Crossbow permits
 

Evidentally, the state of Illinois is now allowing people 62 and over, even out of state folks, to buy over-the-counter crossbow permits. I know my uncle from Florida did this back in october and went hunting with my dad. Has this been done in other states, or is this something new entirely?

RE: Crossbow permits
 

In the state of Virginia anyone can hunt with a crossbow. Just as anyone can hunt with a bow, BP or gun. Minors/adults who have not purchased hunting license in the past, must complete a hunter safety course, beforebuying a hunting license.

RE: Crossbow permits
 

IL just passed the 62 and over law. As far as I know, there is no permit, just proof of age does the trick. WI went to a 65 and over several years ago and it works the same way. MD has 65 and over also. LA does 60 and over.
Randy

RE: Crossbow permits
 

WI and MD allow them for seasoned citizens, think the age is 65, but am not sure, do know the license sales for that group rose dramatically in the years following that rule introduction, a good thing, imho.

Edited to add: Ooops, Randy beat me to it and if anyone knows he does! Thanks Randy!!

RE: Crossbow permits
 

I wasn't sure how widespread crossbow deer hunting was. I just find it interesting for Illinois since the non-resident archery season is lottery system and the permit is close to 400 dollars. The crossbow option is now amuch more easier and cheaper way for folks 62 and up to get in on the action.

RE: Crossbow permits
 

Here's a good idea on how wide spread the xbow use is,I was told a year or so ago by an industry [xbow] rep that there are about 1/2 million xbow hunters in North America. This figure is rising rapidly, this forum ia a prime example, as there are new people joining almost daily, a good thing again imho.

RE: Crossbow permits
 

While some states are going part way on this they just need to drop the age requirement and let the hunter decide. What I've seen here is it's older people mostly switching over. Very few new never shot a bow people jumping into xbows.

RE: Crossbow permits
 

If I remember right there are nine states that have unrestricted crossbow use during the archery season. Alot of them states joined the ranks of the non selfish in just the last few years. There is also several states that have the laws pending and on the books that look to be promising for passing. Then there are the states like IL that decided to let the older folks start to hunt again. The stance that the ATA took on the CB is one of the many things happening to advance the CB as a archery option for all.

RE: Crossbow permits
 

Here is a map, It is a few years old and does not have all the updates that include most of the seniors being allowed to hunt. It also does not have Virginia up date on it.

RE: Crossbow permits
 

That map is tricky at best.
TX allows them with rifle season, not bow.
PA is not heavily restricted and handicap permits are not hard to get. They also have 2 HUGE wildlife units where anybody can use them during archery
MO is not overly difficult to get a permit.
KY has passed their season and it is good and handicap is easy.
I have a better map, but am not computer sazy enough to get it posted. If somebody can post it, I will email it to them.
Randy