The state of Oklahoma recently broadened the opportunities for deer hunters across the state with the addition of the airbow for hunting. The controversial weapon was recently approved by the state wildlife commissioners in an emergency rules change that will allow for air powered arrow rifles (airbow) during big game rifle seasons.
While the airbow will be allowed for rifle season, they will not be legal to use in Oklahoma during their archery or muzzleloader seasons. The commission has classified the weapon as a gun for hunting purposes.
“There is nothing about that weapon that constitutes a bow and arrow in the conventional sense,” said Wildlife Commissioner James Barwick of Edmond.
How do they work?
The airbow is considered a hybrid hunting product, powered by 3000 PSI of compressed air to fire the arrow. The integrate pressure regulator allows shooters to deliver 8 consistent shots at 450 FPS per charge.
The Pioneer Airbow has a free-floating barrel with a stabilizing system built for accuracy, and a compact design with a 33.5″ overall length.
Take a closer look at how they perform in the video below…
Oklahoma’s emergency ruling on the topic came in the last legislative session for state lawmakers. It was a move made so that the airbow could be used in the fall hunting season.
The state wildlife division is confident that the airbow is a legitimate weapon and more than capable of being utilized as a tool for hunting.
“Airbows are pretty lethal out to 50, 60, and 70 yards,” says Bill Dinkines , head of the wildlife division for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Hunters will be allowed to use a scope on their airbow, but no laser sights are allowed at this time, unless the hunter is disabled or legally blind.
Other states that allow the use of the airbow for hunting include: Washington, Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Missouri, Virginia, and Arizona. There are other states that allow the use of airbows for non-game species, such as hog hunting in Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
What about you? What are your thoughts on the airbow? Would you use it? Comment below, and let us know what you think.
