Do California Hunting Licenses Cover Archery and Crossbows, Too?

April 11, 2019

Question: I have a hunting license. Can I legally hunt with a bow under this license or does it only cover firearm hunting? I am asking because I have had my hunting license for about three years now and have recently purchased a compound bow. What about crossbows? (Tomas C.)

Answer: Yes! Your California hunting license covers hunting with firearms, muzzleloaders, archery equipment and crossbows. In some states, a crossbow is considered archery equipment, but in California it is not. A crossbow may only be used during general seasons.

In some states, a crossbow is considered archery equipment, but in California it is not. A crossbow may only be used during general seasons.

You can use a cross bow in Archery Season, if you have a "disabled archer crossbow permit"; which requires medical documentation from you doctor.

Or if your a disabled veteran.