PA crossbow stats

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In 2009, crossbows became legal for all archery hunters in Pennsylvania. Prior to 2009, only hunters with
disabled permits and those who hunted in developed WMUs near Pittsburgh and Philadelphia could use
crossbows during the archery season.

Numerous questions about the biological and social impact of crossbows have been asked. This handout
addresses some of the most common questions and concerns.

Are crossbows killing too many bucks?

No, crossbow hunters are not targeting bucks, have not significantly increased buck harvest rates, and have
not affected the number of antlered deer taken by firearms hunters.

Crossbows hunters are not targeting bucks – Throughout the archery season, crossbows take about half of the antlered and antlerless deer. There is no evidence to suggest crossbow hunters are targeting bucks.
Harvest rates of bucks have remained the same – Prior to 2009, yearling buck harvest rates during the archery season were 0.06.

After 2009, yearling buck harvest rates during the archery season were 0.07. Similar results were seen for adult bucks; 0.11 prior to 2009, 0.12 after 2009.

Firearms hunters are experiencing similar levels of success – Prior to 2009, firearms hunters harvested 30 bucks per 1,000 days of hunting. After 2009, firearms hunters are harvesting 30 bucks per 1,000 days of hunting. .

Archery success rates, measured by antlered deer harvested per day of hunting, have changed little – Prior to 2009, archers harvested 11 bucks per 1,000 days of hunting. After 2009, archers are harvesting 12 bucks per 1,000 days of hunting.

Did crossbows increase the number of archers?

Yes, archery stamp sales have increased 14 percent from 271,000 to 309,000.

Did crossbows bring in new hunters?

Based on a 2011 Deer Hunter Survey, it appears crossbows have had little effect on recruiting new hunters.
For example, 95 percent of archery hunters had hunted deer in Pennsylvania for 6 or more years (crossbows
were legal 2 years prior to the survey). Also, 97 percent of archery hunters had hunted for at least 3 of the
previous 5 years.

Do hunters support legalization of crossbows?

Yes, based on a 2011 Deer Hunter Survey, 54 percent of non-archery hunters and 58% of archery hunters
agree that crossbows should remain legal.