Does anyone know if it has every been legal in Wa. to use a crossbow to hunt? If not is there anything that can be done to get the rules changed?

If it were up to me I'd say go ahead during rifle season....no dice during archery season.
If we had the amount of deer they have in say MN or WI or MI then yeah a bolt season would be fine...but not here.

I agree with seastrike, go for it during modern rifle season but not during archery.

It would be a good option for those restricted modern firearm areas, for example the ones that only allow shotguns, areas that are close to civilization.

if you have a master hunter permit you can use a crossbow

i've heard that the rules changed and that they're now allowed during modern and restricted firearms seasons.

I'd say use them during ML and rifle seaon. They are a step ahead of a regular bow.

I agree that crossbows should not be used in general archery seasons. I think it would be better to have its own season and be a special hunt application type of season. Special permit only in isolated units for trophy opportunity or herd management type hunts.

Handicapped hunting during archery with a muscular disability would be fine by me. Special permit, depredation, firearms restriction areas also a go for me.

No need for yet another set of seasons. They have their place, but they don't warrant their own specific season.

It is legal to hunt with a crossbow in firearm restriction areas, during the modern firearm season, for modern tag holders. New this year. Page 67 of the regulations.