Is it just me....

[Joe Archer]

Since this is the center for vertical bow questions and information I wanted to pose a simple question here. I don't want to start a crossbow debate or anything. Simply put, will anyone else here be sad to see the day when crossbow hunters outnumber vertical bow hunters? Why or why not?
Personally, it saddens me to see something that has been a special part of my life flushed down the toilet. It is kind of like watching a good friend die.
<----<<<

[Michihunter]

Since this is the center for vertical bow questions and information I wanted to pose a simple question here. I don't want to start a crossbow debate or anything. Simply put, will anyone else here be sad to see the day when crossbow hunters outnumber vertical bow hunters? Why or why not?
Personally, it saddens me to see something that has been a special part of my life flushed down the toilet. It is kind of like watching a good friend die.
<----<<<
I personally don't see that happening in MI. In fact, it's only happened in one state and we all know how backwards those Buckeyes can be.;)

[Terry Williams]

If the model (Ohio) all the xbows hold up as the example as to why its a good thing and why no bad effects would occur, why would crossbows not exceed bows. I think it will eventually happen. Of course I will be saddened to some degree.

[Munsterlndr]

Even if crossbow hunters eventually outnumber vertical bow hunters, nobody is stopping you from using a vertical bow. The idea that bow hunting "heritage" or "tradition" is impacted by another hunters choice of weapon is ludicrous. 75 years ago in Michigan the deer woods were primarily filled with firearms hunters shooting Iron sighted model 94's in 30/30 or .32 special or Savage 99's in .300 savage. Today the majority of rifle firearms hunters are using a scoped bolt action. Nobody is stopping you from picking up your old slabside and stepping out in to the pines. Vertical bow hunting in Ohio is doing just fine. Holding a wake for the demise of vertical bow hunting is just a wee bit premature and has just a hint of hyperbole to it. Believe it or not, the sky is actually not falling. :rolleyes:

[Swamp Ghost]

It absolutley will happen, faster than most would like to believe. The growth of crossbow use exceeds bow use in every state that allows them.

The idea that bow hunting "heritage" or "tradition" is impacted by another hunters choice of weapon is ludicrous.

The idea that it won't be impacted is Utopian.

[FREEPOP]

I don't have the time to worry about what everyone else does. I just try to make my family, friends and myself happy :chillin:

[Michihunter]

I will be as sad as I was when compounds overtook traditional equipment- not at all.;) In the end we will still have our own personal choice of weapon (I myself use both traditional and compound bows), and freedom of choice is one of the great ideals this country was based on.

[cadillacjethro]

Since this is the center for vertical bow questions and information I wanted to pose a simple question here. I don't want to start a crossbow debate or anything. Simply put, will anyone else here be sad to see the day when crossbow hunters outnumber vertical bow hunters? Why or why not?
Personally, it saddens me to see something that has been a special part of my life flushed down the toilet. It is kind of like watching a good friend die.
<----<<<

It will only get flushed if you let it. The weapon of choice doesn't bother me as much as the lack of time one might put into the experience. I will however, continue to use a vertical bow and promote its use.

[Sib]

My hunting has always been an individual pursuit. There are may things that are legal that I choose to do differently. There are also a ton of variables involved in what I deem as a successful hunt, the weapon of choice that others choose would be one of the smaller variables, imo. I don't have to agree with all the laws, but I choose to accept the laws that are handed to me.

This is an emotional issue, moreso than an science issue, imo. The differences here is simply a values difference between two groups trying to lobby the state. From the state's perspective, I doubt there is definitive science one way or another. I also think the states goal is to reduce the popluation for both biological reasons concerning transmittable disease and economic reasons concerning insurance companies and roadways. Imo, when I consider the goals of the state and try to divorse myself from the emotion of this issue, I see a done deal and a state seeing an opportunity to better address it's goals by using an old tool in a new way.

