Indiana only recently allowed hunting with crossbows. It was always during the late archery season at the end of the year and at first it was only for doe's. I am not sure if that is still in effect or not. Anyway they are trying to get an increase in the number of deer killed and are trying to get the laws change that would allow crossbow's starting Oct. 1st with the archery season and the season would last until Jan. I used to bow hunt some as a kid but never killed a deer. I bought a new Reflex bow about 4 years ago and I have never hunted with it since I had 2 children. If I had my choice I would likely sell or trade my bow for a crossbow. If Indiana allows crossbows during the early season I will likely be in the market for one. So as a newbie what are the recommendations for me. I will not likely have a high end crossbow but I have no idea what brands are good and what features to look for. It doesn't help that all the old post's got archived making it hard for me to research. What features should I look for, poundages, bolt speed, etc. I am assuming that they are like everything else, everyone swears by their own brand.

I hope the inclusion of crossbows goes through in our state, but it's not a done deal yet. Even if it does goe through the rules will not go into effect until 2012. Contact the IDNR and show your support of the new rules. That is what it's going to take to get the rules passed. Here is a link where you can give your input to the new rules. You may now give input on this proposal to the NRC at -

http://www.in.gov/nrc/2377.htm

It is under the Deer Amendments..

Do it today....

are you sure about 2012? I know they are only at step 4 or 5 right now (out of a 34 step process), but our state is very motivated to kill more deer next year and have been so far fast tracking everything. All i read pertained to 2011 i thought.
How certain are you Blackoak regarding 2012 being the first year?
(I was really hoping to hunt with a Crossbow next year and don't want to wait until 2012).

I am not sure what is going on. According to the link below the State DNR commission approved the changes on January 11th. In Indiana changes to state laws take effect July 1st. Hopefully they will get it done for this coming season. On January 11th there was a blip on the news that the changes had passed, but I am not sure if the legislates have to approve these changes during session if these changes have to be approved only by the State DNR folks.
http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2362.htm