Good thread,

I agree with what mobow said on page 1.

That's the reason we have so many stupid laws. In this huge nation there are going to be people with sob stories, we can't have the government stepping in for every hard luck story and creating a new bureaucracy. In the same way, I don't want the government getting any more involved in hunting than they already are.

It's just one more thing to have to spend an extra day doing, more government crap, more chances for agents to write tickets, etc.

If someone gets lucky or practices a little bit and gets the proficiency card, what's to stop them the next year from picking up their untuned bow at the last minute?

The problem in a lot of states stems from the fact that you get to hunt earlier if you use a bow. That draws in people, as it did with me last year.
I admit that I wasn't as good a shot last year (I did practice for a month ahead - I know, not good, but I didn't just knock the dust off). I missed a doe (had to hold draw way too long) and passed on another. But it was exciting, heart-pounding, and it got me really into it this year.

You also see this in blackpowder. I was disgusted with my cousin last year, he shows up with his dirty, rusted, corroded, ancient muzzleloader. I asked if he shot it since last year and he said no. Same thing, its another opportunity to hunt and some lazy people will take advantage.