New Jersey, June 17 2009, Crossbow Amendment:
 The New Jersey Fish and Game Council voted on adopting proposed amendments to the 2009 – 2012 Game Code. The Council voted to adopt all the proposed amendments except amendment 29, which proposed boundary changes to Deer Management Zones 19 and 23.

 The most significant amendment adopted expands the definition of "bow" by removing the prohibition on all draw locking and draw holding devices and by including crossbows in the definition. This allows the use of crossbows in any bow and arrow hunting season and other hunting seasons for all species where the use of bow and arrow is allowed. Crossbows must have a minumum draw weight of 75 pounds and a minimum stock length of 25 inches.

 This amendment, in addition to the recently passed law allowing Sunday bow and arrow deer hunting on Wildlife Management Areas and private property, is expected to increase participation in New Jersey bow and arrow hunting seasons. Hunters who have never purchased a New Jersey bow and arrow hunting license or have not purchased one since the implementation of the electronic licensing system must present one of the following to purchase a license:
(1) a hunter education archery certificate, or
(2) a prior year resident bow and arrow license (from NJ or any other state), or
(3) a prior year nonresident NJ bow and arrow license.

New Jersey Hunter Safety Course:
 BOW AND ARROW - This course is required before purchasing your first bow and arrow hunting license. You must be at least 10 years of age. You must be able to shoot 3 out of 5 arrows into the vital zone of a 3-D deer target (approximately 10-inch diameter) between 15 and 20 yards with your own bow or crossbow to pass this course. (Crossbow must be cocked by the student; prior arrangements can be made for those with a disabling condition.) Having adequate equipment and practice is important before coming to the field session. Students are encouraged to practice and qualify with the archery equipment type they plan to hunt with, either conventional bow, compound bow or crossbow.