I'm preparing myself for change, which I feel is coming, but I don't see myself changing equipment, or methods. Except maybe I'll use more hunters as bird dogs during archery, much like I use hunter pressure on CF land that borders our private property during firearms. I love those noisy yahoos on the CF land, not only do they chase a 3.5 yr old to me almost every season, but then I have the extra help loading the deer on the deere. :lol:

[Direwolfe]

No sadder than I was when the DNR changed the rules on blackpowder and everyone and their brother bought in-lines so they could particpate in the "primitive " season

[john warren]

i remember when compounds came out, same debate. truth is the quality of hunters i've met since compounds did come out is substantialy lower then when i began hunting.
i place blame on the ease with which any person can become skilled at using a bow these days. true it still falls on the individual to be a quality hunter based in good ethics. but i honestly feel when it took months of practice or even years, starting when your very young to become proficient enough with a bow to hunt. that it was more appreciated.
this of course is one of the prices we pay for technology.
that being said , i would not go back to the old days. the people i associate with are still highly ethical hunters. and most hunters are the same.
concidering the huge increase in hunters that now enjoy archery in the field i would say the pay off has been worth the few slobs we end up with out there.
so, there will be some serious problems with crossbows, but some wonderfull new folks will take to the field. a new generation of hunting will begin. but the old will linger for many years to come.
lol ,eventually those cross bow guys will be having this same argument when the neutron based hyperbow hits the market in a few decades.

[Michihunter]

i remember when compounds came out, same debate. truth is the quality of hunters i've met since compounds did come out is substantialy lower then when i began hunting.
i place blame on the ease with which any person can become skilled at using a bow these days. true it still falls on the individual to be a quality hunter based in good ethics. but i honestly feel when it took months of practice or even years, starting when your very young to become proficient enough with a bow to hunt. that it was more appreciated.
this of course is one of the prices we pay for technology.
that being said , i would not go back to the old days. the people i associate with are still highly ethical hunters. and most hunters are the same.
concidering the huge increase in hunters that now enjoy archery in the field i would say the pay off has been worth the few slobs we end up with out there.
so, there will be some serious problems with crossbows, but some wonderfull new folks will take to the field. a new generation of hunting will begin. but the old will linger for many years to come.
lol ,eventually those cross bow guys will be having this same argument when the neutron based hyperbow hits the market in a few decades.

Can I be the first to say I'm anti-neutron based hyperbow?:D:D

[GuT_PiLe]

i remember when compounds came out, same debate. truth is the quality of hunters i've met since compounds did come out is substantialy lower then when i began hunting.
i place blame on the ease with which any person can become skilled at using a bow these days. true it still falls on the individual to be a quality hunter based in good ethics. but i honestly feel when it took months of practice or even years, starting when your very young to become proficient enough with a bow to hunt. that it was more appreciated.
this of course is one of the prices we pay for technology.
that being said , i would not go back to the old days. the people i associate with are still highly ethical hunters. and most hunters are the same.
concidering the huge increase in hunters that now enjoy archery in the field i would say the pay off has been worth the few slobs we end up with out there.
so, there will be some serious problems with crossbows, but some wonderfull new folks will take to the field. a new generation of hunting will begin. but the old will linger for many years to come.
lol ,eventually those cross bow guys will be having this same argument when the neutron based hyperbow hits the market in a few decades.


I think the worry here is that the crossbow "cheapens" the sport of what REALLY is archery. I think alot feel the same way John Warren does. I kinda do. After all the time us vertical bow hunters put in to become proficient enough to harvest an animal using a bow, now a bunch of guys are going to flood the field with "cocked and locked" crossbows, point, shoot, tag, drive away....kinda feels like i said, "cheapening" the sport.

Years ago there was this...i don't know...mutual respect or respect for the hunter that was able to harvest a deer with a bow...i remember back when i first started bow hunting...and I would talk to a few traditional bow hunters and the old dual cam martin or browning guys...and I remember thinking "man thats got to be tough" and I had a lot of respect for them....now i think that alot of us bow hunters feels thats gone, and with the advent of the crossbows...it even brings it down even worse you know what I mean?
Anybody can practice for 2 hours, and go hunting.
That's what i think the diehard bow hunters feel it "cheapens" the sport.


However, i stopped looking at this debate from the "healthy me"
The one with 2 good arms, 2 good legs, and all my fingers and toes.

And i thought, if something were to happen to me, where i couldnt draw my bow, but yet i wasn't qualified as "disabled" enough to use a crossbow under the current guidelines, well then there goes my archery season which i believe I should be legally and rightfully able to enjoy. Gone, possibly through no fault of my own (t-boned by another vehicle lets say)

So in looking at it from that point of view then I understand.

