Crossbows won’t destroy bow hunting
I do not use a crossbow for deer hunting although I probably could get a permit to do so with my disability. A friend of mine Andy from “The Connecticut Hunting n Shooting” website hunts with a crossbow and with out that would not be able to otherwise. I personally don’t have a problem with anyone hunting deer with a crossbow. In Connecticut the only way you could use one for hunting is because of a disability that has been signed off by a physician.
By: Rick Kratzke
The critics are traditional bow hunters. One of their traditions is to have a collective seizure any time someone uses the word “crossbow” in polite conversation.
To hear them tell it, crossbows are the crack cocaine of deer hunting. Putting crossbows into the hands of deer hunters is the same thing as giving crack to rodeo bulls. Nothing good can come of it.
Bow hunters are seeing red this month.
The Natural Resources Commission is considering a rule change that will make it easier for a disabled hunter to get a permit to use a crossbow during the archery deer season. That probably means that more hunters will be using crossbows to hunt deer this fall.
An advisory panel that included hunters, doctors, crossbow industry representatives, Department of Natural Resources personnel and the DNR’s Accessibility Advisory Council spent four months drawing up the regulations.
The Accessibility Advisory Council, by the way, isn’t working only to fill the woods with crossbows. The panel is working to make all the DNR’s facilities — everything from state parks to boating access sites — barrier-free and more accessible to all users. One of its members, disabled veteran Scott Severn of Caro, will be competing in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games next month after the Olympics.
The current regulation requires a hunter prove an 80% permanent disability. It’s vague, difficult and doesn’t really address whether a hunter is capable of using a conventional bow.
The new rules would grant a permit to a hunter, after certification by a doctor, who:
All hunters need to encourage more people to hunt.
Allowing more people to use crossbows won’t destroy the archery deer season. Getting into a fractious argument over which bows are sporting and which aren’t is more likely to harm hunting over the long run.
From: Michael Eckert at The Times Herald.com
Othmar has some very good blogs on this subject as well. This just isn’t an issue as far as I’m concerned - I fail to see how a few people with crossbows is going to effect other hunters. You mention the main issue at hand - “All hunters need to encourage more people to hunt.” And that, is the bottom line.
August 12th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Agreed!
The crossbow argument will still wage for awhile, and I have to be honest and say that I was on the other side for awhile, and then I realized how stupid I was.
I say, if it’s legal, and it encourages more people to get into the outdoors, then I’m all for it.
August 12th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
I am for crossbows being used for deer hunting. Some people (myself included) have disabilities that keep them from being able to draw or hold back a compound bow. If this country is Still the USA and the last I heard it is, then I believe that it is the legal right for anyone, disabled or not ,to have the same freedoms. Before you slam those that can use a crossbow, put yourself on the same side of the issue. All you compound bow hunters, what would happen if you developed a disability and couldn’t draw your compound bow back and hold it anymore. Would you like to be told you can’t bow hunt for deer anymore. As a disabled vet I feel that those of you want to limit or even prevent crossbow use,are just whining to whine. If you became unable to draw your compound bow , you would have a different opinion then! There is no way a crossbow hunter is going to cause deer bow hunting any problems , so in my opinion you should grow up and quit your whining. Have compassion for those who are not so fortunate as you and encourage crossbow hunting for those who are not so fortunate to have good health. The very toes you are stomping here are the toes of the disabled vets who fought for your rights in the first place. This is just my opinion , which is my right,that I did in fact fight for.
August 12th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Tom,Arthur and Kenny
Thanks for your comments and views on this subject. It is a shame that some people have nothing better to do than complain about this.
I myself had to give up bowhunting but, I am thinking about applying for a permit to hunt with crossbow.
August 13th, 2008 at 10:24 am
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