AB 332

Under current law, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issues hunting

licenses that authorize the hunting of specified animals such as deer, bear, and small

game. Certain hunting licenses also specify whether firearms, bows and arrows, or

crossbows may be used for hunting under those licenses. This bill authorizes a

person to hunt with an airgun under annual small game hunting licenses, under

nonresident fur-bearing animal hunting licenses, and under nonresident five-day

small game hunting licenses.

Current law authorizes the use of crossbows in hunting under certain limited

circumstances. A person may qualify to use a crossbow in hunting if the person meets

certain disability standards and is issued a permit from DNR. A resident who is at

least 65 years old may use a crossbow without a permit under a resident archer

hunting license and under a wild turkey hunting license. This bill expands the

authority to use a crossbow without a permit under a wild turkey hunting license to

nonresidents who are at least 65 years old. The bill also specifically allows both

residents and nonresidents who are at least 65 years old to hunt with a crossbow

without a permit under the authority of a Class A bear license and an annual small

game hunting license. It also authorizes nonresidents who are at least 65 years old

to hunt with a crossbow under a nonresident archer hunting license, a nonresident

five-day small game hunting license, or a nonresident fur-bearing animal hunting

license.