explosives are prohibited, nor broadheads which have been treated with chemically are allowed.
Kentucky has harvest restrictions and bag limits for all hunters. A hunter must not take more than one deer with antlers on a private land, this is exclusive to button bucks.
The governing agency of each individual area is to determine if a bonus antlers deer can be harvested from certain public hunting places/areas.

Crossbow Hunting Regulations in Illinois

In 2017 a legislation was signed by Governor Pat Quinn legalizing the use of a crossbow for everybody in Illinois not alone for the disabled during archery deer season and fall archery wild turkey season as well.
Rules and regulations in Illinois are a little confusing, so we’ll try to bring it for you:
For the disabled, either permanently disabled or temporary: crossbow hunting is 100% legal during the archery season. But a unique certificate of disability is required, and they also need to contact the DNR Office of Law Enforcement at 217-782-6431. To apply for an exemption.
Residents age 62 and above: are legally permitted to hunting with a crossbow during archery season in Illinois, with no special permits necessary. However, a valid ID is needed with a current picture and date of birth every time when going for hunting; failure to provide an ID while hunting will result in a fine if you are actually 62years of age or older.
While everybody can legally hunt deer in Illinois as long as you possess a hunting license and you own a crossbow, deer hunting in Illinois can commence legally from the first Monday after the second deer firearm season in the state.
The following is also worth noting:
Note: a hunter is only allowed to harvest a maximum of 2 deer in a year, no matter the number or types of permit/license you own.
In Illinois, the minimum draw weight of a crossbow is 125 lbs, while the maximum is 200 lbs.
hunting with your crossbow is legal, however carrying of any firearms with you on a hunt, even if not intended for use is highly prohibited.
Hunting migratory game birds using a crossbow is also prohibited.
Your crossbow minimum length from the stock butt, and to the back of one of the must not be lower than 24″
The arrow shaft plus nock length must not be lower than 14″. (Length of the head is not included.)
The use of expandable broadheads is also legal.
While any broadheads intended for hunting must have a cutting diameter of 7/8″ or more.
Using electronic tracking devices or a deer calling systems is strictly forbidden

Crossbow Hunting Regulations in New Hampshire

The use of Crossbows for harvesting deer is a currently legal in New Hampshire during deer firearms season, hunters with disabilities are also permitted to use them once they have an appropriate disability license(lifetime, costs $10). A crossbow hunting license can only be obtained by a hunter who as successfully completes a hunter education course.
A crossbow is prohibited for use during archery season in New Hampshire unless you have a disability permit; in such scenario, the disabled hunter can only be allowed to use a crossbow, and will not be permitted to hunt with a longbow or a recurve bow. NOTE: that you can only hunt deer when you possess a deer crossbow permit, which costs around $5.
your crossbow needs the following to qualify for hunting in New Hampshire:
draw weight of a minimum 125 pounds
posses a stock of minimum 25″ length

Crossbow Hunting Regulations in Maine

A crossbow use for hunting in Maine is based on two seasons:
The bear hunting season
The open firearm deer season
In other to lawfully hunt with a crossbow in Maine, you must be sixteen years of age and above.
The requirements are as follows:
You must legally obtain a hunting permit or big game hunting license
You must have Completed an archery hunting education class, while crossbow hunting course should not be excluded.
Once you’ve met the above criteria, then you are eligible to apply for a crossbow hunting permit. People with disabilities are allowed to for a special license that enables to use a crossbow for hunting even during an archery season.
Youths and kids aged 10 to 16 are allowed to a junior hunting permit, nor did they need to apply for an additional crossbow hunting permit. If you want to know more about the requirement and available courses and also license available in Maine, kindly visit www.maine.gov.
Using a scope or sight with a crossbow for hunting purpose in Maine is 100% legal.
The use of crossbows for hunting purposes in Maine requires you to wear a Hunter Orange always. Additionally, anyone who is above the age 70 years is allowed to use a crossbow to hunt any wild animal and wild bird. The same goes for people with a special disability crossbow license or permit.
Prohibitions in Maine
Pistol-type crossbows are strictly prohibited for any hunting purposes in Maine.
Minimum weight required for a hunting crossbow is 100 lbs.
While the maximum weight should not be more than 200 lbs.
The minimum cutting diameter of the broad-head must be 7/8″. opened expandable broad-heads inclusive.
Lastly, arrows should not be lased with any of the following: chemicals, poison, nor can any explosives be allowed to attach to them.

