I am just curious-I keep hearing that 20-40 states have legalized hunting with crossbows for hunters that are not disabled. Does anyone have any idea which states these may be? I hunt with a compound bow, but have always wanted to try crossbows-but don't want to buy one if I can't hunt with it!
Thanks for the help.

I know in Oklahoma you have to be diabled to hunt with one and then it's a P.I.T.A. to get the permit. I've had a heart attack and I can't get one...............

I live in Oklahoma, and hunt Fort Sill. I have killed my two deer alloted for bow season, but really want to hunt hogs with a crossbow. The kicker is, that you have to use a "Legal" weapon for whatever hunting season is happening during your hog hunt....
I know what you mean about the "p.i.t.a." that you have to go through, I know a guy in a wheelchair that cannot get a crossbow permit because he still has the use of his arms!

20 to 40? I doubt it. I know my state of Ohio is a cross bow free for all. Due to the ease of use of a cross bow there are more crossbow hunters than bow hunters here. At one time only 2 states allowed crossbows Ohio and Georga. Other than that I don't know.

They are not legal here in New York State. Frankly, I don't understand all the fuss. Even if they were legal, I wouldn't run out and buy one. I just don't see any great advantage. They are OK for people who are disabled I guess.

Clint

I know you can use one in Ohio. If Ihunt late in January I use one... I still haven't killed a deer with it.

Here in KY there is a season in December that lasts a week I believe. Of course you can use them during gun season also.

In Pa. in archery season you can use them in the special regulation management areas. And of course a disabled person can use them with a permit in archery season anywhere.

Here in Maryland, there are two crossbow seasons that exist during bow season. One is October 1-15 and the other is in January 16-31. This is the second year the state has done this.

In Texas, you have to have a permanent, upper limb disability and have a doctor's statement to that effect on your person to use a crossbow in our bow-only deer season (October). Crossbows are legal for all other general weapons seasons.

I've got one that I rarely use. They are a major PITA to drag through the woods.