Well here we go again, the good ol' time to legalize the crossbow issue again! [:'(]
You ask us to sign your petition, first I ask why do you absolutely feel legalizing the crossbow is necessary for handicapped? I'm just curious what your opinions, and reasons are. Seeing your asking us to sign it.
Here's my opinion on the whole matter. Take it for what it is. I'm tired of the whole issue. I honestly don't feel legalizing the crossbow for any use is necessary in NYS. We have many, many opportunities for hunters. The handicapped can obtain a modified archery permit allowing them to use many devices so they can still archery hunt. Including a draw lock device. Yes the draw lock sorta does the samething as a crossbow. But why legalize a crossbow when have the means in place now? Crossbows are bulkier, heavier, and justa pain to haul around. So why would anyone want to chose a crossbow over a bow with a drawlock device. I just don't see the justification. I'm personally not handicapped. So I may not totally understandsuch apersons point of view. But I do have friends, and family members that are of the handicapped nature, and none wish to use a crossbow. So my bottom line is I just don't see why its so necessary to some.
On the flip side I think the weapon could be neat to use in its own way. But I don't want to see it used in archery season.A crossbow is not archery to me. No matter how you look at it. Its not the samething.
Far as bowhunters speaking out on the subject. Are bowhunters, and bowhunting organizations any different than any other hunting group or organization working to protect what they believe in? I'm really sick of people bashing bowhunters, becasue they don't want the crossbow legalized. They're only protecting what they've worked hard to perfect, and enjoy. Oh, and guess what, its open to anyone who wants to take the time to learn to hunt with archery equipment. Keep archery as archery.