I think this might be my last post on this subject for a while and it may be long so please bare with me.

To all those who dislike the crossbow (in archery) because it's not what most PRESUME as "archery" ie: a hand held bow that must be drawn at (or about) the time of the shot and not 3hrs before or whenever. I think I understand this view more than all of the others because this is where the two are the most different. I think I got caught up in the letter of the definition and not the spirit of the definition. That being said It still does not change the definition, but I understand very much the problem some have with it. I myself have the hardest time with that part of it.

If you noticed I spent most of my time posting about the firearm vs bow debate. This I am stead fast on. I think there have been enough examples given to prove a crossbow is not a firearm.

So where do I stand on the matter? I don't shoot a crossbow, they are not legal in Illinois unless you have an handicap. But if I could I would probably try one to see what they are all about. I honestly do not think it would hurt anyone or anything if allowed. I say this because the states that do allow them seem to have no problems with them. Again I base my answer on the track record of the states that do allow them. After all what better case study than that?

Another hard question I have asked myself is, if allowed, what season would I want them allowed in? This one really got under some people's skin, and for the life of me I don't know why. I know some of you think you are alpha hunters and this is a "slap in the face" for "true" bow hunters if crossbows are included. I can tell you one thing for sure. I am as dyed in the wool hunter as you will ever find. I don't just hunt deer. As I stated before I have hunted pretty much anything you can in the lower 48 states. My passion for hunting is as strong as any on this board.

Because I have been around all types of weapons and all types of hunters I can safely say that you will find those who underestimate, overestimate and simply have limited knowledge of the weapon they are using. Some to the point that it's scary. My point is you find these types of people in every aspect of hunting and it would shock you as to the number or them. I know a guy who has been a bow huntng for 5 years now. The other day we were talking about his bow and I asked him what his draw length was....he didn't know! When I pressed him on it he said " my proshop sets up my bow for me"

I can't tell you how many hunters I talk to that have no idea the capability and range their slug shot gun has. They are either way underestimating it or overestimating it, both could spell disaster in the field. I had one tell me that a modern sabow slug could not kill a deer at 200yds. I was in shock and thought I hope he is never near me when I'm hunting, as he has no idea the killing range his gun has and would be the type to take a shot at a deer knowing there are other hunters a few hunderd yards away thinking his slug would never reach!

So what season? I wish there could be a way to separate them but I feel it would cause too much fighting because some group would have to give up some days and I can't see that happening. In some states it might work, but most no. The only logical one for me is the archery season if not for any other reason than a crossbow is not a firearm.

So can I find a negative about crossbows? No...... at least no more than I can find about any other type of weapon as none are perfect are they? Thats where I stand, it's not how everybody thinks and that's fine with me.

Thanks for listening.