I just bought hunting property in West Virginia. My Dad is disabled (neck and back) and legally uses a crossbow in Maryland.
Turns out crossbows are illegal in WV, even for disabled hunters.
I personally feel that this is a violation of his rights -- maybe a violation of the American with Disabilites Act. He is unable to enjoy bow season because of his disabilty. He is forced to sit at home while able bodied people are out hunitng with bows.
The "traditional" bowhunting groups in WV have always fought crossbows -- for their own selfish reasons.
We're pretty sure that, illegal or not, my Dad is going to use the crossbow this year in WV. We figured if he gets caught then we would fight back, but is there a better way?
I'm thinking about challenging this somehow and I was wondering if anyone here has had similar experiences -- has anyone here tried to fight their State over a disabled hunters issue? Whom should I call to get more info? Who fights for the disabled? Is it the ACLU or another group?
Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris
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