Does WV require 18" bolt minimum?

[Ridgeville]

I purchased a new Micro 335 this week. It has 16.5" bolts. Now I find out WV DNR requires minimum of 18" bolts. Can anybody confirm this, and if so, what is my best options for longer bolts for my micro. I also purchased Boltcutter broad heads 150 gr.

[Bunt]

The Micro will shoot the 18's and the 20's. They just come with the 16's because its supposed to be compact. I have shot the 20" firebolts out of mine.

[NEPAbowhunter]

Deer of either sex may be hunted statewide with a bow or
crossbow during the archery and crossbow seasons, except
that crossbows are not permitted in Logan, McDowell,
Mingo and Wyoming counties, except by the holders of
Class Y/Y Y permits. A bow or a crossbow may be substituted
for a firearm during any deer firearms season except that a
bow cannot be substituted in the muzzleloader season.
It is illegal to:
•
be afield with both gun and bow or with a gun and an arrow,
except that persons who have a concealed weapon permit
may carry a concealed handgun for self-defense only.
•
hunt with a crossbow that does not have:
»
a draw weight of at least 125 pounds.
»
a working safety.
»
bolts at least 18 inches long.
»
broadheads with at least two cutting edges at least
¾ inch in width.
•
hunt deer with arrows having less than two sharp cutting
edges, measuring less than ¾ inch in width.
•
use a bow-locking device, except with a modified bow
permit issued by the Director.
•
use an arrow with an explosive, drug-laced or poisoned
head or shaft.
•
use an electronic call to hunt deer

[Normous]

I have a question, does WV require 18" overall length?? The way I see it a 16.5" arrow with a 1.5" broadhead should cover this requirement. Or, does the arrow shaft itself have to satisfy a 18" min. ?

[CalhounWV]

My opinion is: Measuring form the tip of the broadhead, to the end of the nock, gives the length of the "bolt". Bolt is made up of the: nock, shaft, and broadhead.

Happy Hunting.

[Horizontal Hunter]

The only opinion that matters is the conservation departments. You should call them and find out how they make the measurement.

Bob

[xcaliber]

The only opinion that matters is the conservation departments. You should call them and find out how they make the measurement.

Bob

Real good advice there.

[Rather-B-Huntin]

http://www.bestcrossbowsource.com/cross ... -virginia/

According to this source, bolt must be 18" NOT including broadhead. Based on this link, I ordered 18" BEE's from South Shore for my Micro, plus they'll pull double duty in my soon to arrive 380.

[Ridgeville]

Thanks for info. How much will extra length / weight change the speed and bolt accuracy in reference to the scope yardage marks. I am assuming I may have to change scope dial for a slower fps setting? Also, anybody know if Ohio has a bolt length minimum?

[xcaliber]

Weight divided by 3 should get you a close calculation on speed loss. I shot 20" for testing from my Micro before selling it, great accuracy. The only thing I did not like was that the broadhead was outside of the stirrup end. I hang my bow on a hook when in the stand. Now i got a bow holder from Third Hand Archery, not an issue!

Good luck!