Had a friend that only owns a crossbow purchase a license and he was required to buy an archery license also. The online portion I read seemed to read that only a crossbow license was needed. Yall know what is required to only hunt with a crossbow?

I really only hunt on my Grandparents land when in virginia so never worry about the licenses, but I got to looking at the different resident licenses and fees and boy virginia really sticks it to yall!

How was he "required" to also by the archery license for crossbow?

straight off the dgif website:

Crossbow
Crossbow license is required in addition to a hunting license if hunting with a crossbow during any archery season. A bear, deer, turkey license, National Forest Stamp, State Forest Stamp, County Damage Stamp, and Bonus Deer Permits, if applicable, are also required.

Well I guess he wasn't required to buy anything but when he purchased his license the agent told him he was required to have both to use his crossbow during archery season?

i was told by someone the same thing you had to have both in order to hunt with a crossbow, me i just bought the crossbow only tag haven't got in any trouble yet, but that old saying "let your wallet be your guide".

To hunt deer with a crossbow on private property he would need three licenses--a basic hunting license, a crossbow license and a bear, deer, turkey license.