can anybody tell me why lighted nocks on an arrow are illegal in co? even more so, why do i see them all of the time on tv shows? i understand private ranches and game farms, but i typiccally turn the channel when their hunting that way.
second, does anybody carry a pistol when archery hunting inthe mountains?

Two points you can take or leave.

I have never hunted anything with a bow.

I am however very familiar with CO DOW hunting regs.

The specific reg reads like this -

"e. Equipment using scopes, electronic or battery-powered devices cannot be incorporated into or attached to the bow or arrow. "

this is the only reference to your specific question I can find.

Since I don't know whether illuminated knocks are electronic or not it would be up to you to interpert.

I have been bow hunting in CO for 11 years now and don't understand it but its the rules. I think anything that would help recover your animal would be a plus but whatever.

Also I do carry my 40 with me while I am hunting and the DOW has told me it is fine. You just cant finish your animal off with it. Which is ok with me.

It probably has something to do with the environment. Like not wanting a hunter to lose the arrow and have the battery exposed to the environment.

It more likely has to do with drawing a line on technology. The law was written to stop certain technology stuff, hologram sights etc, the lighted nock just got caught in the mix.

They definately, the lighted nocks, fall into the catagory of "battery powered device incorporated into the arrow", and they are illigal to use, why? Who knows, but I think Bob is on the right track as to why.
I don't carry a pistol while bow hunting in the mtns., although I have friends that do.

They need to make special nocks that have that glow filament in them and when you nock them for a shot it activates for like 12 hrs! how cool would that be!!?? Probably already out there somewhere but who knows...

carrying a firearm while hunting with a broad head is illegal here.

lighted nocks have batteries in em...the glow stick is a good idea, seein how they are non toxic

Bows and muzzle loaders are supposed to be primitive weapon. Lighted nocks aren't primitive in the CDOW book. Lighted sights aren't allowed either. In both cases it shows intent to shoot before or after legal shooting hours. Oregon ban overdraws many years ago saying they were an unfair advantage because of the speed increase. Sabots and powder pellets aren't legal in CO for muzzle loaders but 209 primers are. I am not sure how they made the choices but they did. End result is the same follow the rules or deal with the consequences if you get caught.
Yes I carry a pistol when I hunt but I have never had to use it.