West Virginia is the latest state to acknowledge that crossbow hunting is just like hunting with any vertical bow. The state has eliminated the “handicapped” regulations for the use of a crossbow in their deer season. The state of Ohio allowed crossbows in deer seasons decades ago and today, Buckeye bowhunters choose between the formats about equally with no negative impact on the overall deer population.  hanks to this regulation change, many more Mountain State hunters will enjoy quality time afield. Check out the details from WOWK.

Look for recreational time afield to increase as crossbow hunting becomes legal.
Look for recreational time afield to increase as crossbow hunting becomes legal.

For the first time ever, crossbows are fair game for West Virginia deer hunters.  West Virginia Division of Natural Resource officers said last year, the state saw a total of 300,000 deer hunters. Roughly 80,000 of them were bowhunters. They expect those numbers to increase this season, partly because of crossbow legality.

“Crossbows have really stepped it up as for the number of people who have been able to participate,” said WVDNR Sgt. Jerry Payne. “It gives access to more people to use it – to actually participate during archery season. Maybe people that aren’t strong enough, smaller-framed people that have trouble holding the bow back or somebody with weakness in their arms for whatever reason. They can participate in archery season now using the crossbow.” … [continued]

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