"If that is the direction we're going as a bowhunting community, why not legislate it ?"

It is legislated...It is the definition between archery season and gun season. It "should" be fairly simple: if it goes "boom" it is a gun, if it goes "twang/thwap" and causes an animal to bleed to death it is archery. Does this broad definition cause overlaps?? sure! Some guy with a flintlock and a miniball is hunting during the same season as a modern rifle. The stick bow guy is hunting with someone wiht a Stryker crossbow. In the process of setting asside seperate season for every form of hunting we have done nothing but place wedges between ALL forms of hunting.

The main complaint I hear from anyone trying to get a special season is that they feel that any form of hunting other than their own personal choice is unfair and they should be granted special treatment. Hate to say it, but no one has the right to be treated THAT special. You can easily hunt with a stick bow and flint while some guy in the next county uses his modern compound or crossbow. If all you are trying to achieve is a patch of woods all to yourself to hunt in(which is EXACTLY what special seasons are for)then you either need to buy/lease yourself some private property or drive a few hours so you are not in a populated area. At that point you can run naked thru the woods and howl at the moon all you wantwhile you hunt "my way"provided you stay within the law.

I really do feel that pride in your choice to do things the hard way is great. Forcing your "definition" of "what is archery" and " what is hunting" on someone else that is using ethical and legal methods of harvesting animals and is not REALLY affecting your ability to enjoy the sport is selfish and ignorant.

Wyvern