[caption id="attachment_5533" align="aligncenter" width="854"]
US Regulations Map courtesy of: Tenpoint Crossbow Technologies[/caption]
TL;DR: A Summary of Crossbow Regulations in the United States
There are 25 states where it is legal for use during archery season. 12 states allow crossbow use during firearms season. It is only legal in 6 states for physically challenged hunters during archery season. In 3 states, it is legal during a portion of archery season. 2 states have age restrictions. Florida only allows it for use in archery season on private land only. Only 1 state makes the use of a crossbow illegal. More detailed information on
hunting crossbows use can be found below. They are accurate as of the date of this post.
[caption id="attachment_5534" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Crossbow Regulations courtesy of TenPoint Crossbows[/caption]
Alaska
Crossbows are illegal in bow-only areas, but can be used where guns and bows are legal weapons. Legal in archery season for handicapped hunters with an approved Methods and Means Exemption Form.
907-465-4190
Alabama
Crossbows legal for all persons during the entire deer hunting season. Magnified scopes are now allowed on crossbows only.
334-242-3469
Arkansas
Crossbows legal during archery seasons; must have minimum draw weight of 125 pounds and mechanical safety.
501-223-6300
Arizona
Crossbows legal for handicapped hunters on a very restrictive permit basis, or for anyone during general firearms seasons.
602-942-3000
California
Crossbows legal for all hunters during gun seasons. Also, the California Game Commission voted on April 22, 2004 to adopt the following language to their regulations: "Any person with a physical disability which prevents him/her from being able to draw and hold a bow in a firing position, may use a crossbow or device which holds a string and arrow in the firing position to assist in the taking of birds and mammals under the conditions of an archery tag, archery season, or general session. Under these conditions, archers must provide to the Department and retain in his/her immediate possession while taking or attempting to take big game written verification of the disability, including: the person's name and signature, address, date of birth, driver's license or DMV number, physician's name and signature, physician's license number and address and a description of the disability."
916-445-0411
Colorado
Crossbows legal for all hunters during gun seasons and for handicapped hunters during archery season.
Accomodation Permit
303-297-1192
Connecticut
Effective 2013 Fall seasons, crossbows will be legalized for all archery hunters.
860-424-3011
Delaware
Crossbows legal during all deer seasons. Crossbows may be equipped with a scope.
It is unlawful to transport a crossbow on or within any vehicle while the crossbow is in the cocked position. Deer may be hunted with crossbows provided hunter orange is displayed when it is also lawful to hunt deer with a gun.
302-739-9911
Florida
August 30, 2010. Effective July 2011, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission passed a new rule which will extend zonal crossbow seasons by a month. The new rule adds 30 days to each crossbow season in zones A, B, and C, and adds 33 days in zone D, thereby coinciding with the archery season on private land only.
850-488-3831
Georgia
Crossbows legal in all seasons starting 2003.
770-918-6416
Hawaii
Crossbows legal by special disabled permit only.
808-587-0400
Iowa
Crossbows are legal during the late Muzzleloader season. Also, Residents 70 and older may obtain one Antlerless-only statewide crossbow deer license.
515-281-5918
Idaho
During an any-weapon hunting season you can hunt with a crossbow without any other permit besides your hunting license and proper tag. Crossbows also legal for handicapped persons by permit-to hunt with a crossbow during an archery season, you must also have a valid archery permit as well as a hunting license and a proper tag.
208-334-3700
Illinois
A legally permitted archery hunter may use a crossbow from the second Monday following Thanksgiving through the end of the archery hunting seasons also certain disabled persons with a special crossbow permit or persons 62 years of age or older with photo ID can hunt with crossbows. These individuals may hunt game species with crossbows during seasons allowing the use of archery equipment. Crossbows used in hunting as authorized by a permit issued under this section shall meet all of the following specifications:
1) Shall have a minimum peak draw weight of 125 pounds and a maximum peak draw weight of 200 pounds.
2) Shall have a minimum overall length (from butt of stock to front of limbs) of 24 inches.
3) Shall have a working safety.
