Guys, I am not saying a crossbow is bad or evil or that they take over people's minds and make them poach.
I also don't blame the crossbow ... it is a person that broke the law
Guys .. those are my words above, not yours. I agree 100% with you that guns, bows and crossbows don't Poach animals, people do!
In fact I do believe they do have their place in the woods, we just differ on the "when" part.
My words again! I do think there is a place and time for crossbows. In my opinion that place and time is in the "primitive weapons season" such as they have in Pennsylvania. The crossbow certainly qualifies as a Primitive weapon. I don't believe a crossbow belongs in Archery Season, as it is not a bow, but that doesn't mean there couldn't or shouldn't be a seperate season for crossbow hunters that could overlap with ML hunters and archers. If the desire to hunt with a Crossbow is strong, they should be able to generate their own season for their unique weapon.
I am not advocating against crossbows! You asked for one negative to crossbows .. and I gave it you!!!! I made valid points, backed them up with facts and articles from state agencies on their use as a poaching weapon, as well as my own experience in their ease of use to shoot from a stand with a flashlight. I didn't claim that a bow couldn't also be abused or a gun isn't used in crimes .. but for some reason you can't accept the one simple point that a crossbow allows the average hunter, without practice or special gear to shoot deer beyond legal hunting time with just a flashlight. The average bow hunter can not do that, even though it sounds like you guys can.
If you take your passion out of it, it's simple logic... and I don't claim that it takes the responsibility out of the hands of the hunter, I just claim that it puts the average hunter in a position to break the law easily without fear of getting caught .. and it is my opinion that is not necessarily a good thing.