ORIGINAL: Darryl Longbow
I dont think anybody is questioning the numbers, it probably will not make that big an impact. Hunt with a crossbow if you want in gun season, nobody will care. When it comes to bow season that will be different. The X bow is cocked like a gun, has a safety like a gun, has a sight like a gun, has a stock like a gun, has a trigger like a gun, see where we are going here. There is a device on the market that converts a 22 rifle to fire an arrow, is it a bow. The first gun was made to fire an arrow, was it a bow ? For the handicapped or infirm shoot what you want but not in bow season. If the X bow is difficult to become proficient with or not the preception is there that it is easier, will this tend to draw people who are interested in bowhunting or people who see it as just another way to get into the woods early. What is the quality of the hunter we will "gain" What will be the publics perception of the X bow. Will archery as a sport gain or just those who manufacture X bows. Some where the line will have to be drawn as to equipment. Who will say enough ? What is next, do we bring on the arrow shooting rifle and call it bow hunting.
Guy buys camo like a hunter,stand like a hunter,scents like a hunter,has some stickers on his truck like a hunter does this make him a hunter? NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Come on the arguement about "quality " of the hunter is lame! if we were to do that maybe we should screen folks that hunt to find out if they are quality enough no matter what season it is!what difference does it makes what they carry ?
The line to be drawn in reference to equipment should be what works best . maost humane and makes the quickest cleanest kill. not whether it is cocked and a trigger is pulled.
Honestly i believe advances in equipment whether bow,crossbow or firearms are great for the animals we hunt. it helps to makes sure they taken quickly and with little suffering.
Now if you are out there in your "bow only" season and joe x walks up and he is hunting tree rats or rabbits do you get mad cause he is enfringing on "your " time?
I mean most states small game seasons start before archery!
And small game seasons have been around longer than bow seasons right?
Folks can get out in the woods if they want .
I like the option of using a crossbow or my bow during the archery season in arkansas.