I was under the impression that bag limits and hunting seasons are the way they are to benefit the animal not one type of hunter.

You can't kill enough deer yet you fight to limit other hunters' ability to hunt them. I guess I don't see the logic in that. It certainly is not for the benefit of hunting.

I don't go to tournaments or any organized shoots but I practice constantly and am always trying to learn how to be better at maintaining and using my gear. I buy just about everything online because the "archery shop" here is run by thieves. Also the selection online is unlimited. Just look at the "buying feathers" thread in this forum. I am not saying that there aren't bowhunters that are in it just to extend their season but it seems feasible to me that there are a great many like me, and many others in this forum and the bowhunting forum, that practice quite a bit and buy a lot of archery equipment but never go to tournaments and go to real archery shops (the only real one is 60 miles form me) very infrequently. I bought my last 2 bows online (used from a couple of guys). Perhaps the availability of online merchandise has hurt local shops more than anything.

I don't know MS but I wonder if limiting hunting opportunities for other huntersis the right solution for hunting as a sport in MS(not that that is what you are advocating)or anywhere else. I don't think that is the way to go here in MD. As you stated, ifa personis willing to put forth the effort then good opportunities can be found and I think that is where efforts should be directed, not at limiting hunting opportunities for other hunters.

As was pointed out earlier, if we keep arguing and limiting opportunities amongst ourselves the DNR depts will deal with the "too many deer" in a way that none of us may like.

I know a lot of stuff is bought on-line. Shoot, 99% of my business is done on-line.

However, I know what I'm talking about here--it doesn't take a genious to figure it out. I used to work in construction--I was around a lot of different people. September rolls around, people start talking about "dusting the bow off" and getting ready. I live out in the country as well--again, around September, I'll start seeing the occassional 3-D target or bag target start appearing in a yard here or there. When Wal-Mart does put out their archery gear, if they put it out a little early it just sits there for the most part, then for 2-3 weeks it dissapears, then what's left gets put on clearance. Again, it doesn't take a genious to figure it out.

Back when we had a lot of local shoots, I'd try to round up folks I knew bowhunted to give it a try. Most wouldn't go--their bow was already "put up" and wouldn't be out again until next season.

Not trying to imply everywhere is the same as here, but my guess is there isn't a lot of difference--hunters are hunters, people are people. I know how it is in my area anyway.

What's the deal with this "limiting opportunities for other hunters"? Who said nobody should be allowed to hunt with a crossbow? My personal feelings are there are separate seasons for different weapons. I haven't heard anyone protesting because they can't use a 30-'06 in muzzleloader season because--is that not limiting opportunities?

I see it like this. I have a bad ankle--I'm stuck in a brace for the rest of my life. Due to this, I'm limited on how far I can walk, and the terrain I can walk on. Do you think that I should be able to take an ATV into places that normally allows foot traffic only? If not, why not? Wouldn't that be limiting my opportunities?

How about hunts I can't afford--should I get gov't help or a cheaper tag so my opportunities aren't limited? I'd really love to go to Hawaii and hunt wild goats, but I can't afford the air fare (and ATV rental when I get there). Should I be offered help?


Life ain't fair--some folks won't be able to hunt Bighorn sheep, some folks won't be able to hunt elk, some folks won't be able to hunt with a bow. I hate it for anyone who can't enjoy the sport, but I don't think the sport should be changed to accomodate them, any more than I think I should be allowed to use an ATV in elk country or have the gov't pay for a hunt in HI I can't afford.

Chad

You can use an xbow in the 2.5 months of firearm season now! So noone is limiting other hunters... Also, the vast majority of deer herd management takes place during the firearms season, so the only logical place to increase the harvest would take place in that season.....


Chad,

GREAT POST!!! Its unbelievable how everyone thinks they are entitled to something these days!!!

We have 4 full months of deer hunting in MS. 1.5 bow only, 2.5 firearms... If you can't get your "opportunity" to hunt in that framework, YOU are the problem!

In my state they make allowances for disabled hunters. So, if you are disabled by that bad ankle, then we try to expand your opportunities, not limit them and we would even allow you to hunt from your vehicle. Might be a bit tough with a longbow but that would be your self imposed limitiation as we allow you to use a gun.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/accessforall/accesshunt.html

No life isn't fair but I would hate to tell the disabled Veteran from the war in Iraq that hey, life aint fair and I really hate that you can't enjoy what you used to do before losing that leg in the service of your country, but, the sport shouldn't be changed to accomodate anyone.

I am guessing you don't see the irony in that statement. This whole thread is about some who feel they are entitled to a season just for their weapon and no others.

Bingo! Nobody has said you can't hunt with a crossbow--but you have to use it in the appropriate season. The huge majority that won't hunt in archery season because crossbows aren't allowed is due only to self imposed limitations--period.

Do you feel the same about telling that Vet that can't use a bow or a crossbow that he can't use a rifle during bow season? Where do you draw the line, and why?

I've said before I don't have a problem making some exceptions for the elderly and those with disabilities--but if it comes down to all or none, I'd have to vote none. Let the camel get his nose in the tent, sooner or later you're going to have to deal with the whole camel in there.

Saying because I don't believe a crossbow is a bow, and because I don't think they should be allowed in the archery-only season, that would be limiting opportunities is bull for the most part. Most have the choice of learning to shoot a bow or waiting for gun season. I DO have limitations. Not that it matters, but I ruined my ankle at Ft. Gordon GA while serving in the Army. I don't expect any special treatment or favors.

Chad

Quite a few pages back I answered this question for Big Duane. I would not be opposed to one long hunting season for all weapons. Of course bag limits would have to be adjusted and I am sure some other things would have to be worked out but I don't see a problem with that type of hunting season. It is my belief that this would alleviate some, maybe most,of the crowding on public lands that you speak of.

Everyone makes some good points and these discussions are good in that, hopefully, they spur thought. I don't claim to have all, or any, of the answers, but, with hunter numbers declining everywhere, I am more worried about hunting in general than whether or not I have a season all to myself.

Or the logical answer could be to increase that season by , lets say, two weeks. But then that may cut into thearchery season .

No....We are saying leave the framework alone..... We don't want to lose the tradition of the bow only season.... The muzzleloader guys have lost their tradition, we dont want the same fate....

And so you northern guys understand...... Bow season isn't that great here to begin with! Gun season opens a full 3 weeks before the rut and it spands all phases of the rut..... We already have the WORST time to be in the woods to begin with.... You don't see us petitioning to allow a bow only rut, etc..... We accept that our "special" season was put into place to allow hunters more time afield and instead of taking other group's season, they added some time on the front end.... Now, the other groups want that time as well!