BigJ wrote-
I hear ya. But if they (crossbows) in no way qualify by Illinois standards of what is legal then why does Illinois allow the handicapped to hunt during the bow season. Why not just let them use a crossbow during the gun season?
The reason is very simple BigJ, because a person is physically unable to utilize archery equipment it would eliminate the ability to hunt during this period of time. By allowing a crossbow to be used by the handicapped, you are allowing them to be in the woods when they otherwise wouldn't be. What it says about your state and mine which only allow handicapped people to use crossbows is not that crossbows are considered archery equipment, but the states are flexible in the rules allowing handicapped people access to all. They could have just as easily allowed handicapped the use of shotguns and or ML's during archery season, but instead they allowed crossbows .. a different weapon, that happens to be similar to archery equipment in range and type, but can be operated with a single hand allowing for use by the challenged. If it was considered "archery" it would be allowed by all to hunt with.
I say this because the "legal definition" of a crossbow is a bow
Here I think you are confused, because you are using the definition you found in an on-line dictionary to be the basis for your "legal definition" argument. I am using your state and mine's written Fish and Game Laws to define archery, I am also referencing any and all archery organizations I can find, and no where is the firing of a crossbow considered archery.
So you then need to look into THAT state and see if there has been any adverse effects and as datamax provided there is none.
Guys, we have provided various negatives, some actual and some perceived. The thing about Pro's and Con's is they are different to the individual making the list. The smartest thing I have heard concerning crossbow use in the 3 states that allow them is that they have no specific records concerning their use as the kills made by them are just lumped as archery kills. There is no record I can find of how often they are used or if there is even a valid following. I happen to think they have had NO affect in the 3 states that allowed them during archery season. All 3 states have gobs of deer, and have long seasons, some allow many deer taken. That is not the case here in my state, and may be a reason why after lengthy review, the crossbow is only allowed during firearm season.
BigJ .. I'm not sure why you are getting frustrated with us.. it seems that 3 guys trying to wage a battle to change the definition of "archery" and open up longer crossbow hunting opportunities would understand what frustration is all about.