Originally Posted by
bronko22000
Sorry DIY but I have to call BS on those using crossbow as not being bow hunters. So can you please tell me where you draw the line.
Sure. I'd be glad to. Its really very simple. Bowhunters hold the bow in one hand and only through human power and using the other hand/arm/back muscles, draw back the string at the time of the attempt on game. They draw back the bow and again through only human power hold whatever draw weight their bow is engineered for (be-it a recurve, a longbow or compound). If the shot does not work out, they have to let down with all the related motion and noise associated with that bowhunting action. Should they get another opportunity at that game animal, a bowhunter will have to (using only human power at the time of the attempt on game and now a bit fatigued from the first attempt) go through that draw and hold cycle again. Those physical limits define and separate bowhunters from crossbow guys. Training, practice, form human strength come together limiting the bowhunter to only such a weapon strength he is capable of drawing back. Those human motions and weight restriction based on the power of the user place limits and restrictions on a bowhunter making the sport the challenge that it is and has been. Its what makes the distinction between an animal killed with a human powered bow and arrow more of an accomplishment than those killed by stored energy and cocked weapons. Im glad you asked your question.
Originally Posted by
bronko22000
So we all have our opinions and I say that hunters who use crossbows are bow hunters.
No. They are crossbow hunters (or whatever that sort is calling what they do). Bowhunters use a bow and arrow (human powered at the time of the attempt on game)
Gun hunters use a gun. Spear hunters use a spear. Crossbow hunters use a crossbow and bowhunters use a bow and arrow.
There is nothing wrong with being a crossbow hunter but they are not bowhunters as they dont make the same movements and actions as a hunter using a human powered bow and arrow.