Crossbow Legal States in 2026

Crossbow is a kind of weapon that works like bow and arrow but it is more complex than that. This is because the arrows (usually called bolts) are placed or loaded into a special compartment and then shot when a trigger is pulled. So, it is not like the usual bow that you shoot arrows by drawing back the string.  

Crossbows also have complex components. It is not like the bow that only has a string that is attached to a strong curved material. A crossbow is like a rifle. The only difference here is that it uses arrows and not bullets or pellets.

Have you ever thought of having a crossbow but you don’t know if it is legal to have and use one in the United States?

Well, you are in the right place because, here, you are going to get the answers you have been searching for.

In this article, we are going to show you the legal status of crossbow in every state. But before we do that, let’s first find out what crossbow is and how it works.

How Does a Crossbow Work?

Crossbow works in a simple and straightforward way. You just have to load the weapon and then fire by pulling a trigger.

Here is a brief recap of how crossbow works and how you can use it too:

1. First of all, you cock a crossbow by pulling back a string. When you do this, the bow will bend and you will store energy.
2. Then, you load the crossbow by placing the arrows in the right compartment. Note that crossbows use special arrows that are shorter than the usual arrows you use for the normal bows.
3. After loading your crossbow, you should aim at your target. Be sure to target the right place or object so you don’t cause serious injuries to unintended people or animals.
4. Finally, fire your crossbow by pulling the trigger. This will automatically release the string and shoot the arrow forward.
5. It’s time to retrieve your arrow.

Why You Should Have a Crossbow

Crossbows are mostly used as a hunting equipment. So, if you enjoy hunting, you should consider acquiring a crossbow.

But you need to know that there are certain restrictions concerning its use. For instance, in some states, crossbow is only allowed for persons with certain handicaps. In other states, it can only be used for certain type of hunting. You will also find states that only allow those with permits to use the weapon.

This is why you need to know what the law says about crossbow in your state before you go for one.

Precaution while Using a Crossbow

You need to remember that crossbows are weapons. This means they can cause harm and fatalities.

So, whenever you are using this weapon, you should be careful to avoid accidentally releasing an arrow.

If your crossbow has a safety latch, always make sure it’s on when you are not using the weapon. This is most important if you have loaded it with bolts or arrows.

At the same time, you should avoid loading your crossbow if you are not going to use it then. Don’t load and keep because someone or something may accidentally pull the trigger.

Crossbow Legal States:

Generally, crossbow is legal in the United States, except in Oregon. That is, there is no total ban on the use of crossbow in the United States except in the state of Oregon.

But then, even the crossbow legal states only allow it to be used for certain purposes, especially hunting and archery. So, if you want to buy a crossbow, you need to understand that it has certain restrictions.

All the same, you are about to find out the conditions attached to the use of crossbow in different states.

So, without delaying this further, here is a recap of the crossbow legal status in each state:

1. Alabama: Legal during deer hunting season.
2. Alaska: Legal during archery season but for licensed handicapped hunters. Not allowed in ‘bow-only’ areas even for the licensed users.
3. Arizona: Legal for everyone during the firearm season. Legal for handicapped hunters while in restricted areas.
4. Arkansas: Legal during the archery season.
5. California: Legal during the gun season.
6. Colorado: Legal for handicapped hunters during the archery season and for all hunters during the gun season.
7. Connecticut: Legal for all hunters during the archery season.
8. Delaware: Legal during the deer season.
9. Florida: Legal during the crossbow season and archery season.
10. Georgia: Legal in all hunting seasons.
11. Hawaii: Legal for handicapped hunters with permit.
12. Idaho: Legal during the hunting season.
13. Illinois: Legal during the archery season.
14. Indiana: Legal during the archery season.
15. Iowa: Legal during the Muzzleloader season.
16. Kansas: Legal during the archery season.
17. Kentucky: Legal during the archery season.
18. Louisiana: Legal only during the crossbow season.
19. Maine: Legal during the archery season.
20. Maryland: Legal during the open season.
21. Massachusetts: Legal for handicapped persons with permit.
22. Michigan: Legal during any season that allows firearm.
23. Minnesota: Legal for all deer and spring turkey hunters.
24. Mississippi: Legal during the archery season.
25. Missouri: Legal during the archery season for hunting deer and turkey.
26. Montana: Legal during the gun season.
27. Nebraska: Legal during the big game hunting seasons.
28. Nevada: Legal for hunting big games.
29. New Hampshire: Legal for handicapped hunters with permit.
30. New Jersey: Legal for any kind of hunting season.
31. New Mexico: Legal for handicapped hunters.
32. New York: Legal for hunting bear and deer.
33. North Carolina: Legal for use in places where bow and arrows are allowed as legal weapons.
34. North Dakota: Legal for handicapped hunters with permit.
35. Ohio: Legal during the archery season.
36. Oklahoma: Legal as hunting equipment if bow and arrows are allowed.
37. Oregon: Crossbow is not legalized in the state.
38. Pennsylvania: Legal for bear hunting season and the archery season.
39. Rhode Island: Legal during the archery deer season.
40. South Carolina: Legal as an archery equipment.
41. South Dakota: Legal for handicapped hunters during the archery season.
42. Tennessee: Legal during all hunting seasons and the archery season.
43. Texas: Legal during the archery season.
44. Utah: Legal during the hunting season.
45. Vermont: Legal during any hunting season that allows bow and arrows.
46. Virginia: Legal during firearm and archery seasons.
47. Washington: Legal for handicapped hunters with permit.
48. West Virginia: Legal during the archery season.
49. Wisconsin: Legal during the archery season.
50. Wyoming: Legal during the archery season.

Let’s Wrap It Up

As you can see, crossbow is legal in all the states except Oregon. However, there are restrictions and conditions attached to its use for hunting. So, if you want to use crossbow, you should first consult your local authority to know these conditions. Remember, laws have a way of changing from time to time.