AB 165

This bill provides that an archer hunting license authorizes hunting with a bow

and arrow or crossbow.

Under current law, the Department of Natural Resources issues resident and

nonresident crossbow hunting licenses that authorize hunting only with a crossbow.

DNR issues separate resident and nonresident archer licenses that authorize

hunting with a bow and arrow. Current law also provides that, if DNR establishes

an open season for hunting deer, elk, small game, wild turkey, or bear with a bow and

arrow only, it must also establish an open season for hunting that animal with a

crossbow.

The bill eliminates the resident and nonresident crossbow licenses and

provides that resident and nonresident archer licenses authorize hunting with a bow

and arrow or crossbow. The bill provides that, if DNR establishes an open season for

hunting deer, elk, small game, wild turkey, or bear with a bow and arrow or crossbow

but not with a firearm, DNR must allow the use of both bow and arrow and crossbow

for hunting during the same open season.