I've been deer hunting 20 years, shot 34 deer, and had 2 get away. The first one was when I was 16 and it was the largest deer I shot to date, I shot low and his his brisket. The second was about 10 years ago and was much of the same, a brisket shot. Since then I haven't had a deer travel more than 50 yards after the shot. The feeling of injurying is one bad feeling.

the buck i left gothis year in archery had huge rack ,real nice one.

all i had was brisket neck area.

i did not take shot and he left after he got wind of me.

i know a guy who jumped out his truck and shot a huge buck in the brisket.

he got it but i bet he wounded many deer over years.

many hunt this way and lose a lot of deer.

i like you, dont want to sleep thinking of that.

if its not behind shoulder in archery, the buck walks.

SPROUL: While xbows might contribute to deer loses, frankly, all implements do. In my neck of the woods, the advent of compounds and use of overdraws, light arrows, even smaller broadheads all add up to many individual taking far to long of shots that they aren't capable of making on a consistent bases.

Before anyone starts to bug out, I'm talking about individuals NOT CAPABLE of making those shots, and there are plenty, just as there is with any firearm, IMHO.

crokit, X2 sums it up pretty well!

Mandatory bowhunter ed would solve those issues no matter what weapon propels that arrow.

Mandatory bowhunting Ed. Has been in affect in NY long before the advent of overdraws, etc. In fact, to hunt on state Park lands, a proficency test is required in NYS: at only 30yds. It's about ethics, practice, and knowing your limitations. All the Ed. in the world is for naught, if the former three issues collectively are ignored.

i agree crokit bow ed is not the answer some ppl just wing lead or arrows just in hopes of hitting the deer
if bow ed was the answer the would be no car accidents b/c most ppl have to take drivers ed

I guess I should have said that bowhunter ed would HELP. Of course it won't solve everything. It would would be a good idea for the potential new wave of hunters that could come with the leaglization of the crosbow if it does nothingmore than dispell some of the the myths as to it's capabilities.

No course can teach all irresponsible people to clean up their act but it's a worthwhile step in the right direction.

it couldnt hurt so will crossbows be legal in the upcoming year

Any change like this requires two votes. The PGC voted to allow crossbows in archery at their October meeting. They must vote in favor of thatmeasure again in January for it to be final.