Legislators on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee on Thursday endorsed a bill to legalize hunting with crossbows in Maine. As written, the bill, sponsored by committee member Rep. Stanley Moody, D-Manchester, would permit the weapons’ use during the existing bow hunting seasons, which he believes could raise several hundred thousand dollars in license revenue annually. The idea drew strong criticism from the Maine Bowhunters and the Maine Professional Guides associations at a public hearing earlier this week. Seven legislators supported the bill as written, while four supported an amended bill that would allow crossbows only during rifle hunting seasons and only when a hunter has completed crossbow safety training. The bill will now move on to consideration by the full Legislature. (Misty Edgecomb, BDN)