Many of you may not be aware of the regulations associated with crossbow hunting in Wisconsin. Who can use these weapons and why they can be used. The Department of Natural Resources is very specific when dealing with crossbows and the required permits.

Lets start with who is authorized to use these products and why they can use them. Two major groups have a chance to use crossbows. Older hunters (65 years and older) are the first group. The second group is disabled hunters. Those who qualify as disabled, according to the DNR, include hunters with a permanent or temporary disability. The disability does need to have documented paperwork by a physician in order to be considered for a permit.

The permit has several regulations to keep in mind. The permit is requested through the DNR. Upon your first acceptance, your permit is valid for a five year period. Once you have a valid permit and renew it, the permit is valid for a ten year period. Only those hunters with physical disabilities need to apply for the permit. Hunters who are sixty five and older need only to purchase a valid archery hunting license.

The crossbow has to meet several requirements for use in Wisconsin. The first requirement is to have a minimum of a 100 pound draw. The unit must also possess a workable safety. The bolts required are to be at least fourteen inches long or have arrows assembled with broadheads. Some compound bows are considered in the class if they have a Draw-Lock. This lock holds the bow even when it is not being handled by the operator.

In conclusion, as the Wisconsin law states, only people who are sixty five years old and older or those who have a physical disability meet the requirements to use a crossbow for hunting in Wisconsin. You must file a permit if you are disabled, as well as have documentation about your disability. Finally, you need to have a legal weapon via the specs we discussed earlier.

Happy Hunting and Enjoy the Outdoor.