I sure wish we could use expandible broadheads on big game! (Poll added)

[Snapshot]

 If you don’t like the archery rules don't hunt during the archery season. I promise no one is forcing you to use a bow.

 
They have improved the technology but they still haven’t made one that cannot fail.

 
If we need improved technology to get our arrow to fly we shouldn't be hunting with arrows. Primitive man used stone broadheads and he also knew how to follow a bloodtrail; he didn’t need a gaping hole.
 
 
Huntnphish wrote: “Why is it, in these discussions about archery gear that someone always has to bring (losing opportunity) into it. WDFW has never shortened seasons in lieu of, or in exchange for modernization of gear, nor have they ever suggested it would happen.”
Baloney! Around three or four years ago I was asked pointblank by Commissioner Perry during public testimony at a WDFW Commission meeting, “Aren’t you guys concerned about all this technology that is out there now? Aren’t you concerned that you might become too effective? Where are you going to draw the line?”

 
A bow and arrow set-up that requires arrows costing $15-$20 each is also a choice. Everyone is free to use the 30 cent bullet option (see above).
 
 
The current rules prohibit certain gadgets and wanting to change those rules creates division in the hunting community. I say shame on those of you who call for unity and then support changing our state’s archery hunting image.
 
 
Arrowhead wrote: “If loss of game due to broadhead performance and reliability is a factor, why are they permitted in other states?  Why have they been such a hit and are being preferred everywhere else?”
They are not allowed everywhere else. Eastern states can’t find ways to kill ENOUGH deer; they have too many deer. They welcome any advancement in technology that will make men more effective at killing deer; not better hunters, mind you, just more effective killers of deer. Washington doesn’t compare in that regard... Never has.


Mandatory bowhunter education (and not proficiency testing) is a topic worthy of discussion!

[turkeyfeather]

Bowhunter is absolutly correct. For those of you who don't hunt archery to just sit there and cry about how we get all the best seasons is just plain ignorant. I haven't benn in the rut for a couple years now. Prime rut starts at least a week or two before late archery season opens, and as far as the early season goes let me tell you it's no peach sitting in a tree in 90 degree heat all day. That argument has nothing to do with wanting a second option on a broadhead type. And Snapshot come on in case you haven't noticed we are no longer primitive man, by your own account you should not be allowed a rifle at all then. Why should a rifle hunter get to use all the modern equipment and not the archers. I can't speak for everyone else but I didn't choose archery for better seasons I chose it because it appealed to me more, it seemed more up close and personal than shooting an animal 250 yards away. We are all supposed to be advocates for rights of all hunters not just your particular weapon choice, cause if they take away from one of us they take away from all.

[Maverick]

they call it modern firearm season for a reason! 

[turkeyfeather]

Your right, but it's not called primitive archery either. Like I said before I wouldn't use them, but if these states that have a much better deer population and management allow them then whats the harm. Keep in mind alot of these states don't even allow modern firearms, so these are "primitive" hunting states and they have no issue with this. I guess I just don't understand what the big deal is.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Exactely its about being able to get close an personal with your pray .. I hunted with a recurve in my younger days and killed many whitetail but I like my compound because I only need to work in to 40 yrds now instead of 25 with a recurve but its been on my mind to go back because I do not care as far as getting close because if I can see it most likely I am killing it ...I still love shooting out there with a rifle , nothen cooler than dropping something at 500 + yrds its all good .. we need to stick together because its hunting and we all have our way of doing it !!!

[steelhead13]

I think that if you bow hunt you love what you do and love working for what you get.  Either way i don't think bow hunting would be any easier with mechanical broadheads so i say leave it the way it is.

[oldleclercrd]

  This is so entertaining!

[Huntnphish]

Huntnphish wrote: “Why is it, in these discussions about archery gear that someone always has to bring this into it. WDFW has never shortened seasons in lieu of, or in exchange for modernization of gear, nor have they ever suggested it would happen.”
Baloney! Around three or four years ago I was asked pointblank by Commissioner Perry during public testimony at a WDFW Commission meeting, “Aren’t you guys concerned about all this technology that is out there now? Aren’t you concerned that you might become too effective? Where are you going to draw the line?”

 Thanks for proving my point Snapshot, nowhere in their "point blank" questions to you did they suggest that additional gear would result in the loss of seasons.

[dscubame]

I wish they would open it up to crossbows during archery season.  After all a stick is a stick.

[h20hunter]

I do bow hunt and would disagree that a stick is a stick. A longbow is a long way from a compound and a crossbow being able to stay at full draw is a long way from a compound.

[MDGrand]

I got a question for all you guys who want to keep the regs and archery rules "as is..."

Do you think that be allowing more technology for archery equipment in WA, i.e. expanding broadheads, luminocks, illuminated sights, etc.. would lead to MORE archery hunters?

[h20hunter]

Regarding the idea of more tech bringing in more bow hunters.

I don't think the items mentioned would do so. I think that with the effeciency of bows and options for equipment available currently there is plenty to draw hunters in. I think a lot of bow hunters start out as rifle/muzzy or other types of hunting such as shotguns for turkey. I would agree that there is always somebody looking for the latest and greatest but not necessarly new hunters.

What would bring in 'em in....that is another thread and discussion.

[NWBREW]

It really makes me wonder how much some people actually research and know about subjects before they open their mouths or in this case type their thoughts.  I know a s&*& storm will probably be started by this comment.      Anyone, and I do mean ANYONE, from a 5 yr old to an 90 yr old can sit back with a rifle and pick off any game they want from a couple hundred yards.  Typical bowhunting is 50 yards or less, in my experience anyways.  You have to have a little more skill, not necessarily in shooting, but in stalking, reading the animals activity and such.   

I do not agree with that statement and you know it is total B.S.. How do I know?......Like many on this site I have done both and I have an 80 year old father. You do not have to have a "little more skill" just a different kind of skill. Anytime one of these threads come up and all knowing people start saying...it's easier to hunt rifle or it's easier to hunt bow...just really chaps my hide. It doesn't matter how you hunt (bow, rifle or muzzy), just what you make of your hunt and the knowledge you have that will make it easier or harder. That's my 

Oh, and I really do not have a preference about fixed or mech.  I will probably stay with fixed but would love to see luminocks legal.

[O_mykiss]

It has nothing to do with technology, opportunity, season length etc.etc...........

I do not believe and have not seen evidence that a mechanical broadhead will be as consistently effective as a fixed blade on game animals which we are ALL stewards of. Therefore, I will not support their use.

[h2ofowlr]

I don't know why we can't use them.  But the thing is if you know how to shoot a bow and know where you are hitting with your bow, the fixed blade broadheads are enough to get the job done everytime.

The reason we are not allowed to use them is due to the original designs and testing that was completed.  They were a mechanical devise which would fail upon testing at different stages.  Is this old test data, yes.  They have improved greatly.  The likely hood of a failure today is less likely.  They didn't legalize it due to those reasons amongst others.  They didn't want arrows passing through big game where the broadheads didn't open. 
As mentioned fixed blades will get the job done.  Depending on which mechanical broadhead you use you can cut twice the hole in the animal.  Then again if you make a poor shot and hit bone you will not get the penetration needed to down the animal and you have a wounded animal running around where the broadhead will not work it’s way back out.  Another reason why the broadheads aren’t barbed as well.  A bad shot may lead to a chance of survival for the animal.  For tracking reason mechanical’s make all the sense in the world.  There can be a painted trail to the downed animal if hit correctly.