4) Shall be used with bolts or arrows of not less than 14 inches in length (not including point) with a broadhead. Broadheads may have fixed or expandable blades, but they must be barbless and have a minimum 7/8 inch diameter when fully opened. Broadheads with fixed blade must be metal or flint-, chert-, or obsidian-napped. Broadheads with expandable blades must be metal.
Crossbows also legal for handicapped hunters by permit.
217-782-6384
Indiana
Crossbows legal in entire archery season beginning December 31, 2011. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 125-pounds and a mechanical safety.
317-232-4200
Kansas
Crossbows legal for all hunters during archery deer seasons.
620-672-5911
Kentucky
A legal resident hunter age 65 years or older may hunt deer with a crossbow from the first Saturday in September through the third Monday in January.
800-858-1549
Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commission now has the ability to establish a bow and arrow only season, and a bow and arrow and crossbow season in special deer hunting seasons.
225-765-2350
Massachusetts
Crossbows may be used by certain permanently handicapped persons by permit only.
508-389-6300
Maryland
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service now allows crossbows to be used to hunt any game species during any open season where a vertical bow may be used (excluding waterfowl and certain furbearers). This would permit the use of a crossbow during the entire deer bow season in all counties. Minimum draw weight is 75-pounds, telescopic sights are permitted and the crossbow must have a working safety.
1-877-620-8367 (in state) or 410-260-8367 (out of state)
Maine
Effective June 11, 2013, crossbows will be legal during any wild bird, or wild animal, open season (including archery) EXCEPT deer archery or deer muzzle-loading only seasons. Hunters may only hunt deer with a crossbow during the open firearm season.
Also legal for disabled hunters.
L.D. 1015 An Act To Expand Crossbow Hunting
207-287-8000
Michigan
August 17, 2010, Effective immediately, crossbow regulations have expanded for hunters statewide.
The crossbow regulation changes include the following:
-Lowered the minimum age for crossbow use from 12 to 10 years of age statewide.
-Expanded the use of crossbows to all legal hunters during all archery and firearms seasons statewide, except in the Upper Peninsula, where crossbow use will remain prohibited during the late archery and muzzleloader seasons, unless the hunter is disabled (Crossbows may only be used in the Upper Peninsula by anyone 50 years of age or older during the Oct. 1-Nov. 14 bow hunting deer season statewide).
Hunters using crossbows will still be required to obtain a free crossbow stamp. The stamp, which is free, will help the DNR monitor and survey crossbow hunters. Read More
517-373-1263
Minnesota
Crossbows legal for handicapped hunters by permit. Also legal for anyone during firearms season and Turkey and Bear seasons.
Legal for 60+ for deer, bear, turkey and rough fish.
888-646-6367 or 651-296-6157
Missouri
Crossbows for handicapped archers by permit and during firearms season.
573-751-4115
Mississippi
Effective July 1, 2013, crossbows are legal in all of Archery Season. Archer's are reminded that they are required to wear hunter orange during all gun seasons. The separate crossbow permit is no longer required.
601-432-2400
Montana
Crossbows legal only during gun seasons. No provision for handicapped hunters.
406-444-2535
North Carolina
Effective August 1, 2010, allows the use of crossbows anytime bow and arrows are legal weapons. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 150-pounds.
919-707-0050
North Dakota
Crossbows legal for handicapped hunters by permit.
Deer Gun & Youth Deer Seasons--Crossbows are legal during the deer gun season. Crossbows must: a) have a peak draw weight of 75 pounds and not more than 200 pounds, b) be equipped with a working safety to prevent accidental firing, c) have a stock at least 14 inches long, d) use bolts at least 14 inches in length.
Muzzleloader Season--Crossbows must: a) have a peak draw weight of 75 pounds and not more than 200 pounds, b) be equipped with a working safety to prevent accidental firing, c) have a stock at least 14 inches long, d) use bolts at least 14 inches in length. No magnification (1X) scopes are legal to use on crossbows during the muzzleloader season.
701-328-6300
Nebraska
Crossbows are legal archery equipment for big game (deer, antelope, elk, turkey & bighorn sheep).
402-471-0641
Beginning in 2014, big game hunters between the ages of 12 thru 29 must be certified in Bowhunter Education.
