Region Specific Crossbow Regulations

Extracted and summarized from Bow Hunting North America 2002. Originally compiled by J.R. Absher, Bow Hunting World Special Issue: Bow hunting Guide Annual 2002-2003. For states with crossbow hunting in gun season, contact the appropriate state for gun season dates and related information. The original version has been updated by TenPoint Crossbow Technologies.

U.S. Regulations

Select from the menu to view that State's Crossbow Regulations.

NEW Legislation

South Carolina

Archery equipment is now defined as " a bow and arrow, a long bow, a recurve bow, a compound bow, or a cross bow.”

Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commission now has the ability to establish a bow and arrow only season, and a bow and arrow and crossbow season in special deer hunting seasons.

Illinois

Hunters 62 years of age and older are now permitted to use a crossbow without a special permit.

Kansas

Beginning in 2008 - Crossbows of at least 125 pounds draw weight will be allowed during the regular firearms deer and turkey seasons.

Maryland

Crossbows legal during the entire bow season in the Suburban Deer Archery Zone (Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties).

Oklahoma

Hunters 60 years of age and older are now permitted to use a crossbow.

Quebec

In 2008, most bow hunting seasons were replaced with crossbow and bow hunting seasons. Please consult the table of hunting seasons to find out these new terms and conditions.

Pending Legislation

Michigan

House Bill 5741 is currently under consideration in Michigan and if passed would provide for the inclusion of crossbows during Michigan’ s archery hunting seasons. The bill passed through the House with a 94-14 vote and is now in the Senate.

Michigan House Bill 5741 Link

Pennsylvania

House Bill 2653 is currently under consideration in Pennsylvania and if passed would provide for the inclusion of crossbows during Pennsylvania's archery hunting seasons. The bill is now in the House Game and Fisheries Committee.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2653 Link