Authorizing the use of airguns and crossbows under certain hunting licenses

What it does

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

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.

Who's behind it

6 lawmakers are its authors⁠. All 6 are Democrats.

5 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.