I'm not thrilled with the idea of xbows being allowed into the archery season, but i can't jump to conclusions about it's effects on the archery season either...i guess we just have to wait and see.

However, yes...I kind of feel like it "cheapens" it up a bit. All that work that I put in, and someone can just spend some money, cock, lock, aim, and go home "successful"....hard pill to swallow, but i'll get over it.

[Splitshot]

I think the worry here is that the crossbow "cheapens" the sport of what REALLY is archery. I think alot feel the same way John Warren does. I kinda do. After all the time us vertical bow hunters put in to become proficient enough to harvest an animal using a bow, now a bunch of guys are going to flood the field with "cocked and locked" crossbows, point, shoot, tag, drive away....kinda feels like i said, "cheapening" the sport.


Exactly the sentiment of the traditional guys.

Joe,

You keep saying you encourage all the new hunters, yet your words keep indicating otherwise. Munster has it right.

[Munsterlndr]

I can almost understand the point of view of the longbow shooters who feel that introducing crossbows might "cheapen" archery. But that cat was let out of the bag 30 years ago when compounds became mainstream. You can take just about anybody who is reasonably coordinated and introduce him or her to a modern compound bow and within a couple of hours they are going to be sufficiently competent to be able to kill a deer with that bow. Now they may not be successful their first time out due to a whole lot of other factors such as getting a deer in range or buck fever or whatever but the notion that it takes months or years of practice with a modern compound in order to be able to kill a deer is simply not the case. Whether a new hunter is using a compound or a crossbow, if their intent is just to harvest some venison, given our baiting laws and our liberal licensure, it's pretty likely that they are going to be successful. It's why the success rate among archers in Michigan has almost tripled since the era prior to compounds becoming mainstream. If you think that crossbows are going to somehow cheapen the experience any more than compounds already have, in the sense that they don't take months or years to become proficient, it's highly unlikely. 95% of bow hunters use compounds. Good luck turning the clock back and taking their compounds away from them and telling them that you want to restore the "tradition" to bow hunting by forcing everyone to use a long bow. Short of doing that, the "tradition" argument seems pretty lame.

[sbooy42]

I'm not thrilled with the idea of xbows being allowed into the archery season, but i can't jump to conclusions about it's effects on the archery season either...i guess we just have to wait and see.

However, yes...I kind of feel like it "cheapens" it up a bit. All that work that I put in, and someone can just spend some money, cock, lock, aim, and go home "successful"....hard pill to swallow, but i'll get over it.
This is the boat I'm in also..guess its kind of a pride thing too..

I keep thinking of a family/ friend Christmas party from last year and hunting was the topic and one of my buddy's dads was talking about the buck that he'd killed with his bow...He's been try'n to kill his 1st buck with a bow for 3 yrs now and finally did it last year....he was so excited in tell'n me his words were "I have finally joined the elite group of hunters that I have always wanted to be part of" :yikes:
I didnt have the heart to darken his spirits by letting him know that had just used an archery forum curse word..:lol: he was proud and I was proud for him..
For most bowhunters it takes work to successfully hunt for a month and half earlier ..for me thats the best & most enjoyable time of the year ..And I take pride in practicing and working hard at it to enjoy that time of year. I dont know why but yes it will feel like archery season has lost something ..And from the sounds of it we only have one more year to enjoy it .....Ah crap they already ruined that with the early doe firearm season... Oh well I'm sure we'll all get over it...I hope..:D

[2PawsRiver]

Simply put, will anyone else here be sad to see the day when crossbow hunters outnumber vertical bow hunters?

Will it happen......absolutely, why, it's easier and that is the mantra of todays hunter, will I be sad..............many times I already am.

No sadder than I was when the DNR changed the rules on blackpowder and everyone and their brother bought in-lines so they could particpate in the "primitive " season

a perfect example.

[Swamp Ghost]

Here's what I consider "lame": The whole "Compounds have already cheapened 'archery' season" so lets take the next step arguement.

Sorry, but I'll take encouraging other hunters to participate over having to bribe them into participation with crossbow use.

[Joe Archer]

Exactly the sentiment of the traditional guys.

