had to take my compound to the shop today, while there i overheard the guy telling a lady that starting dec. 4 everyone can use a crossbow, would've been good to know before i bought my new bow this summer, anyway get out there and hunt

Only Dec. 3, 2012 through Jan. 20, 2013.. You have to be 62 or older or handicapped and issued a crossbow permit by the IDNR to use a crossbow the whole season.

Since you can only use it after the second shotgun season (If your under 62) I don't think its going to have much impact. If people are below the age restritction to use a crossbow all season and don't use a compound they are probably not going to spend the money to use a crossbow for a few extra weeks. The bow shops that I go to have said they have a few more people interested in crossbows but not too many.

ya pretty wild, heard about it, said it was so new they didn't even publish in the main hunting book...

I suppose a crossbow might be nice for the late late season bow hunt... late December/early January when you'd really have to be bundled up...

I wonder if IL will ever change their "gun/slug season" schedule?

dang, i was thinking it was a permenant thing that would be in place all season next year, should've known better fron Illinois.

saluki- i too wish they would change the gun season schedule, the only reason i started gun hunting was my season is over after opening gun weekend, after that forget it where i hunt.

The mentioned it at the bottom of this article in the local paper:

http://mywebtimes.com/archives/ottaw...query=crossbow

I think it will be approved for the full 2012/2013 season.