Well stated Arthur--I'm glad we have someone who was actually there and experienced the transition to give the facts.

A crossbow is not a bow. A bow is hand drawn and hand held (and, IMO, hand released, but that's a whole different argument). Just because a weapon uses something that resembles an arrow as a projectile doesn't make it a bow. There are conversion kits to make a Ruger 10/.22 into an "arrow gun".

As for the Alabama fiasco, the people were not heard--they were ignored. One of the boardmembers who was in on the decision has a huge conflict of interests and should have never been allowed on the board, much less into the decision making process. The decision was based on money, period.

It hasn't come down to conservation, what's best for the animals, getting more hunters in the woods, or the voice of the people--it's all about money. I challenge anyone to prove me wrong--show me where there have been any studies to show any benefits to allowing crossbows into the archery season.

I'm not against disabled and/or elderly hunters using crossbows in the archery season, because of the low numbers. I have an uncle who has to use one to hunt in archery season, along with my best friend's father. However, if it was an all or none proposition, I'd vote none.

You might say "that's not fair, and you are just being selfish and discriminating". Well, the way I look at it, there are some hunts I will never be able to go on, for two main reasons.

One, I have a really screwed up ankle and there is no way I could hike back into the wilderness a few miles, or climb a mountain, much less pack an animal out of these places. I don't hear anyone calling for chair lifts or special ATV permits for folks like myself, nor do I want them to. I understand and accept the fact that sometimes life just isn't fair.

The other is I don't have the cash for guides, permits, etc. that are required for non-residents EVEN ON FEDERAL LAND. I pay taxes on this land just like the residents do, so why should I be required to have a guide and have to pay so much more for a license? Where's the outcry and rage about this discrimination?

I'm not a "trad snob", but I do believe the season was labled "primitive weapon" for a reason. I don't hunt with a muzzleloader, but it made me sick when MS legalized scopes for muzzleloaders. Primitive my eye. As was stated already, it's no longer about the challenge, it's not about having to put any effort into becoming proficient with your equipment and learning about the woods you hunt in--our society is all about cash and instant gratification--our hunting seasons have been prostituted like pretty much everything else.

The camel got his nose in the tent--pretty soon the rest will follow. Unfortunately by the time those of you who are "pro" realize what's going on, it will be too late. We may gain numbers now, but in the long run the way the general public views us will suffer, as will our sport, which will more than likely cause it's demise in time.

Chad