Crossbow Regulations in the USA: A State-by-State Guide

Crossbow regulations in the USA

Updated September 19, 2026. Crossbow hunting rules in the United States change by state, species, season, county, permit type, and public-land unit. This guide summarizes the current statewide rules and links to state agencies, regulation guides, and legal code references so hunters can verify the exact season before going afield.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm the current license, tag, season dates, wildlife management area rules, local ordinances, and emergency orders with the state wildlife agency before hunting.

The hunting lists compare equipment with the state rules above them. Use compatible, lawful hunting broadheads and meet every listed condition; arrow entries do not approve the crossbow. Purchase links are catalog options, not hunting approval.

Purchase, possession and permission to shoot are separate. Follow local shooting restrictions and range rules.

BALLISTA warns: target practice with the 10.5-inch bolts' hunting broadhead blades installed voids the warranty. Use a manufacturer-approved practice setup.

Alabama

  • Crossbows are legal archery equipment for hunting in Alabama.
  • For deer and turkey, a crossbow must have a minimum peak tension of 85 pounds at normal draw length and a working safety. Arrows must have a broadhead with at least two sharpened edges and a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch.
  • Electronic or electrically assisted bow attachments are prohibited except for illuminated sight pins, beads or markings, magnifying crossbow sights, and laser rangefinders with computational capabilities. A light source capable of casting a beam forward is prohibited except where expressly authorized.
  • During gun deer season dates, crossbow hunters must follow Alabama hunter-orange rules unless an exemption applies.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer and turkey

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer and turkey

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Alabama Administrative Code, 220-2-.03(1)-(3).

Contacts: Alabama Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division. Phone: 334-242-3465.

Sources: Alabama hunting and fishing regulations; ADCNR contact information.

Alaska

  • A crossbow is not legal archery equipment in Alaska and may not be used in any hunt or area restricted to bow and arrow only.
  • For big-game hunting with a crossbow, certification is required for hunters born on or after January 1, 1986 and for every hunter participating in a crossbow-only hunt, regardless of age. Proof of certification must be carried in the field as a physical card or electronic copy.
  • For big game, a crossbow must be shoulder-mounted and have at least 100 pounds peak draw weight.
  • Big-game bolts must be at least 16 inches long, at least 300 grains total weight, and tipped with a non-barbed fixed, replaceable, or mechanical broadhead.
  • Electronic devices attached to a crossbow are prohibited except scopes or electronic sights that do not project light externally.
  • A disabled hunter may be eligible to use a crossbow in an archery-only area, but must first complete crossbow certification regardless of age. If awarded an archery-only permit, the hunter must also obtain a Methods and Means Exemption.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game

Equipment sources: ADF&G, Important Crossbow Regulations.

Contacts: Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Crossbow education: 907-267-2196.

Sources: Alaska crossbow education and regulations.

Arizona

  • Crossbows are lawful for big game, turkey, many small-game, predatory, and furbearing hunts when the applicable Commission Order authorizes that method.
  • Archery-only seasons exclude crossbows unless the hunter holds a valid Arizona crossbow permit or other qualifying disability authorization.
  • For big game and turkey, a crossbow must have at least 125 pounds draw weight, bolts at least 16 inches long, and broadheads at least 7/8 inch wide with metal, ceramic-coated metal, or ceramic cutting edges.
  • A valid crossbow permit may allow use of a crossbow with a single bowstring and one bolt per loading/cocking action during an archery-only season when otherwise authorized.
  • All crossbow permits and Challenged Hunter Access/Mobility Permits issued before July 1, 2026 expired on June 30, 2026. Anyone seeking a permit effective July 1, 2026 or later must complete a new medical evaluation and submit a new application to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
  • Season type matters: general, special, HAM, CHAMP, archery-only, and youth hunts can each have different lawful devices.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game and turkey

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game and turkey

Equipment sources: AZGFD 2026-27 guide, R12-4-101, R12-4-216/217, R12-4-304; printed pp.84,96-98,100-101; AZGFD crossbow permit, new rule effective July 1, 2026.

Contacts: Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phone: 602-942-3000.

Sources: 2026-2027 Arizona hunting regulations; Arizona crossbow permit rules and application.

Arkansas

  • Crossbows are legal archery equipment during Arkansas archery seasons.
  • A crossbow must have at least a 125-pound pull and a mechanical safety.
  • Scopes may be used on crossbows.
  • Big-game bolts must use broadheads at least 7/8 inch wide, including mechanical broadheads.
  • Archery equipment, including crossbows, may be used during modern gun and alternative firearms deer and bear seasons where open.
  • Only shotguns and archery equipment, including crossbows, are legal for turkey hunting.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: AGFC, Legal Hunting Equipment / Archery.

Contacts: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Phone: 833-345-0325.

Sources: Arkansas deer-specific hunting regulations; AGFC contact information.

California

  • California does not classify a crossbow as archery equipment, and crossbows generally cannot be used during archery deer season.
  • Crossbows may be used in firearm/general seasons where the season and tag allow them.
  • A crossbow used under California's archery-equipment and crossbow regulations must have a draw weight of at least 125 pounds.
  • For big game, crossbow bolts must use a broadhead blade that will not pass through a 7/8-inch hole.
  • No person may nock or fit an arrow or crossbow bolt in a ready-to-fire position while in or on any vehicle.
  • Hunters with a qualifying physical disability may apply for a Disabled Archer Permit allowing crossbow use under archery tag or archery-season conditions.
  • A valid Disabled Archer Permit must be carried while hunting and shown on demand to enforcement officers.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Official California CCR publisher linked by Fish and Game Commission; section 354; CDFW 2026 Grizzly Island hunt packet, reproduction of statewide 354, PDF p.10.

Contacts: California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Phone: 916-445-0411.

Sources: California CCR Section 354; CDFW regulations portal.

Colorado

  • Crossbows are legal big-game equipment during rifle and associated-method seasons when the license and hunt code allow lawful rifle-associated methods.
  • Crossbows are not legal during archery seasons for deer, elk, pronghorn, bear, sheep, goat, and moose.
  • A legal crossbow must have at least 125 pounds draw weight, at least 14 inches draw length, and a positive mechanical safety device.
  • Bolts must be at least 16 inches long and equipped with a broadhead at least 7/8 inch wide with at least two steel cutting edges.
  • Hunters with disabilities may request CPW accommodation permits for crossbow or draw-loc use during archery season.
  • Follow current CPW big-game brochure rules for unit, season, license, orange/pink clothing, and transport.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game

Equipment sources: CPW approved November 2025 big-game amendments; rule 203(A)(5), PDF p.3; CPW 2026 Big Game guide, Hunting Laws / Legal Methods of Take / Crossbows.

