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Arizona’s crossbow permits are up for revision under a current rulemaking proposal. Over the past ten years the State has seen significant increases in the number of crossbow permits issued, and many associate increased archery harvest with all of those crossbows in the field. The Commission will accept comments on the topic through Wednesday, April 2nd.
Under the existing rule, a crossbow permit can be approved with a number of wide-ranging conditions and a failed test draw of 30 lbs. This has become a common adaptation for aging hunters who want to continue utilizing prime archery elk seasons and OTC deer hunts but whose efficacy with compound bows has reduced dramatically.
There are also accusations of abuse from hunters who some say have obtained a crossbow permit out of convenience rather than necessity. Many archers claim this section of the population is disproportionately successful in archery seasons, leading to reduced permit numbers or harvest quotas being met earlier.
A final decision is expected to be made by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission at their meeting on April 11. This is sure to be a hotly debated topic with parties on both sides arguing their case with passion and claiming the moral high ground.
To read more about the proposed rule or to submit comments for the commission to read, use the link below.
What’s your take? Should crossbows be allowed for archery seasons?
Create a separate crossbow season after the elk rut bow season. Creates income stream & allows crossbow weapon to be utilized. I am a 100% VA certified, permanent & total veteran. I think an accommodation for veterans that are in this category should still be able to utilize a crossbow in any season. My thoughts
Limiting hunting opportunities for elderly and disabled hunters is the wrong place to look a solution to hunting pressure on a limited resource of elk; limiting the numbers of predators that compete with hunters, year round, would increase the number of elk available for harvest by hunting by any method of take, and offering more, a lot more, hunting opportunities to take bears and cougars should result in the increased availability of elk, deer and antelope to hunters of any kind.