SA, that is a fairly simplistic view there. Let's face it, the fact is every day, in every aspect of our lives someone forces their views upon us. Whether it is the speed limit, huting regs, or whatever else, someone somewhere has determined what is the "correct" things for society to do. Bowhunting is a "society." Prior to the introduction of crossbows there was nothing stopping anyone from going down to the local wally world and buying everything they needed to join the sport of bowhunting. And yet they did not. There was no public outcry in the state of Georgia from anyone stating give us crossbows and we will be bowhunters.

Contrary to what some may believe, the introduction of crossbows into the archery season, in Georgia, did not have any effect on the numbers of bowhunters in this state, at least from a statistical number. many bought crossbows and hung up there compounds, reason being, from those I encountered at my local bowshop, crossbows are like my rifle and easier than the compound. The others that began hunting in bow season were predominanty already purchasing the "all weapons" license because it came with the WMA stamp, cheaper than buying seperate WMA stamps and big game tags. The state did not see a statistical increase in the numbers of bowhunters.

The introduction of crossbows is potentially the beginning of a slippery slope for bowhunting. I know for a fact legislation will be proposed this year to eliminate the archery season altogether in Georgia. one of the many reasons cited is that constituents of a goldne domer have told them bowhunters can not kill enough deer with bows and crossbows. One of the offending legislators has hunted with a crossbow and has the same view, we need to have a year long gun season to get the herd in control. Now, truthfully this legislation will never make it out of committee, but the mindset is there. The introduction of a weapon that is a cross between guns and bows is but the beginning.