Wichita ? State wildlife officials have expanded regulations to allow hunters to use crossbows to take down big game in Kansas, though the change won’t take effect until this fall.

The change will make it legal for hunters 55 and older and those with a youth big game permit to use crossbows during archery big game and turkey seasons.

The change was approved Thursday by the Kansas Wildlife, Park and Tourism Commission, The Wichita Eagle reported.

Chris Tymeson, a commission attorney, said the regulation would not be in place before the opening of archery turkey season on April 1, but it would be for fall seasons for antelope, deer and elk hunting.