Hunting Method

[jtrammell]

I have read the regulation on bears and I am looking on what weapon I can use. This will be for next year as my hunting season is over for this year(brain surgery). I am wanting to take a bear using my crossbow. According to the reg:

Hunters may use any lawful big game
modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader
equipment for hunting black bear. The use
of hounds and/or bait to hunt black bear is
prohibited statewide


Would a crossbow fall under these categories. I know with other big game only handicapped hunters can use a crossbow. In my opinion I would say it does, but I believe it's a grey area. I was wondering if anyone could help me out. I've lived in the state less than a year and I don't want to get in trouble with THE MAN. Any help or guidance is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[bobcat]

Cross bows are not legal except in firearm restriction areas. But, it could change by next year as I know that they were looking at making them legal. It was in the proposals for the 2015-2017 hunting seasons.

[bowhunterwa87]

That would be cool if it were legal to hunt with them next year.

[jtrammell]

Cross bows are not legal except in firearm restriction areas. But, it could change by next year as I know that they were looking at making them legal. It was in the proposals for the 2015-2017 hunting seasons.

Not that I don't believe you, but where in the reg does it say that? I have looked under the "method" section in the reg and the Bear section. The method only says what the specs must be. It only mentions a firearm restricted area when talking about scopes.


f.   Using a scope on a crossbow during
a modern firearm season, in firearm
restriction areas is now allowed

[bobcat]

page 78, Archery Regulations, (e)

[jtrammell]

page 78, Archery Regulations, (e)

e.   It is unlawful to hunt wildlife with
a crossbow except in firearm restriction
areas during modern firearm seasons.

But the whole season is modern. So if it is a firearm restricted area, I am good to use it?

[bobcat]

Yes

[jtrammell]

Yes

Thank you sir.

[csaaphill]

Cross bows are not legal except in firearm restriction areas. But, it could change by next year as I know that they were looking at making them legal. It was in the proposals for the 2015-2017 hunting seasons.