Why be against crossbows?

[Doc]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

Ohio harvest stats:

1982 ........ Vertical bow harvest:3782 .......Crossbow harvest: 446

1985 ........ Vertical bow harvest:3339 .......Crossbow harvest: 1689

1988 ........ Vertical bow harvest:5322 .......Crossbow harvest: 4716

1991 ........ Vertical bow harvest:7708 .......Crossbow harvest: 9401

1993 ........ Vertical bow harvest:10155 .....Crossbow harvest: 13055

This is a 1 decade snapshot ...... Draw your own conclusions. This kind of bowseason takeover may not happen in every state, but the Ohio stats certainly show the potential.

Doc

[MadHuntinPastor]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

I'm fine with a disabled person and crossbows! But other than that they shouldn't be considered archery equipment. I think they should be allowed to use during firearms season, but not during bow.

My 2 cents.

[Shaun_300]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

i was going to keep my nose outa this one, but i guess i'll put in my .02 cents. Yes i have to agree with my fellow Ontarioans that crossbows are more popular in general here. but we arent AGAINST compounds. two of my uncles use their compounds and have taken bigger deer than we do in rifle season here's what i have to say about being able to use them or not being able to use them. if it is legal in your province or state, then by all means go for it. JMO.

[LifeNRA]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

When I cant pull my compound back anymore I will buy a Xbow. But I see no problem for anybody to use during the regular archery season. The arrow or bolt just cant go as far as a regular arrow. No enough energy. But as far as the trigger on a xbow, most guys shoot a release with a trigger, I do.

[wtnhunt]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

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Your opinion is your opinion but I don't think you totally understand crossbow hunting just like I'm not very familliar with regular bow hunting. With a crossbow you still have to wait for that perfect shot, stay calm and steady, properly place your dot on the animal, account for yardage and then squeeze the trigger. Just because our bows are already back doesn't warrant a special seson.

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Just squeezing a trigger is easier than getting a bow drawn. Especially when it is up in a tree in the cold with layers of clothing on. As I said before I dont have a problem with the use of crossbows during the rifle and muzzleloader season with a non limited hunter. Hunters with limitations who cannot draw a bow should be allowed to shoot a crossbow as archery equipment if a physician signs saying they do have these limitaions. I have shot a crossbow and there is not much comparison in shooting other than that both use an arrow and a string.

[rossman]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

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You guys in Canada have a lot more wilderness than most states in the US. Here in NY, were xguns are illegal, the archery woods are already crowded. and during guns season there are alot of lazy hunters who only come out for one or two days and put no thought or preparation into the season. The lazy hunter fear is that these slob hunters will pick up xguns and start stumbing through the October woods. I wish we had the wilderness that you do in Canada, but we don't, and the xgun has no place in the NY archery season.

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I agree with you, there is a time and a place for all weapons. Cross-bows in our archery season is not one of them!!!! I am not against cross-bows, every hunter should be able to hunt with their weapon of choice. Heck, if you want to use a spear, be my guest. But their should be a specific season for it!!!!

[Rhino]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

So far it's (to say the least) an interesting debate. Let me 1st say I'm not really opposed to crossbows. From what I've seen so far we have different interest in bowhunting. Some want as much advantage as possible during their archery season. Some of those with the option will use a crossbow. Some without that option will opt for one of the fastest compound bows they can afford. Some will opt for the most avanced sites available to best put the arrow on target. Some will opt for a more forgiving bow. I honestly don't understand why a bowhunter that uses a compound bow is so dead against a bowhunter that uses a crossbow. Yea there's a difference in this situation that todd mentioned.

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Here is the biggest difference I see (other than not having to practice enough):

Here comes the buck of a life time---perfect set up---walking the trail---your stand is 20 yards away. You're standing in stand---everything is going perfect. The buck walks behind a bush/tree---you slowly draw your bow---pulling back 65 pounds with a 65% let off. It's 25 degrees outside---your bow is drawn---looking down your peep site--waiting for the buck to clear the bush/tree when all of sudden he stops. Your now holding about 30# in 25 degree coldness. If you let down more than likely it will cost you the buck. Thirty seconds go by---you're starting to quiver slightly--but still hasn't moved---a minute goes by---your muscles are starting to burn---you know you can't hold it much longer----finally the buck starts down the path again and.........................................................................................

now---are you saying this scenario is the same for both the bowhunter and the crossbow hunter?????

