AB 384

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. Those licenses also specify the type of weapon that may be used when hunting

under those licenses. For example, a deer hunting license authorizes the holder of

the license to only hunt with a firearm but a Class A bear license authorizes the

license holder to hunt with a firearm, a bow and arrow, and under certain

circumstances a crossbow. DNR also establishes seasons during which the hunting

of certain animals with a specified weapon is allowed.

This bill expands the types of weapons that may be used under the authority

of a deer, elk, wild turkey, small game, and Class A bear hunting license. Under the

bill, each of these licenses authorizes a person to hunt with a firearm, a bow and

arrow, or a crossbow. The bill eliminates the requirement that a person must be at

least 65 years old or be disabled and hold a crossbow permit in order to hunt with a

crossbow under the authority of any of these licenses. The bill does not change

current law, which also allows the use of an airgun under the authority of a small

game license. It also does not change current law under which a person who holds

an archer hunting license may use a crossbow only if the person has attained the age

of 65 or holds a permit that authorizes the use of a crossbow.

This bill also specifies that, when DNR opens a hunting season for the purpose

of hunting deer, elk, wild turkey, small game, or bear with any firearm, DNR must

also allow the use of a bow and arrow and a crossbow during that open season by a

person who holds the appropriate license. The bill further provides that, if DNR

establishes an open season for hunting deer, elk, small game, wild turkey, or bear

with a bow and arrow, but not with a firearm, then DNR may not open the season for

hunting those animals with a crossbow. This prohibition does not apply under the

bill to a person who is authorized under current law to use a crossbow based on age

or disability.