It's not the first time that was stated! It was exactly my (and others) point to begin with. But BigJ12 keeps going back to the "their closer to a bow than a gun" arguement saying that we're not responding to his opinions. We HAVE! We're NOT talking about limbs/strings or whatever. We're talking about the actual hunting situation.
Bowfanatic
Ok, I see your point.
If all you are talking about it the way it is held and shot then YES it is more like a rifle than a bow.
My contention is however....you must look at the the overall function of the weapon ie: type of projectile, type of energy used to propel said projectile, it's capabilities and effective range as well as a half a dozen other items not listed AS WELL AS how it is held and shot, in order to place a weapon in a certian classifcation.
I think if you do that then you will see that a crossbow would be classified as a bow before a firearm.
Now for the hard part.....if allowed, what season should it be allowed in? to me it's logical.....the bow season, only for the reason that it falls into the classification as a bow and no other.
For the record I live in Illinois where a crossbow is only legal to handicapped. The season is the same as the regular archery season and the kills count as archery kills.
Also for the the record, If allowed I see no example in the states that do allow them that they would have a detrimental effect here in Illinois.
And the last for the record, If legal I would still use my compound bow.
I do not mean to fight with you or others and I do sometimes come across wrong, I am only debating.