For the City-Times

The Natural Resources Board approved today the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ recommendations to establish a deer hunting season in which the use of a crossbow is allowed.

A crossbow deer hunting license is available for any qualified hunter to purchase – this will be the first time many Wisconsin deer hunters will have the opportunity to hunt with a crossbow. Previously, only holders of permits for hunters with disabilities and hunters age 65 or older could use a crossbow under the authority of an archer license.

The crossbow deer hunting season will run concurrent with the archery season. During open firearm seasons, a gun deer license will authorize bow and crossbow use. Crossbow licenses include one statewide buck tag and one Farmland Zone antlerless tag. It is important to note that those who purchase both an archer license and a crossbow license will receive only one set of tags.

Hunters are encouraged to check out the frequently asked questions page for more information regarding rule changes. The FAQ feature provides brief responses to a wide variety of deer hunting questions, ranging from deer management unit boundaries to antlerless permits. To view the FAQ page and view more information regarding crossbow deer hunting, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “deer.”

To view questions answered by DNR wildlife experts during a recent crossbow chat, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “expert.” On the right side of the page near the bottom,  under the completed events list, select the “crossbow hunting” chat.

To receive email updates regarding crossbow deer hunting regulations, reminders and other important information, visit dnr.wi.gov and click on the email icon near the bottom of the page titled “subscribe for updates for DNR topics,” then follow the prompts and select the “Crossbow Deer Hunting” distribution list.

For more information, contact: Scott Loomans, DNR wildlife regulation policy specialist, Bureau of Wildlife Management, 608-267-2452