Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Archery Gear => Topic started by: SquirrelHunter on August 04, 2013, 09:58:12 PM

Title: Crossbow Hunters
Post by: SquirrelHunter on August 04, 2013, 09:58:12 PM: Any other crossbow hunters out there? I know this strikes a nerve on some. Gonna take mine out for bear on Tuesday, first year hunting with one. Just wondering how many guys on here hunt with one
Title: Re: Crossbow Hunters
Post by: lokidog on August 04, 2013, 10:52:12 PM: I didn't know you could use one for bears. I thought they were only listed for deer and elk in firearm restricted areas. Are you bear hunting in a firearm restricted area? My dad has shot a couple with his back in WI. Good luck.
Title: Re: Crossbow Hunters
Post by: huntnnw on August 05, 2013, 02:06:34 AM: Disabled can use them with the permit
Title: Re: Crossbow Hunters
Post by: RadSav on August 05, 2013, 02:51:24 AM: Quote from: lokidog on August 04, 2013, 10:52:12 PM
I didn't know you could use one for bears. I thought they were only listed for deer and elk in firearm restricted areas. Are you bear hunting in a firearm restricted area?

That's completely goofy, but that's the way I read it in the WDFW regulations. Might be something the state did not clarify or over looked. I might work up a letter to send them. Doesn't make much sense you can use them in firearm restricted areas and not in general firearm season unless you are disabled. Although dumber things have happened in this state.

I've been toying with the idea of shooting my Wyoming antelope with one this year. I haven't shot an animal with a crossbow since '85 or '86. Could be fun!
Title: Re: Crossbow Hunters
Post by: SquirrelHunter on August 05, 2013, 08:34:00 AM: Quote from: lokidog on August 04, 2013, 10:52:12 PM
I didn't know you could use one for bears. I thought they were only listed for deer and elk in firearm restricted areas. Are you bear hunting in a firearm restricted area? My dad has shot a couple with his back in WI. Good luck.

I wont be in a firearm restricted area, the regs state:

Hunters may use any lawful big game modern firearm, archery, or muzzleloader equipment for hunting black bear (pg46)

It is unlawful to hunt wildlife with a crossbow except in firearm restriction areas during modern firearm seasons, However, disabled hunter permittees in possession of a crossbow special
use permit may hunt with a crossbow in any season that allows archery equipment (pg77)

My understanding is no permit=firearm restricted areas only
Permit= All of archery season anywhere a "traditional archer" can hunt, and I have a permit so hopefully Ill be gettin me a bear tomorrow :tup:
Title: Re: Crossbow Hunters
Post by: lokidog on August 05, 2013, 09:54:35 AM: Sounds like you are good to go, it would probably have been good to indicate you had a disabled permit as that is the only way to use a crossbow outside of a firearm restricted area, legally.

Rad, I am guessing, and it is just a guess, with a little hope strewn in there, that they are testing the waters on allowing crossbows during modern season in the future.
Title: Re: Crossbow Hunters
Post by: steen on August 05, 2013, 06:29:41 PM: A friend of mine received a disabled permit to use a crossbow in the last week or so. She went shopping at Cabelas yesterday to buy one. I don't know what season she can hunt in at this time eventhough she probably told me.
Title: Re: Crossbow Hunters
Post by: SquirrelHunter on August 05, 2013, 08:13:56 PM: Quote from: steen on August 05, 2013, 06:29:41 PM
A friend of mine received a disabled permit to use a crossbow in the last week or so. She went shopping at Cabelas yesterday to buy one. I don't know what season she can hunt in at this time eventhough she probably told me.

Tell her dont buy from cabelas!!! they are way over priced. I got a new Carbon express CX2 on amazon for less then cabelas wanted for a new cx1