Crossbow Regulations in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the Wildlife Commission is allowed to set a special deer hunting seasons. There is mainly the bow and arrow hunting season and also there are the crossbow hunting seasons. In Louisiana Crossbows is generally known as an archery equipment, therefore can be legally used in hunting seasons, migratory waterfowl are the only exception in Louisiana.
NOTE: that They only legal during the archery season and on Louisiana Wildlife Management Areas. However an archery permit is needed, and the hunter must be a resident, who is over the age of 16 to 59 while nonresident permit holder must be at least 16 years of age.
Deer of both genders can be harvested legally during archery season, however, it only prohibited if bucks only season is in progress.
Once again both gender of deer can be harvested in all areas open for deer hunting, excluding during bucks only for gun hunting is on; however, all hunters go inline with any bucks only regulation set down. Again Crossbows are legit for all hunters with any type or kind of hunting permit during the archery deer season. All permits must include Big Game, Basic, and Bow in order to hunt with crossbows during the archery season.
Bows and arrow fishermen are also allowed as long as they possess a legal sports fishing license. However, they may not legally carry broadheads featuring points unless it’s within a big game season.
Therefore Mechanical broadheads are100% legal in Louisiana.

Crossbow Hunting in Kansas

The use of crossbows for hunting in Kansas has been generally approved by the Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission in Kansas, as of March 2013. However, restrictions on Cerin still apply; in Kansas, crossbow hunting is only permitted during the January deer archery season. A few years back crossbow hunting was only permitted in few locations in Kansas and only permitted to the following:
If You had a disability permit
If You were 15 years or younger
If You were 55 years or older
The use of mechanical devices assigned to control flight trajectory which is been attached to an arrow when hunting is strictly prohibited in Kansas, also the use of chemicals on arrows to disable or hunt a game is not allowed. And Finally, you cannot use a field point to hunt but can be carried along with you, the only legal way is the use broadheads.

Crossbow Regulations in Iowa

In lowa crossbow hunting permit can be obtained by a disabled hunter for turkey or deer harvest. Note that permanently disabled people will only submit an application once, while the temporary disabled will have to submit an application for a temporary hunting permit, which is only valid for 4 months from the date at which it was issued. This permit can always be renewed if applicable at the time.
The Administrative Code of Iowa is 571-15 (PDF) it defines the word, disabled person, as someone who is physically handicapped at upper extremities, which in return makes it impossible for such person to shoot a bow or arrow. These also include people who have difficulties in reaching or lifting with arms, also fingering and handling as well.
Residents of lowa age 70 and above are permitted to get a statewide permit for harvesting antlerless deer.
The crossbow can be identified as a weapon that consists of a bow transversely mounted on a frame or stock, which is designed to shoot an arrow, quarrel, or bolt by simply releasing the string. The trigger is always mechanical or electronic and it always possesses a functional safety.

It is prohibited to harvest deer or turkey using a crossbow, designed to be fired with a pistol grip or with one hand.
projectiles used with crossbows must be equipped with broadheads which are designed with at least 3 blades in order to harvest deer in lowa.
Chemicals and explosives have been used with broadheads or arrow are strictly prohibited.
Currently, there is no minimum diameter for broadheads or draw weights for bows.

Crossbow Hunting Regulations in Indiana

Crossbow hunting is a legal thing in Indiana, once it’s during the time of Archery season. There is a particular crossbow license that must be obtained in order to take part in this hunting, eliminating people of age 13 and below, who are there to hunt with their parent or guardian who also as a crossbow hunting license issued in Indiana.
Applying for a license is not that complicated, all you need to do is complete DNR’s hunter education classes; if you ever need more information on this classes or license requirement kindly call (812)__________.
The legal time for deer hunting is between 30min before sunrise and 30min after.
Using laser sights is also known to be allowed on a crossbow in Indiana.
If ever you are hunting during the firearm season, then it’s mandatory to always wear your hunter orange.
One of the thing that is prohibited is the use of electronic deer-call devices or infrared sensors to help locate a deer while hunting.
In Indiana, a deer is only considered antlered if it as at least one antler that is no less than 3″ long.
As the same in most states, using a bait of any form of salt or mineral blocks or food as a bait is strictly prohibited.
The use of a tracking dog is not allowed, it can only be used when tracking and already shot., It can’t be used to track an un-shot one.
A particular species called Flying squirrel cannot be hunted, even during the squirrel hunting season, why, because they are a protected species in Indiana.

Crossbow Regulations in Missouri

Hunting with crossbows in Missouri is a legal method for all hunters, regardless of age or disability, during fall firearms turkey season and also during the archery deer and turkey seasons.
Firing a crossbow from a highway, street, playground, sidewalks, recreation centers or park in Missouri is strictly prohibited. Firing a crossbow or an archery device intentionally in any direction to a person, people, school, vehicle or a dwelling place is also prohibited.
The use of Mechanical broadheads in Missouri is allowed.
The only hour’s Crossbow shooting is allowed in Missouri are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
According to the state code of Missouri Wildlife, a disabled hunter can legally use a crossbow during any firearms hunting season. it is also illegal to use crossbows during muzzleloader deer and also during turkey seasons. However, every Hunter posses a complete hunter education course and be certified in order to be granted a disabled hunting license. Some exemptions may include developmental disabilities, age, and apprentice hunter authorization.
Extremely disabled people who are unable to use a firearm or traditional bows are legally permitted to hunt with crossbows during turkey or archery seasons. But this can only happen when they have successfully received a medical exemption for the use of a crossbow. Hunters must have a licensed physician’s Statement of Eligibility and must also possess a Missouri Department of Conservation Hunting Method Exemption. This form is obtained from the MDC office, it also available at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s official website

Crossbow Regulations in Maryland

The harvest of woodchucks, nutria, all game fowl with the use of crossbow is legit in Maryland; all game mammals included, excluding waterfowl, weasels, beavers, muskrats, minks, and river otters.

