An Overview of Crossbow Laws in Illinois
Familiarity with weapon restrictions is very important for those who want to take advantage of the opportunities that Illinois offers for hunting and sport shooting. The state has a fairly comprehensive set of laws that cover weapons, and anybody who owns one of these items should have a working knowledge of the specifics. One popup on this front is crossbow restrictions in the state that may be a little different than in nearby areas. Here’s what you should know about this law.
First, Illinois regulates several types of crossbows. Just as it does with handguns, rifles and shotguns, the state has different laws that apply to the use of crossbows. There is a distinction made between standard crossbows , which can be used for hunting, and handicap crossbows, which can be used for hunting by people with physical disabilities. Different restrictions apply to each type of crossbow.
Legal restrictions on the possession and use of crossbows go back to at least the 1970s in Illinois. Since then, further restrictions have continued to be added to the legal framework. Though many people have a solid understanding of their rights when it comes to handguns, rifles and shotguns, some will make the mistake of assuming they have the same rights with regards to crossbows.
State laws vary in terms of their restrictions, and therefore it is crucial that gun owners in Illinois pay close attention to these regulations.
Who Can Legally Use a Crossbow?
An individual must obtain a registration permit from the state of Illinois in order to own and operate a crossbow for hunting purposes. The following guidelines apply:
Hunting Youth Permit
Individuals who are ages 10, 11, and 12 are eligible for a youth permit to hunt with a crossbow for deer during the regular archery season as long as they are accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years of age and holds a valid Illinois hunting license.
Disability Permits
Any person with a disability that may have occurred before obtaining the age of 16 is allowed to apply for a disability permit through the Department of Natural Resources in order to use a crossbow for hunting purposes.
Crossbow Permit
All crossbow permits are valid for the entire year and carry a fee of $5.00.
Crossbow registration permits for youth and disabled hunters who are 15 years old and under cost nothing. In order to obtain a crossbow registration permit, you must have a current Illinois hunting license. These permits are issued through the Department of Natural Resources and must be renewed every year when you renew your hunting license in the Spring.
Seasons and Crossbow Regulations
Illinois DNR Code 520 ILCS 1500/10 – Hunting Seasons and Crossbow Use allows the use of a crossbow from the beginning of deer hunting season until the season closes. See below seasonal breakdown for crossbow use and not use. Illinois DNR Code 520 ILCS 1500/10 (c) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to expand the seasons of hunting or fishing established by the Department.
(c) A crossbow may be used only during any of the following seasons: (1) January 1 through January 20 as part of the standard late-winter antlerless deer season; (2) the alternative urban deer season, as provided in Section 1.2 of the Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5); (3) the Spring Turkey Season subject to the following limitations: A person authorized to use a crossbow during the youth season established under Section 1.2 of the Wildlife Code may use a crossbow during the Spring Turkey Season. (4) the Fall Goose Seasons and the Winter Duck Seasons, provided that the crossbow is a shotgun type crossbow as defined in Section 1.2 of the Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5); (5) any season established under subsection (b) of Section 2.32 of the Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5), and any seasons established under Sections 1.2, 2.31, or 2.33 of the Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5); and (6) other seasons as authorized by the Department. (E) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to allow a crossbow to be used to take or attempt to take a species of fish unless otherwise authorized pursuant to subsection (b) of Section 20-10.2 of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code (515 ILCS 5).
Technical Requirements for Crossbows
Aside from the legal timeframe in which individuals may use a crossbow by virtue of IDNR permit, there is no specific language defining the type of crossbow permitted for use. The only restriction concerns the speed at which the crossbow bolts are permitted to travel. It must not be capable of discharging any arrow or bolt at a velocity in excess of 400 feet per second. It is the understanding of this office that the IDNR website provides the following specifications:
Crossbow Specifications The following specifications apply. a. crossbow stock and fore grip must be manufactured as a single unit b. crossbow must have a working mechanical safety device c. cross- bolts must have a minimum shaft length of 16 inches d. broadhead must have a minimum blade length of 7/8 inch e. broadheads must have no more than 2 cutting edges f. all crossbow barometric altitude adjustment devices must be rendered non-adjustable
It would not surprise me if IDNR were to periodically change its specifications. Accordingly, it is always prudent to verify that your crossbow is within IDNR specifications before heading out. No one wants to find out after the fact that their crossbow does not meet specifications and that one’s harvest will not be registered. Also, like almost anything related to law, language is subject to judicial and administrative interpretation. As such, when in doubt, consult an experienced professional.
Permits, Exemptions, and Special Treatments
As with most hunting-related laws and regulations, the use of crossbows often comes with exceptions, rules, and special permits that can allow for their use for additional purposes outside of the special seasons described above. For example, under 520 ILCS 5/1.2a(3), "[a]ny person who is physically disabled may use a crossbow to take a deer as permitted by the Department under this Code . " Although the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ("IDNR") has not published any documentation regarding the application process and required paperwork beyond a driver’s license number, you should plan on showing any supporting documentation including Certificate of Disability and/or your Social Security Disability letter.
Additionally, the prairie chicken hunting season has been extended to include crossbow use, subject to any special permits, so long as you are otherwise eligible to participate and apply for that specific special permit.
Consequences of Non-Compliance with Crossbow Laws
In Illinois, the penalties for violating crossbow laws vary in severity depending on the violation. It is a petty offense to hunt by illegal means. A Class A misdemeanor is the charge for hunting in a state park or refuge. A Class B misdemeanor is the charge for hunting on foreign-owned land without permission of the owner. The bond amount for these offenses is comparable; a petty offense needs a $75 bond while a Class A misdemeanor needs a $150 bond. Bond amounts for Class B misdemeanors are typically even higher; most are at the $200 bond amount. If someone has already been convicted of the same misdemeanor, the bond amount increases.
Hunting without a license or with a suspended or revoked license is a Class A misdemeanor. The bond is $150. Repeat offenders face more serious consequences. If you’ve received three lifetime hunting violations, the last one is a Class B misdemeanor. The bond amount is $500. If you’ve received ten or more lifetime hunting violations, the last is a Class A misdemeanor. The bond amount is $1,500. Each time a person is found guilty of a lifetime hunting violation, their fine goes up by $25. Each fine must be paid within 30 days. Otherwise, their hunting privileges are revoked until the fine is paid. On the books, the possible penalty for a Class A misdemeanor is up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500. However, it is incredibly rare to be sentenced to jail unless the judge believes there is a very good reason to do so. Another common crossbow violation is using an illegal arrow. This is a petty offense, and the bond amount is $75.
In the past, rural mail carriers and farm owners were exempt from the ban. However, people who want a special use crossbow permit must have a doctor’s note prescribing a disability. Also, they must pay a $25 fee for the permit.
Staying Informed on Crossbow Rules
To ensure compliance with the law and avoid any legal complications related to crossbow use, it is critical for crossbow users in Illinois to remain up-to-date on any changes in the law or regulations governing crossbow use. The following resources can help crossbow users stay abreast of the current rules:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources – The IDNR enforces the regulations that govern use of the crossbow and also issues one-and-three-day permits for all types of hunters . It is important to keep the IDNR informed of any change in your address.
Illinois Conservation Police – This law enforcement agency is responsible for enforcing the law. If you have a question, call them.
Illinois State Legislature – These are your elected representatives. They should be viewed as a good resource regarding any issue that you have.