R657-5-8. Rifles, Shotguns, Airguns, and Crossbows

(1) A rifle used to hunt big game must: (a) fire centerfire cartridges and expanding bullets; and (b) have no attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles. (2) A shotgun used to hunt big game must: (a) be 20 gauge or larger; (b) fire only 00 or larger buckshot or slug ammunition; and (c) have no attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles. (3) An airgun used to hunt big game must: (a) be pneumatically powered; (b) be pressurized solely through a separate charging device; and (c) may only fire a bolt or arrow: (i) with a fixed or expandable broadhead at least 7/8 inch wide at its widest position; and (ii) traveling no less than 400 feet per second at the muzzle; and (d) have no attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles. (4) A crossbow used to hunt big game must have a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds and a positive mechanical safety mechanism. (b) A crossbow arrow or bolt used to hunt big game must have: (i) fixed broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point; or (ii) expandable, mechanical broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point when the broadhead is in the open position; and (iii) no electronic function other than an illuminated nock. (c) Unless otherwise authorized by the division through a certificate of registration, it is unlawful for any person to: (i) hunt big game with a crossbow or airgun during a big game archery hunt; (ii) carry a cocked crossbow containing an arrow or a bolt while in or on any motorized vehicle on a public highway or other public right-of-way; or (iii) hunt any protected wildlife with a crossbow utilizing a bolt that has any chemical, explosive, or electronic device attached. (5) A crossbow used to hunt big game may have a telescopic sight only during an any weapon hunt but no other attachment capable of electronic function, other than illuminated reticles.