Commission looking at crossbow rules for seniors age 65 and over.

[Ghost Hunter]

After over a year with Dr. and application forms I just received my crossbow special use permit, in time for special permit apps.  I'll still support this.

NEWS RELEASE
Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission
1111 Washington St. SE Olympia, WA 98501
http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/

 
June 2, 2022
Contact: Commission office, 360-902-2267

Commission to discuss land transaction, crossbow rules, agency budget at virtual meeting June 10

Special Fish Committee meeting also scheduled for June 10

OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will hear updates on legislative and budget issues and decide on a land transaction and a petition to change crossbow requirements for seniors at a virtual meeting Friday, June 10.

The meeting, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., will open with the Commission considering a potential land transaction in western Grant County. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) proposes to acquire a 129-acre property on Martha Lake currently owned by the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT). WDFW has leased the property since 1975, managing it as a water access area and popular ADA-accessible fishing destination.

The Commission is also expected to decide on a petition to amend hunting regulations to allow seniors age 65 and older to use crossbows during archery season.

The Commission will then hear updates from WDFW staff on legislation requested by the agency for the 2023 legislative session, as well as priorities for the agency’s 2023-2025 operating and capital budgets. The Commission is scheduled to adopt legislative and budget proposals in August.

Later on Friday, the Commission’s Fish Committee will meet from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to discuss the continued review and potential revisions of the Commission’s Willapa Bay Salmon Management Policy.

All members of the public are invited to share their perspective and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, or basis of disability. Members of the public interested in providing verbal public comment can pre-register on WDFW’s website.

These meetings will be conducted online and be available to the public to watch or listen via webinar or conference call. For more information on how to comment and to review agendas, visit WDFW’s website. The meetings will also be recorded and posted online so people can watch afterwards at their convenience.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is a panel appointed by the governor that sets policy for WDFW. WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

Engage with WDFW

[CP]

Walking around the woods with a cocked crossbow scares the hell out me.  But if it works for some, have at it.

[Brushbuster]

I'd like to see this approved. I'd give it a try. 

[cem3434]

If you can't pull a bow back, then you should consider hunting muzzy or rifle season. This is a slippery slope for archery hunters. 

[Ghost Hunter]

If you can't pull a bow back, then you should consider hunting muzzy or rifle season. This is a slippery slope for archery hunters. 

There are more steps involved than just pulling a bow back that can create problem.  Archery hunting has muzzy and rifle opportunities with the proper permit.  Taking more than archery season away with that route. 

[KFhunter]

Walking around the woods with a cocked crossbow scares the hell out me.  But if it works for some, have at it.

No different than a rifle, except it grabs more brush on the limbs.   

Tbey do have a safety ya?  I've never fired a crossbow

[cem3434]

That is precisely my point, unless you are simply suggesting allowing those with disabilities to use then in archery seasons.

If you aren't able to archery hunt, there are other methods available to you.  Using a crossbow is no different than using a muzzleloader or rifle in archery season imo. Then there's the conversation about using scopes on crossbows, which had already been debated for muzzleloaders. Keep traditional hunting the way it or or eventually it will all be the same.

[NRA4LIFE]

The 2 states I hunt back east, WI and MO, now allow crossbows to be used by anybody.  I haven't heard a single complaint from anyone I know.

[cem3434]

The 2 states I hunt back east, WI and MO, now allow crossbows to be used by anybody.  I haven't heard a single complaint from anyone I know.

Comparing WA to eastern states is not a fair comparison. Both states you mentioned have way longer seasons and allow for multiple deer to be harvested per year. Neither has an OTC elk season either, but I'm game to shoot an elk at 100 yards with my scoped crossbow during archery season. 

[h20hunter]

Those senor enough to qualify or those with physical restrictions.....100% on board.  I don't see that user group running around with a cocked crossbow.

[KFhunter]

The 2 states I hunt back east, WI and MO, now allow crossbows to be used by anybody.  I haven't heard a single complaint from anyone I know.

Comparing WA to eastern states is not a fair comparison. Both states you mentioned have way longer seasons and allow for multiple deer to be harvested per year. Neither has an OTC elk season either, but I'm game to shoot an elk at 100 yards with my scoped crossbow during archery season. 

....and a lot of areas are in firearm restriction zones, so it's more like shotguns or xbows

[Brushbuster]

The 2 states I hunt back east, WI and MO, now allow crossbows to be used by anybody.  I haven't heard a single complaint from anyone I know.

Comparing WA to eastern states is not a fair comparison. Both states you mentioned have way longer seasons and allow for multiple deer to be harvested per year. Neither has an OTC elk season either, but I'm game to shoot an elk at 100 yards with my scoped crossbow during archery season. 

FYI: WY allows xbows during archery seasons.

[Ghost Hunter]

Walking around the woods with a cocked crossbow scares the hell out me.  But if it works for some, have at it.

No different than a rifle, except it grabs more brush on the limbs.   

Tbey do have a safety ya?  I've never fired a crossbow

Crossbows:
1. It is illegal to hunt big game with a crossbow
outside of modern firearm season.
2. It is unlawful to hunt big game with a crossbow
with a draw weight less than 125 pounds and a
trigger safety that doesn't work properly.
3. It is illegal to hunt big game with any arrow or
bolt weighing less than 350 grains.
4. It is illegal to hunt big game with any arrow or
bolt that does not have a sharp broadhead and
the broadhead blade or blades are less than
seven-eighths inch wide.
5. It is unlawful to discharge a crossbow from a
vehicle or from, across, or along the maintained
portion of a public highway.
6. Exception, disabled hunters issued a Special
Use Permit and in compliance with WAC 220-
413-130 and 220-413-140. See page 92, Persons
with Disabilities.

Special Use Permit also requires a Cocking Assist Device.  Like some have said, one shot and done.  Cocking and loading takes longer than a bow, or muzzleloader.  Scope must be designed for that crossbow from the manufacturer.  Can't just throw one of your choice on it.  You won't find me packing it around in the woods like a rifle.  Too heavy and awkward.  I stopped packing my rifle loaded in a pack scabbard when I discovered the pack could slip the safety off.

[CP]

Walking around the woods with a cocked crossbow scares the hell out me.  But if it works for some, have at it.

No different than a rifle, except it grabs more brush on the limbs.   

Tbey do have a safety ya?  I've never fired a crossbow

Yes, they have a safety, but I'm not walking around with one cocked and locked and slung across my back.  Seems more like a set bear trap with a sharp stick in it than a rifle.  Some people are Ok with it.  I'm not. 

65 and over, hunt with whatever you want, good for you for still be in the field. 

[KFhunter]

You can cock it, then put shaft in when ready to shoot?