Just In Time: Illinois Passes New Crossbow Regulations.

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If you deer or turkey hunt in Illinois, you now have a new way to take aim this year — crossbow. That’s right. Governor Bruce Rauner signed into law House Bill 2893, which repealed restrictions on the use of crossbows during archery season. In previous years, crossbows were only allowed during archery season if you qualified for a permit because of a disability or you were over the age of 62. Want to learn more about the new law? Check out the press release from the Illinois DNR below.

And if you think you’re ready to start shopping for your first crossbow, Sportsman’s Guide carries 20 different crossbow brands and has over 100 models to choose from. So whether you’re looking for something entry level or more expert level, we have you covered!



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New State Law Allows All Hunters in Illinois to Use Crossbows During Archery Seasons

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Hunters in Illinois may use crossbows during archery hunting seasons, including the Illinois Archery Deer Season and the Illinois Fall Turkey Archery Season beginning on Oct. 1.
Governor Bruce Rauner signed into law House Bill 2893, which amended the Illinois Wildlife Code to repeal restrictions on the use of crossbows during archery hunting seasons in Illinois.

Illinois law previously allowed the use of crossbows for archery hunting by persons age 62 or older, and those persons with disabilities who qualified for a crossbow permit issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). In addition, the previous law allowed certain youth hunters to use crossbows, and allowed all archery hunters to use crossbows beginning the Monday after the second firearm deer season.

The 2017-18 season dates for archery deer and fall turkey archery hunting in Illinois are Oct. 1, 2017 through Jan. 14, 2018. Archery seasons will be closed Nov. 17-19 and Nov. 30-Dec. 3 during the Firearm Deer Season in those counties open to firearm deer hunting.

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