Under the new regulations, 10 and 11 year-old hunters may not use a crossbow. Youth hunters must be at least 12 to use a crossbow.
A crossbow stamp will be required in addition to hunting licenses for those using crossbows. Stamps will be available at all license retailers starting March 15. The stamp, which is free, will help the DNR monitor and survey crossbow hunters over the next three years. http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10363---,00.html
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Crossbow FAQs
Who can hunt with a crossbow?
Anyone who is 12-years-old or older and has obtained a crossbow stamp can hunt with a
crossbow during any season when a firearm is allowed, for big game or small game. In
addition, anyone who is 50 years older may use a crossbow during the Oct.1 – Nov. 14
archery deer season, with an archery license. And in Zone 3 (southern Michigan), anyone
12 and older can hunt with a crossbow during any hunting season as long as they have the
appropriate licenses. Meanwhile, anyone who has obtained a crossbow permit because of
a permanent disability can continue to use a crossbow.
Why is there total inclusion in just southern Michigan?
The Natural Resources Commission decided that the large deer population and the
preponderance of private land in southern Michigan made it the best place to allow the
widespread use of crossbows for evaluation while minimizing conflicts among hunters
and without putting the resource at risk.
Why can’t I use a crossbow in the northern part of the state during the late archery deer
season?
The NRC thought that the large migration of deer gathering in wintering yards might be
subject deer to over-harvest if crossbows are widely adopted by hunters.
Why do I need a crossbow stamp?
The requirement of a crossbow stamp, which will be available free of charge beginning
March 15 from all license vendors, is designed to help the Department of Natural
Resources build a data base to conduct surveys. The surveys will help determine whether
crossbows are effective in helping recruit new hunters, retain older hunters, and whether
they increase the harvest rates of deer. Results of the surveys will help wildlife officials
determine whether the use of crossbows should be further expanded or restricted. Hunters
already hunting under a DNR-issued crossbow permit will not need to get a crossbow
stamp.
Why can’t 10- and 11-year-olds use crossbows?
The NRC thought that there might be potential safety issues involving very young
hunters using crossbows, which, unlike conventional archery gear, are pre-cocked and
loaded. The DNR is optimistic that hunter safety education programs will incorporate
crossbows into the curriculum.
Are there any restrictions on crossbows?
Yes, hunters are limited to crossbows that shoot bolts at no more than 350 feet per
second.
Is it true that deer hunters must wear hunter orange when using a crossbow?
Yes. State law is very specific that hunters must wear hunter orange unless they are
hunting wild turkeys, waterfowl or with a bow and arrow. Crossbows do not meet the
definition of “bow and arrow” in the current state law. The DNR will seek some
modification of state law on this issue.
Why are these regulations valid for just three years?
The Natural Resources Commission passed these expanded crossbow regulations on a
trial basis. They have directed the DNR to evaluate the use of crossbows on hunter
recruitment, retention and effectiveness