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

Updated May 11, 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.

Alabama

Crossbows are legal archery equipment for hunting in Alabama.
A hunting crossbow must have a minimum peak tension of 85 pounds at normal draw length.
Bolts or arrows must use broadheads with two sharpened edges and a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch.
Bow attachments that project visible light are prohibited unless specifically authorized.
During gun deer season dates, crossbow hunters must follow Alabama hunter-orange rules unless an exemption applies.

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

Sources: Alabama hunting laws and 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.
Hunters born on or after January 1, 1986 must complete an approved crossbow education certification course to hunt big game with a crossbow and must carry the certification card in the field.
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.
Disabled hunters may be eligible to use a crossbow in an archery-only area only through Alaska's Methods and Means Exemption process.

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.
Season type matters: general, special, HAM, CHAMP, archery-only, and youth hunts can each have different lawful devices.

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

Sources: Arizona lawful methods rule; Arizona crossbow permit rule.

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.

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.
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.

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

Sources: California archery equipment and crossbow regulation; 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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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

Sources: FWC season dates; 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.

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

Sources: Georgia hunting information; Georgia WRD contacts.

Hawaii

Hawaii does not provide general crossbow hunting access for all hunters; disabled hunters may apply for a Disabled Hunter's Cross-bow Permit.
The disabled-hunter crossbow permit requires physician certification that the applicant cannot effectively use regular archery or hunting equipment because of a physical disability.
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.

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

Sources: Hawaii hunting information; Hawaii disabled public hunting permits.

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.

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.

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.

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 generally legal for Iowa bow-season deer unless the hunter has a qualifying DNR disability crossbow permit or another specific crossbow license authorization.
Resident deer hunters may use a crossbow during the Late Muzzleloader 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.

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

Sources: Iowa deer hunting; Iowa deer regulations.

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.

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.

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.
Do not use a crossbow fitted with infrared, laser, or light-projecting/electronically illuminating sights; non-projecting red-dot sights are excluded from that ban.
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.

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

Sources: LDWF seasons and regulations; Louisiana deer hunting regulations.

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.

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.
A deer-hunting crossbow must have at least 75 pounds draw weight; all crossbows should have 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.

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.

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.
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.

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 meet Minnesota's crossbow requirements and transportation rules.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Scopes capable of amplifying natural light or projecting a visible light beam to the target are prohibited.
Archery deer hunters must wear hunter orange during the November firearm deer season and late antlerless seasons.

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.
Crossbows are not legal during archery-restricted big-game hunts unless the hunter holds an archery disability permit and carries it while hunting.
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.

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

Sources: Nevada NAC 503 crossbow rule; Nevada crossbow regulation text.

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.

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.

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 hunts specifically listed as muzzleloader, crossbow, and bow unless a species or unit rule restricts them.
Bow-only hunts are limited to bow and arrow; crossbow use in bow-only hunts is generally limited to certified mobility-impaired hunters.
Certified mobility-impaired hunters may use crossbows during applicable hunts under NMDGF mobility-impaired rules and registration requirements.
Bolts must use fixed or mechanical broadheads with steel cutting edges.
Drugs may not be used on bolts, and bolts cannot be driven by explosives.
Crossbow sights used by certified mobility-impaired hunters in archery-only hunts may not magnify targets or project light.

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

Sources: New Mexico official regulations guide; New Mexico hunting seasons and dates.

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 unloaded, meaning the bolt is removed and the crossbow is uncocked.
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 wild turkey, most small game, unprotected wildlife, and carp where otherwise allowed.

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

Sources: New York crossbow hunting regulations; New York general hunting regulations.

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.

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.

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 deer or turkey crossbow must have a working safety and shoulder-mount stock; cocking levers and 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.

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.

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

Sources: Oklahoma deer archery rule; ODWC hunting regulations.

Oregon

Hunting with crossbows is illegal in Oregon.
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.

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.

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.
Crossbows must have at least 125 pounds minimum draw weight.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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 for deer during the Archery-Only Open Season and for deer, turkey, and javelina at any time in Collin, Dallas, Grayson, and 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.

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.

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.
During archery deer season, deer must be taken by bow and arrow or crossbow, using an arrowhead at least 7/8 inch wide with two or more 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.

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

Sources: Vermont crossbow hunting; Vermont deer hunting regulations.

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.

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

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

Washington

Crossbows may be used for Washington big game only during modern firearm or muzzleloader seasons.
It is unlawful to hunt wildlife with a crossbow during an archery season.
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.

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

Sources: Washington WAC 220-414-100; WDFW hunting regulations.

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.
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 meeting a daily or season deer bag limit, a hunter may not continue deer hunting with a bow, crossbow, or firearm in possession for that day or season as applicable.

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

Sources: West Virginia crossbow statute; West Virginia deer hunting rule.

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.

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.

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.

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