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Minnesota DNR Reports Positive Results from Crossbow Hunting Expansion
Minnesota’s decision to open crossbow hunting to all archers is paying dividends, with new data showing significant increases in youth and female participation during archery deer season.
Since the state Legislature lifted age and disability restrictions on crossbows in 2023, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has documented a 43% surge in female youth hunters obtaining archery licenses, while male youth hunters increased by 10%. Overall archery deer license sales jumped 6.5% above the five-year average, reaching approximately 109,000 licenses in both 2023 and 2024.
“So far, signs are encouraging and promising,” said Kelly Straka, DNR fish and wildlife division director. “This could be one more tool to get people involved.”
The changes address a critical challenge facing wildlife management across the country: declining hunter participation as older sportsmen age out. Previously, only hunters aged 60 and older or those with physical disabilities could use crossbows during Minnesota’s archery seasons. The expanded access, currently authorized through 2026, aims to boost recruitment, retention, and reactivation of hunters.
The DNR’s survey results reveal the legislation’s impact on hunter participation. Eleven percent of archery deer hunters indicated they would not have participated in the season without the crossbow option. More significantly, 62% of crossbow users said they’re more likely to continue deer hunting now that crossbows are available without restrictions.
“It’s an easier way to archery hunt and it extends the time that an older person can hunt with a bow,” said Pat Rivers, deputy director of DNR’s fish and wildlife division.
Unlike vertical bows that require significant upper body strength and consistent form, crossbows are fired from the shoulder with a trigger mechanism, making them more accessible to hunters of varying ages and physical abilities. This accessibility makes crossbows an excellent gateway for new hunters and a lifeline for experienced archers dealing with injuries or age-related limitations.
The expanded crossbow use is also helping wildlife management goals. In 2024, archers were responsible for one-fourth of all antlerless deer harvested in Minnesota, an important metric for population control. With 52% of archery-harvested deer being antlerless, the increased participation directly supports the state’s deer management objectives.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation worked alongside Minnesota legislators to support crossbow inclusion in both 2023 and 2025. While the current authorization includes a sunset date of 2026, the foundation continues pushing for permanent inclusion.
“CSF will continue to support legislation that expands opportunities for sportsmen and women around the country,” the organization stated.
The DNR reports no evidence that expanded crossbow use has negatively impacted deer or wild turkey populations. However, the issue remains somewhat polarizing among traditional vertical bow hunters, with 57% expressing concerns about increased hunting pressure during archery season.
As Minnesota approaches the 2026 legislative decision point, the data suggests crossbow inclusion is successfully bringing new faces to the field while keeping experienced hunters engaged in the sport they love.
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