The Natural Resources Commission will vote at its March 5 meeting on a proposal to allow additional use of crossbows by hunters. The proposal, which is based upon recommendations by a committee considering crossbow regulations for more than six months, would allow the use of crossbows:

• during any season in which a firearm may be used, for both big game and small game,
• for deer hunting from Dec. 1-Jan. 1 in southern Michigan, with an archery deer license, and/or
• by anyone 65 years of age or older during any deer season.

The NRC may accept any, all, or none of the elements of the proposal and could modify them as it deems fit.

It is already legal to use a crossbow during the firearms deer season. In addition, hunters with certain physical disabilities can apply for permits to use crossbows during archery seasons.

Any change in crossbow regulations is likely to be in place for a period of time and then be evaluated for its impact on the resource and its potential to recruit or retain hunters. The Department of Natural Resources will collect and analyze data, after which, crossbow hunting opportunities could be further expanded or restricted, based upon the findings.