Debate

• Surprisingly, even the United Bow Hunters of New Jersey opposed the introduction of crossbows for hunting for years but relented when a majority of its members sanctioned the regulation change because they felt it made bow hunting safer and would be beneficial to thinning deer herds near urban areas that could otherwise die from competition among deer for a limited food supply.
  
  

Regulations

• The regulations for crossbows mirror those of bow hunting. They are permitted in any season for any fur-bearing animals. The exceptions are that crossbows have a minimum draw weight of 75 lbs. and a minimum stock length of 25 inches. When transporting a crossbow it much be uncocked while either in or on a vehicle. It also allows Sunday deer hunting on Wildlife Management Areas and private property with the permission of the landowner.
  
  

First-timers

• Hunters who have never purchased a New Jersey bow and arrow hunting license or have not purchased one since the implementation of the electronic licensing system must present one of the following to purchase a license: a hunter education archery certificate, or a prior year resident bow and arrow license from New Jersey or any other state or a prior year nonresident NJ bow and arrow license.
  
  

Surprising Support

• The state agreed to allow crossbow hunting after finding a staggeringly high number of bow hunters in favor of allowing them for hunting. Prior to enactment of the new law, A Fish and Wildlife survey determined 73 percent of all resident deer hunters (supported the allowance of crossbows while 67 percent of bow deer hunters supported it. Until the new law, crossbows were legal only for the physically handicapped.
  
  

Expected Results

• The Department of Wildlife found that the allowance of crossbows would likely reduce deer-vehicle collisions, reduce rates of Lyme Disease and reduce property damage to suburban properties and native forests. It would have the added benefit of boosting revenues to retailers of crossbows and accessories. "It's a good hunter-recruitment tool because it's very difficult for 10-year-old kids to hunt with a regular vertical bow since many are not able to draw them and be accurate... With a crossbow, they can become very accurate very easily and it doesn't take any strength," according to Fish and Game Commission member Leonard Wolgast. It is also expected to help hunter retention among older hunters who, as they age, lose arm and shoulder strength to draw a bow.