ORIGINAL: Bob H in NH
This comes down to two areas, in my opinion:
1) Does it "belong"?
2) Will it have adverse effects on the hunted species.
Deal with #2 first. Some states, such as NH where I hunt and live, could not handle the increased participation and subsequent increased deer kill. We simply don't have the deer population. Other states where deer are like rats and need thinning out, could use increased kill. Hunting among other reasons to hunt, is a wildlife management tool. #2 should be settled by the F&G biologists. Crossbows will probably increase hunters in the woods and increase the deer kill. Can the deer herd handle this?
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Pesonally it comes down to the deer herd and the management of the deer herd. Can the deer handle increased hunting pressure and increased harvest that will result if you put more hunters into the woods??
I first off have to say how surprised I am at some of the peoples responses. There are alot of people that I would have thought to be hard core that are OK with a CB. It is nice to see this much support.
The part that I have quoted is one of the fears that I think comes up the most. Ohio and AR have had the seasons for over thirty years now, AR may not be over thirty but they should be or are close. Ohio opened it up in 75 I think may be off by a year, could be 74 or 76, not sure. I will paste some data from the Ohio's DNR web site as to what the CB has done to the deer numbers. I will say that I think if a state that currently has heavy restricted CB use and then opened it up may see a bump in the road the first year. There will be gun hunters that see it as a new and longer season opportunity. So that could make a jump in numbers, but if they score with a CB maybe they will not even go out for gun? It could call it even. There also may be some long Bow or Compound people make the switch, this could mean more kills. If this does happen I think with proper DNR regulations you should be fine, Ohio and AR is proof that you will be. Or numbers have only been going up and I owe that to a great DNR that knows how to manage a deer population. Will also post a image of how many states are realizing the CB is a good tool to allow and use for the hunter. This last season eight states allowed there use and currently there are several more states joining the ranks. Thanks to all for the positive post!
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