Author Topic: Well crossbows are legal in archery season at least till 2012 (Read 3094 times)

manofthe45 · « **on:** January 27, 2009, 01:19:33 PM »

Passed today 4-3 infavor of inclusion with a reevalution in 2012. no magnified scopes but straight 1x and non magnified reddots ok.

BBF · « **Reply #1 on:** January 28, 2009, 08:00:32 AM »

That should piss off some "real" bow hunters.

skwirl · « **Reply #2 on:** January 29, 2009, 09:01:01 AM »

this really gets confusing..............No magnifying sights.........But only for archery deer and bear seasons.............also no magnifying sights on conventional bows................But only for the archery deer and bear seasons.............any other seasons where X bows were permitted eg. rifle season you still may use magnifying sights

$:-\$

BBF · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2009, 09:20:27 AM »

my "beloved" Province allowed Crossbows as of last season. However you need to pass an archery test and license to do so. The test involved would have required you to use a conventional bow since no regulations had been passed for crossbow shooters. That would have meant for anyone draw and shoot a minimum of 40 lb.
My shoulder would not have been able to handle that.

Davemuzz · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2009, 10:27:34 AM »

Yeah....X-bows now allowed in archery season with red dot's (no magnification). Part of the trade off of this was X-bow users use to be allowed to use 'em in the late Pa. flintlock season (post Christmas). But, now that they can use 'em in archery season statewide, they cannot use 'em in the post Christmas season Flintlock.

Dave

dukkillr · « **Reply #5 on:** January 31, 2009, 12:21:29 PM »

Too bad.

manofthe45 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 31, 2009, 07:25:56 PM »

Quote from: Davemuzz on January 31, 2009, 10:27:34 AM

Yeah....X-bows now allowed in archery season with red dot's (no magnification). Part of the trade off of this was X-bow users use to be allowed to use 'em in the late Pa. flintlock season (post Christmas). But, now that they can use 'em in archery season statewide, they cannot use 'em in the post Christmas season Flintlock.

Dave

Well they will fall under archery equipment and under late archery regs not flintlock regs so if using a crossbow you will have to have a doe tag to harvest a doe unlike flintlock were you can use an unused buck tag for doe

DDelle338 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2009, 06:29:15 AM »

Just another avenue for money to flow into the comissions greedy mits. Crossbows have no place in archery seasons!

Graybeard · « **Reply #8 on:** February 02, 2009, 11:42:18 AM »

Quote from: DDelle338 on February 02, 2009, 06:29:15 AM

Just another avenue for money to flow into the comissions greedy mits. Crossbows have no place in archery seasons!

That position absolutely amazes me. Yes I hear it commonly but why I've never figured out. Compounds are just as accurate and more powerful and faster on follow up shots should such an opportunity be presented. The ONLY supposed advantage to them is you don't have to hold it back until the shot is presented. They make a hold back device for compounds that will do the same for them. Here in Alabama they are illegal to use however but in most states I don't think they are.

If ya wanna do it the pure way the outlaw compounds and go back to recurves and long bows and crossbows ya know the stuff that was used hundreds of years ago.

Davemuzz · « **Reply #9 on:** February 02, 2009, 03:59:32 PM »

The hold back device for compounds that Bill is talking about is legal to use here in Pa., but if you use it....your compound bow would then be considered a crossbow. So, before this new law...the only people who could legally use it were those with a handicap permit....or the "special regulation" areas where crossbows are permitted to be used by anyone.

I read on another forum, and I do agree whole heartily with this...."The Pa. bow hunters fought hard for the PGC to allow the use of compound bows. There probably wasn't a lot of thought given to it at the time, but the allowance of the crossbow pretty much opened the door to the ultimate inclusion of the crossbow in archery hunting."

A lifetime ago I use to kill deer with a 45lb pull recurve bow. I still have this bow and I'm pretty sure it will kill deer with some practice by me. But those kill shots from the recurve would be out to 20 yards at maximum.....as compared to the 35 yard kill shots that can be made with the compound of today.

The result is, I have the opportunity to kill more deer today as I can take a longer shot and be more accurate with that longer shot, and that arrow will have the force to double lung the deer. So....better equipment, better chances to kill deer. Give me a .308, and I'll kill even more deer....'cause I can now reach out even farther.

Yeah.....I'd have no problem if they went back to the recurve. Of course, there would be a lot of compounds up for sale on the forum!!!