New Hampshire
Crossbows legal for handicapped hunters by permit. Legal for all hunters to take a deer in firearms season. Legal for all hunters on Long Island in Moultonborough with Long Island Deer Permit. Crossbow hunters must purchase a crossbow hunting permit.
603-271-2461 or 603-271-2462
New Jersey
Crossbows are legal in any bow and arrow hunting season and other hunting seasons for all species where the use of bow and arrow is allowed. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 75 pounds and a minimum stock length of 25 inches.
609-292-2965
New Mexico
Crossbow use is allowed by Certified Mobility Impaired Hunters during all hunts. Crossbows may now be used in "Any Legal Sporting Arm" or Muzzleloader" hunts unless otherwise restricted.
505-476-8000
Nevada
Crossbows may only be used for hunting big game during an "Any Legal Weapon" hunt. Crossbows are not allowed for archery hunts. Crossbows must have a minimum 125-pound draw weight, minimum draw length of 14-inches from front of bow to nocking point, minimum 18-inch stock and a positive mechanical safety. Arrows must be minimum 16-inches and have a broadhead.
775-688-1500
New York
Deer or Bear
South - November 1-14, 2014
North - October 15-24, 2014
Please check NY Hunting Regulations for additional information.
www.dec.ny.gov
518-402-8924 or 518-402-8985
Ohio
Crossbows legal during archery season.
614-265-6300
Oklahoma
Crossbows and conventional bows with draw lock devices are a legal means of hunting whenever conventional bows are allowed.
405-521-3851
Oregon
Crossbows illegal.
503-947-6000
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners has approved the expanded lawful use of crossbows to include both the archery deer and bear seasons. The Board included a sunset date for the expanded crossbow use requiring a future vote on the measure again before June 30, 2012.
*The use of magnified scopes was approved on April 21, 2009.
717-787-4250
Rhode Island
The crossbow is no longer classified as a firearm - it is now in the same classification as recurves, compounds and longbows. Crossbows are now Approved for use by all archery hunters during the Archery deer season provided the hunter has successfully completed the Bow Hunter education course or otherwise qualifies for an Archery deer permit.
The use of crossbow for hunting wild turkey or any wild bird is prohibited by law (RIGL 20-14-7).
Special permits are no longer required to hunt with the crossbow including those previously required for disabled hunters; however, use of Adaptive Aids for archery hunting still requires the special permit.
401-222-6800
South Carolina
Archery equipment is now defined as " a bow and arrow, a long bow, a recurve bow, a compound bow, or a cross bow.”
803-734-3886
South Dakota
Crossbows legal for handicapped hunters during archery season. Must have a minimum draw weight of 125-pounds and a functional mechanical safety device. Telescopic sights and lighted sight pins are prohibited.
605-223-7665
Tennessee
The use of crossbows is now permitted during all seasons including the regular archery season.
615-781-6500
Texas
Full-inclusion of crossbows in archery seasons except Grayson County.
512-389-4800 or 1-800-792-1112
Utah
The general-season any legal weapon (rifle) buck deer hunt runs from Oct. 18 to Oct. 26. If you obtained a general-season any legal weapon buck permit, you may use any legal weapon to take one buck deer in the hunting unit listed on your permit. 2014 is the first year you may use a crossbow, a draw lock or a muzzleloader with a magnifying scope during the rifle hunt. (You may not use them during the archery or muzzleloader hunts.)
801-538-4700
Virginia
Crossbows are legal during archery season and firearms season. A crossbow permit will be required if the season is "archery only".
804-367-1000
Vermont
Crossbows legal only for handicapped hunters by permit.
802-241-3700
Washington
Crossbows are legal for qualifying archers with a permanent non-operable upper extremity impairment. An application must be completed by a licensed Physician and submitted by the hunter to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for consideration. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 125-pounds and a working safety. Retractable broadheads are not legal. Crossbows with a scope are legal during modern firearm season within “restricted areas”.
360-902-2200
Wisconsin
Legal in all of Archery Season - effective 2014 Seasons (will be reviewed in three years).