Contacts: Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Phone: 303-297-1192.

Sources: Colorado manner of take rule; CPW hunters with disabilities.

Connecticut

  • Crossbows are legal for hunting deer, turkey, and all other species where hunting is otherwise open.
  • A legal crossbow must have at least 125 pounds draw weight, a permanent fixed rifle-type stock, and a functional mechanical safety; adjustable stocks are allowed, but folding stocks are not.
  • Crossbow bolts must be at least 18 inches long, excluding the broadhead; telescopic sights are permitted.
  • For deer and turkey, broadheads must have at least two blades and be at least 7/8 inch wide; mechanical broadheads are legal if they meet that standard.
  • A crossbow is considered loaded when fully drawn with a bolt in place.
  • Firearms may not be possessed while archery hunting.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Equipment sources: CT DEEP 2026 guide, Bowhunting / Crossbows.

Contacts: Connecticut DEEP Wildlife Division. Phone: 860-424-3011.

Sources: Connecticut hunting laws and regulations; Connecticut deer hunting regulations.

Delaware

  • Crossbows may be used during all Delaware deer seasons, including archery, firearm, and muzzleloader deer periods.
  • Crossbows used for deer must have at least 125 pounds pull weight and a mechanical safety; scopes are allowed.
  • Do not transport a crossbow in or on a vehicle while it is cocked.
  • During any period when deer may be hunted with a firearm, crossbow hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange on the head, chest, and back.
  • For archery and crossbow deer hunting, arrows/bolts must have a sharpened broadhead at least 7/8 inch wide.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: DNREC official agency guide hosted by eRegulations, updated August 4, 2026; DNREC agency portal.

Contacts: Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Wildlife Section: 302-739-9912.

Sources: Delaware deer seasons; Delaware deer hunting regulations.

Florida

  • Crossbows are legal only when the applicable Florida season and land rules allow them.
  • During crossbow season, hunters need a hunting license, deer permit, and crossbow season permit unless exempt.
  • During crossbow season, only crossbows, bows, and airbows may be used.
  • On most wildlife management areas, crossbow use during archery season is limited to hunters with a Persons With Disabilities Crossbow Permit.
  • Beginning with the 2026-2027 season, crossbows and airbows may also be used during the hybrid Archery/Muzzleloading Gun Season on applicable wildlife management areas in the Northwest and North Central regions, unless an area-specific rule provides otherwise.
  • Bolts used to take deer or wild turkey must have broadheads at least 7/8 inch wide.
  • Dogs may not be used to take deer during archery, crossbow, or muzzleloading gun seasons.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: FWC, Legal methods of taking resident game; FWC July 1, 2021 rule-change explanation.

Contacts: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Phone: 850-488-4676; Hunting and Game Management: 850-488-3831.

Sources: FWC 2026-2027 hunting rule changes; FWC crossbow and airbow permit.

Georgia

  • Crossbows, including torsion-spring models, are legal for hunting any game species or feral hog in Georgia.
  • For deer, bear, or feral hog, bolts must use broadhead-type heads.
  • Georgia does not restrict crossbow draw weight, let-off, bolt length, recovery devices, or sights.
  • Archery equipment, including crossbows, is legal during primitive-weapons season.
  • Archery hunting is allowed during primitive-weapons and firearm deer seasons, subject to deer, county, WMA, and federal-land limits.
  • A cocked crossbow is considered loaded under Georgia hunting-equipment rules.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Georgia DNR bowhunting equipment table, updated April 2023, still linked by live hunter-resources page; Georgia DNR hunting guide hosted by eRegulations.

Contacts: Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division. Phone: 706-557-3333; Game Management: 706-557-3350.

Sources: Georgia hunting information; Georgia WRD contacts.

Hawaii

  • On Hawaii public hunting areas, only a hunter holding a valid Disabled Hunter's Cross-bow Permit may use a crossbow. The permit requires medical certification that a physical disability prevents the hunter from effectively using conventional archery equipment. The permit is valid statewide for four years; contact the applicable DOFAW island branch before hunting.
  • A permitted public-land hunting crossbow must have at least 125 pounds draw weight.
  • The crossbow may be cocked and on safe while hunting, but the bolt must remain in the quiver until the hunter is ready to shoot.
  • Hunting in Hawaii requires a hunting license, and public/private land rules, island rules, and unit announcements must be checked before each hunt.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingPublic-land disabled permit only

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingPublic-land disabled permit only

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: DLNR January 2026 disabled crossbow permit, conditions 4-7, p.1; HAR 13-123-22, public game-mammal hunting restrictions.

Contacts: Hawaii DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Phone: 808-587-0166.

Sources: 2026 Disabled Hunter's Cross-bow Permit; Hawaii DOFAW contacts.

Idaho

  • Crossbows are legal in Idaho any-weapon and short-range-weapon big-game hunts when the season allows that method.
  • During archery-only seasons, big game may not be taken with a crossbow unless the hunter has a qualifying disabled archery permit or reasonable modification authorization.
  • For big game, a crossbow must have at least 150 pounds peak draw weight.
  • Bolts must be at least 12 inches long from broadhead to nock inclusive, and bolt plus broadhead must weigh at least 300 grains.
  • Chemicals, explosives, crossbow pistols, and prohibited electronic or tritium-powered devices attached to the bow, crossbow, arrow, or bolt are illegal; lighted nocks are allowed.
  • Magnifying sights are prohibited on bows or crossbows during archery-only seasons unless a disability modification permit authorizes limited magnification.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game

Equipment sources: IDFG 2026 Big Game Seasons & Rules, printed p.99, Archery Equipment; IDFG current 2026 guide index.

Contacts: Idaho Fish and Game. Phone: 208-334-3700.

Sources: Idaho 2026 big game rules; Idaho archery-only rule.