The use of attached laser or telescopic sights with a crossbow is also legal.

The use of crossbows in the harvest of bear or deer is only legal if the draw is at least 75 pounds and not less.

NOTE: every hunting crossbow must possess a functional safety.

A crossbow must not be cocked when not in use. However it can be cocked only if an arrow/bolt is not in the firing point.

Harvesting a bear or deer, all arrows must possess a sharpened broadheads with blade points and should be at least 7/8 inch.

The use of Crossbows for harvesting deer is legal during muzzleloader and deer firearms season. However, every hunter must follow the rule and regulation guiding muzzleloader and firearms season.

The use of arrows chemically laced or the use of explosive attachment is strictly prohibited.

Every hunter must possess a valid hunting license and a bow stamp in order to legally hunt deer within the bow season.

Once you own a Senior Lifetime Consolidated Hunter License, possession of bow stamp is not required.

Crossbow Regulations in Nebraska

The use crossbow in Nebraska is currently legit as long as the crossbow draw weight is not less than 125 pound; it is also legally used for the harvest of big game like antelope, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and lastly turkey. The Arrows used must possess a sharpened broadhead with a blade of 7/16 of an inch and also a cutting radius from the center of its shaft.

The use of arrows that laced with chemicals, poison or explosives is prohibited in Nebraska.

It strictly prohibited to use any electronic device which amplifies natural light. This includes the use of laser sights, infrared scopes, night vision etc. however Variable power and magnifying scopes are allowed.

The use of any artificial light or spotlight projected from a vehicle is strictly prohibited while you have a crossbow on you in person.

Every hunter from the age 12 to 29 is required to take a Bowhunter education before attempting to use a crossbow for hunting big game. However, a Proof of certification must be with you always while hunting.

Every Crossbow deer hunters must possess a 400 square inches hunter orange on the back, on head, chest inclusive while archery hunting during the November firearm deer season, or 1^st to 15^th of January antlerless deer season.

Crossbow Hunting Regulations in Massachusetts

Right from July 2013, the use of crossbows for hunting in Massachusetts is only legal to a permanently disabled person, who is extremely disabled that he or she cannot make use of a regular vertical bow. However, a genuine certificate of disability from a licensed physician is required; once it provided to the wildlife department a once that is s crossbow hunting permit will be issued to him or her.

The few things to know:

Crossbow Regulations in Nevada

Every person born on 1^st of January, 1960 and above can legally go for hunting in Nevada as long as he/she as a hunting license which is obtained from the NRS 502.340 after the completion of the responsibilities of hunters’ instruction. Certificate or license of hunting from other states, such as Canada province or foreign contrary is also acceptable. However license obtain in a former year is also acceptable.

The use of a crossbow for hunting in Nevada is only legal during any legal weapon season or for the harvesting big game. However the use of a crossbow for hunting during archery only or muzzleloader only season is illegal in Nevada.

Every crossbow for hunting in Nevada must possess a least 125-pound draw weight.

It must also possess at least a 14-inch draw length when checking from the front of the weapon to nocking point.

It must have an 18-inch stock and a functional and possess a positive mechanical safety.

Bolts or arrows must have an attached broadhead and be 16 inches long.

Attached broadheads must not be less than 7/8 of an inch, at its widest point when in the open position.

The use of sights powered or illuminated by batteries in the sight, or tritium, light gathering fiber optics, and fluorescent or iridescent paint are allowed.

The use of sights that is capable of casting a beam or projecting light onto the game animal while hunting is prohibited.

The use of arrows that are chemically treated or attached with an electronic devices or explosives is strictly prohibited.

It is also illegal to load or cocked a crossbow down while it is not yet in use, either in a vehicle moving or standing still in Nevada.

Crossbow Regulations in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, crossbow hunting doesn’t fall under the law of disabled hunters permit anymore. All hunters can legally harvest games with their crossbows in bear season, archery deer season, and the archery only season. This requires a general hunting permit and an archery stamp, along with the appropriate licenses, such as antlerless deer and/or bear license. This also includes early, late, and two-day archery bear seasons. The only exception is that all hunters aren’t required to but an archery stamp for hunting in the archery bear season.
Archery hunters may legally use a crossbow in the overlapping of muzzleloader and flint seasons. They’re still required to obtain an archery permit and also follow all the provisions of the archery season.
Hunters have been allowed over the years to use crossbows during the spring gobbler; elk; forearms bear; fall turkey; and two weeks of a firearms deer season. No changes have been made to the regulations.
The draw weight of Crossbows must be at least 125 pounds. There is currently no maximum weight in Pennsylvania.
The bolts must be equipped with broadheads that have no less than two cutting edges on the same plane all through the entire cutting surface’s length. The width should be at least 7/8 of an inch.
The length should be at most 3 inches when it is measured from the broadhead tip to the point that fits on the bolt.
In Pennsylvania, a draw-lock device for bows is now legal.

