Game Commission to expand crossbow hunting regulations – The Pocono Record

Pocono Record Writer

February 02, 2009

Bow hunters in Pennsylvania will be joined by hunters armed with crossbows during deer and bear seasons after the state Game Commission voted last week to expand crossbow use into regular archery season.

Under previous regulations only hunters with a disability permit signed by a doctor were allowed to use crossbows during archery season.

In years past, bow hunters have had a six-week archery season before firearm hunting begins to hunt in warmer temperatures before rifle-hunting season begins. The regulations will now prohibit the use of magnifying scopes on crossbows.

“We’re going to sell more crossbows because (the new law) is going to put more people in the field hunting,” said Terry Hill, archery department manager at Dunkelberger’s Sports Outfitter in Stroudsburg. “The important thing is this will get more people hunting that otherwise would not be able to.”

Hill said crossbow use is easier than bows that have to be pulled and the warmer temperatures during archery season are helpful to older hunters. But anyone who thinks crossbow use is akin to using a rifle is mistaken.

“The fact is guys are going to find out crossbows are not guns,” he said. “The effective area is wider than a bow but it is not like firing a gun.”  Click Link Below for Full Story!

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