RE: Confusion on crossbows
Dnk – The next big hunt I am going on is at the Game Fair in Anoka, MN. This is a six-day show, which is somewhat like a Renaissance Fair, but the subject of the event is all forms of hunting will take place during two consecutive, 3-day weekends in August. And what will I and my friends be hunting for there you ask (maybe your not asking, but I am going to tell you anyhow)? I and the other members of the Minnesota Association of Crossbow Hunters (MACH) are going to be looking for new members to help us get the crossbow legalized as just another option for the Minnesota bowhunter.
There are hundreds of folks in Minnesota who would love to use the crossbow during the archery season and MACH’s objective is to bring them into one group, which will effectively lobby for the inclusion of the crossbow in the archery season. Are we going to be successful? Of course! How long will it take? Who knows! But it is never going to get done unless all those who believe the crossbow should be a matter of choice organize and come together.
We already have the ears of several legislators and the MN DNR is on the bandwagon so it is up to the grassroots hunters of this state to make it happen. I must admit that I am surprised and somewhat taken aback by the number of folks that think the crossbow is a good idea, but are not willing to become actively involved with the movement. Apathy is at a premium, but our crew, which will be made up from our current paid members is bound and determined to do what it takes to make it happen in Minnesota. The key is to bring all of the hunters who support the crossbow together into one solid group and then go after the legislators in our own districts. A politician is a politician and the only thing the catches their attention is a large number of voters.
So, that is my next big hunt! I have no idea what kind of trophies we are going to bag, but I have my sights set on at least 100 newly paid members. The fall issue of the Horizontal Bowhunter Magazine will be our fifth anniversary issue and a report about this hunt for new MACH members will be found on the pages of that issue. Watch for it and find out how many were bagged and what the next move will be to bring the crossbow into the Gopher State, making it just one more choice for the Minnesota bowhunter. I am expecting a good hunt with lots of wall-hangers. Wish us luck in our hunt.
If I can be of assistance to help any of our ACF family members in other states get a similar action going, please feel free to give me a call (320-634-3660) and chat. Nothing on this scale happens without invested effort. If we are serious about gaining ground and overcoming the oppression that has held us back for so long, it will require some effort and some leadership. MACH is willing to share all that we are doing and all that we have done in an effort to promote our cause. If MACH can help, please let us know. We are dedicated, heart and soul, to making the crossbow just as common as the compound bow during the archery season.