Contact:  Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014
Agency: Natural Resources

March 6, 2009

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission on Thursday approved a proposal to expand the use of crossbows for hunting in Michigan.

Under the new regulations, crossbows may be used:

• during any season in which a firearm may be used, for both big and small game;
• for any hunting season in Zone 3 of southern Michigan;
• by anyone 50 years of age or older during the Oct. 1-Nov. 14 deer season.

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.

The regulations have a three-year sunset. Crossbow hunters will be surveyed over the next three years and regulations will then be re-evaluated by the Department of Natural Resources. Data will be collected that analyzes impact on the resource and the crossbow’s potential to recruit or retain hunters. The data also will be analyzed to determine if crossbow use should be expanded further in the future.

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.

For more information on hunting opportunities in Michigan, visit the DNR’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

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