Hunting with a crossbow

[kantill]

I was reading the regs after someone asked me about hunting with a crossbow is legal or not and now I am confused. It say in parts you can but than again it says you can't so which is it. I guess what I am looking for is it legal and what are the requirements of the crossbow to make it legal to use. Thanks

[quadrafire]

You definately cannot use one during archery, but maybe during rifle. I am not 100% sure on that in WA. Hopefully someone else will chime in.

[wabow]

You definately cannot use one during archery, but maybe during rifle. I am not 100% sure on that in WA. Hopefully someone else will chime in.

Only in firearm restricted areas or if you get a handicap permit.

Don

[kantill]

Ok so forgive my ignorance but what is "firearm restricted" areas?

[wabow]

Ok so forgive my ignorance but what is "firearm restricted" areas?

An area that is open during modern firearm but does not allow rifles. I personally dont know of any.

Don

[lokidog]

Firearm restricted areas are listed in the regs.  Some examples are all of the San Juan Islands, Skagit County west of I-5 (a lot of it anyways), Whidbey Island, Camano Island, Some of the area around Olympia, unit 564 Battleground, and many others.

As of last year you were allowed to use a crossbow in these areas during modern rifle season only.  I think the requirements are in the regs in the equipment descriptions.

[MikeWalking]

Firearm Restricted areas are generally where there is to much development or housing to be shooting. Some rifle rounds can go for miles if you miss...

[lokidog]

Of course, there is also some major stupidity with these firearm restricted areas....  For example, I can't hunt rabbits with my .22 lr but could do so with a .454 Casul revolver....  wha??  I am sure the ballistics of a modern 12 or 20 gauge sabot is better than some of the legal rifles.

[Bob33]

Crossbows are legal only (a) during a modern firearm season, (b) with a modern firearm license, and (c) in a firearm restricted area.  Exceptions are made for disabled hunters.

[kantill]

Sounds like I just need to tuff'n up this kid so can pull a 40 pound bow and just go normal bow hunting

[MikeWalking]

I am sure the ballistics of a modern 12 or 20 gauge sabot is better than some of the legal rifles

A few years back Hornaday put out a .45 cal saboted 12ga slug, 350gr?  had MPBR of 175yds...

[carpsniperg2]

the guys got it lined out for you.

[h2ofowlr]

Only draw back is your required to use iron sights if you use the crossbow.  I wish they would allow a scope or a red dot.

[carpsniperg2]

yeah if hunting with them in archery seasons you must use iron or fiber sights, unless you are vision impared with your upper body imparment as well, then you can use a scope on them.

[Snapshot]

yeah if hunting with them in archery seasons you must use iron or fiber sights, unless you are vision impared with your upper body imparment as well, then you can use a scope on them.

And that only applies to people with a crossbow-special-use-permit. They are NOT allowed in big game archery seasons except for people with permanent physical disabilities that that are severe enough that they qualify for the crossbow-special-use-permit.