US Crossbow Laws and Regulations by State
Want to know if you can use a crossbow in your state? Here are all the state regulations for crossbows in the US.
February 22, 2024
Overview of Crossbow Regulations in the US
Crossbow laws in the U.S. are subject to state wildlife management agencies, and these laws can be complex due to the different classifications of crossbows as either firearms or archery equipment. Generally, regulations cover aspects such as hunting seasons, licensing requirements, minimum age for use, and restrictions on certain types of game. Here are some laws and regulations by state:
Alabama
Crossbows are permitted during the deer archery season, and hunters must conform to specific regulations outlined for equipment, including the use of long bows, compound bows, or crossbows. For deer hunting, alongside other legal arms and ammunition, crossbows are specifically listed as legal for use in both the special muzzleloader and air rifle season and the general gun deer season, provided they meet the state's requirements. The state mandates that hunters born after August 1, 1977, complete a hunter education course. This requirement ensures that all hunters are knowledgeable about safe hunting practices, including the use of crossbows. Additionally, crossbows used during hunting must adhere to certain specifications regarding draw weight, draw length, and other safety features to be considered legal for hunting.
334-242-3469
Alaska
Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 100 pounds for hunting big game. Hunters using crossbows must complete a crossbow education course starting from July 1, 2018. Crossbows are not allowed in areas or hunts specifically restricted to bow and arrow only. However, hunters may apply for a method and means exemption to use a crossbow in archery-only hunts, subject to certain conditions including certification requirements.
907-465-4190
Arizona
Crossbows are legal for general hunting seasons for big and small game, as well as snakes. The minimum requirements for hunting with a crossbow are: a draw weight of 125 lbs. or more, arrow length of 16" or longer, and broadheads with a width of 7/8" or more. Disabled hunters can obtain a permit to use a crossbow during archery-only seasons, with certification from a healthcare provider required. For more details, check with the Arizona Fish and Game Department.
602-942-3000
Arkansas
Crossbows are allowed during archery seasons with a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds and must have a mechanical safety. For more detailed information, you can refer to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website.
501-223-6300
California
Crossbows are legal for all hunters during gun seasons. Additionally, individuals with physical disabilities preventing them from using a traditional bow can use a crossbow during archery season, provided they have written verification of their disability.
916-445-0411
Colorado
Crossbows are allowed for all hunters during firearm seasons, making them a versatile option. Additionally, handicapped hunters have the privilege to use crossbows during archery seasons, providing greater accessibility and inclusivity in hunting opportunities. For specific regulations and details, it's recommended to consult the Colorado Parks and Wildlife resources.
303-297-1192
Connecticut
The legalization of crossbows for all archery hunters in Connecticut since the fall seasons of 2013 represents a significant change, offering hunters more variety in their choice of equipment. This move to include crossbows in archery seasons broadens the scope of hunting methods available, aligning Connecticut with several other states that have recognized the growing interest and utility of crossbows in hunting practices. For the most current regulations and updates, it's advisable to check directly with Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection or their official hunting guidelines.
860-424-3011
Delaware
In Delaware, crossbows are legal for deer hunting during all seasons. Hunters are required to wear hunter orange during specific seasons that coincide with gun hunting periods. It's important to ensure that crossbows are not transported in a cocked position while in a vehicle. For the most up-to-date information and specific regulations, it's best to consult directly with the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife or their official resources.
302-739-9911
Florida
Crossbow hunting regulations require a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds and the use of broadhead-tipped bolts. A hunting license and a crossbow permit during archery season are necessary. Crossbow season typically precedes general gun season. It's important to check specific season dates and restrictions with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Crossbow hunting is prohibited in Miami-Dade County except in certain areas, and carrying a loaded crossbow across public roads is illegal. For more details, visit Country Crossbow's website on Florida crossbow hunting regulations.
850-488-3831
Georgia
Crossbows are legal for deer hunting and have been since 2010. They can be used during both the primitive weapon and firearm deer seasons. Hunters under 16 can use all legal deer firearms if licensed. There are specific rules regarding where and what you can hunt, with a requirement for written landowner permission for hunting on private land. A primitive weapons license is required for crossbow hunting. For detailed regulations, including hunting seasons and safety guidelines, consult Georgia's Department of Natural Resources or visit PrecisionOutdoors for more information.
770-918-6416
Hawaii
In Hawaii, to hunt with a crossbow, you need to possess a Hawaii Hunting License, which requires either a Hawaii Hunter Education Wallet Card or a Non-resident Letter of Exemption. Additionally, if you are a disabled hunter, there are specific permit applications available for vehicle and crossbow use. For detailed information on hunting regulations, including required documents and permits, please visit the Division of Forestry and Wildlife's official website
808-587-0400
Idaho
During an any-weapon hunting season you can hunt with a crossbow without any other permit besides your hunting license and proper tag. Crossbows also legal for handicapped persons by permit-to hunt with a crossbow during an archery season, you must also have a valid archery permit as well as a hunting license and a proper tag. For detailed information on big game hunting seasons and rules in Idaho for 2023, including potentially crossbow regulations, you can refer to the Big Game Seasons and Rules Brochure provided by Idaho Fish and Game.
