MA Jay,

I know what you mean and most of the states have different laws about gun hunting as well as archery. Like again, here in Illinois the crossbowers can only hunt during the archery season. Does it make it right or wrong?

My point was more to how I justify my classifying a crossbow a bow and not a firearm. I think just because it's shoulder mounted and fixed cocked does not mean it's not a bow, just a different form of bow.

And like the pistol shooters and slug rifle shooters can get along in the same season even though they are vastly different in how they are used "during the actual hunt" even more than a crossbow vs compound because the range of a shoulder mounted scoped slug shotgun is 4 times further than a hand held open sighted pistol. At least the shoulder mounted scoped crossbow has the same range as the hand held (and fired) compound bow does.

I would have to agree with that statement even though I do not have proof. I can only use my personal opinion to try to explain why that is so (assuming it's true) In my case if I had the choice between a slug shotgun and a crossbow I would pick my gun. I say this because it gives me the best chance to kill a deer. I would also say that during archery season if I had the choice between a crossbow and a compound I would choose my compound because I feel it also gives me the best chance to kill a deer.

I'm not sure what you meant here. Are you saying that you think Illinois crossbow hunters should be allowed to hunt during the archery season, because that is the only season they can hunt in now. (the handicapped that is)

I really don't care what season crossbows are allowed in, what bugs me is that some people do! and for no apparent reason other than selfishness. The only logical way to find out if it will effect your state is to look at the states that do allow them during the archery season. I have seen no ill effects from those states have you?