608-266-2621
West Virginia
Full-inclusion of crossbows in archery seasons except Logan, McDowell, Mingo, & Wyoming County. However, Class Y/YY holders may still use crossbows in these counties during the archery seasons.
304-558-2758
Wyoming
Crossbows legal during archery seasons; Must have 90-pound minimum draw weight, minimum draw length of 14-inches and shoot a minimum 16-inch bolt.
307-777-4600
Crossbow Regulations courtesy of TenPoint Crossbows[/caption]
Alaska
Crossbows are illegal in bow-only areas, but can be used where guns and bows are legal weapons. Legal in archery season for handicapped hunters with an approved Methods and Means Exemption Form.
907-465-4190
Alabama
Crossbows legal for all persons during the entire deer hunting season. Magnified scopes are now allowed on crossbows only.
334-242-3469
Arkansas
Crossbows legal during archery seasons; must have minimum draw weight of 125 pounds and mechanical safety.
501-223-6300
Arizona
Crossbows legal for handicapped hunters on a very restrictive permit basis, or for anyone during general firearms seasons.
602-942-3000
California
Crossbows legal for all hunters during gun seasons. Also, the California Game Commission voted on April 22, 2004 to adopt the following language to their regulations: "Any person with a physical disability which prevents him/her from being able to draw and hold a bow in a firing position, may use a crossbow or device which holds a string and arrow in the firing position to assist in the taking of birds and mammals under the conditions of an archery tag, archery season, or general session. Under these conditions, archers must provide to the Department and retain in his/her immediate possession while taking or attempting to take big game written verification of the disability, including: the person's name and signature, address, date of birth, driver's license or DMV number, physician's name and signature, physician's license number and address and a description of the disability."
916-445-0411
Colorado
Crossbows legal for all hunters during gun seasons and for handicapped hunters during archery season.
Accomodation Permit
303-297-1192
Connecticut
Effective 2013 Fall seasons, crossbows will be legalized for all archery hunters.
860-424-3011
Delaware
Crossbows legal during all deer seasons. Crossbows may be equipped with a scope.
It is unlawful to transport a crossbow on or within any vehicle while the crossbow is in the cocked position. Deer may be hunted with crossbows provided hunter orange is displayed when it is also lawful to hunt deer with a gun.
302-739-9911
Florida
August 30, 2010. Effective July 2011, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission passed a new rule which will extend zonal crossbow seasons by a month. The new rule adds 30 days to each crossbow season in zones A, B, and C, and adds 33 days in zone D, thereby coinciding with the archery season on private land only.
850-488-3831
Georgia
Crossbows legal in all seasons starting 2003.
770-918-6416
Hawaii
Crossbows legal by special disabled permit only.
808-587-0400
Iowa
Crossbows are legal during the late Muzzleloader season. Also, Residents 70 and older may obtain one Antlerless-only statewide crossbow deer license.
515-281-5918
Idaho
During an any-weapon hunting season you can hunt with a crossbow without any other permit besides your hunting license and proper tag. Crossbows also legal for handicapped persons by permit-to hunt with a crossbow during an archery season, you must also have a valid archery permit as well as a hunting license and a proper tag.
208-334-3700
Illinois
A legally permitted archery hunter may use a crossbow from the second Monday following Thanksgiving through the end of the archery hunting seasons also certain disabled persons with a special crossbow permit or persons 62 years of age or older with photo ID can hunt with crossbows. These individuals may hunt game species with crossbows during seasons allowing the use of archery equipment. Crossbows used in hunting as authorized by a permit issued under this section shall meet all of the following specifications:
1) Shall have a minimum peak draw weight of 125 pounds and a maximum peak draw weight of 200 pounds.
2) Shall have a minimum overall length (from butt of stock to front of limbs) of 24 inches.
3) Shall have a working safety.
4) Shall be used with bolts or arrows of not less than 14 inches in length (not including point) with a broadhead. Broadheads may have fixed or expandable blades, but they must be barbless and have a minimum 7/8 inch diameter when fully opened. Broadheads with fixed blade must be metal or flint-, chert-, or obsidian-napped. Broadheads with expandable blades must be metal.
Crossbows also legal for handicapped hunters by permit.
