I don't poach, but I'm happy we have laws against poaching . You seem to be saying that laws against poaching aren't enough, that we need laws to prevent maybe's. Maybe if a law-abiding hunter has the right kind of gun while bowhunting, maybe he will poach deer.

Maybe a law should put breathalyzers in every car because maybe someone might drive drunk LOL.

Maybe we should ban all firearms because maybe someone will use one to commit a crime.

GMMAT
Sorry. I know the game law trumps CC.I was going on the legally carry while bow hunting premise.

Self defense from what?

I'm not hunting in the projects!!!

Maybe there should be a law against spotlighting deer at night in PA because maybe someone will poach deer when they do it.

Maybe there should be a law against videotaping deer at night in PA because maybe someone will poach deer when they do it.

Maybe there should be a law against carrying handguns with 10 inch barrels and scopes while bowhunting because maybe someone will poach deer with it.

We already have laws against "maybes," Bruce. This one just gets cried about by the gun-nuts because it involves guns.

Most states don't allow spotlighting. Why? Because it's a knownpoaching risk.
Most states require you to tag your deer immediately. Why? Because if they allow you to get it home before you tag it, there's a distinct possibility that it will never be tagged.
Most states don't permit you to bowhunt with a deer rifle in your stand. Why? Because there's a distinct possibility that you will use it.
Most states employ Wildlife Conservation Officers. Why? Because it's widely-accepted that many hunters will attempt to break the game laws.
Most states have established hunting/shooting hours. Why? Because it's a very distinct possibility that some jackass will be out there hunting after dark.
Most states have distance-from-the-roadway hunting requirements. Why? Because there's a very realistic chance that if that law wasn't in place, more people would road hunt.

Newsflash Bruce: We've been preventing maybe's for a long time. Seems to have worked out okay so far.

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And here I always thought it was the Republicans that are accused of trying to legislate "moraility".

If a guy chooses to poach he is gonna poach.

Quick, the analogies you have used to support your view don't pass muster. If you applied your "no firearms" by anyone in the public woods during bow season, there would be "no driving whatsoever" on New Year's Eve because the drunk may be "temtped" to drive.

Having said that, I don't carry a firearm while hunting in Texas - ne need to. Private land and no worrisome critters.

I used to carry one in Colorado, even though it was illegal, out of concern over bears and mtn lions. But over the years, I haverealized how ridiculous it is to do so and elect not to in order to reduce weight I am having to carry around.

Now, if I hunted in Grizzly country, I am going to have both pepper spray, a large caliber pistol, and a change of fresh underwear with me at all times.

Droptine - This isn't a safety issue. This is a poaching issue. In my mind, poaching deer is a theft of government property, and deserves the highest level of regulatory protection. You're not just taking from the landowner. You're taking from every American citizen. Both hunters and non-hunters alike.

Popular or not, I've decidedly taken a stand against any legislation that enables poachers to simplify the practice of their trade. If that comes with the loss of a perceived "right" to carry a certain class of firearms into the bowhunting stand, then so be it.

When you're going to allow people to "bowhunt" with this:



It raises my eyebrows.


Bruce: I've said for a long time, I'd support a complete ban of spotlighting in Pennsylvania.


Jackflap: It's actually pathetic that I have to spell this out to you guys. All I hear on this board is "poaching is bad,""we need to act together to curb poaching, blah blah blah." Then, when it comes time to make a menial concession to help curb poaching, everybody throws their hands up into a tizzy. LOL That says a lot, IMO.

FWIW, I voted for a barrel restriction. Concealed-carry is fine with me. Just no weapons with any effective range longer than a bow. I couldn't care less if a bowhunter carries 10 handguns to his tree. As long as none of them could be considered a long-range weapon, of course.

For the 5000th time - I don't have a problem with a snubby .38 or a glock. I have a problem with the gun pictured above. That weapon has no business in a bowhunter's treestand.

Again, the VAST majority of voters polled in this discussion agree.