Illinois

  • Crossbows are legal archery equipment for Illinois deer when used under a valid permit and the current archery-season rules.
  • A legal deer crossbow must have at least 125 pounds peak draw weight, a working safety, a minimum 24-inch length from stock butt to front of limbs, and fletched bolts/arrows at least 14 inches long excluding the point.
  • Broadheads are required for archery deer and must be at least 7/8 inch wide when fully opened.
  • Electronic arrow-tracking systems using radio telemetry are illegal for archery deer hunting.
  • Firearms may not be carried while hunting deer with a bow or crossbow except under listed concealed-carry or valid firearm-season permit exceptions.
  • During firearm deer season, archery equipment is legal on private land only with a valid county firearm deer permit.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

Equipment sources: IDNR 2026-27 Archery Deer Hunting Rules, PDF p.2, Hunting Devices.

Contacts: Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Phone: 217-782-6302.

Sources: Illinois archery deer information; Illinois crossbow specifications.

Indiana

  • Crossbows may be used throughout Indiana's deer archery season and during deer reduction zone season with the proper license or exemption.
  • A legal deer crossbow must have a working safety and a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds.
  • Crossbows are listed as legal equipment for youth deer season and deer reduction zone hunting where the hunter holds the proper permit.
  • Wild turkeys may be hunted with a crossbow during legal turkey seasons with the proper turkey license and stamp unless exempt.
  • Explosive or poisoned arrows and bolts are illegal.
  • Do not cast a spotlight or artificial light from a motor vehicle while possessing a firearm, bow, or crossbow.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Indiana DNR, Deer Hunting Equipment / Archery / Crossbows; Indiana DNR current deer Q&A.

Contacts: Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Phone: 317-232-4200 or 877-463-6367.

Sources: Indiana hunting and trapping guide; Indiana deer hunting Q&A.

Iowa

  • Crossbows are not legal during Iowa's regular bow season except for hunters holding a DNR disability crossbow permit and residents age 65 or older using one statewide antlerless-only crossbow deer license.
  • Resident deer hunters may use a crossbow during the Late Muzzleloader season.
  • Crossbows are also legal during the Population Management January antlerless-only season in participating counties if that conditional season is activated. They are not legal during the Excess Tag January antlerless-only season.
  • A legal crossbow is mounted transversely on a stock or frame, uses a mechanical trigger and working safety, and fires a bolt, arrow, or quarrel.
  • One-handed pistol-grip crossbows are illegal for taking or attempting to take deer or turkey.
  • Crossbow projectiles used for deer must have a broadhead; explosive or chemical devices on arrows, broadheads, or bolts are prohibited.
  • Disabled hunters may apply for authorization to use a crossbow while bow hunting deer and/or turkey with medical certification of an upper-extremity disability.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Current IAC 571-106.11(1)(b), compiled March 4, 2026, pp.5-6; Iowa DNR 2026-27 hunting guide.

Contacts: Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Phone: 515-725-8200.

Sources: 2026-2027 Iowa hunting regulations; Iowa Administrative Code 571-106.

Kansas

  • Crossbows are legal archery equipment for Kansas deer during archery season with the proper archery permit.
  • Firearm deer permit holders may use any legal equipment during firearm season; muzzleloader permit holders are limited to muzzleloading or archery equipment during muzzleloader and firearm seasons.
  • Big-game crossbow bolts/arrows must use broadheads that cannot pass through a 3/4-inch ring when fully expanded.
  • No bow, crossbow, or arrow may have an electronic device that controls arrow flight.
  • Crossbows are legal for Kansas spring turkey archery-only and regular firearm/archery seasons.
  • Devices capable of dispensing chemicals may not be used to take big game or turkeys.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Kansas Secretary of State, permanent KAR 115-4-4 amendment effective September 12, 2025, subsection (a)(2).

Contacts: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Phone: 785-296-2281.

Sources: Kansas legal deer equipment; Kansas turkey regulations.

Kentucky

  • Kentucky has statewide crossbow deer seasons; youth hunters age 15 or younger and resident hunters age 65 or older receive expanded crossbow opportunity.
  • Crossbows may be used during deer firearms seasons, but firearm-season restrictions, zone rules, and hunter-orange requirements apply.
  • A legal deer crossbow may be any draw weight but must have a working safety.
  • Bolts/arrows may be wood, carbon, or metal and may not be chemically treated.
  • Fixed or mechanical broadheads must be at least 7/8 inch wide when opened and may not be chemically treated.
  • Hunters with qualifying physical disabilities may use a crossbow during archery-only seasons if carrying the required signed physician exemption form.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Kentucky DFWR Deer Hunting / Crossbow Equipment.

Contacts: Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. Phone: 800-858-1549 or 502-564-3400.

Sources: Kentucky deer hunting; Kentucky hunting regulations.

Louisiana

  • Legal archery-season deer gear includes traditional bows, compound bows, crossbows, and bows drawn, held, or released by mechanical means.
  • Crossbows may be used during deer archery seasons where the deer area is open.
  • All Louisiana deer archery seasons are still-hunt only; dogs are prohibited.
  • Poisoned, drugged, or explosive arrows are prohibited.
  • It is unlawful to hunt deer with a bow or crossbow equipped with an infrared or laser sight, excluding non-projecting red-dot sights, or with any sighting device that projects a beam of light toward or otherwise electronically illuminates the target.
  • On WMAs, cocked crossbows in ready position are not allowed in or on vehicles, boats under power, motorcycles, ATVs/UTVs/ATCs, check stations, or camping areas.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: LDWF Licensing, updated August 7, 2026; 2026-2027 Deer Hunting Schedule.

Contacts: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Phone: 225-765-2800.

Sources: LDWF seasons and regulations; Louisiana Administrative Code.

Maine

  • An archery license covers both bow-and-arrow and crossbow hunting; a separate crossbow permit is no longer required.
  • Crossbows may not be used to hunt deer during muzzleloader season, except in expanded archery areas during the expanded archery season with the required archery license and expanded archery permit.
  • A legal hunting crossbow must have a shoulder-type stock, at least 100 pounds draw weight, and a working mechanical trigger safety.
  • Hand-held pistol-type crossbows and explosive or poisonous arrow tips are prohibited.
  • For deer, bear, and moose, crossbow broadheads, including mechanical broadheads when open, must be at least 7/8 inch wide.
  • A crossbow is considered loaded if cocked and armed; loaded archery equipment may not be carried in or on a motor vehicle.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Equipment sources: Maine DIFW.

Contacts: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. Phone: 207-287-8000.

Sources: Maine hunting equipment rules; Maine season dates and bag limits.

