N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.24 specifies authorized equipment and restrictions applicable to
hunting using bow and arrow. The Council is proposing to expand the definition of
“bow” by removing the prohibition on all draw locking and draw holding devices
and by including crossbows and is proposing a definition of “crossbows” to specify
the required size and components of an allowed crossbow. Crossbows legal for use in
New Jersey shall have a stock length of at least 25 inches, and a minimum draw pull
weight of 75 pounds; also, crossbows shall be uncocked whenever in or upon a motor
vehicle.
As a result of the proposed change, hunters of all ages would be allowed to use
crossbows during any open bow season for deer hunting. The benefits of crossbow
use include hunter recruitment and retention, and better deer management in
suburban/rural interface areas. Anticipated increases in license and permit sales will
provide additional funding to the Division for the continued management of game
species and their habitat throughout the State. Crossbows may encourage youth,
women and other persons who have difficulty drawing a regular bow to participate in
the sport and to start family hunting traditions. Crossbows will also enable aging
hunters with various physical limitations not defined as a handicap, to continue with
or to come back to the sport. Crossbows can be a practical alternative in populated
areas where firearm discharge has been restricted by local ordinance, which should
help the Division achieve deer management objectives where access may be an issue.
And while no additional fees will be charged to hunt with a crossbow, additional
revenue is anticipated through the increase in sales of archery licenses and Permit
Bow season permits. A scientific survey, conducted by the Division and entitled “An
Assessment of NJ Resident Hunter Opinion on Crossbows”, found that the majority
of resident deer hunters are in favor of expansion of the crossbow in archery seasons.
Specifically, 73% of resident deer hunters surveyed supported the expansion of
crossbow use, and 67% of deer hunters who reported hunting only with bows
supported the proposal. Currently, crossbows are legal only with a special bow permit
for physically handicapped individuals. The Council is proposing to delete N.J.A.C.
7:25-5.24(e), which specifies who is eligible for Special Bow Use Permits for
NOTE: THIS A COURTESY COPY OF THE RULE PROPOSAL. THE OFFICIAL VERSION WILL BE PUBLISHED IN
THE APRIL 6, 2009 NEW JERSEY REGISTER. SHOULD THERE BE ANY DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN THIS TEXT
AND THE OFFICAL VERSION OF THE PROPOSAL, THE OFFICIAL VERSION WILL GOVERN.
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crossbows and attachments to longbow, recurved bow or compound bows and as a
result of this deletion, allow their use by all hunters without a special bow permit.