Joe,

You keep saying you encourage all the new hunters, yet your words keep indicating otherwise. Munster has it right.
If I recall, I said I would welcome the new crossbow hunters to early fall hunting. I think I said something like "I look forward to their success stories, camaraderie, helping them track and sharing deer heart."
Even though that is the definite case here, make no mistake. I would MUCH rather welcome them to the world of bow hunting as it is today. I would much rather help them tune their bow, teach them archery and share in (what I believe) is the upper echelon of the hunting experience.
One again, I love archery just as much as I love hunting. It saddens me to think of a generation of hunters who will not realize how gratifying it is to combine the two.
Know what I mean?
<----<<<

[john warren]

lol, yeah but you will probably be against the .50 cal muzzleloading heat seeking laser balls too!Can I be the first to say I'm anti-neutron based hyperbow?:D:D

[john warren]

uh,,,, please guys,,, try not to agree with me,,, i've been married 36 years and it makes me very uncomfortable to be right.....I think the worry here is that the crossbow "cheapens" the sport of what REALLY is archery. I think alot feel the same way John Warren does. I kinda do. After all the time us vertical bow hunters put in to become proficient enough to harvest an animal using a bow, now a bunch of guys are going to flood the field with "cocked and locked" crossbows, point, shoot, tag, drive away....kinda feels like i said, "cheapening" the sport.

Years ago there was this...i don't know...mutual respect or respect for the hunter that was able to harvest a deer with a bow...i remember back when i first started bow hunting...and I would talk to a few traditional bow hunters and the old dual cam martin or browning guys...and I remember thinking "man thats got to be tough" and I had a lot of respect for them....now i think that alot of us bow hunters feels thats gone, and with the advent of the crossbows...it even brings it down even worse you know what I mean?
Anybody can practice for 2 hours, and go hunting.
That's what i think the diehard bow hunters feel it "cheapens" the sport.


However, i stopped looking at this debate from the "healthy me"
The one with 2 good arms, 2 good legs, and all my fingers and toes.

And i thought, if something were to happen to me, where i couldnt draw my bow, but yet i wasn't qualified as "disabled" enough to use a crossbow under the current guidelines, well then there goes my archery season which i believe I should be legally and rightfully able to enjoy. Gone, possibly through no fault of my own (t-boned by another vehicle lets say)

So in looking at it from that point of view then I understand.

I'm not thrilled with the idea of xbows being allowed into the archery season, but i can't jump to conclusions about it's effects on the archery season either...i guess we just have to wait and see.

However, yes...I kind of feel like it "cheapens" it up a bit. All that work that I put in, and someone can just spend some money, cock, lock, aim, and go home "successful"....hard pill to swallow, but i'll get over it.

[target-panic]

I totally understand the whole romance of tradition feeling that so many have about archery.............I have many of those same feelings myself. I collect old recurves........lever action Winchesters......wooden duck decoys & fishing plugs......etc...... I love the sporting traditions of days gone by. However, The generation of youngsters that are now in their early teen are a group that revolves around instant gratification. I know, there is the exceptional 12 year old that will spend hours practicing with his recurve, but they are few.....and far between. If most 12 year old boys walked out their back door to find a crossbow, and a recurve leaning up against a tree.........Which do you think would excite them the most? My point is........If there is no continued interest in the sport by generations behind us.........then all of these issues will just fade away on their own..........and so will the sport of bowhunting.

[Fred Bear]

no it's not just you and
WHAT IS A VERTICAL BOW?

[Ranger Ray]

I think this thread is a good example of what the argument against crossbows is, feelings, nothing more then feelings (in my best Morris Albert voice). I do not own a crossbow and probably never will but know those that do and that hunt Ohio. I see the same enthusiasm in the kids and hunters that I see in kids shooting a recurve for the first time. Some here would make you think everyone carrying a crossbow will be a lowlife idiot, please. Anyone here that has hunted Ohio with their bow knows half this garbage being spread about crossbows is BS.

The issue here is a simple one. With all the people that claim to want to involve more people in a sport, they sure show their true colors when there is a chance it will happen. Most of the issue is a psychological one. Like the person who knows that there is another hunter over yonder 100 yards and is more focused on him then the experience of hunting. Many issues and occurrences have come and gone that could ruin my hunting experience since I started hunting. One is the number of people bow hunting, yet my success is as good today as it was when I started. When I see the argument turn to feelings or some kind of moral high ground, I know there is no longer one. I have seen it in my fishing sports where a type of fishing is banned for the benefit of the few and feelings. I welcome crossbow hunters because I have no reason other then selfish ones not to. I for one will not let it ruin my bow hunting, because I choose not to.

