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Michigan Expands Crossbow Hunting Opportunities
2009-05-18
Michigan Expands Crossbow Hunting Opportunities
3-11-2009 MI. / Natural Resources Commission
New crossbow regulations recently approved by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission are designed to expand hunting opportunities, retain existing hunters and recruit new hunters, and offer a way for some hunters to continue hunting when facing physical limitations.
Under the new regulations, crossbows may be used:
- by anyone 50 years of age or older during the Oct. 1-Nov. 14 bow hunting deer season statewide
- by any hunter age 12 and older during any hunting season in Zone 3 (southern Michigan), including the bow hunting season
- during any season in which a firearm may be used, for both big and small game statewide
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.
Crossbow hunters are required by state law to wear hunter orange while hunting. The DNR will pursue legislative changes to modify the hunter orange law for crossbow hunters.
Included in the regulations are limits on the velocity of the crossbow. Crossbows used for hunting are restricted to no more than 350 feet per second.
