I'm glad for you guys. Its all up to Patterson now. I myself do not hate crossbows themselves. I wouldn't have a problem with them in same season as muzzleloaders. I just personnally don't want them in archery season. I just truly feel crossbows are not archery equipment. I've handled them, seen what they can do, and regardless they have a very distinct advantage. I've always said archery season is open to everyone that wants to learn to shoot a bow. If others failed to take advantage of it, thats their own loss. Handicapped is a different story. I'm not against lighter restrictions. But I wonder why would anyone want to carry a weapon that is heavier, bulkier when there are means to put attachments on modern bows such as draw locks for the handicapped. Those are just my opinions and I'm entitled to them
However what really does bother me alot, is the bashing of NYB. This organization set a mission statement on crossbows many yrs ago. They have stuck by it. Long before PETA got involved with crossbows. To call them names, and knock them down for contining to do what they set out to do from the beginning is absurd. This organization has done wonders for bowhunting, the handicapped, our youth, and our military abroad. Its truly very unsportsman like for crossbow pushers like NYCHA to print false articles about being antihunters. Its obvious PETA got their info on crossbows from NYB websight, and NBS. Then they could attempt to kill two birds w/ 1 stone. Make NYB look bad, and fight crossbows. To believe NYB is antihunting is completely ridiculous, and stupid. Thats just falling into the anti's hands, and joining their fight to bash another hunting organization. VERY UNSPORTSMAN LIKE, and JUST AS ANTI HUNTING in my book.
What kills me even further is claims of shame, and lies by NYB. Like the capabilities of crossbows. Crossbow manufacturers made these very same claims in the beginning to gain recognition. But when the fight started, and things turned. They changed their tune. Plus this group of crossbow pushers have pulled some pretty sad stunts attempting to get them legalized. At a rally before a vote I believe back in 07 or 08' flyers were handed out on a youth hunt bill. The flyer contained info on the youth bill. However the bill number at the top was changed to a crossbow bill # in an attempt to get people to vote for the wrong bill. How sick is that!! Whats scary is these are the people supporting crossbows. The very people I may have to share the woods with someday. Definitly not the true honest sportsman I care to associate with!! I'm convinced crossbow pushers will do anything to get what they want. Regardless of how unsportsman like, anti hunting, and bashing it takes. They don't care. Well people I do. I will not put myself in those same shoes, period!!