Iowa is a pretty traditional state when it comes to deer hunting. The state has your standard archery season plus three short firearms-related seasons. Resident landowners are allowed up to three buck tags (two for archery, one for firearm) every year.

Until now, legal weapons included recurve and compound bows, crossbows with a permit, shotguns and muzzleloaders. However, new legislation aims to add another firearm to the stable: air bows.

Air bows look like a crossbow or perhaps modified firearm, but they utilize compressed air to fire broadhead-tipped arrows. The bill would allow these weapons to be used during any season that allows traditional firearms. Air bows have been around for several years, and several manufacturers offer them.

Why an air bow? Mostly, it’s something different. Their range is limited much like a crossbow. They are not as quiet as archery equipment, but they are significantly more quiet than shotguns and muzzleloaders.

The bill, Senate File 138, was introduced on Jan. 9 by Senator Jason Schultz of Crawford County.