RE: Crossbows are not archery!
I have to agree with Wahya, I see nothing wrong with the crossbow for use as a legitimate hunting tool as it exists in our home state of California (here on the left coast, of all places<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>). The crossbow IS an effective hunting tool. Fortunately for us, it is allowed for use only during the regular firearms season. According to DFG regulations, the crossbow is NOT CONSIDERED ARCHERY EQUIPMENT, and is not allowed during ANY archery season.
My rationale is, whether or not there would be an "archery season", I would still hunt with my recurves, because I enjoy them more than hunting with my guns. I might even pick up my gun once in awhile to hunt with it too (only during a legal gun season of course), but I would CHOOSE to hunt with my recurve regardless of the season, whether rifle, archery or otherwise as long as it is legal to do so.
The motivation of most who choose the crossbow is not so much because they are drawn to the mystique of this modern weapon with primitive roots, it is simply to log more hunting time, even if it has to be done with a "lessor" weapon. The crossbow is indeed fascinating, but it is not endearing to most, including me. Rifle hunters are drawn to it because of it's partial similarity to the rifle in form and function.
Even the rifle hunter will never be fully given over to the crossbow, converted, so to speak. Most rifle hunters develop endearing favorites within their battery of firearms, and rightly so, but will never have such an attraction to the crossbow. It is simply a half-breed, a freak-rifle which offers a weak simulation of their preferred weapon. They carry it afield due to regulation rather than choice, the whole time wishing it to be their trusty '06 instead.
I have never believed myself to be disadvantaged while hunting with my recurve. Quite the opposite, it is a privilege, a challenge, and yes, even an ADVANTAGE to do so, satisfying, whether or not a shot is taken.
How many crossbow hunters will CHOOSE to hunt through ALL legal seasons with the crossbow as their primary weapon? Bowhunters fought hard for special bow seasons, while choosing to bowhunt during regular deer seasons, regardless of the far greater number of firearms in the field with them! We still choose to do so today, even share camps with our rifle-hunting friends.
Crossbow hunters want to ride on archery's coattails rather than hunt alongside rifle hunters, proving the worth for their own season. Let them do so with endearment for the crossbow, choosing it with their hearts and not just their heads. The crossbow is not a rifle, nor is it a bow. It finds primary favor with neither the archer or the rifleman. It IS a hunting tool of it's own accord. As such, let it stand or fall on it's merits and/or limitations, with the support of those who hold it first and foremost in their heart.
Even muzzleloading hunters had to CHOOSE to hunt during regular firearms seasons in order to validate their own special season. What they didn't do is ask for inclusion with archers or anyone else. They fought for their own seasons. Today they have them. Their heart was in it.
Which brings us to the root of the crossbow issue. It is indeed a matter of the heart, a question of motive. This is why bowhunters remain so passionate, but leaves the crossbow issue as yet unresolved.
YBIC,
Dave ><>
Matt 6:33,34/Rev 3:20
Edited by - str8narrow on 01/21/2003 23:10:55