"I don't recall the folks that fought and lobbied for separate archery seasons to have included crossbows in that battle."

At the time, there were not very many. The vast majority of crossbow hunters USED to be vertical bowhunters and cannot anymore. The problem now is that the missinformation and the "its not a bow" comments are what is holding it back now that it is becoming more popular. In many instances these same people who fought hard for an archery season are now finding that not including crossbows was a mistake. If the ability to draw and hold a loaded bow is the definition of "archery" then I will gladly stand right next to anyone with a ultralight modern compound with 80% let off with my 9lb modern crossbow and see who wavers off target and has to lower their weapon first. Hate to tell ya...my arms are gonna get pretty tired MUCH quicker than the compound guy and even after only a few minutes the compound will be MUCH more accurate than I will due to me being less steady holding up this extra weight. So THAT argument is lost.

"I will add, the extra challenge, that in most circumstances, you have to stand up to shoot a bow.I say most. But I notice most do not with a crossbow. I know I have had deer come on me plenty of times, and that extra challenge of having to stand and draw, was too much to take the shot. A crossbow would have been fairly easy. "

So what do you have to say about the button buck I took with my long bow this season from a folding chair that I popped behind some brush??? You want challenge??? Try moving a crossbow from your lap to your shoulder unnoticed....I see very few tree sitting archers get up before taking a shot. One of the reason short axle to axle compounds are so popular. again, a crossbow is not any easier.

Wyvern

Wyvern