[target-panic]

I for one will not let it ruin my bow hunting, because I choose not to.


Great attitude.................

I was just thinking............I don't even see any other bowhunters where I hunt.............other than my hunting partner. I kind of wish he would use a crossbow.........then maybe I'd have to spend less time on my hands & knees in the darks searching for just one more drop of blood!:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Chuck]

IT will be a sad a day for sure when the crossbows are allowed to be used by everyone during regular archery.

Im all for a age limit and lowering the handicap percentage which is what the bill was originaly intended for. Its to bad someone snuck in changes at the last miniute but thats politics.

I still dont understand some who say a compound bow is the same as a xbow. I have to practice and tweek my bow for months (usualy 4 at least) to get everything perfect. I shoot out to 60 yards often for practice. It takes time and years of experience to learn how to tweak your bow and they are all a little diferent.

My neighbor has a crossbow and I shot it this past weekend. My first shot at 20 yards was in the bullseye. I thought for a moment how many more deer I would have had over the years of bowhunting because I have been busted trying to draw my bow, or I couldnt hold it back long enough and had to let down and redraw my bow. I would have at least 10 more bucks all bigger than the ones I have now. More likely more.

But then I thought that archery hunting is not supposed to be easy and its not supposed to be for everyone. Thats what makes you a bowhunter or a gun hunter. There is nothing wrong with being either way and I take pride in every deer I have shot weather it was a fawn or doe with gun or a bow. The areas I hunt are public land and anything you shoot is a trophy. Which brings me another thought that the woods I hunt some areas are very over crowded already with tree stands hung up every 100 yards. If we add another 200,000 hunters the public land woods wil be like opening day of gun season during xbow season. I will just have to learn to adapt and hunt harder and smarter.

These are just my thoughts and opinions and im sure munster will feel this backs up all his beliefs that all bowhunters are evil self centered a holes.


The more that goes on in MI the more I want to move out west and hunt deer and elk in the mountains. Most western states dont allow xbows and they dont allow mechanical broadheads and they even restrict you on the % of let off for your bow. At least some feel that every season shouldnt be a free for all to make everyone happy.

[Zurk]

IT will be a sad a day for sure when the crossbows are allowed to be used by everyone during regular archery.

Im all for a age limit and lowering the handicap percentage which is what the bill was originaly intended for. Its to bad someone snuck in changes at the last miniute but thats politics.

I still dont understand some who say a compound bow is the same as a xbow. I have to practice and tweek my bow for months (usualy 4 at least) to get everything perfect. I shoot out to 60 yards often for practice. It takes time and years of experience to learn how to tweak your bow and they are all a little diferent.

My neighbor has a crossbow and I shot it this past weekend. My first shot at 20 yards was in the bullseye. I thought for a moment how many more deer I would have had over the years of bowhunting because I have been busted trying to draw my bow, or I couldnt hold it back long enough and had to let down and redraw my bow. I would have at least 10 more bucks all bigger than the ones I have now. More likely more.

But then I thought that archery hunting is not supposed to be easy and its not supposed to be for everyone. Thats what makes you a bowhunter or a gun hunter. There is nothing wrong with being either way and I take pride in every deer I have shot weather it was a fawn or doe with gun or a bow. The areas I hunt are public land and anything you shoot is a trophy. Which brings me another thought that the woods I hunt some areas are very over crowded already with tree stands hung up every 100 yards. If we add another 200,000 hunters the public land woods wil be like opening day of gun season during xbow season. I will just have to learn to adapt and hunt harder and smarter.

These are just my thoughts and opinions and im sure munster will feel this backs up all his beliefs that all bowhunters are evil self centered a holes.


The more that goes on in MI the more I want to move out west and hunt deer and elk in the mountains. Most western states dont allow xbows and they dont allow mechanical broadheads and they even restrict you on the % of let off for your bow. At least some feel that every season shouldnt be a free for all to make everyone happy.


