I just clicked onto this site for the first time. I was surprised to find the comments from the NY wildlife officerswho claimedcrossbows are the ultimate poachers' weapons and they expected to be deluged with problems if they are approved. I suggest they check the stats with their fellow officers in states which have enjoyed crossbow hunting for several years. They are so incorrect as to be an embarassment to their professionalism. Forget emotionalism. Please check facts. We hear enough of the other from the political front.

And as to other commentsthat crossbow shooters will be tempted to shoot 60 yards and beyond, tell me a method out there be it firearm or bow configuration that someone will not attempt to stretch to the absurd. I am familiar with three archery ranges within a couple hours of my home that DO NOT allow crossbow shooters, not because they disagree with their use, but because crossbows are too hard on their standard targets. And all three have targets for standard and compound bowsto 60 yards. One even had a 3-D target at that range someone carried out there. Lack of knowledge, half-hearted practice, and lack of consideration for the game hunted is not restricted to any methodology.

And as a poacher's weapon? Crossbows are too cumbersome to conceal, too awkward to shoot from a vehicle ( unless you want to chance taking out your dash or a window) and Lord knows, way too expensive to even think of chucking.

Just some thoughts from a 70 year old who has hunted several states, many countries, and taken most critters with any and all methods legal in the areas hunted. We need to consolidate our ranks and present a solid front, not a fractured one. When bows went to cams, to 80-per cent letoff, optic sights, jumped speed to over the 320 mark, and states legalized mechanical releases, the differences of whether you hold your unit horizontal or vertical, have quickly evaporated.Just some food for thought.