The Minnesota Legislature faces a critical decision on whether to renew a law allowing widespread crossbow use for deer hunting, potentially signaling a shift in hunting practices. If approved, crossbows could outnumber traditional and compound bows in the upcoming fall season, reflecting a notable increase in their popularity among hunters.
In 2023, nearly half of all deer killed with archery equipment were taken using crossbows, highlighting their rapid acceptance in the state. This year, despite a notable uptick in the number of archery licenses sold—residential licenses alone increasing by almost 6%—the state Department of Natural Resources has not yet completed a study to assess the impact of this change on deer populations, raising questions about future hunting regulations.
Read full story at www.startribune.com