Dave

Casull · « **Reply #10 on:** February 02, 2009, 05:51:03 PM »

I agree with GB wholeheartedly on this one. It's downright silly to hear "real archers" complaining about the use of crossbows, when they shoot 45" long compounds with 85% letoffs, trigger releases, peep and multi pin sights that are accurate to 40 yards or more, and then try to claim the high ground as "real archers". It's pathetic. Yeah, you have to draw and hold, but I recently read one recount where the hunter was able to draw and hold for 12 minutes until he got the shot he wanted. A 60 pound compound with an 85% letoff means you're holding all of 9 pounds. Wow.

jiminpa · « **Reply #11 on:** February 03, 2009, 03:37:03 PM »

i guess I'm now a old fart since i remember signing a petition to keep compond bows out of pa in the 1970's!!! buy your tag and use whatever floats your boat.

Bingo · « **Reply #12 on:** February 11, 2009, 01:33:24 PM »

I have a cross bow with a 4 power scope. I have had a few shoulder surgeries and have a permit to use it. Does the new law mean I have to get another scope?

Swampman · « **Reply #13 on:** February 11, 2009, 01:41:10 PM »

If FL would allow crossbows during archery season, I'd buy one. I'm pretty sure AL does.

billy_56081 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 11, 2009, 01:45:59 PM »

I have to agree with Greybeard here, I have been an archery hunter since I was 12 years old here in MN. I use a compound and I see no difference in someone using a crossbow, except the crossbow user will not be able to make follow up shots as fast as the bow user. And before any of you "purests" jump in about follow up shots, I'll tell you what, I will any time put a second arrow in a deer if givin the chance.

Crossbows do not shoot farther, or hit harder. Most shoot a short heavy arrow in the 300 slightly plus FPS range. Its all bow hunting and let people choose what they want, quit forcing your ignorances upon them.

manofthe45 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 11, 2009, 02:30:48 PM »

Quote from: Bingo on February 11, 2009, 01:33:24 PM

I have a cross bow with a 4 power scope. I have had a few shoulder surgeries and have a permit to use it. Does the new law mean I have to get another scope?

As of now yes you will have to get a new scope. Either a 1x scope or reddot. The commissioners meet again in april so hold off any big purchases as this stipulation MAY get removed.

Bingo · « **Reply #16 on:** February 12, 2009, 12:56:32 PM »

I did use a compound bow until I got all busted up. The cross bow is the only answer for my archery hunting. Some people here have said there is no real difference between a cross bow and a compound. I beg to differ. A compound takes a lot of practice to be able to shoot it well. A cross bow needs only to be sighted in and shot a few times at different distances. From there it is not much different that shooting an over sized pistol. Cross bows are basically made for the handicapped and the lazy.

billy_56081 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 12, 2009, 01:09:46 PM »

Quote from: Bingo on February 12, 2009, 12:56:32 PM

I did use a compound bow until I got all busted up. The cross bow is the only answer for my archery hunting. Some people here have said there is no real difference between a cross bow and a compound. I beg to differ. A compound takes a lot of practice to be able to shoot it well. A cross bow needs only to be sighted in and shot a few times at different distances. From there it is not much different that shooting an over sized pistol. Cross bows are basically made for the handicapped and the lazy.

I beg to differ also, now shooting traditional, the way i started, fingers with sights, a little easier, a release and sights, how I shoot now, shooting a compound with a sights and a release is also the lazy mans way, you don't need much practice, well at least I don't. I practice, because I enjoy the camaraderie of our club, but for hunting a a few arrows a day for a couple days before season is plenty.

I am willing to bet 95% of archers that use sights and a release can out shoot guys with cross bows when they are shot standing with no rest.

Davemuzz · « **Reply #18 on:** February 12, 2009, 02:57:32 PM »

Quote from: Bingo on February 12, 2009, 12:56:32 PM

Cross bows are basically made for the handicapped and the lazy.

Does that mean if your handicapped, your lazy? Or if your lazy....does that mean your handicapped?

Dave

manofthe45 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2009, 03:28:13 PM »

Yep the crossbow was only developed hundreds of years before the compound for the lazy and handicapped. This NEW and evil contraption was developed by the anti's in hopes destroying the compound bow season.

billy_56081 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 12, 2009, 03:32:33 PM »

No one will force you to give up your compound/trad bow this is just an option for those who want to use them.

Casull · « **Reply #21 on:** February 12, 2009, 07:46:10 PM »

Quote

A compound takes a lot of practice to be able to shoot it well.

That is a joke. A compound with a high letoff, a trigger release and two point sighting system is not difficult at all to shoot. Hell, I see guys I know who haven't shot in a year, pick up their compound bow and start throwing four inch groups at 25 yards within a few shots. Now, if you were talking about a traditional bow (recurve or long bow) without sights, then yeah it takes some practice to shoot well. Keep kidding yourself, but don't try to kid me.

