Lately I have been thinking about trying a crossbow. In Kentucky they’re restricted to only part of the archery season, but allowed in all of it if you can get a medical waiver signed by a doctor. I’m probably eligible.

As I am getting into this, I find that there is tremendous opposition to crossbows. Some folks think of them as firearms.

Here’s what I don’t understand:

Management:
1) Archery in and of itself is a lousy tool for deer management. The states cannot depend on it. In Ohio, even with crossbows given equal access, the harvest in the 5 month season is about half or less of what two weeks of shotgun produces.
2) We’re no longer talking about growing herds. States want to manage herds to keep the numbers from exploding. Something needs to done.

Hunting Experience:
3) You could be a bow hunter and go your entire career never seeing a crossbow hunter in the field. They’re not a really popular weapon.
4) It’s not a matter of noise– they’re not noisy like a shotgun or rifle. Deer don’t run and hide when the crossbows take over the woods.
5) From 1) and 2) above, there are PLENTY of deer to go around now. It’s not like crossbow hunters, given an opportunity, could wipe out the herd or even make a serious dent. Crossbows are just not all that efficient.
6) Safety. Is there any greater personal danger from crossbows? How many crossbow-related incidents are there?

Ethics:
6) You’re a bowhunter. You like your method. You take pride in it. You take it seriously. Someone else is a crossbow hunter, and acts and feels the same way. What is the difference? What is the real difference to you?
7) Are there Fair Chase issues? Is a deer taken with a crossbow at 20 yards or 40 yards somehow not being given a fair chance compared to a modern compound.

. . . when it all comes down to it. What effect does crossbow have on archery hunting in general? Somebody please clue me in. I really wish someone would set me straight on this crossbow thing. I haven’t bought one yet. I can probably get a medical waiver to hunt with one due to my shoulder and my eyes. Why shouldn’t I hunt with one?

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