208-334-3700
Illinois
Crossbows are legal during archery season. Detailed permit purchasing dates for both residents and non-residents are specified, emphasizing the availability and application period for various types of deer archery permits. For more detailed information, you can visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
217-782-6384
Indiana
Crossbows are permitted as legal equipment for deer hunting during the archery season. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 125-pounds and a mechanical safety. Crossbows can also be used during the firearms and muzzleloader seasons, adhering to the specific licenses and regulations for those seasons. For detailed information on the permitted use of crossbows and other equipment during different deer hunting seasons, visit the eRegulations page on Indiana hunting.
317-232-4200
Iowa
Crossbows are legal during the late Muzzleloader season. Also, Residents 70 and older may obtain one Antlerless-only statewide crossbow deer license. For more details on the legal firearms for deer hunting in Iowa, visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.
515-281-5918
Kansas
Crossbows are legal during archery deer seasons for all hunters. For detailed crossbow hunting regulations in Kansas for the 2023-2024 season, refer to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism's official hunting regulations.
620-672-5911
Kentucky
Legal in all of the archery season in Kentucky. This season applies to youth and senior hunters, offering an extended period for crossbow usage in deer hunting across the state. For more specific details and regulations, please visit the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife's official website
800-858-1549
Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commission can now establish a bow and arrow-only season and a bow and arrow and crossbow season in special deer hunting seasons. For Louisiana's most current crossbow hunting regulations, including season dates and specific rules, it's best to refer directly to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' official website.
225-765-2350
Maine
For the 2024 hunting seasons in Maine, the definition of "archery equipment" has been updated to include both bow and arrow and crossbow. This change reflects the state's evolving regulations to accommodate different hunting preferences and technologies. For comprehensive details on hunting laws, season dates, bag limits, and the specific regulations that will be in effect for the 2024-25 hunting seasons, you can visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife's official website, which will have the complete information available in July 2024.
207-287-8000
Maryland
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service now allows crossbows to hunt any game species during any open season where a vertical bow (excluding waterfowl and certain furbearers) may be used. This would permit the use of a crossbow during the entire deer bow season in all counties. Minimum draw weight is 75-pounds, telescopic sights are permitted and the crossbow must have a working safety. For the most current crossbow hunting regulations in Maryland, including specific rules for the 2023-2024 hunting season and any new hunting opportunities and regulations, it's best to refer directly to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources or the eRegulations website.
1-877-620-8367 (in state) or 410-260-8367 (out of state)
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, individuals with a permanent disability can apply for a crossbow permit for hunting. This permit is permanent, and once obtained, the individual is not allowed to switch back to conventional archery equipment. The application process involves submitting a form completed by both the applicant and a physician, detailing how the permanent disability affects the applicant's ability to use a conventional bow.
508-389-6300
Michigan
In Michigan, crossbows became legal for the entire deer hunting season starting in 2019 to increase participation and provide more opportunities for hunters. Anyone 10 years old or older can hunt with a crossbow during any season when a firearm is allowed, for big game or small game, except that hunters in the Upper Peninsula may not use a crossbow during the Dec. 1-Jan. 1 late archery season and Dec. 2-11 muzzleloader season, unless the hunter is disabled. Crossbow use is prohibited in the Red Oak Unit during the archery-only bear season (Oct. 7-13).
517-373-1263
Minnesota
Crossbows are allowed for Minnesota deer and spring turkey hunters following a law change passed in the 2023 legislative session. Hunters who purchase an archery deer license may possess and take deer with a crossbow throughout the archery deer season. People who purchase a spring archery wild turkey license may take and possess wild turkeys with a crossbow throughout the spring archery wild turkey season. The law expands the use of crossbows, which previously were allowed for some hunters with a permit, who were 60 or older during archery deer or turkey seasons, or during previous firearms seasons for deer or turkeys. Crossbows were already allowed for all hunters during the fall wild turkey and bear seasons. Rough fish may be taken with a crossbow during the bowfishing season.
888-646-6367 or 651-296-6157
Mississippi
Beginning July 1, 2013, hunters in Mississippi can use crossbows throughout the entire archery season. During gun seasons, hunters must wear hunter orange as required. Note that the separate crossbow permit is no longer necessary.
601-432-2400
Missouri
Crossbows are permitted during both Archery Deer and Turkey seasons in Missouri.
573-751-4115
Montana
Crossbows are only allowed during gun seasons in Montana, with no provision for handicapped hunters.
406-444-2535
Nebraska
Crossbows are considered legal archery equipment for big game hunting in Nebraska, including deer, antelope, elk, turkey, and bighorn sheep. Starting in 2014, hunters between the ages of 12 and 29 must be certified in Bowhunter Education.
