RE: What should a bowhunter be allowed to carry for self-defense?
We already have laws against "maybes," Bruce. This one just gets cried about by the gun-nuts because it involves guns.
Most states don't allow spotlighting. Why? Because it's a knownpoaching risk.
Most states require you to tag your deer immediately. Why? Because if they allow you to get it home before you tag it, there's a distinct possibility that it will never be tagged.
Most states don't permit you to bowhunt with a deer rifle in your stand. Why? Because there's a distinct possibility that you will use it.
Most states employ Wildlife Conservation Officers. Why? Because it's widely-accepted that many hunters will attempt to break the game laws.
Most states have established hunting/shooting hours. Why? Because it's a very distinct possibility that some jackass will be out there hunting after dark.
Most states have distance-from-the-roadway hunting requirements. Why? Because there's a very realistic chance that if that law wasn't in place, more people would road hunt.
Newsflash Bruce: We've been preventing maybe's for a long time. Seems to have worked out okay so far.