RE: Legalizing Crossbows
 

i would agree with crossbows if you can pull them back when you see a deer, but how does the game wardens know you did this? I think only two people should be able to use crossbows, the handicap that cannot pull back a bow and the senior citizens that enjoy hunting. What fun is it to be in the woods having a already cocked crossbow and a nice buck walks in front of you. Its not all you do is aim and fire with the crossbow, at least with the other kinds you have to pull back when they are in sight and become a little bit of buck fever, now that is always fun

RE: Legalizing Crossbows
 

I am only stating my opinion that I believe should be the right way to hunt

RE: Legalizing Crossbows
 

I agree with xbow only for youth under 14 that cannot draw 45-50lbs, disabled or seniors. My grandfather hunts with a xbow. Part of the thrill of bow hunting is the challenge of getting drawn and making the shot undetected. I was busted 2 times this year trying to draw. And missed one time after having to hold for about 5 mins because a deer stopped behind a tree and I could not let down undetected. With a xbow I would have been able to get a good shot on all 3 deer. I did kill 2 with a bow this year. I believe that legalizing xbow is just going to get lazy hunters in the woods that would only rifle hunt because the lack the discipline to set up and learn to shoot a long/compound bow.

Just my 2 cents.

RE: Legalizing Crossbows
 

Well datamax has pretty well summed it up. Thanks Data:D

In NH they are legal durring firearm season. My feeling have changed quite a bit about crossbows. When I was younger I was against them. Now I realize they are hunters as well as management tools and I support them. I'm not going to lobby for them to be added to bow season where I hunt but I wouldn't dream of fighting it should the legislation come up.

Bottom line is what ever the fish and game biologist feel is best to maintain a healthy herd is just fine with me. I don't feel that guys with crossbows will effect my hunting anymore then a guy on the next property who out there with his compound. With primative weapons you have to get close. 100 yards is a good dream for an effective range but I don't give more then 50 yards as an ethical shot(IMO). Sure some will push the limits but people do with every other weapon so what's the diffrence? If you're worried about more hunters in the woods killing more deer, join peta:eek:. Fish and game knows what population levels need to be obtained to have a healthy herd and if they choose to allow crossbows durring bow season to achieve it, then more power to crossbow hunters.

RE: Legalizing Crossbows
 

100 yard range from a crossbow? hell i'm lucky to shoot my 12ga that far . i get around 40 to 45 acuratley at a target !!!! at a deer the same as a bow around 30 yrds from a stand is plenty for me. if you have a crossbow with 100 yrd range let me knwo what brand it is. i want one today

RE: Legalizing Crossbows
 

That right there sums it up PERFECTLY. F&G biologists should be the deciding factor. If the herd needs more reduction, as in some places, then F&G should evaluate the options availalbe from increased seasons, increased bag limits and ways to increase hunter participation via any and all methods including add/removing weapons available.

If the herd needs more protection, again, same decision process: reduced bag/seasons, and do NOT add more weapons to raise hunter participation cause this would be counter to the goal of reducing deer kill.

Part of the problem is the politics of hunting seasons.

--Bob

RE: Legalizing Crossbows
 

Elkcrazy8 - I don't agree with much of what you said on elk hunting and I've been pretty successful at it. Carrying a 10 pound crossbow in elk county would be EASIER for you ? Drawing is the hardest part ? Dude, finding an elk is the hardest part, getting him to respond to your calling is the hardest part. Drawing on one with a compound ? Easy, easier than any animal I've hunted. Try a recurve if you want HARD.

Using the same argument compounders use ......... I use a recurve and I think compounds are ridiculously easy, they can be drawn when the game is NOT in their presence, the >80% letoff, triggers, horizontal limb technolog, the incredible speed and accuracy ......... damn things shouldn't be allowed in archery season.

Same argument compounders use against crossbows I'll use againt compounds and it'll be every bit as valid, won't it ?

RE: Legalizing Crossbows
 

datamax.....

Here's how I see it. You have far too much time on your hands and nothing better to do other than to run this silly little xbow thing right into the frickin ground. And believe me, it's getting very old. I'm sure your going to give me the old...."If you don't want to read it, don't click on the thread". Well I haven't looked at your other BS 30 some page thread because it's the same old regional board crap. Keep spewing information until your blue in the face and then keep on it some more. But you've found another thread to jump on to give your "view" on, so I had to comment. Don't worry, your not the only person on this board of whom I have that same opinion of...but no reason to bring their names into this. My login name is new, but I've been around the site for a long time.

You don't shoot an xbow during any season nor will you anytime soon from what I've read initially in the other thread. Your a trad "woodsman" ;). You've found technology to be boring and apparently so very easy you gave it up. Your just debating to debate. So why are you even debating the xbow thing? What possible cause do you have with this? And like elk, I'm not going to get into a long debate over this because I actually have a job and have work to do, but I would like to know answers to those 2 questions.

Thanks,
Xtec

RE: Legalizing Crossbows
 

Actually Bob, I think this statement summs it up perfectly. Unfortunately[:@] Just be happy you don't live in PA:D (sorry couldn't resist, if you don't get it see the Northeast forum)

RE: Legalizing Crossbows
 

I know a few people that hunt with them. My GF's grandfather has a torn rotater cuff and hunts with one. He is a hell of a hunter, probably better than me, and doesn't kill as many deer with his as I do. I honestly don't think they are a big enough advantage to get all worked up over. His is accurate to about 35-40 yards, and is pretty much limited to the same distance I am.