As TJ pointed out the crossbow has distinctive shooting advantages, becasue is does not need to be drawn on its game. Its always cocked and loaded. I don't classify a weapon as archery equipment that is mounted on a gun like stock, and fully cocked, and ready to fire by pushing a trigger. That my friends is a huge advantage over any of todays archery equipment. The gun like technique used to shoot a crossbow makes it a easier weapon to shoot accurately over drawing, anchoring, and releasing a arrow accurately from a compound. I don't see how anyone here can denie that.
Personnally I myself am tired of others calling archery hunters selfish, becasue were simply protecting the archery woods from a superior weapon. We are no different than many other forms of hunting that would protect their sport from other superior means, that aren't ethical to tradition, and harvest means. Noone is stopping any hunter able to shoot a bow from enjoying the archery seasons. The season is there for all to enjoy that are willing to take the time to learn to shoot a bow, and be capable of making aaccurate shot on game. I don't see the need to legalize another weapon, becasue others don't want to take the time to use present day archery equipment. Why dosomefeel we need the crossbow for others to enjoy archery seasons when the opportunity for them exists?I'm not talking about the physically challenged here, see my post on page 4. I myself as a archer invite, encourage anyone to come enjoy the woods with bow, and arrow. Many Hunting clubs, Pro shops, and bowhunting organizations all do the same. We hold archery events to promote our sport. NY Bowhunters has done wonders for this sport, and worked hard for all of us to enjoy it. But yet I've read comments here about them being selfish ,calling archery season as "their" season. Has anyone bothered to mention the good they have done for all of us here. The youth camps, and youth hunts they run promoting our great sport. The physically challenged equipment they have developed for the handicapped, and physically challenged hunts they put on. NYB is the reason the DEC decided to allow our recieved doe mgmt permits to be used during early archery season. But becasue they work to stop a weapon that is not technically a bow, and arrow we call them selfish. Plus every other bowhunter who doesn't want the crossbow in archery season by hunters who are capable of shooting present day bows as also being selfish. I don't feel I'm being selfish, I'm only protecting the archery woods from a superior weapon. The archery woods is open to anyone who wants to enjoy it with a bow, and arrow. Why more don't, but will bash bowhunters for enjoying whats available is beyond me! The opportunities are available for them to enjoy the same as I do.