WOW - What spirited debate! I am from OHIO and have bowhunted for 10 years with a crossbow. I just purchased a Compound and will be hunting with it next season. A crossbow is not the GUN everyone makes it out to be. It is loud, very heavy and without a rest - difficult to hold steady. A good compound is very quiet & they are much easier to hold steady because the pull of the bow anchors it in your arms naturally. I won't take a shot over 25 yards with my crossbow because it is not reliable. I don't have enough experience with my compound yet, but many tell me they feel comfortable out to 40.

Lastly, I can speak for OHIO..we need as many hunters in the field as we can get. Hunters are a dying breed compared to society 50 years ago & our heard is busting at the seams. So, any way to get a person in the field ethically is a good idea!