Jeff, glad to have you back in discussions like this!

Your points about the gun hunters in your area mirror my own as well. In my experience, the extra effort required in archery hunting is what keeps alot of guys out of it. With no increased effective range with the x-bow, I think these same guys will tire of it rather quickly. And you are right, xbows are HEAVY!

I cringe when gun season starts here in IL because of the numbers of people that hit the woods, so I am free to admit that more people in my area is not something that necessarily appeals to me, but if they were all x-bow hunters and not gun hunters, I wouldn't worry nearly as much. I'm the only bow hunter within about 850 acres where I hunt, come opening day of gun season, the 560 acresbehind me, there is 24 guys on it. So, believe me, I know about a sudden influx of "new" hunters.