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Apply for a crossbow permit

If you have a permanent disability and want to hunt with a crossbow, you can apply for a permit. This is a permanent permit – you will never be able to switch back to conventional archery equipment.
Please allow 10 days to pass before checking the status of your application
Crossbow permit application  Log into MassFishHunt 

Contacts

MassWildlife

Phone

Call MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300

Open M–F, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Online

email Email MassWildlife at Mass.Wildlife@mass.gov
websites MassWildlife Homepage 
MassWildlife Facebook 
MassWildlife Instagram 

The Details

What you need

You will need:

  • A hunting/sporting license.
  • A MassFishHunt profile.
  • Written certification from a physician. The physician must explain how the permanent disability affects your ability to operate a conventional bow.

How to apply

Download crossbow permit application. Once completed by you and your physician, mail it to:

Crossbow Permit Application
MassWildlife Field Headquarters
1 Rabbit Hill Rd
Westborough, MA 01581

Next steps

Checking your application

  • You will NOT receive notification or a hard copy of your crossbow permit.
  • Please allow 10 business days after submitting your application for mail delivery and processing.
  • To check your application status:
    • Log into MassFishHunt
    • Go to My Account
    • Select Active Licenses, Permits & Privileges
    • Select Print Active Licenses
      If your Crossbow Permit has been processed and approved, your hunting or sporting license will read Crossbow Permit.

More info

The crossbow status will be valid for the lifetime of the applicant. Once you get the permit, you can never use a conventional bow and arrow to hunt in Massachusetts again.

The application is subject to a review by a medical review board. This would be at the expense of the applicant.

Downloads

Open PDF file, 323.46 KB,  Crossbow permit application (English, PDF 323.46 KB)

Contact

Phone
Call MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300

Open M–F, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Online
email Email MassWildlife at Mass.Wildlife@mass.gov
websites MassWildlife Homepage 
MassWildlife Facebook 
MassWildlife Instagram 

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