Maryland

  • Crossbows may be used for any game species during any open season where a vertical bow may be used, except waterfowl and certain furbearers.
  • The former disabled-hunter crossbow permit is no longer required.
  • For deer, archery equipment, including crossbows, may be used during Archery, Muzzleloader, Firearms, and Junior Deer Hunt Days.
  • Crossbows are prohibited during Maryland Primitive Deer Hunt Days.
  • For deer and black bear, a crossbow must have at least 75 pounds draw weight and a working safety.
  • It is unlawful to have a loaded crossbow in, on, or leaning against a vehicle; a cocked crossbow without a bolt or arrow in firing position is considered unloaded.
  • Deer bolts/arrows must have a sharpened metal broadhead at least 7/8 inch wide; poisoned or explosive tips are prohibited.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer and black bear

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer and black bear

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Official Library of Maryland Regulations.

Contacts: Maryland DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service. Phone: 410-260-8540.

Sources: Maryland hunting permits; Maryland deer method rules.

Massachusetts

  • Crossbows may be used for hunting only by hunters who hold a MassWildlife crossbow permit for a qualifying permanent physical disability.
  • The crossbow permit requires a hunting or sporting license, a MassFishHunt profile, and physician certification explaining why the hunter cannot operate conventional archery equipment.
  • Once approved, the crossbow status is valid for the hunter's lifetime unless revoked, and the hunter may not switch back to conventional bow-and-arrow hunting in Massachusetts.
  • Permitted crossbows are the exception to the general ban on bows drawn or held by mechanical means.
  • For deer, bear, and turkey, arrows/bolts must use well-sharpened steel broadheads at least 7/8 inch wide; expanding broadheads are legal.
  • Airbows, arrow guns, poisoned arrows, and explosive tips are prohibited for hunting.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDisability permit only

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDisability permit only

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: MassWildlife; MassWildlife 2026 guide.

Contacts: MassWildlife. Phone: 508-389-6300.

Sources: Massachusetts crossbow permit; Massachusetts hunting regulations.

Michigan

  • Crossbows may be used for deer throughout archery deer seasons in the Lower Peninsula and during the early archery segment in the Upper Peninsula.
  • In the Upper Peninsula, crossbows are not legal during the late archery segment or muzzleloader season unless the hunter has a DNR disability crossbow or modified-bow permit, or, effective September 12, 2026, is a resident senior hunter with a valid senior deer license, senior deer combination license, or senior universal antlerless deer license.
  • Crossbows may be used during Michigan firearm deer seasons; firearm-season hunter-orange and equipment rules apply.
  • A legal crossbow must have at least 100 pounds draw weight, a working safety, and bolts/arrows at least 14 inches long tipped with a broadhead at least 7/8 inch wide.
  • During archery deer seasons, hunters generally may not carry a firearm while bow or crossbow hunting except for listed firearm-season or pistol-license exceptions.
  • In or on a motor vehicle or ORV, crossbows and bows must be unloaded and uncocked, enclosed in a case, or carried in the trunk where transport rules apply.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingListed big game and turkey

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingListed big game and turkey

Equipment sources: Michigan DNR, 2026 Small Game Hunting Regulations Summary; Michigan DNR, 2026 deer regulations.

Contacts: Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Wildlife Division: 517-284-9453.

Sources: Michigan deer regulations; Michigan accessible hunting.

Minnesota

  • Minnesota law allows a person to take deer, bear, turkey, common carp, or native rough fish with a crossbow during the respective regular archery seasons with the proper license.
  • In 2026, Minnesota Chapter 64 removed the scheduled June 30, 2026 expiration of this crossbow allowance.
  • Crossbows used under the archery-season allowance must be fired from the shoulder, have a working safety, use bolts at least 10 inches long and deliver at least 42 foot-pounds of energy at a distance of 10 feet. Transportation rules also apply.
  • A crossbow may not be possessed in a motor vehicle during the open season for any game unless it is not armed with a bolt or arrow.
  • Poisoned or explosive arrows are prohibited.
  • Always verify the current DNR hunting booklet for license, deer permit area, blaze orange, and public-land restrictions.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingAuthorized archery hunts

  • Crossbow criteria: shoulder-fired, working safety, bolts at least 10 inches long and at least 42 foot-pounds of energy at 10 feet.
  • STING 13-inch hunting arrows (for BAT and BAT Reverse; non-magazine models; 10-inch minimum; the crossbow/arrow combination must deliver at least 42 foot-pounds at 10 feet).
  • STING 16-inch hunting arrows (for BAT and BAT Reverse; non-magazine models; 10-inch minimum; the crossbow/arrow combination must deliver at least 42 foot-pounds at 10 feet).
  • STING Helical 16-inch hunting arrows (for Hawkwing; 10-inch minimum; the crossbow/arrow combination must deliver at least 42 foot-pounds at 10 feet).
  • PIERCER 20-inch 2-vane hunting arrows (for MEGABAT; 10-inch minimum; the crossbow/arrow combination must deliver at least 42 foot-pounds at 10 feet).
  • PIERCER 20/22-inch 3-vane hunting arrows (for MEGABAT Reverse; 10-inch minimum; the crossbow/arrow combination must deliver at least 42 foot-pounds at 10 feet).

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingAuthorized archery hunts

Equipment sources: Minnesota Revisor; Minnesota 2026 Chapter 64.

Contacts: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Phone: 888-646-6367 or 651-296-6157.

Sources: Minnesota 2026 Chapter 64; Minnesota crossbow hunting statute.

Mississippi

  • Crossbows are legal archery equipment for Mississippi deer hunting.
  • Mississippi lists no minimum or maximum draw weight and no minimum arrow length for archery equipment.
  • Fixed or mechanical broadheads may be used.
  • Archery equipment, including crossbows, is legal during primitive-weapon deer seasons and gun deer seasons.
  • Crossbows are legal for spring turkey along with compound, recurve, and long bows.
  • Dogs are not allowed for deer hunting during archery, primitive-weapon, or still-hunting seasons.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Mississippi DWFP.

Contacts: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Phone: 601-432-2400; Wildlife Bureau: 601-432-2199.

Sources: Mississippi seasons and bag limits; Mississippi general hunting rules.