217-782-6384
Indiana
Crossbows legal in entire archery season beginning December 31, 2011. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 125-pounds and a mechanical safety.
317-232-4200
Kansas
Crossbows legal for all hunters during archery deer seasons.
620-672-5911
Kentucky
A legal resident hunter age 65 years or older may hunt deer with a crossbow from the first Saturday in September through the third Monday in January.
800-858-1549
Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commission now has the ability to establish a bow and arrow only season, and a bow and arrow and crossbow season in special deer hunting seasons.
225-765-2350
Massachusetts
Crossbows may be used by certain permanently handicapped persons by permit only.
508-389-6300
Maryland
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service now allows crossbows to be used to hunt any game species during any open season where a vertical bow may be used (excluding waterfowl and certain furbearers). This would permit the use of a crossbow during the entire deer bow season in all counties. Minimum draw weight is 75-pounds, telescopic sights are permitted and the crossbow must have a working safety.
1-877-620-8367 (in state) or 410-260-8367 (out of state)
Maine
Effective June 11, 2013, crossbows will be legal during any wild bird, or wild animal, open season (including archery) EXCEPT deer archery or deer muzzle-loading only seasons. Hunters may only hunt deer with a crossbow during the open firearm season.
Also legal for disabled hunters.
L.D. 1015 An Act To Expand Crossbow Hunting
207-287-8000
Michigan
August 17, 2010, Effective immediately, crossbow regulations have expanded for hunters statewide.
The crossbow regulation changes include the following:
-Lowered the minimum age for crossbow use from 12 to 10 years of age statewide.
-Expanded the use of crossbows to all legal hunters during all archery and firearms seasons statewide, except in the Upper Peninsula, where crossbow use will remain prohibited during the late archery and muzzleloader seasons, unless the hunter is disabled (Crossbows may only be used in the Upper Peninsula by anyone 50 years of age or older during the Oct. 1-Nov. 14 bow hunting deer season statewide).
Hunters using crossbows will still be required to obtain a free crossbow stamp. The stamp, which is free, will help the DNR monitor and survey crossbow hunters. Read More
517-373-1263
Minnesota
Crossbows legal for handicapped hunters by permit. Also legal for anyone during firearms season and Turkey and Bear seasons.
Legal for 60+ for deer, bear, turkey and rough fish.
888-646-6367 or 651-296-6157
Missouri
Crossbows for handicapped archers by permit and during firearms season.
573-751-4115
Mississippi
Effective July 1, 2013, crossbows are legal in all of Archery Season. Archer's are reminded that they are required to wear hunter orange during all gun seasons. The separate crossbow permit is no longer required.
601-432-2400
Montana
Crossbows legal only during gun seasons. No provision for handicapped hunters.
406-444-2535
North Carolina
Effective August 1, 2010, allows the use of crossbows anytime bow and arrows are legal weapons. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 150-pounds.
919-707-0050
North Dakota
Crossbows legal for handicapped hunters by permit.
Deer Gun & Youth Deer Seasons--Crossbows are legal during the deer gun season. Crossbows must: a) have a peak draw weight of 75 pounds and not more than 200 pounds, b) be equipped with a working safety to prevent accidental firing, c) have a stock at least 14 inches long, d) use bolts at least 14 inches in length.
Muzzleloader Season--Crossbows must: a) have a peak draw weight of 75 pounds and not more than 200 pounds, b) be equipped with a working safety to prevent accidental firing, c) have a stock at least 14 inches long, d) use bolts at least 14 inches in length. No magnification (1X) scopes are legal to use on crossbows during the muzzleloader season.
701-328-6300
Nebraska
Crossbows are legal archery equipment for big game (deer, antelope, elk, turkey & bighorn sheep).
402-471-0641
Beginning in 2014, big game hunters between the ages of 12 thru 29 must be certified in Bowhunter Education.
New Hampshire
Crossbows legal for handicapped hunters by permit. Legal for all hunters to take a deer in firearms season. Legal for all hunters on Long Island in Moultonborough with Long Island Deer Permit. Crossbow hunters must purchase a crossbow hunting permit.
