The only real difference between a longbow and recurve bow is that a compound has some relaxation(letoff) at full draw. I have shot recurves too Data. You can add a sight and stabilizer to a traditional bow if you wish and some do. Would you tell someone who shoots traditional equipment with a sight, stick-on flipper rest, and stabilizer they are not shooting real archery equipment? No, I didn't think so!

But the difference is much greater with the crossbow! Around the 40 years ago you keep talking about, the debate about allowing compounds into archery season was little to nothing. Remember also at that time very few bowhunters could be found, and the deer numbers were very low.

Silent, your statement about not allowing people with a disability to hunt is invalid. Most if not all states allow those people to use a crossbow. All they need is validation for their physician.

Data......when it comes down to it and you do not shoot a crossbow yourself.....what is in it for you? Why are you so adamant bout allowing crossbows into archery season? Don't tell me the same ole stuff about strength in numbers, bowhunters are increasing in numbers, not decreasing. It is hunters overall that are decreasing. In fact, knowing you as I do, its debating and arguing just for the sake of it.