Crossbow Regulations in North Oklahoma

Crossbows alongside draw-lock devices can be legally used as a hunting method in Oklahoma by all hunters during the archery season. This implies that the device allows the hunters hold bows mechanically in the full or partial draw, and is lawful during all open seasons where conventional archery is permitted legally.
Legal residents of Oklahoma who are about 16 to 17 years of age are qualified to possess any youth permit.
Archery hunters are to wear hunter orange above their waistline or a head cover of the daylight hunter orange when they are harvesting elk, deer, antelope, or bear during muzzleloader or bear season. It is as well legal to wear camouflage hunter orange.
In Oklahoma, using mechanical broadheads is lawful.
Collecting any kind of game with broadheads that have been equipped with explosives device and/or have been treated chemically is not legal.
Arrows and/or bolts should have a hunting type point whose width is at least 7/8 of an inch. This should also include mechanical broadheads especially when in an open position.

Crossbow Regulations in North Dakota

In North Dakota, it is legal for hunters carrying permit to use crowbows in firearm season only. Hunters born after December 31st, 1961 are required to complete a state or provincial hunter education course successfully to be able to get a hunting permit in the state of North Dakota. The only probable exception to this regulation can be if people are hunting on land that they won legally.
Hunters who attempt harvesting large game (this includes crossbow hunters) are all required to wear the hunter orange. Their display must be daylight, solid, fluorescent orange and must be at least 400 inches total.
The crossbows should have a draw weight of not more than 75 pounds that should not exceed 200 pounds.
The length of the stock of all crossbows should be at least 14 inches.
The length of the bolts should be at least 14 inches.
In North Dakota, mechanical broadhead is legal, and when it is in open position, the least size should be 7/8 of an inch. It can be used to harvest wild boar, wild turkey, bear, or deer. Blunt arrowheads allowed and are used to harvest small game and birds such as quail, grouse, rabbits, squirrels, and/or pheasants.
Explosive equipped or chemically treated broadheads are illegal.
All crossbows should be equipped with functional, mechanical safety.
Using an extension scope of any type is illegal in the muzzleloader season.

Crossbow Regulations in North Carolina

On August 1,201, crossbows became legal for hunting in any season that allows usage of arrows and bow in North Carolina. With regard to deer, using crossbows is permissible during any muzzleloader, gun, or open archery season. Crossbows can be used for harvesting any other game birds, game animal, and/or non-game animal that has a season.
Taking migratory game birds with crossbows on Sundays is illegal.
Regardless of impediment, any properly licensed or non-licensed hunter in North Carolina is authorized to use a crossbow.
The draw weight of crossbows should be at least 100 pounds.
Bolts should have fixed broadheads with at least 7/8 of an inch width. The width of mechanically open broadheads should be at least 7/8 of an inch when in an open position. These can be used to harvest wild boar, wild turkey, bear, and/or deer.
Blunt styled bolts can be used for harvesting small animals and birds such as quail, pheasants, grouse, rabbits, and squirrels.
It is illegal to use bolts that are poisoned, barbed, equipped with explosives, or drugged for harvesting any kind of game.
In North Carolina, it is no longer compulsory to obtain a gun permit for buying a crossbow.

Crossbow Regulations in New Mexico

It is legal to use crossbows for harvesting turkey, bighorn sheep, Persian ibex, oryx, Barbary sheep, pronghorn, javelina, deer, elk, cougar, and bear in New Mexico. Crossbows can be legally used in muzzleloader or other legal arm seasons unless they’ve been restricted otherwise.
Certified disabled hunters carrying permit can lawfully use crossbows for all hunts.
Hunters below the age of 18 years are required to complete a hunter education course successfully before obtaining or buying a firearm hunting license or/and hunting. Completing a bowhunter education course is not necessary; however, it is highly recommended.
Equipping crossbows with sights that magnify targets or project light is illegal for every hunter, even when used by hunters who are disabled for archery seasons.
Currently, in New Mexico, there are requirements for draw weights.
Bolts should have broadheads, fixes or mechanical, with cutting edges made of steel.
Using bolts that are treated with chemical or equipped with explosives is illegal.
It is necessary for all harvesting to be reported for turkey, antelope, pronghorn, javelin, oryx, elk, ibex, sheep, and deer. This can be completed via the internet or on the telephone.

