State Legislature OKs bill to allow crossbow hunting

The state Legislature passed a bill last week that would permit legalized crossbow hunting.

The bill asks the state Department of Environmental Conservation to establish a crossbow hunting season that coincides with rifle hunting season. It also would allow crossbow use on private property, where permitted, during deer hunting season.

The legislation requires crossbows to use arrows 14 inches or longer and include a working safety lock. Current law permits only certain physically disabled hunters to hunt with a crossbow.

"Our seniors and veterans with disabilities who spend their lifetimes bow hunting should not be restricted from their pastime because they are no longer physically able to pull a long bow," Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, said in a statement. "Crossbows are lighter and less restrictive and are not as difficult to fire."

Mrs. Russell was a co-sponsor of the Assembly legislation.