Ok this is my last post on this thread. The last thing I want to do is have long AT style debate on crossbows.
You've shown your lack of experience with crossbows by saying that crossbows are nothing more than a gun. First it shoots an arrow, 2nd the time between releasing the string on both instruments is identical to each other and no where similar to a rifle (a gun too if you will). Third, what is wrong with kids hunting with a bow, horizontal or vert? This smacks of jealousy that a "kid" will take your trophy. Your statement of 50 yard is rediculous and irresponsible at minimum. Fourty is stretching it. Sixth, spirit comes after the respect for the game we hunt after all we are the ONLY tool game managers have.
It sounds like you got bored of hunting with a rifle, compound and crossbow. Why impose your limits on everyone else?
Yes there are lots of "stuff" out there like compounds, bait etc and still the population of deer is still out of control.
You traditional bow hunters are pretty amazing when you take a deer without doubt. I wish I could say that I took a deer with a string and stick but after taking a deer with a long bow, I would get back to my 300, savage ml, compound, handgun and anything else to put meat on my table. I certainly would impose my limitations on others.
Why don't you leave these guys and gals alone and stick with our traditional archery, be proud of your achievements and stick together with everyone else to thwart the tide of antihunters? One more crossbow hunter means one more against antis and one less possible anti. Why be so narrow minded? Why don't you and your associates go out and encourage others to hunt with traditional equipment instead of bashing other forms of archery. In other words it is far more contructive and productive to encourage and enlighten then to criticize. BTW you never said you hunted with a crossbow, you did elude to that fact but I must say some of your comments about the comparison to "guns" and the range shows that you either did not hunt with a crossbow, you were not properly instructed or you are irresponsible. I will say that from you posts you appear to be intellegent so I doubt it was irresponsibility.
Again sorry I will not post on this thread again, neither will I read this for obvious reasons.