When X-Bows were permitted forall hunters here in Alabama, which had been permitted for certified handicapped folks for years, there was an outcry of lametations heard all across the state. Similar, I guess, to what some of you have olreadey related in this forum. In my opinion here's what went down. So called "traditional" archery guys cried foul. Some that commnted in local fish wrappers went as far as to hint that if a non-handicapped person could not gear up and do what it took to become a proficient archer with "normal" equipment,this person should just refrain from archery hunting.The way one could, and I do, look at this commentary is to ask those persons "How far back technology wise whould be Ok with you?" To be obsurd, why not go back to spears and slings as the "fair chase" standard ? And by the way spear hunting is legal for deer in Alabama !!! I am one that feels that the X-Bow is a bit easier to master than a stick, recurve or coumpond bow. From expoerience I am convinced that the X-Bow has enough disadvantages to make is no more than a equal too these as far as a deer hunting tool. To me it is more cumbersome and in all reality does not give me any additional "distance" to speak of. And unless I have a great rest, my gourps are no better than with my compound.Plenty tight, but no better. I think that the jury is still out on the long term popularity of X-Bow huntintg. And frankly nearing 60, I am glad that I may still have the option to achery hunt come the time when I can no longer break 45-50 pounds of pull, or hold steady withpout a rest of some sort.I was glad that the compound was developed for similar reasons. With the onset of arthritis and the aches and pains that come with aging, it became almost impossible for me to pull and hold my 60# recurve.Compounds defintiely extended my archery and I look forward to be one of those "old farts" mentioned previously that takes to the woods with the X-Bow because they can no longer do the "bow thing".

The reality is every jurisdiction that has included crossbows into the mix has proven successful without any of the doom and gloom that bowhunters predict. Yes a xbow is easier to use and shoot, as is a compound easier to shoot than a recurve. Why is that an issue? You can make better shots on antelope with a scope sighted .270 than an iron sighted .30-30 also. A quick clean kill is something everybody should strive for. I use a Xbow about 2-3 outings a year in late December winter conditions. The rest of the 4 month season is with one of my 2 compounds. I know people who use xbows exclusively and enjoy the simplicity. Why would that threaten me? I think selfishness has more to do with it than anything. People fear more competition in the woods. The reality is having access to a crossbow will not make you a bowhunter and instantly give you the time and money to bowhunt. I personally would rather see a guy use a crossbow and kill a deer than someone wound the first 1/2 dzn with a longbow. Although wounding and losing game with trad equipment isn't really discussed much now is it?

Thanks Early!! I figured I'd ask a guy who's been on both sides of the fence.

The new law in Illinois permitted my father and uncle to continue hunting during bow season since they are both in bad shape. I dont think that there has been any negative impact, at least in terms of overharvesting of deer. Considering the declining numbers of hunters, I support anything that will get more people out doing it, even if it means that the woods get a little more crowded.

Wow, I'm really suprised that the majority of bowhunters support x-bows to be used by able bodied adults during archery season...

MS is the last of south eastern states to not allow xbows without a doctor's approval. I personally don't agree with the xbow's use in archery season but lack the time or energy to defend that position here.

Interesting Terry. If thats the case which I high lighted for you then why do you shoot these noise bombs if there so loud?? You might be wounding animals Terry with them jumping your string. That wouldn't be good now would it??

Good posts guys, I also don't understand why some hunters limit themselves to just a certain type weapon. I love to hunt with them all and hopefully a crossbow some day!

At 30 yds and under with a bolt doing 300 fps they don't jump the string much. My point is I have seen many compound and many more traditional shooters be lucky to hit a pie plate at 25 yds yet consider themselves ready to hunt. A decent crossbow can't shoot groups at 25 yds unless you want to destroy an arrow every shot. And yes you are right, they are stupid loud contraptions and I have no love for them but I realize they have a place in bow hunting.

Most Traditional hunters I know 25 yards is out of range for them. There was a study done somewhere and I can't exactly remember where it was but a member on this site posted it and the Traditional bow hunters had the lowest percent of wounded animals. Allot of hunters have no business shooting any bow period being they can't hit the broadside of a barn. There's always a bad apple where ever you go.

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Seriously????. . . so you're telling me thatthere's a degree of difficulty and acomparison tocompound bows because you have topull the trigger and follow through as opposed to yanking it andlifting your head up???. . .Dude, have you EVER shot a rifle?? . .how about a shotgun?. . .hell, how about a BB gun??? You've made my point for me . . .shooting a CB is like shooting a gun. It's easier, which is why it is heavily REGULATED in MOST states. Shooting a compound bow is like. . . . well, shooting a compound bow [8D]
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Dude, yes I have shot a rifle, shotgun and "hell" BB gun and it has been my experience that if you jerk the trigger it will affect your accuracy.

Your post makes no sense. I said that a pure follow through affects accuracy in a crossbow .. just like it would a compound.. just as it does in shooting a rifle or shotgun.

Ask any serious crossbow shooter and they will tell you that follow through is a key component in acheiving accuracy and consistency.

I often shoot free hand when sighting my crossbow in and every deer I have taken with my crossbow has been free handed.

With all the anti-hunters and organizations opposed to hunting these days, I just don't see how so many hunters can be so quick ridicule and detest any method of any hunter. Pride issues maybe.