In my book no comparison at all.

todd

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I can also make a very similar argument for a comparison between traditional bows and a compound bow. Let's change that situation where that deer paused for about 15 to 30 seconds. Happens all the time in real life. I've been in that kind of situation with my recurve. In that same situation I sure can't hold my recurve at full draw for more than 5 seconds and that's really pushing it. I've been in a position where I've drawn back on deer several times without being able to turn an arrow loose to make the shot because the open shot opportunity was lost with the deer moving through. A compound bow hunter simply has to wait, at full draw for the deer to slip into his open hole to turn the arrow loose. The compound bowhunter also has the option to draw and set before the deer approaches an opening while the traditional bowhunter can't. The compound bow hunter definately has the advantage here over the traditional hunter. I agree that the crossbow hunter has a greater advantage because his options to turn an arrow loose aren't dependent on time at all.

We all have our own personal reasons for our weapons of choice for bowhunting. I personally enjoy hunting with both a compound and a recurve and don't care for using a crossbow myself. I'm not against the next guy using one though. I enjoy the challenge of bowhunting and I do get a lot more excitement out of hunting with a bow that I can draw at the moment of truth as opposed to any weapon where I only need to aim and pull the trigger. I can't explain the feeling but going through the motion of drawing my bow kicks in my level of excitement to a new high. I don't get the same feeling with a rifle, muzzleloader, shotgun, pistol or crossbow. I also enjoy practicing with my bows, be it shooting a fake deer or spots on a target. I also enjoy spending a lot of time in the woods doing my homework too. It's all about getting the most out of what you personally want out of your hunting experience, be it using a rifle, muzzleloader, pistol, crossbow, compound, recurve, or long bow. Oh, and in griz's case a slingshot. I see a lot of bowhunters that don't put in their time doing their homework and/or the required time to be proficient with their bows. There are some bowhunters out there (for whatever reason) that won't put in the time to be proficient at consistantly putting an arrow in the kill zone. I'm sure some of you know some of these kind of people too. That's a bigger problem to me than legalizing crossbows during bow season.

[too_pointer]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

Should we have a special season for recurves and longbows, compounds, and crossbows

Shooting a compound compared to a recurve is I think close to a compound and a crossbow. I use a crossbow due to difficulty drawing any bow. Mi. allows any hunter to use one during rifle season , or disabled. I have used one for 4 years now, and my harvest rate has not gone up !!

too_

[Rhino]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

Not me Fly. I'm not on that wagon train. Never have been and never will be. I'd much rather share the woods with anybody carrying traditional bows, compounds bows or crossbows during bow season than give up days I can hunt with a stick and a string. I sure don't understand why anybody would want to give up bowhunting days for a special crossbow season.

BTW Fly, there are some states that won't allow bow hunting during any firearm season.

[wtnhunt]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

During our gun season you can use any weapon you have tags for. Be it archery, muzzleloader what have you. During the muzzleloader you can use archery, muzzleloader, crossbow. During archery season hunters without limitations can use archery tackle, that does not include crossbows. There is however an exception for hunters with limitations or disabilities and with a permit signed by a physician they can use crossbows during the archery season.

Ther is not a specific season for crossbow here. There is however not an allowance making it legal for non limited hunters to use them during the archery season. I think our system is a pretty good one in that respect.

On crossbows, compounds, recurves, and longbows; the crossbow is the only one that does not have to be drawn and held. In that respect crossbows are more like a gun, aim and squeeze, no drawing back worrying about getting busted while trying to draw your bow back. A muzzleloader you get one shot before reloading. Similarly to reloading a crossbow. A compound with a high letoff will in fact be easier to hold, but still has to be drawn back without getting busted. In that regard there just is no comparison to hunting with a gun or a crossbow.

[JimT]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

I am not against crossbows at all. You still have to get close, and if anything the fact that they are "easier" to shoot than a bow makes them more ethical a hunting tool. Well, maybe not more ethical but you know what I mean. Some guys get mad that they are allowed during the regular archery season. To me thats when they should be legal. I would not want a bunch of gun toters around when I am try to get close the the deer. The way the seasons are split here there is not enough time to add a season so thats out. If Maine every allowed us to use crossbows I would buy one. I have never shot a hunting crossbow, but it sure looks like fun to me. Dead is dead guys, no matter how you do it. It cracks me up that those who fail to get a deer with their bow will switch to a firearm when the season changes, but whine about someone using a crossbow? I do not get it I guess.....