Missouri

  • Crossbows are allowed for Missouri deer during archery deer season with an Archer's Hunting Permit or Archery Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit.
  • Crossbows are also allowed during firearms deer portions where the hunter has the proper firearms deer permit.
  • Archery deer and turkey hunters may not possess a firearm during archery season except under specific Wildlife Code exceptions.
  • Sighting devices that cast a beam of light on game are prohibited.
  • Bait, electronic calls, dogs, and motor-driven conveyances are prohibited for deer hunting.
  • Crossbow hunters must follow antler-point restrictions, CWD rules, flood-zone closures, and county antlerless permit limits.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Missouri Department of Conservation; Missouri Department of Conservation.

Contacts: Missouri Department of Conservation. Phone: 573-751-4115.

Sources: Missouri deer regulations; MDC hunting regulations.

Montana

  • Montana is not a full-inclusion crossbow state for archery hunting.
  • Crossbows may not be used during Montana archery season, including under the Permit to Modify Archery Equipment.
  • Montana archery equipment rules define legal archery gear around hand-drawn bows; a device that holds the bowstring at partial or full draw without the shooter's muscle power is not legal archery equipment.
  • Hunters using any non-archery method must verify that the current FWP regulation, species, season, and hunting district allow that method before hunting.
  • Montana publishes annual deer, elk, antelope, bear, mountain lion, and other species regulations; district rules can be more restrictive than statewide summaries.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingPermitted general-season hunts only

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingPermitted general-season hunts only

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Montana FWP; Montana FWP 2026 Black Bear Hunting Regulations.

Contacts: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Licensing: 406-444-2950; general: 406-444-2535.

Sources: Montana disabled hunting licenses and archery-equipment permit; Montana hunting regulations.

Nebraska

  • Crossbows are legal for Nebraska deer and antelope archery permits, deer and antelope firearm permits, and elk and bighorn sheep permits where the permit and season allow.
  • A big-game crossbow must be shoulder-fired, non-electronic, and have at least 125 pounds draw weight.
  • Arrows and bolts used for big game must have a sharpened hunting head with a blade of at least 7/16-inch radius from the center of the shaft.
  • Poisoned, stupefying-chemical, and explosive tips are prohibited.
  • Magnifying and variable-power scopes are allowed. Scopes that use electricity to amplify natural light, and scopes that project a visible light beam onto the target, are prohibited.
  • Archery deer hunters must wear hunter orange during the November firearm deer season and late antlerless seasons.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game

Equipment sources: Nebraska Game and Parks, 2026 Big Game Guide.

Contacts: Nebraska Game & Parks Commission. Phone: 402-471-0641.

Sources: Nebraska Big Game Guide; Nebraska permit and legal-weapon information.

Nevada

  • A crossbow may be used to hunt a big-game mammal only in a hunt that allows any legal weapon.
  • For an archery-only hunt, a crossbow is lawful only under a valid archery disability permit. The permitted crossbow must be equipped with an open or peep sight, a nonmagnifying sight, or a nonmagnifying electronic sight.
  • A legal big-game crossbow must have at least 125 pounds draw weight, a minimum 14-inch power stroke, a stock at least 18 inches long, and a positive mechanical safety.
  • Bolts/arrows must be at least 16 inches long, weigh at least 300 grains, and use fixed or expandable broadheads at least 7/8 inch wide.
  • Check Nevada's annual hunt tables for tag, weapon, unit, and season restrictions before using a crossbow.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game

Equipment sources: Nevada Legislature; NDOW application reproducing NAC 503.143.

Contacts: Nevada Department of Wildlife. Phone: 775-688-1500.

Sources: Nevada NAC 503; Nevada adopted regulation R004-26A, effective September 11, 2026.

New Hampshire

  • For deer, crossbows are legal during muzzleloader and regular firearms seasons with the proper license/tag.
  • During archery deer season, crossbows are allowed in specified WMUs, and separate statewide allowances apply to hunters age 68+ and permanent disabled crossbow permit holders.
  • A legal crossbow must have at least 125 pounds pull, a working mechanical safety, total length of at least 25 inches, and a rigid stock designed for a single bolt.
  • Crossbows with multiple bows, limbs, strings, or the ability to fire multiple bolts without recocking are not legal for taking game.
  • Bolts must be marked with the hunter's name and address; fixed broadheads must be 7/8 to 1 1/2 inches wide, and retractable broadheads must be at least 7/8 inch wide when open.
  • Do not carry a cocked crossbow in or on a moving motor vehicle, OHRV, snowmobile, aircraft, or mechanically powered boat.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Equipment sources: New Hampshire official administrative rules; NH adopted rule 14308, effective July 10, 2025.

Contacts: New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Headquarters: 603-271-3421; Hunting Laws: 603-271-3127.

Sources: New Hampshire deer regulations; New Hampshire crossbow statute.

New Jersey

  • New Jersey defines "bow" to include longbows, recurves, compound bows, and crossbows capable of firing a single projectile only.
  • Crossbows must have at least 75 pounds draw weight and a minimum stock length of 25 inches.
  • Air bows and multi-barrel or multi-projectile bows are not legal for hunting in New Jersey.
  • For deer, turkey, coyote, fox, or woodchuck, arrows/bolts must have a well-sharpened metal edged head at least 3/4 inch wide.
  • New Jersey does not regulate arrow or bolt length or weight, broadhead cutting-edge length, or bow-sight magnification.
  • Do not transport a cocked crossbow in or on a motor vehicle or ATV, and do not discharge a bow from a vehicle or across a road.
  • Sunday bowhunting for deer is legal only on private property and state wildlife management areas.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Equipment sources: NJDEP official hunting digest at its publisher; NJDEP Fish and Wildlife.

Contacts: NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. General information: 609-292-2965.

Sources: New Jersey general hunting regulations; NJDEP telephone directory.

New Mexico

  • Crossbows are legal during Any Legal Sporting Arm hunts and during Muzzleloader, Crossbow, or Bow hunts unless the hunt code or species or unit rules state otherwise.
  • During Bow Only hunts, crossbows may be used only by hunters holding a valid Mobility-Impaired card, a director-issued reasonable accommodation, or as otherwise allowed by rule.
  • Arrows and bolts must have fixed or mechanical broadheads with cutting edges.
  • Crossbow sights may not project light; illuminated pins or reticles and scopes of any magnification are allowed.
  • Drugs may not be used on arrows or bolts, and arrows or bolts may not be driven by explosives, gunpowder, or compressed air.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: New Mexico official administrative code.

Contacts: New Mexico Department of Wildlife. Phone: 888-248-6866 or 505-476-8000.

Sources: 2026-2027 New Mexico hunting rules; New Mexico Administrative Code 19.31.10.

New York

  • Beginning with fall 2025 rules, crossbows may be used in the same seasons, places, and manner as vertical bows for deer and bear.
  • To hunt deer or bear with a crossbow during bowhunting seasons, hunters need a hunting license and bowhunting privilege.
  • A legal crossbow must be compound or recurve, mounted on a stock, have a trigger with a working safety, and have at least 100 pounds peak draw weight.
  • There is no minimum limb width, no minimum length, and no maximum draw weight for legal crossbows.
  • A crossbow may not be possessed in or on a motor vehicle unless it is uncocked. While in or on a motor vehicle using artificial lights on lands inhabited by deer or bear, a crossbow must be unstrung or taken down, securely fastened in a case, or locked in the trunk.
  • To hunt deer or bear with a crossbow, hunters must carry proof of bowhunter education certification or proof that they held a New York State bowhunting license or stamp issued in 1980 or later. The former Crossbow Certificate of Qualification is no longer valid.
  • Crossbows may generally be used by hunters age 14 or older. Licensed 12- and 13-year-olds may use one for deer only in counties that have adopted the required local law.
  • Without landowner permission, crossbows may not be discharged within 250 feet of specified occupied structures; the setback is 500 feet in Suffolk and Westchester counties.
  • Crossbows may be used for turkey, game birds, other small game, unprotected wildlife, and carp where otherwise legal. They may not be used for small game in Suffolk County or while hunting with a dog for small game, except coyotes, in the Northern Zone.

Additional location restrictions: Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk have a separate 500-foot crossbow setback rule; other counties may adopt it. New York City parks restrict possession of missile-propelling instruments.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: New York DEC; New York Senate official consolidated Environmental Conservation Law.

Contacts: New York State DEC Bureau of Wildlife. Phone: 518-402-8883.

Sources: New York crossbow hunting regulations; New York adopted regulations, effective June 3, 2026.

North Carolina

  • Crossbows are legal archery equipment for all species with an open hunting season in North Carolina.
  • For bear, deer, elk, wild turkey, alligator, and feral swine, crossbows must have at least 100 pounds of pull.
  • For those species, bolts must use a fixed broadhead at least 7/8 inch wide or a mechanical broadhead that opens to at least 7/8 inch.
  • Crossbows are legal during deer archery season, blackpowder season, and gun season when the applicable season is open.
  • Poisoned, drugged, or explosive arrowheads are prohibited.
  • During deer firearms seasons, deer hunters using archery equipment must still wear hunter orange visible from all sides unless a listed landholder exception applies.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: North Carolina OAH official administrative code.

Contacts: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Report wildlife violations: 800-662-7137.

Sources: North Carolina general hunting regulations; North Carolina deer regulations.

North Dakota

  • Crossbows are not legal during North Dakota Deer Bow season except with a permit from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department Director.
  • Crossbows are legal during Deer Gun season for hunters with a Deer Gun license and for eligible Youth Deer license holders.
  • A permitted/legal crossbow must have at least 75 pounds draw weight, a working safety, bolts/arrows at least 14 inches long, and be designed to fire from the shoulder.
  • One-handed pistol-grip crossbows are illegal.
  • Crossbow scopes or electronically lighted reticles may not exceed 8x power.
  • No firearms except handguns may be possessed while hunting with a Deer Bow license, and handguns may not assist in taking deer on an archery license.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

Equipment sources: North Dakota Game and Fish, 2026 Deer Proclamation.

Contacts: North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Phone: 701-328-6300.

Sources: North Dakota deer regulations; NDGF regulations hub.

Ohio

  • Crossbows are legal archery equipment for Ohio deer and wild turkey seasons with the proper license and permit unless exempt.
  • A crossbow used to hunt deer must have a working safety and a shoulder-mount stock; cocking levers and other cocking devices may be used.
  • For deer and wild turkey, a crossbow must have at least 75 pounds draw weight.
  • Broadheads for deer and wild turkey must have at least two cutting edges and be at least 3/4 inch wide.
  • Explosive or poisoned arrows are prohibited.
  • Public land, parks, controlled hunts, disease surveillance areas, and local rules may be more restrictive.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

Equipment sources: 1501:31-15-11(C)(1)(a)(ii), (c), (d).

Contacts: Ohio Division of Wildlife. Phone: 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

Sources: Ohio deer implement rule; Ohio wild turkey implement rule.

Oklahoma

  • Crossbows and conventional bows with draw-lock devices are legal whenever conventional bows are allowed.
  • For deer archery, a crossbow must have at least 100 pounds draw weight and be equipped with safety devices.
  • Bolts used for deer must be at least 14 inches long and fitted with broadhead hunting points at least 7/8 inch wide, including mechanical broadheads when fully open.
  • Leverage-gaining devices are permitted.
  • No crossbow may be transported in a motorized vehicle unless it is uncocked or disassembled.
  • Laser sights are prohibited.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game and turkey

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game and turkey

Equipment sources: BIG GAME REGULATIONS (INCLUDES TURKEY), LEGAL MEANS OF TAKING, ARCHERY, Crossbows.

Contacts: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Phone: 405-521-3851.

Sources: Oklahoma deer archery rule; ODWC hunting regulations.

Oregon

  • Crossbows are not a lawful ordinary method for hunting Oregon game mammals or game birds/crows.
  • Oregon rules prohibit hunting game mammals with a crossbow or any weapon other than authorized rifles, handguns, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and bows.
  • ODFW's legal hunting methods table also lists crossbows as not legal for game birds.
  • Disabled hunter permits may provide other accommodations, but they do not make crossbows generally legal hunting equipment.
  • Hunters should check the current ODFW big-game and game-bird regulations before assuming any exception applies.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingGame mammals and game birds/crows

  • Crossbows: none permitted for this hunting use.

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingGame mammals and game birds/crows

Equipment sources: Opening paragraph; April 30, 2026; Bow; Restrictions: weapons and ammunition.

Contacts: Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. Phone: 503-947-6000.

Sources: ODFW bows and accessories; ODFW legal hunting methods.