402-471-0641
Nevada
Crossbows are restricted for use in hunting big game only during "Any Legal Weapon" hunts in Nevada. They are not permitted for archery hunts. Specific requirements regarding draw weight, draw length, stock length, safety mechanisms, and arrow specifications must be met.
775-688-1500
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, crossbows are legal for handicapped hunters with a permit. They are also permitted for all hunters during firearms season and on Long Island in Moultonborough with a Long Island Deer Permit. Hunters using crossbows must obtain a crossbow hunting permit.
603-271-2461 or 603-271-2462
New Jersey
Crossbows are legal for use in any bow and arrow hunting season in New Jersey and in other hunting seasons where bow and arrow use is allowed. Certain specifications regarding draw weight and stock length apply.
609-292-2965
New Mexico
Certified Mobility Impaired Hunters are allowed to use crossbows during all hunts in New Mexico. Additionally, crossbows may be used in certain firearm or muzzleloader hunts unless otherwise restricted.
505-476-8000
New York
In New York, crossbow use for deer or bear hunting is permitted during specified dates, depending on the region. Additional regulations may apply, so hunters should refer to the NY Hunting Regulations for complete information.
Please check NY Hunting Regulations for additional information.
518-402-8924 or 518-402-8985
North Carolina
As of August 1, 2010, crossbows are permitted anytime bow and arrows are allowed for hunting in North Carolina, with specific requirements regarding draw weight.
919-707-0050
North Dakota
Crossbows are legal for handicapped hunters with a permit in North Dakota. They are also permitted during Deer Gun & Youth Deer Seasons and Muzzleloader Season, with certain specifications regarding draw weight, safety mechanisms, stock length, and scope use.
Deer Gun & Youth Deer Seasons--Crossbows are legal during the deer gun season. Crossbows must: a) have a peak draw weight of 75 pounds and not more than 200 pounds, b) be equipped with a working safety to prevent accidental firing, c) have a stock at least 14 inches long, d) use bolts at least 14 inches in length.
Muzzleloader Season--Crossbows must: a) have a peak draw weight of 75 pounds and not more than 200 pounds, b) be equipped with a working safety to prevent accidental firing, c) have a stock at least 14 inches long, d) use bolts at least 14 inches in length. No magnification (1X) scopes are legal to use on crossbows during the muzzleloader season.
701-328-6300
Ohio
Crossbows are legal for use during archery season in Ohio.
614-265-6300
Oklahoma
Crossbows, along with conventional bows equipped with draw lock devices, are legal for hunting whenever conventional bows are allowed in Oklahoma.
405-521-3851
Oregon
Crossbows are prohibited for hunting in Oregon.
503-947-6000
Pennsylvania
Crossbows are allowed for use during both archery deer and bear seasons in Pennsylvania, with specific regulations. The use of magnified scopes was approved under certain conditions.
717-787-4250
Rhode Island
Crossbows are now classified similarly to other bows and are approved for use by all archery hunters during the Archery deer season in Rhode Island. However, their use for hunting wild turkey or any wild bird is prohibited by law.
401-222-6800
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.
803-734-3886
South Dakota
Crossbows are legal for handicapped hunters during archery season in South Dakota, with specific requirements regarding draw weight and safety mechanisms. Must have a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds and a functional mechanical safety device.
605-223-7665
Tennessee
Crossbows are permitted for use during all hunting seasons in Tennessee, including the regular archery season.
615-781-6500
Texas
Crossbows are fully included in archery seasons throughout Texas, with certain exceptions.
512-389-4800 or 1-800-792-1112
Utah
Crossbows are permitted for use during the general season, as are any legal weapons (rifle) for buck deer hunts in Utah, subject to certain conditions.
801-538-4700
Vermont
Any person may use crossbows during any hunting season that permits using a bow and arrow in Vermont.
802-241-3700
Virginia
Crossbows are legal for use during both archery and firearms seasons in Virginia, with specific permit requirements for archery-only seasons.
804-367-1000
Washington
Crossbows are legal for qualifying archers with certain physical impairments in Washington, subject to application and approval. Specific requirements regarding draw weight, safety mechanisms, and broadheads apply. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 125-pounds and a working safety. Retractable broadheads are not legal. Crossbows with a scope are legal during modern firearm season within restricted areas.
360-902-2200
West Virginia
Crossbows are fully included in archery seasons throughout West Virginia, with certain exceptions for specific counties.
304-558-2758
Wisconsin
Crossbows are legal for use throughout the entire archery season in Wisconsin as of the 2014 season.
608-266-2621
Wyoming
Crossbows are legal for use during archery seasons in Wyoming, with specific requirements regarding draw weight, draw length, and bolt specifications. Must have 90-pound minimum draw weight, minimum draw length of 14-inches and shoot a minimum 16-inch bolt.
307-777-4600