RE: Cross Bow Frustration
Arthur,
Well - I can't see the harm in legalizing crossbows in our state during the firearm season for those so opposed to it during bow season. And a crossbow is a bow - not a gun as some state. A crossbow has a string, limbs, sometimes wheels, shoots an arrow and is around 300 fps and has limited range and a curved trajectory. It has no barrel, rifling, firing pin, etc. so that argument that a crossbow is more of a gun than a bow is BS. It shoots an arrow and not a bullet. It has no great knockdown power, muzzle velocity, etc.
Thosewho oppose it here feel that to legalize it during the firearms season is a 'foot in the door' to future legalization during the bow season. Bowhunters here faced a more-serious threat of DEC adding a muzzle loader season during the archery only season - and that in itself is another can of worms I'll not address here. There's another 'primitive season' that allows the new muzzle loaders that deliver high power rifle-like velocities and trajectories vs. the primitive black power firearms it was meant to be.
Modern technology has invaded all facets of hunting today be they archery, muzzle loader, etc.
The crossbow isn't any big deal the way I see it. Those that oppose it are selfish in that they feel EVERYONE needs to bowhunt the WAY THEY CHOOSE TO - be it various degrees of difficulty - or not. They should be more concerned with PETA or the modern trend of hunters today faced with the loss of land to hunt on, etc.