Yep +1

[Michihunter]

I still dont understand some who say a compound bow is the same as a xbow. I have to practice and tweek my bow for months (usualy 4 at least) to get everything perfect. I shoot out to 60 yards often for practice. It takes time and years of experience to learn how to tweak your bow and they are all a little diferent.
Do you honestly think the MAJORITY of compound or traditional bowhunters have the same dedication to the weapon as you? I highly doubt the MAJORITY practices with their bow more than a week or two before season opens.


My neighbor has a crossbow and I shot it this past weekend. My first shot at 20 yards was in the bullseye. I thought for a moment how many more deer I would have had over the years of bowhunting because I have been busted trying to draw my bow, or I couldnt hold it back long enough and had to let down and redraw my bow. I would have at least 10 more bucks all bigger than the ones I have now. More likely more.
Is it possible that the xbow was already 'tweaked' as you call it so that it shot as good for you as it did? Do you think you can go to a store and buy one and within one shot be as good as anyonme else? I don't believe anyone would deny that an xbow is simpler to shoot, but that doesn't guarantee success. I can hit any mark I aim at with my compound up to 40 yards. Does that guarantee success?
But then I thought that archery hunting is not supposed to be easy and its not supposed to be for everyone. Thats what makes you a bowhunter or a gun hunter.That's the most ridiculous comment I've seen so far. Most bow hunters ALSO hunt with guns. Hunting with a bow can be as easy or as hard as any other weapon at times. Nothing is guaranteed. On another note, let's say that what you say is true. Wouldn't the wounding rate be reduced if the xbow is so much 'easier'? And once again, isn't that more important to our future than the selfishness of someone that is afraid of 'their' hunt being somehow infringed upon?

[wildcoy73]

Joe will I be sadden when the day comes that i share the woods with fellow hunters? No
Will i be happy and joyfull when the day of the crossbow shows up? YES
Why would a fellow archer that would give up a gun before his bow say something like this?
Well Joe, If it allows my father to hunt another day with me than it is worth it. If it gets my children and/or grandchildren into the woods that will be worth it to me. I have hit a point in my hunting that I could careless if I harvest another deer. To me it is more important to get the youth out and to introduce new hunters to the woods. I get a better thrill out of seeing a first time hunter harvest a whitetail than I can get by harvesting one myself. Now don't get me wrong I still enjoy hunting and I am in no way ready to give it up, but i was given the right to hunt by pass sportsman, and now it is time for me to give that right to others. Sorry but if a crossbow will make it easier for us to introduce a few more hunters than I am all for it.

[MERGANZER]

It is a sad thing to see happen as we water down a wonderful sport. We cheapen it with the reason to get more people into the woods. As I have stated before, if we need to make hunting "easier" to get people in the woods, then those are people I prefer stay out of the woods and on their couches. Just because it is easier doesn't mean we should make it legal to use. Whats next? Pitfalls snares and poison bait sites???????? SAD? Yeah it will be sad

Ganzer

[Chuck]

Michihunter I thought this is supposed to be a debate free thread?? Instead your ripping my thread apart for your own gratification.

Im not going to get into it with you, I dont have the energy or time to waste to rehash the same old crap. There is plenty of other threads going that you can join in on.

I will say that most of the archers I know do practice allot. I also do my best to educate as many around me as I can on how to hunt ethicaly and part of that is to practice your bow or gun or whatever the weapon is You use. I also do my best to bring people to the sport who have wanted to hunt but do not know anyone to show them how.

I was just trying to agree with Joe and state my feelings and opinion on the subject. Im not a wordsmith so some times things dont always come out like I want them too.

It makes sense that we have xbows in archery season becouse that is the way things are now more than ever. We live in a drive threw society where most people do not take pride in anything. They want it easy and now. No one wants to work for it they want it handed to them and then we are supposed to feel sorry for them on top of it.

Its sad becouse allot of people are missing out on one of the best values in life. Most things that we work hard for we appreciate more.

One of my hunting goals is to build a bow and arrows and broadheads and harvest a deer with it, then maybe even a elk. I couldnt even imagine what a great feeling it would be.

[Michihunter]

Michihunter I thought this is supposed to be a debate free thread?? Instead your ripping my thread apart for your own gratification.

Im not going to get into it with you, I dont have the energy or time to waste to rehash the same old crap. There is plenty of other threads going that you can join in on.



