Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Bowhunting states that allow x-bows in archery season

Wisconsin 2021, 38,147 deer killed by bow, 57,071 killed by crossbow

Montana does allow people that are "certified & permanently disabled" to apply for a permit to modify archery equipment. They then can use archery tackle that supports the bow, and draws, holds, and releases the string to accommodate the individual disability.
For more information Contact the Montana Bowhunters at https://mtba.org

i have been told 46 states allow x-bows during archery season for Handi-cap hunters i feel that is wonderful ,some of us are now handi - cap because of age or health maybe both too. not sure but i think there are some Federal provision to help handi-cap hunters . i also have been following the law suit in Montana about not allowing x-bows during archery season for true handi-cap hunters . Montana Bowhunter Association is totally against handi - cap bowhunters in archery season this sure seems selfish and shameful . i do hope the Federal government steps in and changes this rule / law , there is a lot of Federal land in Montana that could have a different rule / law on this ? maybe the Feds could also take some funds away from Montana tell they change this x-bow rule / law ? SHAME ON MONTANA !

I’m fine with truly handicapped people using a crossbow in archery season. But the last thing we need is the feds getting involved in states hunting regs. The feds have screwed up enough of our country.

All NH Archery hunters can use the crossbow in " M " Zone during archery season from Sept 15th to Dec 15th. Anybody that is 68 or older can use the crossbow without a handicap permit for the rest of the state. This is a new law for 68 and older. You do have to have the archery license.

Ken

Some bow hunters are whiny and jealous, hunt with whatever makes you happy. Where I'm from a dead deer is a dead deer.

Idaho allows them for handicapped hunters during archery seasons. You just need a permit from the F&G. They're legal for anyone during the general season.

The reason most states have approved crossbows is you still only have one shot. It takes time to reload a crossbow. Recurves and compound bows may allow you to get off another shot.

Someone did some studies. The average hunter is only accurate for about 30 yards on recurves and compounds. Crossbows can give you 20 extra yards, depending on the power of the bow, so 50 yard maximum for average hunter. Crossbows have to be reloaded by using your foot and pulling with both hands, or use a crank. Both take more time. Anyway, the kill ratio is about 10% for all bow hunters, about 11-12% for black powder guns, and about 20% for rifle hunters, as they have more range of accuracy. Don't understand Montana about this. A really good archer could probably kill out to 100 yards.

Sounds about right. I can do 50, but very few spots on my public patch offer shots that long. The doe I took last season was at 40. If I was able to cock it again in my hang-on, I could’ve doubled, but that ain’t happening! Maybe I should buy that 2-shot Excalibur, -NOT! Hard enough to haul one of those woods rats a mile to the car, let alone two.

another great law for the handi-cap ,here is my problem i have been hunting Montana for 20 some years and now at 68 years of , 4 back surgeries ,neck surgery ,knee surgery both shoulders have had surgery and are in bad shape one needs replacement doc says ,heart surgery all thru the years many the the last 10 years . i was a climbing REA lineman for 35 years , my body is in bad shape but i could use a x-bow kinda . but i have some great hunting areas in Montana and good friends to stay and hunt with. i am to old to start over. besides my son has shot some huge bulls with his bow myself mine were not as big but i call well for him. if i was younger i would have started in Idaho much more friendly for non-resident bowhunters that`s for sure. thanks for posting ,Pete53