With everchanging technology and regulations, it is easy to overlook what each state deems as legal or illegal when it comes to what you can or can’t use on your bow setup, and it can be even harder to track that information down. To make it easier on you, we have gathered as much common information from each state as possible in hopes that this “quick guide” can help you plan for your next hunt. While this information was correct at the time of print, always be sure to check with each state for current information.
HIGHLIGHTS OF EACH STATE’S ARCHERY REGULATIONS
ALASKA:
Crossbows are legal in archery season for diabled hunters with an approved form
A minimum of 40-pound draw weight for hunting deer, wolf, wolverine, black bear, Dall sheep, and caribou
A minimum of 50-pound draw weight for hunting mountain goat, moose, elk, brown bear, muskox, and bison
A bowhunter may hunt in the general season with a lighted sight pin legally attached to their bow. However, during a “restricted” weapons hunt, the light/sight becomes illegal.
Crossbows are legal for disabled hunters on a very restrictive permit basis
A minimum of 40-pound draw weight is required to hunt bison and 30 pounds for all other species
Montana prohibits the use of crossbows during the archery-only season. No exception for disabled hunters.
No minimum draw weight in Montana, but arrows must be at least 20" overall and weigh a minimum of 300 grains with broadhead attached
A crossbow is considered a legal archery weapon in Nebraska
Lighted nocks and recording devices which do not aid in rangefinding, sighting, or shooting the bow are allowed for big game archery seasons and are legal to use
Crossbows are not allowed during the archery season
Arrows must be a minimum of 24" long and weight at least 300 grains with broadhead attached
The use of crossbows is allowed by certified mobility-impaired hunters
Sights on bows may not project light (lighted pins are acceptable)
Crossbows are legal for disabled hunters by permit only
Arrows must be at least 24" long, tipped with a metal broadhead
Crossbows are not allowed during the archery season
A crossbow permit is available to any person who is incapable of using a conventional bow with a minimum draw weight of 30 pounds
An arrow, including the attached broadhead, weighing less than 275 grains when hunting a big game animal or an arrow that is less than 26" long when measured from the notch of the nock to the end of the shaft, not including the blunt or broadhead, is illegal
A minimum of 40 pounds draw weight when hunting elk
A minimum of 30 pounds draw weight for hunting all other species
Hunters who have a physical disability may legally obtain a crossbow permit for hunting big game
Archery equipment may be used during any big game season, except during the muzzleloader season
Arrows must be a minimum of 20" in length from the tip of the arrowhead to the tip of the nock
Crossbows are legal for qualifying archers with a permanent or non- operable disability
A crossbow is considered a legal archery weapon in Wyoming
Crossbows legal during the archery season must have a 90-pound minimum draw weight, minimum draw length of 14", and shoot at least a 16" bolt
Minimum draw weight of 40 pounds is required to hunt antelope, bighorn sheep, black bear, deer, mountain goat, mountain lion, and wolf
Minimum draw weight of 50 pounds is required to hunt elk and moose
Magnified sights as well as rangefinding sights are legal
State
Lighted Nocks
Electronic Sights
Mechanical Broadheads
Minimum Draw Weight
Max Let-off %
Alaska Legal Legal Legal 40-50 lbs., depending on species N/A
Arizona Legal Legal Legal 30 lbs. N/A
California Legal
Illegal Legal 40 lbs. N/A
Colorado
Illegal
Illegal Legal 35 lbs. 80%
Idaho
Illegal
Illegal
Illegal 40 lbs. 85%
Kansas Legal Legal Legal N/A N/A
Montana Legal
Illegal Legal N/A 80%
Nebraska Legal Legal Legal 30-40 lbs., depending on species N/A
Nevada Legal Legal Legal 40 lbs. 80%
New Mexico Legal Legal Legal N/A N/A
North Dakota Legal
Illegal Legal 35 lbs. N/A
Oregon
Illegal
Illegal
Illegal 40 lbs. N/A
South Dakota Legal
Illegal Legal 30 lbs. 80%
Utah Legal Legal Legal 30 lbs. N/A
Washington
Illegal
Illegal Legal 40 lbs. N/A
Wyoming Legal Legal Legal 50 lbs. N/A