You are correct Chuck. I apologize to Joe for entering into the trap laid out by you posting nonsensical 'arguments' regarding the perceived 'cheapening' of archery as YOU know it. BTW- Do you shoot a compound?:rolleyes:

[Brivander]

I shot my first deer after shooting less than 20 arrows through it two days before opening when I first started bow hunting (compound, trigger release, all the goodies).

Like some have said, keep your traditions, and let others have theirs. I don't see it as a big deal. To each their own.

And after this thread, I'm only going to use a friggin' spear.

[Swamp Monster]

It is a sad thing to see happen as we water down a wonderful sport. We cheapen it with the reason to get more people into the woods. As I have stated before, if we need to make hunting "easier" to get people in the woods, then those are people I prefer stay out of the woods and on their couches. Just because it is easier doesn't mean we should make it legal to use. Whats next? Pitfalls snares and poison bait sites???????? SAD? Yeah it will be sad

Ganzer


I tend to agree. It certainly is easier, not one comment on all these stupid threads have proven otherwise. I shoot recurves and compounds and I have shot crossbows (buddy in Ohio has one) The crossbow is the easiest weapon to use in the deer woods. Yes, it's easier to shoot than a rifle (don't confuse easier with more effective either, not what I'm saying). It's easier because one does not have to deal with recoil or flinching and your shooting at targets at close range, say 40 yards maximum effectiveness. It's basically the microwave oven of the archery world. Yes, compounds today are easier to shoot accurately than they've ever been, but they still require more effort, and more skill to shoot effectively.

A lot of folks are talking about using them in the late season and I have to admit, the idea doesn't sound all that bad. Who wants to have to draw and hold a bow with heavy clothing on in sub freezing temps when the crossbow is available? Why? Matter of factly, it's easier. Easy, that's the reason and that reason alone is why the majority of folks want them legal. They can interpret all the data they want to try and make some believe that their primary interest in hunter recruitment etc. etc but at the end of the day, it's easy that they want. They currently have the same option as everyone else in Michigan to take up archery and hunt that season but "easy" is the key to peaking their interest.

I was all for the original bill....it was and is a change that was needed. Those that cannot physically pull or hunt with a bow should have the legal right to use a crossbow and they should not have to cut thru miles of red tape to do it.

[2PawsRiver]

Originally Posted by MERGANZER
It is a sad thing to see happen as we water down a wonderful sport. We cheapen it with the reason to get more people into the woods. As I have stated before, if we need to make hunting "easier" to get people in the woods, then those are people I prefer stay out of the woods and on their couches. Just because it is easier doesn't mean we should make it legal to use. Whats next? Pitfalls snares and poison bait sites???????? SAD? Yeah it will be sad

Ganzer


Well said.

[swoosh]

Since this is the center for vertical bow questions and information I wanted to pose a simple question here. I don't want to start a crossbow debate or anything. Simply put, will anyone else here be sad to see the day when crossbow hunters outnumber vertical bow hunters? Why or why not?
Personally, it saddens me to see something that has been a special part of my life flushed down the toilet. It is kind of like watching a good friend die.
<----<<<
I bet someone said that when compounds came along;)

It's already a sad day when hunters want to keep hunters out of the woods;)

[swoosh]

It is a sad thing to see happen as we water down a wonderful sport. We cheapen it with the reason to get more people into the woods. As I have stated before, if we need to make hunting "easier" to get people in the woods, then those are people I prefer stay out of the woods and on their couches. Just because it is easier doesn't mean we should make it legal to use. Whats next? Pitfalls snares and poison bait sites???????? SAD? Yeah it will be sad

Ganzer

Again said many years ago by Trad guys
Where would bowhunting be today without compounds?

[2PawsRiver]

After giving it some thought I will leaving the Bow vs Crossbow debates. The whole thing is distasteful and I find myself a bit irritated and probobly without just cause insulting people....................so you guys enjoy, but as for me I am un-subscribing..............at least I think I know how to do that:)

[Kelly Johnson]

After giving it some thought I will leaving the Bow vs Crossbow debates. The whole thing is distasteful and I find myself a bit irritated and probobly without just cause insulting people....................so you guys enjoy, but as for me I am un-subscribing..............at least I think I know how to do that:)

Post of the week right here:)
Now I have 3 reasons to respect you Mark...that fish in your av, the pic you posted many moons ago of a canoe on the Paw in the snow (one of my all time favs) and that post:lol: