BTW, Hotburn, your info. is for Wi, not Wy.

Anyone know? I can't seem to find that information on the web.

Gene Galitz used one in 1988, before that I don't know!
THE RIGHT START - Gene Galitz

Thanks Rebel. I had read that story and forgotten about it. So, crossbows have been allowed in Wyo. during the archery season for at least19 years. I just want somehard data in casesomeone wants facts about crossbow hunting. The point would be that for decades crossbows have been used in Wyoming and only 15% of archery hunters use them there each year. Don't those hunters know that crossbows are just like rifles and you can shoot game out to 400 yds with them? Why don't more people use them????

Does anyone else have a more specific year that it started in Wyoming? I could call the game and fish dept. but it's long distance and I'm cheap.

Now I figured out why Reb had to correct me!! Must have clicked wrong on the first one. But the second one is right. Was wandering why I read it wrong the first time and could not figure it out when I went back. Sorry guys!![&o]

Trying to find the Wyoming dates for grndhntr I found this. Ohio since 1976. Going on 31 years!


Crossbows are looming in the background. For years, states typically permitted crossbows only for those who were physically unable to draw a conventional bow. That’s changing. Thirteen states now allow crossbows during archery seasons. The first, Ohio, permitted them during the last two weeks of the traditional archery season starting in 1976. The number of days was gradually expanded until, in 1982, they were allowed for the entire deer season. Thousands of hunters took advantage of the longer season—so many, in fact, that crossbow hunters now outnumber those who use conventional archery equipment, 140,000 to 110,000 as of 2004. Participation has increased in other states that more recently allowed crossbows, too.

They have been allowed for at least 20 years if I remember correctly. Also, the no cocking aid deal is being challenged in the legislature there.
OH has way more hunters, way less ground to hunt and we still have huge deer and the season is longer then ever. OH has had a crossbow season for about 30 years. If we were going to kill al the deer, they would be dead by now.

Ohio, permitted them during the last two weeks of the traditional archery season starting in 1976.