Crossbows have always been considered the same as other archery gear up here in Ontario. That means they are legal for deer, moose, and bear. We have no issues whatsoever. Crossbows have the same effective range as compounds so require the same "hunting" skills. By that I mean the hunter still has to get close to and outfox a deer. I would rather a State allow crossbows than have some joker go to Wallmart on Friday night and buy a pkg compound bow and bowhunt deer on Saturday morning. How many wounded and wasted deer would crossbow hunting prevent do you think? A quick clean and humane kill is what we strive for right? If not then you need to re evaluate your motives.

My dad is soon to be 61. He's worked at the same factory since he was 17, bad knees, bad shoulder, etc. I am actually looking forward to helping him pick out a crossbow before the 2009 season. He'll be 62by thenand legal in IL. He loves shooting his bow, just not the pain he has to deal with after the fact.

Again, a common misconception. I'll say this once more. The bolt from a CB dropsmore quickly than an arrow from a compound bow. It also loses energy more quickly as well. It's not an opinion, it's a fact.

I would love to lay on my belly in a CRP field right in the middle. Where he knows I cannot go, and plug that Mr. MASS SOB with a bolt

[Deleted by Admins]

No, I'm saying a compound will keep it's energy for a longer distance than a CB, and maintain a more horizontal plane for a longer distance than a CB. By the way, check out post #33 in this thread. I'd like to hear what you think.

I think it is fine for the disabled or someoneunable to draw a compound bow to hunt with one during archery season. All others I feel should have to use them in regular firearms season. I like bow season the way it is here in NC.

[Deleted by Admins]

How much does your average cross bow bolt weigh?

What you are missing is that modern crossbows that pull 225 lbs have as much "effective" killing range as a compound. I own 2 compounds and an Excalibur crossbow. The Excalibur comes out only in late December when its -20 out and I have to dress like an Eskimo. Pulling on a compound is pure hell when dressed for winter. Anyway, a modern top end crossbow is every bit as effective as a compound. Arrow weights are usually around 400 grains in the X bow and they start over 300 fps, where's the difference?