Crossbow Regulations in New Jersey

The New Jersey Fish and Game Council removed the ban on all draw locking and draw holding devices and added crossbows in its definition in 2012.This gave room for the legal use of crossbows in any arrows and bow season including all other kinds of hunting seasons for every species that allow the use of arrow and bow.
Those who haven’t bought a New Jersey arrow and bow hunting license since the electronic licensing system implementation or have never bought one are required to present a certificate upon completion of a hunter’s education archery program in order to obtain an arrow and bow hunting permit. Also, a non-resident NJ arrow and bow license or a resident arrow and now license from any other state is sufficient.
The crossbows should have a draw weight of at least 75 pounds.
The crossbows should have a stock which is at least 25 inches.
For bow fishing, crossbows are not legal to use. Refer to the Freshwater Fish Code for more information on this area.
Broadheads should be made of sharpened metal, and the width should be at least 3/4 of an inch in order to harvest woodchuck, coyote, deer, or turkey. Arrows that are fitted with heads that are different from the ones specified above can be transported in the woods and/or fields legally during seasons that overlap the arrow and bow season or during small game seasons. This doesn’t apply to the taking of game birds in flight. Only judo points blunts, and target points are allowed for game birds in flight. Canadian geese and turkeys that are not in flight can be harvested using standard fletched edged heads and arrows.

Crossbow Hunting Regulations in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, crossbows can legally be used for harvesting deer during deer firearm season, and it also can be used by disabled hunters if the right disability license is obtained (costs $10, lifetime). Before obtaining a crossbow hunting license which costs $46, you must have completed a hunter education program – a comprehensive list of the courses with dates and other details can be found on their page.
In New Hampshire, using a crossbow in archery season is not allowed unless you’ve got a disability license, and in such case, you may be authorized to use only a crossbow, but will not be allowed to hunt with a recurve bow, compound, or a longbow. To be able to hunt deer legally, you need to obtain a deer crossbow permit – this costs about $5.
To qualify your crossbow for hunting in the state of New Hampshire, it needs to:
Have a stock with a length of at least 25 inches.
Have a draw weight of at least 125 pounds.

Crossbow Hunting in Mississippi
Since March 2013, the use of a crossbow for hunting in Mississippi has officially been approved by the Mississippi Wildlife, Tourism and Parks Commission. Few rules still apply; the crossbow can be used to hunt only in the January deer area here season.
Prior to this change, hunting with crossbows was legal only in a few areas in Mississippi, and only if:
You were not more than 15 years old.
You were at least 55 years old
You possessed a disability permit.
It is important to note that mechanical devices which are designed for controlling flight trajectory cannot be attached to arrows when hunting in the state of Mississippi. It is also not allowed to use arrows with chemical treatment or equipped with explosives of any sort. Finally, hunting with anything other than broadheads are not allowed; field points can be carried with you, but they must never be shot at any animal.

Crossbow Hunting Regulations in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, a crossbow can be used for hunting only by a permanently disabled individual whose disability makes using a regular vertical bow impossible. They are required to present a certificate from a qualified physician; after submitting it to Massachusetts Wildlife, they will be issued a crossbow hunting permit. For more details, kindly contact 508-389-6300.
The following must be noted:
In Massachusetts, when using a crossbow to hunt, you should be careful never to fire arrows if located within 150 feet highway surface, nor if you’re located within 500 feet within a house or dwelling (unless an authorization was acquired beforehand from the owner of the home).
There is no required maximum or minimum draw weight for your crossbow, nor size limitations for the either the arrow shafts or the crossbow itself.
Using of expandable arrow broadheads is lawful.
The cutting diameter of any broadhead used (expandables inclusive) should be at least 7/8 inches.
Please take note that in the entire United States, crossbow Hunting rules/regulations are gradually becoming lenient; where they were formerly illegal, they are now mostly legal in the while archery season. So keep your heads up and watch out for more update – you might just be going out with your crossbow for a hunting trip soon enough.

Crossbow Hunting Regulations in Minnesota

Since July 2014, anyone above the age of 60 is permitted to use a crossbow for hunting during archery season.
The following are crossbow Regulations that apply in Minnesota:
In Minnesota, anyone can use a crossbow for hunting in regular firearms seasons for turkey, bear, and deer. They must possess a valid firearm license.
An individual with a certified temporary or permanent disability with an archery license can use a crossbow for hunting in archery season (people who are above the age of 60 can also do so). Acquiring a disability permit will be needed – this may be gotten by contacting the Minnesota DNR (call 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367).
The following rules/restrictions should be notes:
Parrying a crossbow hunt with other hunters using firearms is illegal.
If a crossbow being transported in a motor vehicle, it should not be armed with an arrow.
Currently, we are not aware of any arrow shaft length or draw weight restrictions in the state of Minnesota. For more details, please contact the DNR directly.

Crossbow Regulations in Georgia

The use of a crossbow to hunt games during hunting season is illegal in the state of Georgia , it is only legal during the archery season, primitives weapon and firearms season, it is legal to use them to hunt deer. Bear can also be hunted with crossbows during the bear season and turkey vice-versa during turkey season. The use of crossbows to hunt small games during the small game season is also legal in Georgia.