[MossySNPR]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

Just remember guys, we are arguing about different countries, states and provinces here. Not who shoots within a mileXmile area for supremecy. In fact, this is an interesting debate and as you can see(3 pages), there is much to be said on the topic. However, I don't think its fair to us as hunters to push it any further because of that fact we hunt in seperate climates and use different methods. Look at what we say from a different point of view, and there is a million angles. Shouldn't be touched upon. We aren't all the same.

-Mossy

[longislandhunter]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

I've just always assumed they were much easier to use than regular archery epuipment as well as much more accurate with a longer range. But I admit my impression of them is based only upon what I've "heard" over the years, and I've never shot one myself, so I am really not sure if I have been misinformed or not. I guess I wouldn't mind if New York created a special season for them and regulated it closely. Interesting topic.

[Doc]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

A special season for crossbows in NY? Exactly where would you get that special time slot? Who's season would you shorten? We already have problems arranging the "special season" time budget. Witness the most recent attempt of the muzzleloaders to take a chunk of bowseason. It's a real nice thought, but I don't believe that it is very practical given the already entrenched special season and regular season participants. I would definitely be opposed to opening up that can of worms.

Doc

[VermontHunter]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

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The regular bow hunters can give them some time, their the ones against crossbows hunting with them, right?

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I for one definately wouldn't have a problem if the hunter in the next stand to mine was using a crossbow, why would I ?? A weapon is a weapon, the object is to make a clean ethical kill, who really cares what the weapon was that did the killing the job got done and it was legal....All to his/her own on weapon preference..... I say.

[too_pointer]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

I'm just talking about my own experience with them.

No matter what you have heard or read, they are a close range item !! Mine is so noisy while firing, I wouldn't think about shooting a deer any further than 30 yards. A fast, quite bow is much better to shoot further than 30 yards. Good post and good opinions

too_

[Doc]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

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The regular bow hunters can give them some time, their the ones against crossbows hunting with them, right?

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And that is exactly the attitude that puts the Bowhunters at odds with the crossbow hunters in the first place. And, believe me that is the same thought that would put rifle, shotgun or muzzleloaders against them too if they tried to displace parts of their seasons.

Doc

[christsavedme]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

I wasn't going to get in all the rukus in this post, but I just got through reading an article about this.

Unfortunatly, looks like Tennessee has just passed a law allowing any person with the desire to hunt with a crossbow to hunt with one at any point in season.....including archery season!

This sucks as far as I am concerned. Just last year they opened up season saying you can kill 3 antlerless deer per day with no limit to the season. And now this.........

I can't take it anymore.............I think I am going to explode! LOL

[RangerClay]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

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The regular bow hunters can give them some time, their the ones against crossbows hunting with them, right?

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I for one definately wouldn't have a problem if the hunter in the next stand to mine was using a crossbow, why would I ?? A weapon is a weapon, the object is to make a clean ethical kill, who really cares what the weapon was that did the killing the job got done and it was legal....All to his/her own on weapon preference..... I say.

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Well said Luke!!!

Ranger

[rossman]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

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A special season for crossbows in NY? Exactly where would you get that special time slot? Who's season would you shorten? We already have problems arranging the "special season" time budget. Witness the most recent attempt of the muzzleloaders to take a chunk of bowseason. It's a real nice thought, but I don't believe that it is very practical given the already entrenched special season and regular season participants. I would definitely be opposed to opening up that can of worms.

Doc

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And we shut them down on the muzzleloader, didn't we. As long as they extend the season for another weapon, I would not mind. It would be bad to shorten any hunters season especially bow season!!!! We all know how the DEC in NY got shut down on that one!!!!!

[ThethirdI]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

WWWOOOWWW!!! To each their own.

[wtnhunt]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

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Unfortunatly, looks like Tennessee has just passed a law allowing any person with the desire to hunt with a crossbow to hunt with one at any point in season.....including archery season!

[/ QUOTE ]

When did this happen, and where did you hear this. Tennessee made it legal in the past couple years to use a crossbow during muzzleloader and gun, but have not heard anything about it as legal archery equipment for hunters without physical limitations.

[christsavedme]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

wnthunt.....I got this off of the www.tndeer.com website. Looks like it just passed. I was as shocked as you....believe me!

