The year crossbows were legalized in Ohio.

BryanOney · Post by **BryanOney** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 9:51 pm

When did crossbows become legal in Ohio for deer hunting. I think I started using one about 1980. Anyone know for sure. Thanks.

Jim C · Post by **Jim C** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 10:03 pm

1976 i believe. second choice was 1974. About 90% sure it was 76 though

Woody Williams · Post by **Woody Williams** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 10:39 pm

Here you go...

Ohio first allowed crossbows in archery season in 1976. That year, the season ran from October 8 through January 22. From a total deer harvest (all weapons) of 23,431, the conventional bow harvest accounted for 1,638 while the crossbow harvest accounted for only 27. In '76, Ohio issued 138,946 hunting permits and allowed deer hunting in 68 of its 88 counties. The ratio of deer-harvested-to permits sold ratio was 1:5.9 (one deer harvested for every 5.9 permits sold).

GaryL · Post by **GaryL** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 2:04 am

Thanks W.W. Just learned something

again. I should have known the answere to that

as I live and hunt in Ohio.

Woody Williams · Post by **Woody Williams** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 8:26 am

And for when the antis tell you that crosbow will "decimate the herd" and "shorten the season" you can show them this..

Ohio first allowed crossbows in archery season in 1976. That year, the season ran from October 8 through January 22. From a total deer harvest (all weapons) of 23,431, the conventional bow harvest accounted for 1,638 while the crossbow harvest accounted for only 27. In ’76, Ohio issued 138,946 hunting permits and allowed deer hunting in 68 of its 88 counties. The ratio of deer-harvested-to permits sold ratio was 1:5.9 (one deer harvested for every 5.9 permits sold).

By 1994, the season grew two weeks, running from October 1 through January 31. Compared to ’76, the total deer harvest grew 725% to 170,527. The conventional bow harvest ballooned 800% to 13,107 while the crossbow harvest exploded to 16,283. Hunting permits sold were up 277% to 385,068, and all 88 counties were open for deer hunting. The deer-harvested-to-permits sold ratio improved to 1:2.8 (one deer harvested for every 2.8 permits sold).

GaryL · Post by **GaryL** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 8:46 am

Thanks W.W. Just learned some more.

DJH · Post by **DJH** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:16 am

A point of interest might be that Arkansas legalized the crossbow for all hunters in 1973, three years before Ohio followed suit.

Woody Williams · Post by **Woody Williams** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 9:21 am

Hi Dan..

I owe you a phone call.

I'll get to it this afternoon..

WW