The Illinois House approved a bill that would let hunters use crossbows during archery season.
Sponsor Jerry Costello says the weapon is more humane than a longbow.
"Many times, people who use a longbow don't practice enough and they end up wounding a lot more animals," he says. "A crossbow is typically more accurate. It has the action of a gun, it has a scope and a trigger. In my opinion, it's a more ethical harvesting of game."
Opponents worry too much game would be harvested, but Costello says that would be controlled by the amount of hunting permits issued each year. The bill now goes to the Senate.