Crossbow Regs - Colorado

[gelton]

My dad was able to get a disabled status from Colorado so that he can use a crossbow during archery. One thing that has us stumped is the wording of the regulation regarding sights:

This accommodation does NOT allow laser or battery operated/electronically powered devices that are attached to or incorporated into the crossbow which aid in range finding and/or aiming or a sighting device that emits light from a crossbow to the animal.

So, does a battery operated red dot sight with no magnification meet the criteria listed above since it does not emit light FROM the crossbow TO the animal?

Their use of and/or seems to be intentionally vague.

 

[Marine4life]

The use of the work “or” means each part of the sentence apply separately. So battery operated sights are not allowed according to how this reads


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[sndmn11]

I think it is fine, because light is not emitted from the crossbow to the animal like a laser would be.

 

[gelton]

The use of the work “or” means each part of the sentence apply separately. So battery operated sights are not allowed according to how this reads


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That is kind of what I thought but in the sentence above it says -

• Scopes with magnification greater than 1X on crossbow
  • Requires documentation of a visual disability in Section 2 as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Hyperopia, myopia, and presbyopia are not considered disabilities under the ADA and will not qualify for an accommodation. Age-related visual impairments will not qualify. NOTE: CPW allows the use of non-magnifying scopes and red dot sights that magnify 1X or less with a Crossbow/Draw-Loc permit. This accommodation does NOT allow laser or battery operated/electronically powered devices that are attached to or incorporated into the crossbow which aid in range finding and/or aiming or a sighting device that emits light from a crossbow to the animal. The intent of these seasons is to provide a “primitive” style recreational opportunity for hunters.

But then promptly disqualifies that statement in the next sentence. Because all red dots (except tritium or fiber optic) are battery operated.

 

[sndmn11]

That is kind of what I thought but in the sentence above it says -

• Scopes with magnification greater than 1X on crossbow
  • Requires documentation of a visual disability in Section 2 as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Hyperopia, myopia, and presbyopia are not considered disabilities under the ADA and will not qualify for an accommodation. Age-related visual impairments will not qualify. NOTE: CPW allows the use of non-magnifying scopes and red dot sights that magnify 1X or less with a Crossbow/Draw-Loc permit. This accommodation does NOT allow laser or battery operated/electronically powered devices that are attached to or incorporated into the crossbow which aid in range finding and/or aiming or a sighting device that emits light from a crossbow to the animal. The intent of these seasons is to provide a “primitive” style recreational opportunity for hunters.

But then promptly disqualifies that statement in the next sentence. Because all red dots (except tritium or fiber optic) are battery operated.

You are making it too complicated.

It cannot be battery operated AND attached AND aid in ranging OR emit light for aiming to the animal.

Your red dot sight does not emit any light whatsoever.

 

[gelton]

You are making it too complicated.

It cannot be battery operated AND attached AND aid in ranging OR emit light for aiming to the animal.

Your red dot sight does not emit any light whatsoever.

This is what I thought as well, but my dad called and spoke with someone at CDOW that said that she thought they were illegal and referred him to someone else who has yet to get back with him...so they and he got me a bit confused.

 

[Billy Goat]

I read it as any battery or electronic device is illegal mounted on a crossbow.


This accommodation does NOT allow battery operated/electronically powered devices that are attached to or incorporated into the crossbow which aid in aiming from a crossbow to the animal.


Removed a few words, just the or parts.

 

[gelton]

I read it as any battery or electronic device is illegal mounted on a crossbow.


This accommodation does NOT allow battery operated/electronically powered devices that are attached to or incorporated into the crossbow which aid in aiming from a crossbow to the animal.


Removed a few words, just the or parts.

Right, but they also qualify that with: which aid in range finding and/or aiming or a sighting device that emits light from a crossbow to the animal.

Leaving one with the impression that they mean a laser.

I am not a lawyer, but I did defend myself against Texas Parks and Wildlife as a Sophmore in high school and the judge called me up to the bench and told me if I don't end up as a lawyer that I have missed my calling.