Pennsylvania

  • Crossbows are lawful deer implements during Pennsylvania archery deer season when used with a bolt meeting the broadhead rules.
  • Crossbows are also listed as lawful deer implements during regular and special firearms deer seasons under Pennsylvania Code.
  • A legal deer-hunting crossbow must have at least 125 pounds peak draw weight.
  • Bolts used for deer must have a broadhead with an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inch and a broadhead length not exceeding 3.25 inches.
  • During archery deer season, firearm possession is generally prohibited, except for statutory self-defense possession and specific muzzleloader-overlap exceptions.
  • During archery/muzzleloader overlaps, hunters may possess and use both a crossbow and muzzleloader only if properly licensed and compliant with the more restrictive protective-material rules.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: 141.43(a)(1)(ii), cross-referenced by (c)(1)(iii) and (d)(1)(iv).

Contacts: Pennsylvania Game Commission. Phone: 1-833-PGC-HUNT or 1-833-PGC-WILD.

Sources: Pennsylvania deer season equipment rule; Pennsylvania Game Commission contacts.

Rhode Island

  • Crossbows are legal archery equipment for deer hunting in Rhode Island.
  • Archers may use a longbow, recurve bow, compound bow, or crossbow for deer.
  • Deer and turkey crossbows must have at least 125 pounds draw weight and a working trigger safety.
  • Only broadhead-tipped arrows or bolts with at least two metal cutting edges are allowed for deer.
  • Broadheads must be at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point; mechanical broadheads are measured in the open position and are permitted.
  • All archery deer hunters must have completed bowhunter education or held a prior-year archery deer permit to obtain the current archery deer permit.
  • Special areas such as Prudence, Patience, and Block Island may require archery proficiency certification and additional local permission.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer and turkey

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingDeer and turkey

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: 9.7.3(A)(2); 9.13(H)(2); 9.12(D)(3); active rule metadata.

Contacts: Rhode Island DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife. Phone: 401-789-0281.

Sources: Rhode Island deer hunting regulations; Rhode Island official guide.

South Carolina

  • South Carolina defines archery equipment to include crossbows.
  • There are no statewide restrictions on crossbow draw weight, draw length, arrow weight, arrow length, or broadhead weight, width, or style.
  • Crossbows may be used statewide on private lands and WMA lands during all archery, muzzleloader, and gun seasons for deer, bear, and turkey.
  • Crossbows are included in primitive weapons seasons.
  • For deer, crossbows are allowed during gun hunts, but every deer must be tagged before moving and reported through SC Game Check by midnight.
  • On WMA lands, specific hunt listings can restrict weapons, and Sunday hunting is closed unless specifically allowed.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Equipment & Methods > Archery and Crossbows; page updated August 7, 2026.

Contacts: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries: 803-734-3886.

Sources: South Carolina general hunting regulations; SCDNR phone directory.

South Dakota

  • A hunter holding a South Dakota big-game firearm-season license may use a crossbow instead of a firearm for that animal.
  • For firearm-season big game use, a crossbow must have at least 125 pounds pull and a working mechanical safety.
  • Crossbow use does not expand the license: follow the listed unit, species, sex, season, and access restrictions.
  • Do not use a crossbow in an archery-only big-game season unless current GFP rules or a disability authorization specifically allow it.
  • Special access areas and public lands may impose stricter method-of-take rules.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig-game firearm-license hunts

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig-game firearm-license hunts

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Legal Firearms note; Archery Equipment.

Contacts: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. Phone: 605-223-7660.

Sources: South Dakota crossbow statute; South Dakota GFP hunting.

Tennessee

  • Crossbows are included in legal archery equipment for deer, bear, elk, and turkey in Tennessee.
  • Hunting arrows and bolts must be equipped with sharpened broadheads.
  • Archery equipment is permitted during archery, muzzleloader, and gun seasons.
  • Anyone using archery equipment for deer, bear, or elk must meet the applicable big-game hunter requirements.
  • Dogs may not be used to take or attempt to take deer or elk.
  • Pod arrows, drugs or chemicals on arrows, and explosive arrowheads or broadheads are prohibited.
  • Permanent disabled license holders may use a pre-charged pneumatic arrow gun during archery, deer, bear, and elk seasons as a separate disability accommodation.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Legal Hunting Devices table and footnote 2; Prohibited Acts.

Contacts: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Central office: 615-781-6500.

Sources: Tennessee equipment and methods; TWRA contact information.

Texas

  • Crossbows are lawful archery equipment for game animals and game birds in Texas, subject to season and county restrictions.
  • During Archery-Only Open Season, crossbows are lawful for any person except for deer in Collin, Dallas, Grayson, and Rockwall counties.
  • In Collin, Dallas, Grayson, and Rockwall counties, a person may use a crossbow for deer during Archery-Only Open Season only with a qualifying upper-limb disability and a physician's statement in immediate possession.
  • Any person may use a crossbow for game animals or game birds during a general open season or East Zone spring wild turkey season where otherwise legal.
  • An Archery Endorsement is required to hunt game animals during an Archery-Only Open Season and to hunt deer at any time in Collin, Dallas, Grayson, or Rockwall counties.
  • Projectiles may not be poisoned, drugged, or explosive; turkey and game animals other than squirrels require broadhead hunting points.
  • Texas has no minimum requirements for bolt length, arrow material, arrow weight, lighted nocks, broadhead length or diameter, number of cutting edges, broadhead material, or mechanical broadheads.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Archery and Crossbows > Crossbow; Projectiles (Arrows and Crossbow Bolts).

Contacts: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Phone: 512-389-4800 or 800-792-1112.

Sources: Texas means and methods; Texas archery-only regulations.

Utah

  • Crossbows are generally allowed for big game during any-weapon hunts, but not during big-game archery hunts unless the hunter has a disability certificate of registration.
  • A big-game crossbow must have at least 125 pounds draw weight and a positive mechanical safety mechanism.
  • Big-game bolts must have fixed or expandable broadheads at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point and no electronic function except an illuminated nock.
  • It is unlawful to carry a cocked crossbow containing an arrow or bolt in or on a motorized vehicle on a public highway or other public right-of-way.
  • A big-game crossbow may have a telescopic sight only during an any-weapon hunt.
  • For turkey, waterfowl, or small game under a disability certificate, a crossbow may have a minimum draw weight of 60 pounds.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: R657-5-8(4)(b), (c), (5); R657-5-11(5); R657-12-8(1), (2)(a).

Contacts: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Phone: 801-538-4700.

Sources: Utah crossbow equipment rule; Utah disability crossbow rule.

