MA Jay ... but allowing the same youngster to shoot a compound (way easier to use, trigger release, high letoff, vastly different device from a real bow) is okay ?
Why ?
Because by learning with a compound they will be allowed to hunt during archery season. If they shot a crossbow in the states I hunt they would be limited to firearm season only. Also, at the Sportsmen's club I belong to, they don't allow crossbows to shoot the 3-d targets or walk the course I love. Only bows are allowed. Also, they are not allowed in the indoor archery league I belong to, only traditional and compounds.
Because he has decided for everyone else that that's OK. I am sure he will say "becasue 47 states say that it's OK" but we both know that's a BS answer.
Call it BS all you want, they are still not legal. I would think BS would be more like arguing for crossbows to be legal during archery season when 47 states have made it illegal to hunt with them if you are healthy.
Let's have a pro's and cons segment. List the pro or con about the effect that crossbow hunting will have on archery hunting. I'll start
Pro's
Could bring more people into the sport.
Could allow those with physical limitations to hunt during the bow season. If they aren't hunting in the rgular bow season then they aren't going to be considered archers and they aren't going to be on your side when laws are being passed.
Could bring additional revenue both in the way of license purchase, WMA permit purchases that will both benefit wildlife as well as increased revenue for Outdoor related retailers who typically help promote the sport as well as put money back into the sport.
Additional Pro's-
Quicker learning/ramp up time for novices to become profeccient with it as a hunting weapon
Something "new" in a sport that doesn't change frequently
Quieter in suburban hunting areas, more public friendly
Lends itself to "ground hunting" better than a bow. Not requiring treestands to be as effective to cover excess movement.
Guys, I'm trying. I have added to your list of Pro's. They have merits for sure.