603-271-2461 or 603-271-2462
New Jersey
Crossbows are legal in any bow and arrow hunting season and other hunting seasons for all species where the use of bow and arrow is allowed. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 75 pounds and a minimum stock length of 25 inches.
609-292-2965
New Mexico
Crossbow use is allowed by Certified Mobility Impaired Hunters during all hunts. Crossbows may now be used in "Any Legal Sporting Arm" or Muzzleloader" hunts unless otherwise restricted.
505-476-8000
Nevada
Crossbows may only be used for hunting big game during an "Any Legal Weapon" hunt. Crossbows are not allowed for archery hunts. Crossbows must have a minimum 125-pound draw weight, minimum draw length of 14-inches from front of bow to nocking point, minimum 18-inch stock and a positive mechanical safety. Arrows must be minimum 16-inches and have a broadhead.
775-688-1500
New York
Deer or Bear
South - November 1-14, 2014
North - October 15-24, 2014
Please check NY Hunting Regulations for additional information.
www.dec.ny.gov
518-402-8924 or 518-402-8985
Ohio
Crossbows legal during archery season.
614-265-6300
Oklahoma
Crossbows and conventional bows with draw lock devices are a legal means of hunting whenever conventional bows are allowed.
405-521-3851
Oregon
Crossbows illegal.
503-947-6000
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners has approved the expanded lawful use of crossbows to include both the archery deer and bear seasons. The Board included a sunset date for the expanded crossbow use requiring a future vote on the measure again before June 30, 2012.
*The use of magnified scopes was approved on April 21, 2009.
717-787-4250
Rhode Island
The crossbow is no longer classified as a firearm - it is now in the same classification as recurves, compounds and longbows. Crossbows are now Approved for use by all archery hunters during the Archery deer season provided the hunter has successfully completed the Bow Hunter education course or otherwise qualifies for an Archery deer permit.
The use of crossbow for hunting wild turkey or any wild bird is prohibited by law (RIGL 20-14-7).
Special permits are no longer required to hunt with the crossbow including those previously required for disabled hunters; however, use of Adaptive Aids for archery hunting still requires the special permit.
401-222-6800
South Carolina
Archery equipment is now defined as " a bow and arrow, a long bow, a recurve bow, a compound bow, or a cross bow.”
803-734-3886
South Dakota
Crossbows legal for handicapped hunters during archery season. Must have a minimum draw weight of 125-pounds and a functional mechanical safety device. Telescopic sights and lighted sight pins are prohibited.
605-223-7665
Tennessee
The use of crossbows is now permitted during all seasons including the regular archery season.
615-781-6500
Texas
Full-inclusion of crossbows in archery seasons except Grayson County.
512-389-4800 or 1-800-792-1112
Utah
The general-season any legal weapon (rifle) buck deer hunt runs from Oct. 18 to Oct. 26. If you obtained a general-season any legal weapon buck permit, you may use any legal weapon to take one buck deer in the hunting unit listed on your permit. 2014 is the first year you may use a crossbow, a draw lock or a muzzleloader with a magnifying scope during the rifle hunt. (You may not use them during the archery or muzzleloader hunts.)
801-538-4700
Virginia
Crossbows are legal during archery season and firearms season. A crossbow permit will be required if the season is "archery only".
804-367-1000
Vermont
Crossbows legal only for handicapped hunters by permit.
802-241-3700
Washington
Crossbows are legal for qualifying archers with a permanent non-operable upper extremity impairment. An application must be completed by a licensed Physician and submitted by the hunter to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for consideration. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 125-pounds and a working safety. Retractable broadheads are not legal. Crossbows with a scope are legal during modern firearm season within “restricted areas”.
360-902-2200
Wisconsin
Legal in all of Archery Season - effective 2014 Seasons (will be reviewed in three years).
608-266-2621
West Virginia
Full-inclusion of crossbows in archery seasons except Logan, McDowell, Mingo, & Wyoming County. However, Class Y/YY holders may still use crossbows in these counties during the archery seasons.
304-558-2758
Wyoming
Crossbows legal during archery seasons; Must have 90-pound minimum draw weight, minimum draw length of 14-inches and shoot a minimum 16-inch bolt.
307-777-4600
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