Ok i have read each and every post on this subject, and what i dont understand is WHY do crossbows need thier own season? Are the compounders worried about not being able to harvest a deer if ther are more people in the woods? I really think that is the issue here, wether or not its a bow, its not a bow, i dont think has you guys so worried. I think its the selfish sense of "my woods, my time" phobia that has your worried about "extra hunters" in the woods you hunt. I think that is pathetic! I hunt with both, a compound and a crossbow, and each has its advantages, however whatever "bow" you use, you must prepare, scout, pay attention to wind, trails, stand placement, etc.... and be ethical. I would never take a shot with my crossbow over 25 yards, first off the bolt/arrow does tend to drop off, the string makes a loud noise and the movement to come to sight is "wider" then a compound is. The compound you draw back at a time when you think the deer will move into shooting range...which would be what....0 to 30 yards, and the let off is what 60, 70, 80 percent? A crossbow, you will lift and sight, take off safety, when you think the deer will move into range...whick would be what..0 to 30 yards, no let off...just about 6 to 12lbs at shoulder hieght...for however long that deer takes to move into range. If the deer stops, you still hold, you dont let the bow down, becasue if he moved closer he is more likely to "pick you off" when raising the bow again. AND any of todays modern let offs is equal to holding 8 to 12 lbs.

I just find it sad to see a division of hunters for the sole reason of pure selfishness, thats all it is. We are all shooting deer at the same range with bows...we are all preparing the same way...

The outdoors is yours, treat it with RESPECT!!!