N.H. Code Admin. R. Fis 301.041

Current through Register No. 17, April 25, 2024

Section Fis 301.041 - Minimum Requirements for Crossbow and Archery Equipment Used for Hunting

(a) Unless authorized by permit pursuant to RSA 207:10-c, a crossbow that is used for the purpose of a take shall have a:

(1) A minimum pull of 125 pounds;

(2) At least one working mechanical safety;

(3) A total length of no less than 25 inches; and

(4) A rigid stock that permits only a single horizontally mounted bow with transverse limbs, a single string to be fully drawn, loaded with one bolt, maintained indefinitely in a firing position, and mechanically released. No crossbow fitted with 2 or more bows, limbs, or strings, or which permit 2 or more bolts to be released without recocking shall be permitted for the purpose of a take.

(b) Unless authorized by permit pursuant to RSA 207:7-a, a traditional straight, recurve, or compound bow used for the purpose of a take shall:

(1) At 28 inches or less draw length have a minimum peak weight pull of:

a. If used to hunt deer or bear, 40 pounds;

b. If used to hunt moose, 50 pounds; or

c. If used to hunt turkey, 30 pounds.

(2) Be drawn or released only by hand, or with a hand-held release; and

(3) Contain no manufactured or accessory device secured to or supported by the bow for the purpose of maintaining the bow at full draw in a firing position.

(c) No person shall use an arrow, bolt, or quarrel tip other than a broadhead for the purpose of a take, that fails to meet the following minimum criteria:

(1) Fixed blade broadheads shall not be less than 7/8 of an inch or more than 1 1/2 inches wide;

(2) Retractable blade broadheads may be smaller than 7/8 of an inch wide in flight, but shall not be less than 7/8 of an inch wide when open;

(3) There shall be no upper size limit on retractable blade broadheads; and

(4) The hunter's name and address shall be plainly and legibly printed on each arrow, bolt, or quarrel.

N.H. Code Admin. R. Fis 301.041

#7922, eff 7-24-03; ss by #8085, eff 5-26-04; amd by #8931, eff 7-6-07; ss by #10142, eff 6-5-12

Amended by Volume XXXVIII Number 32, Filed August 9, 2018, Proposed by #12591, Effective 7/25/2018, Expires 7/25/2028.

Amended by Volume XLI Number 23, Filed June 10, 2021, Proposed by #13211, Effective 5/26/2021, Expires 5/26/2031