This information above clearly states that the use of a crossbow for all hunters is legal and has been classified as a segment of the state archery deer season. It is also allowed during the gun seasons and some general seasons.

Every hunter who wishes to hunt with a crossbow must legally obtain a primitive weapons license.

All inhabitants of Georgia either residents or non-residents born from January 1rst, 1961 seeking to possess a hunting license, and also be certified in the hunter education course before obtaining the license. Every Hunter education courses that are mandated by any state wildlife agency, is accepted in geogia , Canada included.

The hunter course is not compulsory for people who purchase a GORP Plus, the Three-Day Hunting, and Fishing, or an Apprentice Hunting License. Probably to hunt on their land or a families land, the hunter education course is not compulsory.

Hunting feral hogs with the use of the crossbow in Georgia is legal.

Crossbow coupled with scopes are also legal in Georgia

Broadhead arrows are allowed to be used to hunt feral hogs, bear, or deer only.

Crossbow Regulations in Michigan

In Michigan everybody can legally hunt with a crossbow as long as you are 10 years of age and above and posses the legal hunting permit, this includes both small and big game. Residents within the age 9

and younger are also allowed to hunt with crossbows once they have the MYH license, or Michigan Youth Hunting, Program.

Every Bolt, arrows, and quarrels with a broadhead hunting style must be at least 7/8 inch and a minimum of 14 inches in length when harvesting a turkey, deer, bear, and elk.

It is compulsory for every Hunter using a crossbow to wear a hunter orange when harvesting deer during youth firearm, early antlerless seasons, and November firearm deer. In addition, hunter orange must be worn while hunting small game.

The above mention is not applicable to the crossbow deer hunters during the archery deer season or the waterfowl, wild turkey, or crow hunting individuals. Neither does it apply to hunters who use crossbows to hunt bear, and also to the stationary hunters who hunt fox, bobcat, and coyote.

It is illegal to hunt or harvest migratory game birds with a crossbow that woodcock are attached to.

In Michigan the use of Crossbows are legal for all hunters within the firearms and archery seasons throughout the state, Upper Peninsula not included. The use of Crossbow within the Upper Peninsula is strictly prohibited within the muzzleloader and late archery seasons. However, this excludes the This does not apply to disabled hunters.

Crossbow Hunting Regulations in Minnesota

In Minnesota resident above the age 60 are legally allowed to hunt with a crossbow during archery season.

The following crossbow regulations apply in Minnesota:

Hunting with a crossbow is allowed by anyone in Minnesota during the regular firearms season for, turkey and bear, however, a valid license is required.

A person who possess a disability license either a temporary or permanent one in conjunction with an archery license is legally permitted to hunt with a crossbow during archery season (also residents over the age of 60 are also included). Need help acquiring a disability permit, kindly contact the Minnesota DNR on (call 888-646-6367 or 651-296-6157).

The following restrictions/rules should be kept in mind:

parry a crossbow hunt with hunters with the use of firearms is prohibited.

If a crossbow is ever needed to be transported in a motor vehicle is should not be armed, meaning it shouldn’t be armed with an arrow.

Currently, there is no draw weight or arrow shaft length restrictions in Minnesota.

Crossbow Hunting Regulations in Montana

In Montana crossbow can only be used to hunt during a hunting season as it is not considered an archery weapon. Therefore there is no circumstance where it can be used by anyone either disabled or extremely disabled people for hunting during archery season.

You can only hunt it, Montana, legally if you possess a hunting license – you can find out more about the available licenses here. The hunting license can be obtained online.

In Montana the most important rules to keep in mind When hunting for deer and elk are as follows:

The use of explosive materials or chemicals that are attachable to a crossbow is strictly prohibited while hunting in Montana.

The arrow should be a minimum of 20″ in length, measured from the nock to the tip of the attached broad-head.

The minimum weight of the arrow shaft plus broad-head should not be lower than 300 grain

Expandable broad-heads are legal, however, their cutting diameter should be a minimum of 7/8″(after expansion).

Currently, there are no minimum requirements regarding draw weight in Montana.

In order to hunt legally in Montana, you need to possess a hunting license for any specific game with your crossbow. NOTE: Simply having one of the two is not enough.

Crossbow Regulations in Hawaii

The use of Crossbows in Hawaii is prohibited, it’s only legal to the extremely disabled who as a disabled permit from a licensed practicing physician who will verify that such person is truly disabled to the extent that he/she is unable to use traditional hunting equipment.

This permit can only be used by the holder, the use of the permit by any other person or hunter will result in the revoke of the permit.

The use of arrows that have been laced with chemicals, poison, explosive or drugs is strictly prohibited. Also, the use of Broadheads must have a cutting blade and a minimum of ¾ of an inch in diameter.

The minimum draw weight of crossbow should be 125 pounds.

The crossbow is permitted to be cocked but must be kept on safety during hunting, and the bolt must be in it quiver till the hunter is ready to shoot.

Crossbow hunting feral hogs legal in Hawaii on few time once you av a permit. Although these dates vary from island to island.

