RE: using a crossbow?
 

I have a question for all of you that think that CROSSBOWS should only be for the disabled.

Do you think that you are a person that discriminates against another person.

Most disabled people (enclude me in that) DO NOT want to be treated any different than anyone else. Making crossbows eligable to only the disabled singles them out as being disabled. It also makes then aquire alot more paper work, expenses and time (going to Dr's, postage, ect) to continue hunting, which you as an abled bodied person does not have to do. Some States are coming around, BUT just a short while ago, a disabled person had to aquire permits from each State that would alow him to hunt. If you wanted to hunt in 5 States, it would be the cost of 5 permits for him and the time to aquire them.

Now here is a little story for you. A while ago I was told of a disabled hunter with permits for 3 different States that was offered a chance of a lifetime hunt in another State that allowed crossbows for the disabled. This was either 2 or 3 months before the hunt, he never got the permit as the time to aquire one from that State was 4-6 months.

Now why should the disabled be put through all of this discrimination, I do not think that they should. Now do not get me wrong, I am very happy that many States are now opening up crossbows to them (the disabled), but would be happier if it was opened up for all like States are doing.

The Disabled should not have to pay extra to enjoy the same things that the abled bodied person does. To me that is discrimintory !

RE: using a crossbow?
 

Here....I will say it, and I don't care what anyone thinks of me for saying it: crossbows should be in gun season! Yes, I am selfish, I don't want every Tom, Dick, and Harry using a crossbow where I bowhunt!

Now I know where you will go with my statement Stealthycat/Zel.

Yes, Pope and Young screwed up by changing the letoff rule!

RE: using a crossbow?
 

Cougar - Could I not also say the same things about compounds for the very same reasons ? Would I have validity in doing so ?

RE: using a crossbow?
 

Yes you could Zel, but here is the defining difference between a crossbow and archery equipment..... from the Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations:

A crossbow or any mechanical device capable of maintaining a drawn or partially drawn position on a bow without the hunter exerting full string tension is illegal. In other words.....the hunter himself must be holding the string at full draw.

RE: using a crossbow?
 

I watched the news last night and didnt see anybody bashing hunters. I read the paper this morning and didnt read anybody bashing hunters. I listened to the radio on the way to work and didnt hear anybody bashing hunters.
I came to this sight and guess what?

RE: using a crossbow?
 

Good point.

RE: using a crossbow?
 

Not really bashing hunters, discussing what seasons should be available to legal weapons.

I, and I am sure all hunters here would stand arm in arm against an anti attack.

RE: using a crossbow?
 

Cougar - From Arkansas Game and Fish

Archery
Long, recurve and compound bows: Bows must have at least a 40-pound pull. Telescopic or magnifying sights may not be used. String locks and mechanical string releases are legal. Deer, turkey and bear hunters are required to use arrowheads at least 7/8-inch wide. Poison may not be used on arrows.

Crossbow: Crossbows must have at least a 125-pound pull and a mechanical safety. Deer, turkey and bear hunters are required to use arrowheads at least 7/8-inch wide. Poison may not be used on arrows. Magnifying sights may be used. Crossbows are not allowed for taking elk.



So what did we prove ? That they are legal here, not in your state. But that does nothing to solve IF they should be legal.

RE: using a crossbow?
 

Good point;)

Well I can answer that for you real easy. I know you don't have to go through the the movements of drawing a compound while using a crossbow. I know you don't have to worry about how you grip the crossbow. I know you have to worry about hitting your anchor points with a crossbow. I know you don't have to worry about slapping the inside of your arm when you put to many clothes on with a crosbow. I know you don't have to worry your form with a crossbow.

Also, let me retract and make a clarification of an earlier statement. I have infact shot a crossbow before. In 1992 while I was still in High School I seperated a shoulder during a football game. I wasn't going to be able to hunt but the team doctor had a crossbow he said I could borrow. I borrowed the crossbow Friday night after the game. I shot a couple of shots under the headlights and smoked 3 deer between Sat. morning and Sun. afternoon. Again, I support the right to choose your preferred method of archery equipment however, saying they are equally challenging is like saying that you would just as soon fight Michael Tyson as you would Michael Jackson:eek:

RE: using a crossbow?
 

:D That's pretty funny. Half the folks in this forum would risk breaking their own arms to get to pass judgement on someone. That was a good one......lmao

There is a difference in disagreeing respectfully and vehemently oppossing. Half the folks here would vote to ban crossbow hunting which could lead to the next which is ban compounds etc. If you want to show people you are united then try disagreeing respectfully but understanding. I don't agree with crossbow hunting, so I don't, but I don't try to dictate how others hunt. Some of these elitist attitudes are driving a wedge between hunters. I am sorry that you don't see that.