ORIGINAL: Scoobiedoo
Been trying to get the X-Bow legalized here in NY as well for years. Even Horton was trying to promote and furnish the NYS Wildlife Dept. with info and education on the crossbow along with Bill Hilts - avid hunter and outdoor writer and founder of the NYSCHO (New York State Crossbow Hunter's Association) in Buffalo, NY. Bill has been lobbying for many years TRYING to gain support for the legalization of the bow here but a group known as New York Bowhunters vehemently protests it and we hunters that DO want it are out numbered. So, so far we've seen PA and NH move to legalize it in their states but still hasn't happened here. Honestly, having been involved with Bill myself and a prior NYSDEC employee who would regularly talk with our Wildlife Biologists THEY have no problem with it as does the Wildlife Conservation Council but NY Bowhunters has the strength and membership to win - for now. Eventually, with numbers of hunters declining in our state and over population of deer will force all hunters to support their brothers who want it and respect that we have a right to hunt with them just as they do their in-line muzzleloaders, guns, compound bows, etc.
I'll never understand why States dont allow crossbow hunting. Do they think its easier than everything else? Here in michigan they passed a law two years ago that allows the use of a crossbow during rifle season. I am choosing the crossbow this year instead of the rifle.. How fun should that be? lol All states should at least have a law that allows 60+ older to use either a crossbow or compound for archery season. Many people of older age just can't draw enough poundage back. But yet they can't get a permit to use a crossbow. Here in michigan you have to have a 80% dissability of some sort or missing a limb to use it during archery and obtain the permit.I mean, come on. Give it a break. Its really not an Advantage as many people think it is.