SDCL § 41-8-31.1: Use of crossbow for hunting big game during firearm season.

The provisions of § 41-8-31 notwithstanding, any person who holds a big game license to take a big game animal during the firearm season may take the animal by using a crossbow in lieu of a firearm. As used in this section, the term, crossbow, means a device for propelling a bolt by means of traverse limbs mounted on a stock and a string. The crossbow may be drawn, held, and released by a mechanical device and shall have at least one hundred twenty-five pounds pull and have a working mechanical safety.