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Senate makes crossbow inclusion permanent, removing sunset
Summary
Senate File 1251 passed unanimously on April 9, 2026 (67–0), removing the June 2026 sunset on expanded crossbow use during archery season; sponsors cited a DNR study finding no negative impacts and increased hunter participation.
ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Senate on April 9 voted 67–0 to remove the scheduled June 2026 sunset on expanded crossbow use in archery season, approving Senate File 1251 as amended.
Sen. Pha, the bill sponsor, described the change as making permanent the crossbow inclusion that was expanded in 2023. Citing a Department of Natural Resources study presented to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, she said the DNR found no evidence that expanded crossbow use harmed deer or turkey populations and reported participation and license-sale increases after the change. “Participation is up — especially among women, youth and aging hunters,” she said.
Senators who spoke in support echoed those findings and urged a green vote. The Secretary’s roll call recorded 67 yeas and zero nays; the bill passed and its title was agreed to.
The measure removes the sunset date, making the expanded crossbow rules permanent under state game and fish law.