Like I mentioned, I think the vagueness is almost intentional. We have a call in to the person that was referred to us by CDOW and I will report back should we hear anything.

What is missing here is how the state defines a red dot (which is allowed).

 

[Billy Goat]

Right, but they also qualify that with: which aid in range finding and/or aiming or a sighting device that emits light from a crossbow to the animal.

Leaving one with the impression that they mean a laser.

I am not a lawyer, but I did defend myself against Texas Parks and Wildlife as a Sophmore in high school and the judge called me up to the bench and told me if I don't end up as a lawyer that I have missed my calling.

Like I mentioned, I think the vagueness is almost intentional. We have a call in to the person that was referred to us by CDOW and I will report back should we hear anything.

What is missing here is how the state defines a red dot (which is allowed).

It says aids in aiming. Any aiming device aids in aiming.

It seems to me to pretty well define that anything that is used to aim it can't be battery powered or electronic.

I did about fail my senior year of english, so I'm not saying I can read, but that's what I get out of it.


And being that a sight light on a bow is illegal, it would make sense for it to be illegal to have anything battery illuminated on a crossbow, not that laws are written to make sense.

 

[Spiral Horn]

Colorado is very strict on what is allowed with primitive weapons - bow, crossbow, muzz, etc. Scopes, types of projectiles, etc. So, strict interpretation is likely the rule, and I believe your 2nd quote from the regulations clarifies things a bit. The “or” are a list of prohibited items - as to your question it simply states - your dad cannot use a scope with greater than 1x magnification and that scope (nor any other device attached to the CB) can be electronically powered.

 

[journeyman713]

It reads "no electronically powered devices can be attached', then they break it up into 3 categories for you, all of which, are a clear "No".

It's clear they mean no, this is becoming an ethics question.

 

[307]

It reads "no electronically powered devices can be attached', then they break it up into 3 categories for you, all of which, are a clear "No".

It's clear they mean no, this is becoming an ethics question.

How is it an ethics question?

 

[307]

My dad was able to get a disabled status from Colorado so that he can use a crossbow during archery. One thing that has us stumped is the wording of the regulation regarding sights:

This accommodation does NOT allow laser or battery operated/electronically powered devices that are attached to or incorporated into the crossbow which aid in range finding and/or aiming or a sighting device that emits light from a crossbow to the animal.

So, does a battery operated red dot sight with no magnification meet the criteria listed above since it does not emit light FROM the crossbow TO the animal?

Their use of and/or seems to be intentionally vague.

I think the "or aiming" part is what will prevent your father from using an electronic red dot.

Seems like a dumb rule/law to me, but Colorado gets to make them up as they see fit.

 

[wytx]

I read the exception for the red dot in the scopes with 1x power part.
Call a GW , office gals don't write tickets.

 

[sndmn11]

You guys keep leaving out the emits light on the animal part for a battery powere aiming device. In other words, no laser sights.
A red dot or holo sight does not emit any light onto the animal.

 

[sndmn11]

I read the exception for the red dot in the scopes with 1x power part.
Call a GW , office gals don't write tickets.

I told him to call Montrose and Gunnison, the two closest offices to his units, and email the website so that he has some documentation.

 

[journeyman713]

How is it an ethics question?

When you know the answer, but keep asking till you get the one you want to hear.

 

[307]

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. The agency manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado's wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. CPW issues hunting and fishing...

cpw.state.co.us

This (from CPW) mentions red dot sights in a positive light, but doesn't specify the weapon.

 

[Billy Goat]

You guys keep leaving out the emits light on the animal part for a battery powere aiming device. In other words, no laser sights.
A red dot or holo sight does not emit any light onto the animal.

It doesn't say and emits light, it says or emits light.


It's not a requirement that it emits light.

 

[sndmn11]

It doesn't say and emits light, it says or emits light.


It's not a requirement that it emits light.

"aiming or sighting device that emits light from a crossbow to the animal."

They aren't outlawing a battery powered aiming or sighting device. One that emits light from the crossbow to the animal is outlawed.