NOTE: it is very important to check with the local government before anything.

Crossbow Hunting in Mississippi

Right from March 2013, the use of crossbows for hunting purposes has been legalized by the Mississippi Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission. However, some restrictions still apply; it can only be used for hunting purposes and only during the January deer archery season.

A few years back the use of crossbow was only legalized in few locations in Mississippi before it been legalized in 2013. You can only hunt with a crossbow if only:

The use of any mechanical devices designed to control flight trajectory that can be attached to a crossbow arrow is prohibited during hunting in Mississippi. Nor is the use of chemical or poison or drugs to kill or immobilize a game legal.

Lastly, the only legal method for hunting in Mississippi is the use of broadheads; field point can be carried along for hunting but should never be used to hunt an animal.

Crossbow Regulations in Alabama

In Alabama, using a crossbow for hunting during the deer season is legal. For this, you must obtain a license, which you can request by contacting 888-848-6887. Mounting a magnifying scope on crossbow has also become legal since July 2010.

Everyone born after August 1,1977 must successfully complete a hunter completion course, otherwise they will not be issued a hunting permit. Here are some other things to note:

To be eligible for hunting, the minimum cutting diameter of your broad-head must must be 7/8″; if the broad-head is expandable, what matters is the expanded broad-head diameter.

Arrows fired from a crossbow must be at least 14 inches long.

The draw weight must be at least 100lbs.

Though using a lighted pin sight on a cross bow is legal in Alabama, it is strictly prohibited to use any scope or sight which emits a light beam towards the target.

Only disabled hunters have access to certain hunting areas, and an official disability certification is required to be allowed to hunt there legally.

If you shoot from a tree-stand, you are required to wear a safety belt or harness, as the major cause of Alabama hunting accidents is falling from a tree.

An area where a bait was used to attract a game is considered as “baited” for ten days after the bait is set, and can’t be hunted in during that period.

Hunting with crossbows (and other weapons) are only permitted during daylight hours, except opossums and raccoons.

Electronic calls are not allowed to be used, with an exception to when a predatory game is being hunted at the right season.

It is illegal to hunt within 100 yards of any human dwelling or residence without the owner’s permission.

Crossbow Regulations in Texas

During the archery season, the spring season, and the general hunting season, it is legal for everyone (not only disabled persons) in Texas with a crossbow to hunt. In Rockwall, Collin, Dallas, and Grayson Counties, hunting during the archery season with a crossbow is not allowed, unless you’ve got an upper limb disability which is certified; the disability must be tough enough to restrict the use of a recurve, compound bow, or longbow.

Individuals must buy an archery stamp for harvesting deer in the archery open season. An archery stamp is a requirement in Rockwall, Collin, Dallas and Grayson Counties for harvesting deer.

The draw weight of the Crossbows must not be less than 125 pounds.

The crossbow stock must have a minimum of 25 inches length.

The Crossbows should be equipped with mechanical safety.

Mechanical Broadheads are also legal.

Arrows and/or bows should not be equipped with explosives nor treated with chemical as such is prohibited.

The minimum width of broadheads upon impact should be 7/8of an inch. They should have two cutting edges. Only a broadhead which begins to pen on impact is legal.

In Texas, arrows and/or bows which feature target points, field, or judo are legal.

In Texas, using telescopic sights is legal.

The use of artificial light, casted or reflected, to illuminate prey cannot be used for harvesting game animals or birds. Vision disabled hunters who are certified can legally use battery scoping device which projects a light or dot within the scope only. They can also use pin sights or laser lighting for archery equipment.

Crossbow Regulations in Wyoming

Leverage gaining gadgets are not allowed in Wyoming State; however, permit may be obtained by certain hunters with disabilities to use the devices from the Wyoming Department of Game and Fish.

No hunter can harvest a trophy or a large game using a crossbow during a special season of archery without first buying an archery hunting permit including the appropriate hunting license.

Obtaining special archery permit is not required of hunters for small game harvest or game birds using crossbows. They should have the hunting license required for that particular species.

All hunters looking to get trophy games are required to show fluorescent hunter orange shirt, sweater, jacket, vest, or hat for visibility to other hunters. It is also required when pheasant is harvested in the Wyoming Department of Wildlife Management. This isn’t necessary for harvesting small game or game birds; however, it is highly recommended.

Note that before harvesting pheasant upon Wyoming Department of Wildlife Management areas, you must obtain a pheasant management stamp.

The crossbows must have a minimum tie weight of 90 pounds.

The crossbows must have a minimum pulling length of 14 inches from the crossbow’s front to the back of the string while in a clocked position.

They must have a feature of positive, functional mechanical safety.

The bolts should be at least 16 inches long.

The cutting edges should be at least 16 inches wide.

The cutting edges must be made of sharp steel.

Crossbow Hunting Regulations in West Virginia

Crossbow hunting in West Virginia is legal only if it is permanently disabled, to some extent that makes it impossible to use a regular vertical bow, even with an aid. A disability certification signed by a physician must be obtained, then you can apply for a Class Y crossbow permit.