Vermont

  • Any person may use a crossbow during any season when bow and arrow use is permitted.
  • Crossbows are allowed during archery deer, archery turkey, and archery moose seasons, including the full archery deer season.
  • Only uncocked crossbows may be transported in motor vehicles.
  • Bowhunter education is required for first-time archery deer license buyers and for hunting moose or turkey with a bow or crossbow.
  • When hunting big game with a crossbow, the arrow or bolt must have a broadhead at least 7/8 inch wide with at least two sharp cutting edges.
  • During October and December muzzleloader deer seasons, deer must be taken by muzzleloading firearm; carrying bow-and-arrow or crossbow equipment while hunting those seasons is illegal.
  • During regular deer season, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow may be used.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Opening paragraph; September 10, 2026 announcement; 10 Appendix 5.

Contacts: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. Phone: 802-828-1000.

Sources: Vermont crossbow hunting; Vermont regulation amendments, September 10, 2026.

Virginia

  • Virginia archery tackle includes longbows, recurves, compound bows, crossbows, sling-bows, and arrowguns/airbows.
  • Archery tackle with broadheads at least 7/8 inch wide, or expandables opening to at least 7/8 inch, is legal for deer, bear, elk, fall turkey, and spring turkey.
  • Slingbows may not be used for bear or elk.
  • Archery tackle, including crossbows, may be used during muzzleloading and firearms seasons where those seasons are open.
  • During special archery deer seasons, hunters may use archery tackle and must follow special archery restrictions.
  • A hunter with a disability that prevents drawing a bow or crossbow may use an arrowgun/airbow during archery seasons with a DWR physician-signed authorization form.
  • It is unlawful to discharge archery tackle in, across, or within the right-of-way of any road, or to kill or attempt to kill deer from a boat or watercraft.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

  • No additional model-specific exclusion listed.

Equipment sources: Archery-tackle chart row and notes.

Contacts: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Phone: 804-367-1000.

Sources: Virginia legal use of firearms and archery tackle; Virginia DWR contact information.

Washington

  • Except for a disabled hunter holding and complying with a WDFW Crossbow Special Use Permit, crossbows may be used for big game only during modern firearm or muzzleloader seasons and may not be used during archery seasons.
  • A legal big-game crossbow must have at least 125 pounds draw weight and a working trigger safety.
  • Bolts/arrows for big game must weigh at least 350 grains.
  • Bolts/arrows must have a sharp, unbarbed broadhead with blades at least 7/8 inch wide.
  • It is unlawful to discharge a crossbow from a vehicle or from, across, or along the maintained portion of a public highway.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig game

Equipment sources: Crossbow requirements, (1)-(7); (1), (3)(b); current amended rule effective September 7, 2025.

Contacts: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Phone: 360-902-2200.

Sources: Washington WAC 220-414-100; Washington special-use permit rules.

West Virginia

  • Any person lawfully entitled to hunt may hunt with a crossbow during West Virginia big-game firearms season.
  • The Director designates separate crossbow seasons and the species that may be hunted with a crossbow.
  • Class Y permit holders may also hunt with a crossbow under West Virginia disability-hunting provisions.
  • A hunting crossbow must have at least 125 pounds draw weight and a working safety; crossbows with more than one string are prohibited.
  • Bolts/arrows must be at least 16 inches long, measured from the leading end of the shaft including the insert to the trailing end including the nock.
  • Broadheads must have at least two sharp cutting edges and be at least 3/4 inch wide.
  • After a person has killed his or her legal daily or season limit of deer, that person may not participate further in hunting deer with a bow, crossbow, or firearm for the remainder of the day.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Equipment sources: 20-2-5g(b)(1)-(3); Printed page 6, GENERAL REGULATIONS, IT IS ILLEGAL TO.

Contacts: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Phone: 304-558-6200.

Sources: West Virginia crossbow statute; West Virginia 2026-2027 hunting regulations.

Wisconsin

  • Wisconsin runs concurrent archery and crossbow deer seasons; use the appropriate deer license and harvest authorization for the method used.
  • A hunting crossbow must have at least 100 pounds draw weight and a working safety.
  • Crossbows must be used with bolts or arrows at least 14 inches long and tipped with a broadhead.
  • Harvested deer must be registered through GameReg by 5 p.m. the day after the carcass is recovered.
  • Blaze orange or pink requirements apply whenever a firearm deer season is in progress, even for crossbow hunters.
  • Extended archery and crossbow seasons apply only in listed metro subunits and select Farmland counties.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for hunting

Equipment sources: Wisconsin Hunting Regulations, Fall 2026-Spring 2027; Weapons; Bows, Arrows and Crossbows; Section 29.171(4)(b), 2025 statutory reproduction; Official historical statute copy (2017).

Contacts: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Phone: 1-888-936-7463.

Sources: Wisconsin deer hunting; Wisconsin crossbow specifications statute.

Wyoming

  • Wyoming allows bow and arrow or crossbow as permissible equipment to take game animals, nongame animals, game birds, and nongame fish.
  • Big-game or trophy-game hunters using crossbows during a special archery season must have an archery license and the applicable hunting license unless hunting under a Type 9 archery-only license where an additional archery license is not required.
  • For big or trophy game, a crossbow must have at least 90 pounds peak draw weight.
  • Bolts must be at least 16 inches long and equipped with a fixed or expanding broadhead that cannot pass through a 7/8-inch solid ring when fully expanded.
  • Magnifying sights, holographic sights, and range-finding sights attached to legal archery equipment are permitted for archery hunting.
  • Legal archery equipment and firearms may be used during regular hunting seasons as set by Commission regulations, but firearms may not be used to take big or trophy game during special archery seasons.

✅ Suitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig and trophy game

Purchase

❌ Unsuitable crossbows and arrows for huntingBig and trophy game

Equipment sources: Commission Chapter 32, section 6(c), printed page 32-3; dated January 15, 2020, still linked as current by the 2026 regulations index; Agency Archery FAQ.

Contacts: Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Phone: 307-777-4600.

Sources: Wyoming archery equipment rule; Wyoming Game and Fish crossbow FAQ.

Disclaimer:

Regulations can change through annual guidebooks, emergency orders, state-code amendments, public-land notices, local ordinances, and species-specific rules. Before buying a license or hunting, confirm the current rules with the official state wildlife agency, the current hunting digest, and the specific public-land or private-land authority that applies to your hunt.