DDelle338 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 13, 2009, 08:15:24 AM »

Ok, So my opinion has been considered to be wrong in the past. (once, I think

. But, the facts are this. The crossbow IS ALLOT easier to shoot than a traditional recurve or compound bow. I have been to several shoots where there were people who have never shot a bow of any type pick up the crossbow and fill the X-ring with bolts. When trading weapons, many crossbow shooters couldn't hit the barn from inside with a compound or recurve!!! Some couldn't even pull back a bow of 45lbs. A crossbow is much faster than the compound 311-315fps for a good compound, 350-360fps for a good crossbow. That makes a HUGE difference in the range capability and success of the shot. Many a deer has "jumped the string of the bow". That's just part of the deal. Archers shooting the compound can become very good shots, yes. But anyone can shoot a crossbow very accurately without much practice.
The crossbow doesn't fit in the definition of archery.
As to my original post where I stated they had no place in archery season,,, that didn't include those that have true physical dissabilities keeping them from shooting.

As for "Yeah, you have to draw and hold, but I recently read one recount where the hunter was able to draw and hold for 12 minutes until he got the shot he wanted." I have a hard time believing that. But then I didn't read about it. And,,, did he connect?
Have a good week end Y'all.

Casull · « **Reply #23 on:** February 13, 2009, 08:45:09 AM »

Ddelle, let's put it this way. The same arguments being put forth against the crossbow were being put forth against the compound device back in the 70's. Too easy to shoot well, too fast, not "real" archery, etc. The crossbow is definitely more traditional than the compound device (it dates back to the middle ages), and for those who think it's too easy, compare the scores of crossbow users to those using compounds at 3D events and you will get an eye opener. What it really boils down to is some whiney little types who don't want to share "their" woods with the perceived masses who would take up crossbows. Well, with hunter numbers dwindling every year, the last thing we need to do is disuade others from hunting.

Davemuzz · « **Reply #24 on:** February 13, 2009, 09:00:15 AM »

The only difference between the two weapons (crossbow and compound bow) is the compound is drawn back usually (yes...normally) while the game is within the line of sight of the hunter. Now, that doesn't mean the game is looking at the hunter....it just means it's very possible the hunter can screw up and get busted during the act of drawing the bow.

That can't happen with the crossbow. Yes, you can get busted with the crossbow moving it to "get on" the animal, but that's also true with the compound.

So...it just comes down to the act of the drawing of the arrow.

And I haven't see a made for hunting crossbow that will outshoot a made for hunting compound past 30 yards yet. But then, I haven't seen everything on this planet either.

However, as far as "letting 'em in" (the cross bow folks) I could care less. We will have those who are good hunters. We will have those who "pussed 'em up" in rifle, and will now just "puss 'em up" in bow season.

Look at it as "The hunters own little economic stimulus package". Hey....we're just doin our part!!!!

Dave

Casull · « **Reply #25 on:** February 13, 2009, 05:45:12 PM »

Quote

The only difference between the two weapons (crossbow and compound bow) is the compound is drawn back usually (yes...normally) while the game is within the line of sight of the hunter.

I'm not knocking you Dave (I see where you're coming from). But, I've noticed that most of the compound users that make that argument are hunting as far up a tree as they can, just so that they can draw without being seen. Personally, I gave up hunting from trees about 7 or 8 years ago, and hunt from the ground with handgun and long bow (hmmm, maybe we should scream about those compound guys that have to climb twenty feet up a tree to "puss" a deer).

Davemuzz · « **Reply #26 on:** February 14, 2009, 02:13:49 AM »

Quote from: Casull on February 13, 2009, 05:45:12 PM

(hmmm, maybe we should scream about those compound guys that have to climb twenty feet up a tree to "puss" a deer).

Well....that's not a bad idea. We can call 'em the "Tree puss club"

.

Dave

manofthe45 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 14, 2009, 07:20:20 AM »

Careful I am sure there are plenty of compound boys that climb 20 feet up that haven't made a single comment on crossbows. IMO most of the troublemakers simply go from site to site trying to stir up trouble.

Bingo · « **Reply #28 on:** February 14, 2009, 10:22:48 AM »

Casull made a good point and seems to be one of the more level headed people on this site. With the number of hunters dropping through the years, this could be a good idea.

DDelle338 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 15, 2009, 02:12:20 AM »

Quote from: manofthe45 on February 14, 2009, 07:20:20 AM

Careful I am sure there are plenty of compound boys that climb 20 feet up that haven't made a single comment on crossbows. IMO most of the troublemakers simply go from site to site trying to stir up trouble.

Is that directed at me?! I was not trying to stir up trouble. I had an opinion and stated it with the facts that I based it on. Period.
Troublemakers are the guys that start moaning and the name calling , and putting down someone who doesn't have the same opinions and views that they do. They also DIRECT their opinions AT individual posters.