A hunter’s crossbow. Will it be legal for all hunters in 2014.
Update March 9, 2014 Wisconsin Cancels Disabled Hunter Permits
Starting the 2014 hunting season all Wisconsin hunters will be able to use a crossbow no matter their age or physical condition.
On December 10, 2013 Governor Walker signed AB194 now referred to as Act 61 into Wisconsin law. The State Senate approved AB 194 in September with an amendment and the Assembly passed it twice unanimously. These days it is very rare for our political leaders to agree on anything which indicates there is a lot of grassroots support for the legalization of crossbows in Wisconsin.
Starting in September 2014 bowhunters will have another option. The crossbow season will run concurrent with the traditional archery season. A separate license is required for each season. The cost of the crossbow license is $3 if purchased with an archer’s license, – $24.00 making the total license fee $27.00. This allows a bowhunter to use either crossbow or other archery equipment. Hunter’s choice.
If a hunter wants just an archer’s license or crossbow license the cost of each equal at $24.00. This hunter would then be limited to using only a crossbow or other bows such as compounds, recurve or longbow. etc.
This change has been a long time coming. Finally a new, different and challenging way to hunt is available to all Wisconsin hunters of all ages and abilities. Although, keep in mind the crossbow itself is not a new hunting tool. Its use dates back to 400 BC. The hunting crossbow predates compound bows by quite a few years. So here is your chance to try out a piece of ancient history. Enjoy and good hunting.
Ian says
That’s awesome news! This is one of the best things that can happen for hunters in Wisconsin. Older folks will love them, because they are so much easier to use.