Please note that by submitting the form, you authorize your physician to provide any information related to your disability to the West Virginia DNR, at their request. In addition, the Class Y form should be submitted within six months from the day a disability certification is issued by your physician. For more enquiries on the requirements and process, contact West Virginia DNR at: 304-558-2758.

Things to note:

Crossbow Regulations in Virginia

Crossbows can be legally used to hunt during archery and firearm seasons. To use a crossbow in the archery only season, hunters are required to buy crossbow permit.

Any person below the age of 18 must complete successfully a two-section hunter education course before they are legally allowed to get a hunting license.

Harvesting game on publicly owned land on Sundays is illegal. This regulation is much subject to every local ordinance. You can check with local law enforcement department or the Department of Game and Fisheries in Virginia for more information on these details.

Harvesting game on private land with the consent of the owner is legal, except when within 200 meters of a place of worship, church, or such buildings.

In Virginia State, a mechanical broadhead is legal.

No one is allowed to fire crossbow from, by, or on any road; alleyway, sidewalk or roadway.

Currently in Virginia, there is no minimum weight; however, archery must be able to cast an arrow with a broadhead at least 125 meters.

The minimum width of the broadhead should be 7/8 of an inch or should be able to expand to this width at impact.

Using explosive arrow head or one which has been chemically treaded is unauthorized by law.

Crossbow Hunting Regulations in Tennessee

You will be glad to know that in the state of Tennessee, according to TWRA, the use of crossbow for hunting purpose is legal during any hunting season that archery equipment are permitted, including archery seasons. The crossbow is treated almost on the level with a compound vertical bow or recurve.

The following are very important and to be kept in mind:

Crossbow Regulations in South Dakota

In the state of South Dakota, crossbow/draw-lock permits are available to only disabled hunters. The individual should be impaired to the extent that the he/she is not able to draw a traditional bow that has a draw of at least 30 pounds. This can be due to an injury, illness, loss of both/one arm, or a birth defect. Those that must use a mobility wheelchair also qualify for the disabled crossbow/draw-lock permit.

It is unlawful for a hunter to use a crossbow/draw-lock permit to possess firearms while on the field or in the company of any person possessing a firearm in seasons of archery only. The only ly execution to this is if the person has a legal permit to possess a concealed weapon.

In the state of South Dakota, it is legal to have mechanical broadheads except during elk seasons.

Broadheads should be designed with metal and have at least two cutting edges.

The cutting diameter should be at least 7/8 of an inch and the width should equal the length, except in turkey hunting.

When harvesting large game, the broadhead and arrow combined should weigh at least 275 grains.

Equipping points with explosives and treating with chemical is illegal. The use of hydraulic points or pneumatic is prohibited.

Crossbows must have mechanical safety in operation.

The draw weight of Crossbows must be at least 125 pounds.

Crossbow Hunting Regulations in Rhode Island

The crossbow was officially classified as a firearm for a long time. However, things are changed and now, a crossbow is categorized with all other archery weapons (compounds, recurves, etc), and may be used during deer archery season for hunting. Hunting for turkey with a crossbow is prohibited, but it is allowed to be used on coyote.

In the state of Rhode Island, any crossbow used to hunt must have a 150 pounds minimum draw weight. It is also legal to use expandable broadheads, as long as the manufacturer of the crossbow recommends them. The use of field point scores hunting is prohibited, however you are allowed to carry an arrow with a field point for safe discharge of the crossbow just in case you need to un-cock it without a dry shot, although you should be able to distinguish this arrow from other broad-head arrows by means of a color mark.

In addition, anyone who wants to use a crossbow for hunting in Rhode Island must have successfully completed bow hunting education classes. For more information, call (401) 222-3576. Also note that the use of adaptive crossbow aids during the deer hunting season requires special permit, on which you can also get more information by calling the above number.

Using the crossbow in official muzzleloader season is also legal. Again, completing bow hunting education classes is required before doing so.

Crossbow Regulations in Utah

Hunters that have permanent physical disabilities due to birth defect, injury or disease can legally obtain a crossbow permit to hunt big games; waterfowl; cougar; bear; turkey; and small game during the firearms or respective season of archery. Eligibility can be determined by a physician’s certificate; by applicant’s demonstration, or it may be very obvious impairment per Subsection (1)(a).

Crossbow Regulations in Vermont

Crossbow hunting is legal for hunters with disabilities by permit during seasons that permit taking game with arrow and bow only. In order to obtain a hinting permit, the person will have to appear before the Commissioner of Fisheries and Wildlife to present a disability certification issued by a physician.

Disabled hunters carrying permit only are permitted to carry game from a vehicle that is at least 10 feet away from the side of a road or a stationary boat. Hunters have to obtain permission from the landowners to park. Shooting across any road is illegal.

Few things to note:

This is by no means an exhaustive list of regulations and as always, I recommend you go to the state and county website for more information.