Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

In case you haven't heard, Ky's dept of fish and game have passed an ordinance where the use of crossbows are now allowed all archery season long. I've already vented in the "traditional bows" forum. So, whats your take? Man, its all about the green dollar isn't it??!![:@][:-]

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

A lot of people are not physically able to pull and hold a longbow. Besides, I understand the range of a crossbow is actually a shorter range than that of a longbow. Crossbows have been around a lot longer than the compound bows. I don't really see what the fuss is about.

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

Oh boy the old lets whine about crossbows topic!!!!

Let's see in Arkansas where they are legal as archery equipment here are the numbers from the 2002 and 2003 deer seasons

Archery (you know good old bows) took 6934
crossbows took 2815
muzzleloaders 19515
modern gun 95187


In the 2003 -2004 seasons

archery 6232
crossbows 2946
muzzleloader 10992
modern gun 86965

Now did crossbow hunters really make that big of a dent in the population?

This information comes straight from the AG&F report on deer season summary available free to the public.

I think to stir this arguement even more among the selfish elite "bow" folks they should add 5 days to the crossbow season so it allows to them to hunt first before the "bow hunters" get out and mess them all up!!

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

I wonder what the percentage is of old-fashion longbows compared to compound bows compared to crossbows...

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

I'm from KY as well. I heard about this. I really don't think it will make that big of a difference. The only population I see this helping are the aging bowhunting population. (Which, if that's the case, great, why be angry about somebody hanging on to the love of this sport--THAT we all should understand.) This would possibly provide an alternative for those who are getting up there in age, but still want to experience the joy of the season. I would imagine that even with this alternative available, the aging bowhunter would much rather hunt the way they used to. It's a matter of tradition. Crossbow hunting just doesn't have the appeal that bowhunting does. I know a guy that has been using a crossbow during regular bow season. He had surgery on his shoulder and can't use a regular bow anymore. He's never gotten his disabled license (because other than the shoulder, he's fine) so I guess that makes him illegal, but nobody says anything because they understand his situation. Anyway, he has mentioned at least once each time the conversation turns to bowhunting how much he wishes he could still use a compound. From conversation with other hunters I know, not one plans to go out and buy a crossbow. Most bowhunters I know don't view crossbows as an option, legal or not, mostly it seems because of tradition. I personally don't see this as something to be worried about. Time will tell I guess.

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

Yes, there are folks that are not phyically able to pull a bow back, but there was already an ordinance in place for them to get a permit for a crossbow and I certainly have no problem with that. And for the record, I have no problem with those that choose to use crossbows, but there was already a crossbow season in two prime times of the year for deer.(pre-rut and post rut) I'm just worried that people that don't bowhunt, will run out and buy a crossbow because it may seem "easier" to them. To better explain my "fuss", I hunt on public land and during bowseason, the hunting pressure isn't too bad. The hunters that bowhunt where I do and I try to do our best to keep a mangagement practice going. But if my gut-feeling is true, there'll be alot more hunters in there taking anything thats "brown". But, I'll admit that only time will tell if my prediction is true.

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

Mr rebel, I would have normally been glad to read your post and listen to what you had to say, but with your smartass comment about the "whining", I'll have to go another route. Its obvious that you post your opinion on everything around here, so I guess I have that same right. I'm just a hick from Ky, but I respect others opinions whether I agree or not. As for you giving me the numbers of whats happened in Arkansas with crossbows, I really couldn't care less. Thats Arkansas, this is Ky. You may have the same idiots we have that call themselves hunters, I don't know. But, I do know what kind of "hunters" we have here. If they see a way of taking more "brown", they'll jump all over it. If you've read my above reply to Mr timbercruiser, I'll not have to explain any further as to why I'm worried.
Now with that said, if you want to be civil and discuss this topic, I'll be glad to hear what you have to say. But if you have anymore smartass comments, I'll just be a man and turn the other cheek.

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

i understand your frustration T/C fan i don't see why crossbows should be considered for archery season unless they are for the disabled.but this seems to be the trend they have already done this in GA and several other states if it weren't for the damage to the human population i believe Ga would make nukes legal the politicians here want them all dead.

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

Yeah T/C i do think when it comes to the crossbow issue alot of whining goes on . i didnt single you out as you probably know for i went right over to the trad. archery and spoke my mind.
But hey thats what i do My comment wasnt intended to be a smarta** it's just that this really fires me up!

Now i would bet your numbers in ky won't be that much different than arkansas. yeah some will try it and give up. cause it isn't as easy as some think.
and as far as the brown it's down hunters they will be there and do regardless of what weapon they have . just flash back to opening morning of the war. modern gun!

now i realizing how much you love my numbers i will give some more.

Per the same data kills by date

let's see on 10/1 (first day of archery season 562 deer were checked
10/2 376
10/3 326
10/4 548 and then it dwindles down until muzzleloader season. then on 10/18
a number of 4394 were checked.

and it goes down until the old "I'm a hunter guy" comes out.
On opening day of modern gun a whopping 18,222 deer are checked!
the second day 10,003
and by monday 5363.

the numbers go down from there .
I guess what i'm trying to say is we will always have those idiot hunters that just want to kill a deer. some are only in it for a weekend and to kill a deer. i really don't think crossbows are going change your seasons in ky. you probably won't be able to tell.
Hey T/C i don't know how ky is but i do now how arkansas is. this state has more than it's share of idiot hunters i have learn to just live with them. no i have to keep on keeping them away from my preserve.

