First off, I have to give you all a VERY sincere "THANKS!" This is a topic that could, and most likely would, get nasty quick on most boards.

Lots of good points/counterpoints have been made, some great and thought provoking facts presented. This is how grown folks are supposed to have a discussion!

I agree with a lot of what has been said. There are a lot of misconceptions about crossbows, from both sides. Funny thing, a lot of them are the same for the pro and against, such as how easy to shoot, accurate, and effective the crossbows are. One side wants them for this reason, the other is against them in regular archery season for the same reason.

My experience with a crossbow is very limited, but I will post from that limited experience. These things have a lot of drawbacks. They aren't that easy to be accurate with, at least at any distance. Although they are ready to shoot, you will only have one shot. They loose their speed much faster than compounds (and probably trad bows) due to the short power stroke--the reason they need 150# or more, and the reason they are hard to shoot very far with (bolt drops quick). They are heavy and bulky--I'd hate to know I had to tote one through the woods or pull it up in a treestand. In my opinion, these drawbacks will keep many of the "slobs" out of the woods, at least after the first few hunts. Folks looking for the easy way out won't put up with the hassle. I don't think these weapons impose a threat to the deer population at all.

That being said, I don't agree with them being used in the regular archery season. Possibly make amends for those who are truely disabled--I do know a few folks that love the woods, and could not enjoy bow season any other way. I do understand a serious heart condition being a cause for not being able to shoot a bow--I have family memebers who have been through bypass surgery; it permenantly weakens you, and you are limited on how much you can lift/pull. I also know of some that are on disability that are just plain too sorry to work, and they could be cured quite easily with a good boot in the rear.

Then there are the compounds, which resemble a bow less and less every year. Companies make the bows and accessories with the promise of them being easier to shoot, more accurate, lighter, faster........the user doesn't have to work nearly as hard if they will just use X-brand bow and accessories, much less learn any hunting skills, as these bows will do the shooting, tracking, cleaning, and processing of your game (bit of sarcasm there, but I think you get my point). I think it is a joke that here in MS we have a "primitive weapons" season that allows all kinds of modern equipment including Draw-Lok and scopes.

Where do we draw the line? Danged if I know. Hunters need all the help they can get to keep their rights, but at the same time it seems they are shooting themselves in the foot by not policeing themselves, and the companies that cater to them are not helping. I would like to commend Muzzy broadheads at this point--as far as I know, they are the only company that caters primarily to the compound crowd that has not come out with a mechanical head. It's great to see a company with ethics these days.

I hope I don't sound like I am straddling the fence here--that is not my intent. I do see a lot from both sides though. I know two men who are seriously disabled and if not for crossbows they could not enjoy archery season. I wouldn't have the heart to tell them "you can't hunt in MY season" when they have no season of their own. On the other hand though, there is a lot of game I will never get to hunt because I can't afford to go or will not draw a tag, so is that fair?

If it came down to a simple yes or no vote--yes, crossbows are allowed in bow season for all, or no, not for anyone, I would vote no, but it would be a hard vote to cast.

Again, I sincerely thank you all for keeping it civil. It goes a long way in showing what kind of people we have on this board.

Chad

Long Bows Rule!