I noticed that certain zones (5C, and I think 5D and 2B) are now allowed to be hunted with crossbows. Does anyone know if this means normal people (nonhandicaped) can go archery hunting with crossbows? Just asking, I found it unusaul to see this in the book.

Hmmmm not sure on that one. You may want to call your local game commissioner and ask him.

Anyone can use a crossbow now.

I bowhunt in 2b. I am not happy about this. I think it will bring alot more guys into the woods during bow season. I don't think a crossgun and bow have much in common. The dedicated bowhunters will be at a disadvantage to the crossgunners. I know that effective range is not all that much different but executing the shot cannot be compared between the two. My brother's neighbor invited him over to shoot the guy's new crossgun. My brother never shot one and was shooting 3 inch bullseyes at 30 yards right off the bat. Just like shooting a gun, just shorter range. I know they put this in special regs areas just to help with herd reduction.
As a hunter, all I can do is adapt. If I don't like it bad enough, all I can do is go buy a crossgun, I guess.

Yep.. in 2b you are permitted to use crossbows during archery.... Don't really agree with the "Anybody" part of the new regulation.... [>:]

I dont understand this . If you want to reduce the heard , why not change the regs to mimic Georgas , 10 does and 2 bucks . No haveing to send away for doe tags one at a time and all the bull they make you go thru , or make it earn a buck like some other states do , allthough I realy dont agree with this method , if there is a problem , and there is one definatly , something has to be done . Pa has some crazy regs . Hey at least they got some good bucks now , point restriction is working .

I have hunted with both. In ohio crossbows have always been legal. I have sold my crossbow and now hunt with a compound bow only for archery.
Honestly I am much more accurate with my compound. Crossbows are not a significant advantage. Effective ranges are the same as a bow.
The problem as I see it is not in the weapon. It's in the thought process of SOME users. Many think that since it is an arrow gun, that they needn't practice as much as a dedicated bowman. Also with a scope and such it leads to folks taking shots that aren't always ethical.
I was in the local Dicks sporting good store Friday Night, just to make sure I didn't "need" anything before Saturdays opener. There must have been 4 or 5 people walking out with new crossbows. Do you think they were going home to practice in the dark, or simply heading to the woods in the morning to hunt? My bet is, most were hunting, having never fired a bolt.