Anyway not slamming you directly just speaking my mind as you have!;):D

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

I dont think anybody is questioning the numbers, it probably will not make that big an impact. Hunt with a crossbow if you want in gun season, nobody will care. When it comes to bow season that will be different. The X bow is cocked like a gun, has a safety like a gun, has a sight like a gun, has a stock like a gun, has a trigger like a gun, see where we are going here. There is a device on the market that converts a 22 rifle to fire an arrow, is it a bow. The first gun was made to fire an arrow, was it a bow ? For the handicapped or infirm shoot what you want but not in bow season. If the X bow is difficult to become proficient with or not the preception is there that it is easier, will this tend to draw people who are interested in bowhunting or people who see it as just another way to get into the woods early. What is the quality of the hunter we will "gain" What will be the publics perception of the X bow. Will archery as a sport gain or just those who manufacture X bows. Some where the line will have to be drawn as to equipment. Who will say enough ? What is next, do we bring on the arrow shooting rifle and call it bow hunting.

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

rebel, I appreciate your being a little more civil, but I think you're missing the point here. I'm not really worried about the number of deer being killed, its the numbers of NEW hunters that will be taking anything thats brown and not going with the management deal I, and others, have tried to instill there. With this new ordinance, they have the same right as I do to be there, but, the "usual" hunters there and I have done our best to practice deer management by taking only mature does(without young) and bucks with inferior genes. I hope you can see where I'm coming from. BTW, thanks for the "numbers".lol J/K

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

TC Fan,
(Regarding "anything that is brown") That would suck if it turns out that way. Got an idea. This is just for curiousity's sake. As the season goes on or after the season lets compare notes about how much more crossbowing we saw. Sure, we could look at the statewide totals, but I would be curious to see how it turns out in each of our hunting domains. Plus you are more apt to run into a wider variety of people, I'm guessing, since you hunt public land and I really would like to see how it all pans out. For everyone's sake, I hope you're not right.

Ready for turkey season? April 15th is just around the corner!

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

Guy buys camo like a hunter,stand like a hunter,scents like a hunter,has some stickers on his truck like a hunter does this make him a hunter? NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Come on the arguement about "quality " of the hunter is lame! if we were to do that maybe we should screen folks that hunt to find out if they are quality enough no matter what season it is!what difference does it makes what they carry ?
The line to be drawn in reference to equipment should be what works best . maost humane and makes the quickest cleanest kill. not whether it is cocked and a trigger is pulled.

Honestly i believe advances in equipment whether bow,crossbow or firearms are great for the animals we hunt. it helps to makes sure they taken quickly and with little suffering.

Now if you are out there in your "bow only" season and joe x walks up and he is hunting tree rats or rabbits do you get mad cause he is enfringing on "your " time?
I mean most states small game seasons start before archery!
And small game seasons have been around longer than bow seasons right?
Folks can get out in the woods if they want .
I like the option of using a crossbow or my bow during the archery season in arkansas.

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

T/C management on public lands is really futile. it is more for your personal satisfaction than the herd. meaning the next week when the modern gun season starts that deer you let walk has a strong chance of being deer burger.
I see where you coming from but on public lands it's difficult.
Even in my situation with 2100 acres of private land it's hard. i have a few that just want a deer . honestly thier days are numbered with me. i am implementing a very tough plan next year and have already heard some thoughts.
But as i told them i don't care about their opinions!
Some want to stay with the arkansas rules ,3 pts on one side is legal,and see no reason to make the bar higher.some won't shoot a doe .
they will next year or pay a fine or get booted.
they will shoot only mature bucks meaning he better not be a scrawny 6pt 1 1/2 year old or a 8 pt 1 1/2.
I can't understand how folks can call themselves hunters and not be able to look at a buck and tell if he is mature or not.
well probably cause they haven't seen enough or shoot the first thing with antlers not allowing time to see grandpa.

T/C the crossbow is not going to worsen this it's here.

Hey listen why don't you try one. my friend who is bowtech dealer and many other bows is also a horton crossbow dealer/factory rep.
he has turned many people onto crossbows. he hunts with both.
Now this guy is so far from a slob .

Oh and have you priced a crossbow?? not every poor joe can afford one just as good bows are not for the light walleted.
He showed me the demo horton sent him this year it was like $500 bucks!
High price for a poor man.
oh and to be fair his bowtech patriot i beleive was about $1200 the way it was rigged out.
yeah a price diff i guess but still both high for the average person.

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

Gobblin in lower arkansas in early morning light!:D

Oh what a rush to hear in the early morning light!

I heard about 4 sunday morning and it was tough not to be able to play the game!
April 9th!
(well the youth hunt is the weekend before so i get to call for my son!)

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

Yeah bipnelly, I kind of looking forward to seeing how many "new" hunters are in the woods. Then again, maybe not.lol But as for the 15th of April? I'm chomping at the bit!!!! I guess I've caught a bad case of cabin fever. I've had my gear ready for well over a month, been shooting the bow every chance the weather permits, shotgun is patterened and have been driving my wife and little girl NUTS with the calls.hehe I guess not everyone appreciates a high-volume slate indoors.lol Anyway, good luck to you and all that'll be chasing ole Mr. Longbeard. Take care and be safe out there.

Carter

RE: Crossbows in Ky!!??
 

It really didn't matter to me just getting more people into the sport of hunting. And archery even tho it is a crossbow. It is still shooting an arrow!!!!