Ready for outdoors adventures with the crossbow

I purchased a modern hunting crossbow a while back to learn how this tool compared to a modern compound bow. I will readily admit that I am a bit “eccentric” in my interests and this fit perfectly into my idea of outdoor “adventure.” Plus, I can see the time coming where my shoulders won’t allow me to draw a compound bow. I can still shoot a crossbow with the mechanical devices available to cock them.

The short version of that comparison is that the crossbow is well suited for hunting from a stationary position, like a tree stand or a ground blind when baiting bears or watching a trail or opening, but is a poor choice for stillhunting or spot-and-stalk techniques.

Why?

The crossbow weighs about twice what a compound bow does; it’s loud; it’s awkward to carry through brush; it’s not safe to be walking around with a “loaded” crossbow; and it’s slow to re-cock for a second shot. If you can sit somewhere out of sight with the crossbow cocked at full draw with a bolt (arrow) in place, it can give you a very accurate single shot.

Okay, so why am I talking about all this?

To expand the uses of the crossbow, I was planning to submit a proposal to the Board of Fisheries which would allow the use of a crossbow for bowfishing northern pike. The only “hunting” use I knew about for a crossbow in Alaska was for big game during the general season. Under Alaska law, a crossbow is currently defined in its own category and is not legal for use in archery-only hunts or areas. I wanted to make sure I wouldn’t get into trouble if I was chasing pike around with a “horizontal bow.”

Crossbows are legal hunting tools in 49 states, including Alaska, in some form. Only Oregon bans their use entirely. In many of these states (36), a crossbow is considered archery equipment for purposes of bow-and-arrow only hunting seasons or areas. Because of the growing interest in crossbows nationally, there are many manufacturers offering a wide variety of models and other manufacturers producing aftermarket gear. For example, you can buy a bracket to mount a bowfishing reel to your crossbow and specialized bowfishing bolts and various barbed fishing points are available.

In the bowfishing application of crossbows, hunting alligators or sharks is a widely recognized use and has its own specialized gear. Crossbows are also used to bowfish for large freshwater species like alligator gar or big longnose and shortnose gar. However, the general use of crossbows for bowfishing smaller “rough” fish species is not as widely practiced, but is catching on.

I started researching Alaskan law regarding the wording legalizing bowfishing. I was looking to propose just adding crossbows to the already legal bow-and-arrow listing while keeping all the same equipment requirements, seasons, list of legal species, etc. I only wanted to add a gear type, not expand or alter existing regulations.

In writing a proposal, the form asks for the specific statute or regulation reference by number [for example: 5 AAC 61.110 (8) (A)] referencing what you propose to change. I could find all kinds of references to the fact bowfishing was legal but not the specific statute or regulation reference number. I called for help from both Fish and Game and the Wildlife Troopers. After being directed to a search engine which would show current regulations, I was able to continue my research. Now I knew the specific wording and could begin developing how I would propose changing that wording.

As it turns out, bowfishing with a crossbow is already legal in the West Cook Inlet area, Kenai Peninsula area, Susitna River drainage, Anchorage Bowl area, Knik Arm area, and the Kenai River drainage for the specific fish species listed in regulation. The one legal species in all these places is northern pike. In some areas, whitefish or burbot might also be legal. Check the regulations for specifics to avoid a costly ticket and confiscation of your gear. Note: salmon of any species is not legal for harvest with any type of bowfishing equipment!

Since I can already go bowfishing for pike with my crossbow, I don’t need to submit a proposal. However, there are some other situations under the Board of Game’s purview which need to be addressed to allow possible crossbow use in state management areas, refuges, or special hunts. Those proposals are due May 1 in Juneau!