05/19/05 ~ Nashville, TN

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission voted today to allow the use of crossbows during the regular archery seasons. Crossbows have been legal for years by handicapped hunters and more recently were allowed by anyone during the firearms seasons. But now they will be legal weapons during the regular archery seasons for anyone who chooses to use one. An Archery season permit will be required to hunt with a crossbow in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission has voted down the proposal to revise the bag limit for antlered deer in Tennessee. Some TWRA staff had recommended to the Commission that the antlered regulations be changed to allow three bucks to be taken during any one season (archery, firearms, or muzzleloader) and to allow a hunter to bag 3 bucks in one day. The current 3 buck limit with the restriction of only 2 bucks per season will remain in effect for the upcoming 2005 deer seasons.

Other items of interest:

Also, several new counties will be moved to Unit L, Cannon, Lewis, Madison, Trousdale, & Wayne.

Polk County was moved to Unit B.

The minimum age requirements for Juvenile Hunts was change from 10 to 6 years old and they must be accompanied by an adult 21 years old.

[horst]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

[ QUOTE ]

Ohio harvest stats:

1982 ........ Vertical bow harvest:3782 .......Crossbow harvest: 446

1985 ........ Vertical bow harvest:3339 .......Crossbow harvest: 1689

1988 ........ Vertical bow harvest:5322 .......Crossbow harvest: 4716

1991 ........ Vertical bow harvest:7708 .......Crossbow harvest: 9401

1993 ........ Vertical bow harvest:10155 .....Crossbow harvest: 13055

This is a 1 decade snapshot ...... Draw your own conclusions. This kind of bowseason takeover may not happen in every state, but the Ohio stats certainly show the potential.

Doc

[/ QUOTE ]

And hows that effect you Doc?Nobodies making you use a crossbow, your perfectly free to keep on hunting just as you have been.Those stats dont mean much anyway, the number of compound bow hunters climbed right along with the number of crossbow shooters.To me that shows that a lotta these people woulda got involved in the archery season with or without crossbows.Take the crossbow outta the equation your numbers could just as easily have read 24,000 deer taken with compounds, you dont know for sure either way.Interest in archery has steadily risen in the last 10 or 15 years, theres a lot more people bowhunting now than there was when i started 10 years ago.Same with muzzleloading, theres a lot more guys using them then there were 10 years ago.really, those statistics dont mean much without comparing them to the national trend in people taking up bowhunting in general.

Heres a few facts for you guys that think a crossbow is like shooting a rifle.First goto any outdoors store like cabelas, or Bassproshop, they have pretty wide selections of crossbows.Look at the listings for the speeds of these bows, then look at the listings for the speeds of your average compound bow.There is very little difference in them, in fact the majority of the crossbows are much slower than your compounds.

The high draw wieghts of crossbows are to compensate for thier short string.Think about it, whats gonna store more energy a 30 inch string at full draw or an 18 inch string at full draw?Plus in your compounds the cams are also storing energy, crossbows the majority is stored in just the string and limbs.Shoot 2 arrows at the same speed and theyre gonna drop almost the same regardless of what they come out of.

crossbows are much noiser then your compounds, youve all seen videos of deer jumping the string in slow motion, take that noise and double it and see what a deers reaction is.

You dont have to draw the crossbow back, but theyre much heavier and more awkward to bring to a shooting position, escpecially in a treestad with branches around you.

And dont forget, not many years ago the traditional bowhunters felt the same way about compounds, but thats what you all are using today.If you have the freedom to choose why shouldnt anyone else?

[Doc]

Re: Why be against crossbows?

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And hows that effect you Doc?

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With more deer being harvested with crossbows than vertical bows (and I understand that the difference has become even more pronounced since the figures that I quoted), I find it hard to believe that the numbers of bowseason participants hasn't grown SIGNIFICANTLY purely as the result of the introduction of crossbows. It's actually quite logical and obvious. I see the crossbow as a relatively easy transitional weapon to put large numbers of gunhunter converts into the bow season. This doesn't mean that the overall hunting population has grown. It merely means that a significant shift of hunting pressure has been shifted to bowseason.

My thoughts, attitudes and concerns come from a bowhunter whose bowhunting experiences are strictly in my part of the state of NY, and one who hunts primarily public hunting grounds. I can say without question that my hunting would be significantly altered if those kinds of additional participants were added into our bow season. Other states and other hunting land access conditions may very well make this point irrelevant to some, but for me it is of great concern. I have gone into all of this in great detail on the NY crossbow thread, and I will not bore everyone by repeating it all here. But, take my word for it ...... this kind of growth in bowseason participation would have a HUGE impact on bowhunting here.

Doc