You truly think there are no slobs shooting compounds ? You really think guys don't pick them up a few days before season, dust them off and go hunting ? Does that make compounds the enemy too ?
In my state I am sure there are slobs hunting with compounds, recurves, longbows, hell I even caught a kid out in the woods with a slingshot and an arrow. The fact is I can't do anything about the ones already here, but I don't want any more out there either. Getting permission in PA is like going to a job interview anymore and I don't want to see it get any worse.
HuntingBry - i have a very solid argument on crossbows. I do not cower down when i see an argument that is hugely flawed and I'm telling you , shooting a tricked out compound capable of 75 yard groups, 85% letoff draw, horizonal limb technology, triggered releases and all - it aint that much different at all from a crossbow. Fact is, Arkansas and several other state have had crossbows a LONG time and never a single bad thing come from it.
I never said there was a drastic difference in the equipment. However, here in PA and in many other states, there is a drastic difference in the perception of what is required in terms of skill and practice to hunt with a bow (compound or otherwise) and what is required (or not required as some would perceive) to hunt with a crossbow. I don't doubt that your state and many other states have had a successful integration of crossbows into archery season. I just don't think it would work as well here. Time will probably tell because it seems that is the road we are heading down.