Crossbow Hunting in Arizona – Update

Crossbow Hunting in Arizona is in the spotlight as the Arizona Game and Fish Commission (AZGC) proposes updates to Article 2 rules that could reshape who may use crossbows—and when. This overview explains what’s changing, what still applies today, and how the proposed repeal of R12-4-216 (the Crossbow Permit rule) would affect archery-only seasons after Jan. 1, 2026. You’ll also find clear answers to common questions about licenses, methods of take, backyard shooting, carrying sidearms during archery hunts, and whether crossbows are considered firearms. This is not legal advice—always review the latest regulations and contact AZGC to confirm details for your unit, season, and species.

Background / Key rule change for Crossbow Hunting in Arizona

On Jan. 9, 2025, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission (AZGC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to amend Article 2 rules. Arizona Game & Fish Commission proposed change to Article 2 Rules

Key points from that notice:

• Crossbows have been legal methods of take in “HAM” (hand-and-muzzleloader), muzzleloader, and general hunts (elk, pronghorn, deer) in Arizona.

• For archery-only seasons (i.e., seasons in which only vertical/compound bows are allowed), currently people with a valid crossbow permit or CHAMP (Challenged Hunter Access/Mobility Permit) may use a crossbow.

• The proposed rule would repeal R12-4-216 (the Crossbow Permit rule) so that, after Jan. 1, 2026, crossbows would no longer be a legal method of take in archery-only seasons (except for those holding a valid CHAMP permit (Challenged Hunter Access/Mobility Permit).
  Therefore, crossbows remain legal in many hunts now, but archery-only seasons are changing.

FAQ specifically for Crossbow Hunting in Arizona:

1. Can I hunt with a crossbow in Arizona?
   Yes — but with conditions. Under current rules:

   • In general hunts (any legal-weapon or firearm/muzzleloader seasons), crossbows are legal for big game, small game, etc.

   • In archery-only seasons, a crossbow may be used only if the hunter has a valid crossbow permit (or a CHAMP permit) under R12-4-216.

   • After Jan 1, 2026, the permit route for archery seasons is proposed to be removed, so crossbows would no longer be allowed in archery-only hunts except for CHAMP permit holders.

     

2. Can you hunt with a crossbow right now?
   Yes — as long as you comply with the applicable license/tag and method-of-take regulations. If you are in a general season where crossbows are allowed, you’re good. If you are in an archery-only season, you must have the required crossbow permit (or CHAMP) to use a crossbow currently. The upcoming rule change affects archery seasons in the future.

3. Do you need a hunting license to use a crossbow?
   Yes. The crossbow permit itself (for archery seasons) does not exempt you from holding the required hunting license/tag for the species/season. For example: “The crossbow permit does not exempt the permit holder from any other applicable method of take or licensing requirement.” 
   Also general hunting regulations in AZ state that anyone 10 years or older must have a valid hunting license to hunt. Arizona Game & Fish Department hunting regulations

4. What states banned crossbows?
   While many states have liberalized crossbow use, a few still restrict or ban crossbows (at least in certain seasons). For example:

   • Oregon is cited as one state where crossbows are prohibited for hunting.

   • New York laws changed in August 2025

   • There are also states where crossbows are only allowed for disabled hunters or only during firearms seasons.
     So yes — some states restrict or ban crossbow hunting (or restrict it heavily). Laws vary significantly by state.

5. Can I shoot a crossbow in the backyard?
   This is a different question from hunting. There is no specific statewide rule that explicitly authorizes or prohibits shooting a crossbow in a residential backyard. However:

   • Local municipal ordinances likely apply (discharging weapons, arrows, etc, near homes, town limits).

   • Shooting for hunting without a proper license/tag is not allowed; backyard shooting may also be unsafe and subject to local firearms/weapons discharge laws.

   • For example, in Pima County there is a range rule: “Crossbow shooting is prohibited at (the designated archery range).
     So you would need to check local zoning, city/county ordinances, and ensure safe, legal conditions (private property, neighbor consent, risk of stray bolts, etc).

6. Can you carry a pistol while archery hunting in AZ?
   I did not locate a regulation in the sources that explicitly prohibits carrying a handgun while archery hunting in Arizona. However:

   • Weapons regulations vary by method of take, season, and area.

   • If you are in an archery-only hunt (vertical/compound only) the method of take is specified. Using a pistol to take game would likely violate the method-of-take regulation. Carrying a pistol (for personal protection) may or may not be allowed depending on game lands’ rules, but whether it is legal as a method of take is another question.

   • For certainty, you’d need to consult Arizona State regulations for the specific hunt unit and season.
     So short answer: carrying may be possible, but using a pistol to harvest game in an archery-only season would likely be prohibited.

7. Does a crossbow count as a firearm?
   No — under Arizona’s current hunting regulations, a crossbow is not treated as a firearm. It is a separate ‘method of take’ category (bow/crossbow). The regulations for crossbow permits refer to crossbows separate from rifles/muzzleloaders. For example, R12-4-216 defines a crossbow permit for archery seasons. Also, national guides list Arizona as: “Crossbows legal for handicapped hunters on a very restrictive permit basis, or for anyone during general firearm seasons. So legally, they are treated more like archery equipment (with special limitations) rather than firearms.

8. Is it legal to hunt deer with a crossbow?
   Yes — with conditions. In Arizona:

   • During “general” deer hunts where crossbows are permitted as a method of take (e.g., general weapon seasons) you may hunt deer with a crossbow.

   • During an archery-only deer hunt (vertical/compound bow only), you may use a crossbow only if you have the required crossbow permit (or CHAMP) until Jan. 1, 2026. After that date, if the rule is adopted as proposed, crossbow use in archery-only deer hunts (for non-CHAMP permit holders) would be disallowed.

Summary Table

Important Note & What to Watch

• The proposed rule change by AZGC could significantly restrict crossbow use in archery seasons starting Jan 1 2026.

• Always verify the season, unit, method of take, tag, and permits before hunting.

• Local laws (city, county) may impose additional restrictions (e.g., shooting from a vehicle, discharge laws, landowner rules).

• The crossbow permit (for archery seasons) has eligibility criteria (medical certification, etc) under R12-4-216.

We will try to keep updated as this situation changes.