Hunting Enthusiast

For a hunter planning a hunting trip in another state, knowing the rules and regulations is the first step in planning. If Texas is on your list for bow hunting destinations, here are some of the regulations you’ll need to know:

• Crossbows are not legal for taking migratory game.
• Only standard archery is legal for bow hunting in Texas and may only be used during general open season.
• Bows and crossbows may not be used to hunt deer in muzzle load season.
• Bows and crossbows are legal for hunting non-game animals that are not protected.
• You must be licensed to carry a concealed handgun in Texas.
• Firearms are only allowed in camp if they are in your vehicle, or you are hunting any lawful game besides whitetail deer, mule deer, and turkey.

If you are hunting with a longbow, recurve, or compound bow, there are a few regulations to be aware of:

• Bows must have a minimum 40 pound draw for all game besides squirrel.
• Bows with full or partial draw locks are legal during any lawful bow hunting season.

Crossbows may be used when bow hunting in Texas in the following circumstances:

• Crossbows, with or without telescopic sights, may be used to hunt game animals and birds, with the exception of migratory game birds during open seasons, and Eastern spring turkey season.
• Persons with upper limb disabilities, such as the loss of, or the loss of use of, fingers, hands, or arms, may use a crossbow to hunt deer and turkey during Archery Only open season. The person must at all times have in their immediate possession a physician’s statement attesting to the extent of their disability.
• A crossbow is legal for game animals and birds, (except migratory game birds), as long as the crossbow has at least 125 pounds of pull, a mechanical safety, and a stock no shorter than 25 inches.

There are also some rules to keep in mind in regards to arrows and crossbow bolts:

• It is unlawful to use poisoned, drugged, or explosive arrows or bolts.
• When hunting any game besides squirrel, a projectile must be equipped with a broadhead hunting point that is at least 7/8″ wide upon impact, with at least two cutting edges. A mechanical broadhead should open upon impact and be at least 7/8″ wide.
• An archer may have arrows or crossbow bolts with field, target, or judo points with broadhead hunting points in the quiver.

About the Author:

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Texas Style Bow Hunting – Picking The Right Bow And Sticking To The Rules!

South Texas Spring 2009 Turkey Season