Outdoor Journal: Sportsmen should pull together on crossbow proposal
February 20, 2009 · Print This Article
By Ed Noonan
Once again, allowing crossbow hunting in New York state is being proposed to our legislature.
The bill, number A924, is being introduced in the Assembly by Francine DelMonte (D-Lewiston). It was read once and referred to the Committee of Environmental Conservation.
For the state’s sportsmen, this is not a new proposal, and is always a controversial one.
For instance, the New York Bowhunters Association, on its Web site, states its opposition to the use of any weapon other than bows drawn, held and released by hand, in any archery season or archery-only area. Additionally, it opposes the creation of any new hunting or fishing season or the extension of any existing season which will decrease the length of the archery-only season or displace the season into less favorable dates.
In a time when hunting/shooting sports are under attack from all directions, the one thing our hunting fraternity does not need is this type of self-centered attitude that ultimately pits hunters against hunters. The only benefit of the infighting it has created is aiding the anti-hunting groups who oppose our sport. Shouldn’t this be the time when we all unite in an effort to insure that the hunting/shooting traditions that we enjoy and are entitled to are promoted and carried on for future generations? Click Link Below for Full Story!
via Outdoor Journal: Sportsmen should pull together on crossbow proposal.
It is time that NY state allows disabled and seniors over 65 the
pleasure of hunting with a cross bow. We have so many of our
military people who are disabled and can not pull a recurve or a
compound bow but could use a cross bow. If other bow hunting
groups are against cross bows they are selfish and better
realize that age goes by fast and they will soon be seniors and
still want to hunt but may not be physically able to use a
regular bow. This was the first time in 50 years I was unable
to bowhunt. I really feel no one likes to think something they
love to do is gone forever because of age or illness.
I’ve been a bow hunter for years. I just turn 50. The aches and pains of my job will soon be limiting my hunting with my bow. It would be nice at times to have the option to choose depending on how you feel. I love bow hunting, and its not because of the bow. Its the other things, like being in the woods, tracking, and the kill, which makes it a fun. The old time bow hunters such as myself are getting fewer in numbers. I don’t see the younger generation taking to this sport. Crossbows for hunting would be a plus in my eyes