Rachunter that statement is a mile away from the truth, some states allow anyone to use a crossbow others limit them to the handicapped. I live in Va. and the only people who are allowed to use crossbows are people who are physically handicapped. It has been this way for years and there is no talk at all of making crossbows legal for everyone.

You may also want to talk to some hunters that use a crossbow, you will find out that a compound bow is a far more deadly weapon than a crossbow! I know we have one gentlemman on the board that would give anything to be able to hunt with his compound bow because it is far superior to the crossbow he is forced to use now due to physical problems he has now.

WV DNR has an application you can submit to allow the use of what they call a " modified bow" that is configured to hold the string at full draw, but no cross bows are allowed. There is a place for your doctor to fill out and sign. You can access the application on the WV DNR website. Hope this helps.

The two main problems I have with this is:

1) Very simply a crossbow is not a bow. Should a disabled person be allowed to us a gun during bow season???? Of course not. That is the same reason no one should be allowed to us a crossbow.

2) I know this sounds harsh but we all know it true. How many people would end up with a permit to use a crossbow that were not truly disabled?
Example - How many people do you know that have a handicapped permit to use the handicaped parking spaces that really should not have one??

I just think we have to be very agressive in protecting our bowhunting and I dont for one minute believe the fact that the crossbow is not a advantage.

Has anyone here ever missed a opportunity at a deer because they got caught drawing their bow??????

I would without hesitation - put up with 100 liers - who get a crossbow permit without being handicaped - to allow one ex-bowhunter like Vthompson too enjoy this great sport again.

We got your back VT - good luck- and stick around-

VT: Sorry to hear about your situation it' s got to be tough to deal with. As a fellow Mountaineer I would be completely behind you getting a special permit so that you could carry on your love for the sport.

I would look into the Americans with Disabilities Act, or whatever it' s called, from what I undertand, it was the threat of lawsuits from those folks that made some states allow crossbows for the handicapped. Maybe there' s state chapters?
I' ll echo Rack-attack' s statement that I would accept the liars so a guy like you could still hunt. I' m firmly against crossbow use in archery season, but just as firmly support their use by the handicapped. One poster pointed out that Ohio would let you hunt, and the same goes for MD and PA. You could easily get the permit in any of those states. Maybe make due with giving up the half day and weekend hunts, and schedule longer vacations in those states? Or just hunt with the crossbow anyway. Lot' s of remote hollers in WV, not many wardens.[

Rack-attack,
We will just have to agree to disagree.

I wish nothing but the best for vt and I would be proud to hunt with him anytime. Just not with a crossbow.

VT,
What part of WV are you from and do you need a place to doe hunt this fall? I would love to have you visit the farm for some gun hunting, if you are interested let me know.

I cannt type...I' m too busy throwing up my lunch!!

Vthompson wow. My situation is nothing compared to yours. I use a crossbow to hunt. if you look at me you would never figure it. I run and lift weights. but I destroyed my shoulder in the Army and it simply will not take the stress of drawing a bow. It' s the angle. I can push forward or pull straight back but can' t push out to the side. I could be collecting disability pay from the Army but I don' t need it. I have marketable skills and can make a living on my own. I miss using a regular bow. Especially when I am at the Archery shop and they have those magnificent looking Hoyts. I would definately not let it stand as it is Vthompson. You may need to petition for a change in the law, but if they don' t let you hunt then use that time to be a royal pain in their arse

Rac Hunter I gotta say I disagree with you. You are right. I havn' t gotten busted drawing my bow. But if I miss my first shot, it' s over. Many of the bows out today are so quiet you can miss and get a second shot. Not a crossbow. They are loud. I also feel that I am limited to as short or even shorter a range than I was with my bow. I don' t think I would take a shot more than 30 yards. more likely 20 yds is my practical limit. I' m thankful that the Virginia game commision saw fit to allow me to hunt. Vthompson you can always get a license here in VA.

David

I say that' s a load of crap. I don' t live in Wva any more, but I think every state should make allowances for hunters that have limitations. I would start making phone calls and see what you can do to get the law changed. Lord knows how many other bowhunters you would be helping, and who knows, maybe this is why God put you in this situation in the first place? Don' t get me wrong I don' t presume to know anything about your situation, but You just may be the one to get the ball rolling. I am not sure what I can do to help, but if you need anything let me know and I will do what I can.