Have you cake OR get to eat it?

[Snapshot]

An elderly gentleman testifed in front of the Commission on February 3, 2012 stating that he'd like to be able to have a scope on his crossbow. Following is the question he was asked by the co-chair of the commission:

"You’re right, they would make the devices far more efficient and effective, and probably would reduce some damage or wounding animals. But in the resource you would also increase the take of the resource because of these efficiencies. It would increase. Would you prefer to have a scope and not hunt during the late season and during the rut?"

-Gary Douvia, Kettle Falls

[NWWABOWHNTR]

only 11 votes?

[pianoman9701]

I don't hunt archery because it's during the rut. I hunt archery for what it is - the intimacy, hearing the animal breathe, the feeling of taking big game with a bow, the skill and training required. Besides, if the rut were the deciding factor, I'd have an ML.

[dreamingbig]

Oh my gosh, HECK NO!  Crossbows don't belong in an archery discussion anyway but that is another discussion.  Mr. Douvia is an ill informed goof on this subject.

[Special T]

I bow hunt for more time in the feild. With a busy life it gets harder to take time off just to hunt. weekends seem to be the only real time to get out. Not only did i say no but HELLLLL NO! I'm contemplating just bear, cougar and predator hunting this year.

[bobcat]

Besides, if the rut were the deciding factor, I'd have an ML.

Muzzleloader hunters don't get to hunt the rut any more than archery hunters do.

[pianoman9701]

Besides, if the rut were the deciding factor, I'd have an ML.

Muzzleloader hunters don't get to hunt the rut any more than archery hunters do.

Not so true this year, I don't think.

[Curly]

Oh my gosh, HECK NO!  Crossbows don't belong in an archery discussion anyway but that is another discussion.  Mr. Douvia is an ill informed goof on this subject.

I got the impression from his quote that he would not be in favor of allowing scopes on crossbows......

(and I think that if he thinks scopes should not be used, then he is well enough informed).

[NWBREW]

No.  I believe the most effective hunting weapon is the hunter behind the weapon.

[dreamingbig]

I got the impression from his quote that he would not be in favor of allowing scopes on crossbows......

Yes and no.  He implied that crossbows are available for all archers during archery season which they are not.  Don't lump crossbows into the general archery user group and don't volunteer to decrease archery opportunity for all by offering scopes for crossbows for disabled hunters.  That was my beef.

[backyard bucks]

Oh my gosh, HECK NO!  Crossbows don't belong in an archery discussion anyway but that is another discussion. 

i know you said another descussion but here i go.. 

have you shot a crossbow? or ever spent alot of time with one? the only advantage i see to a crossbow is the fact it is at a cocked postion, so no need to draw back when a animal is coming at you.. which i agree is a huge thing in archery.. but everything else is the same. especially in this state where if permitted to use one you can, but need to use peep/pins. the range is the same with a crossbow as is the modern compound bow from what i have seen so far. let's just seperate groups even more in this state?!?!?!  that is the last thing our sportsman need to do.

[Curly]

I got the impression from his quote that he would not be in favor of allowing scopes on crossbows......

Yes and no.  He implied that crossbows are available for all archers during archery season which they are not.  Don't lump crossbows into the general archery user group and don't volunteer to decrease archery opportunity for all by offering scopes for crossbows for disabled hunters.  That was my beef.

Got ya.  Good points.

[JimmyHoffa]

Oh my gosh, HECK NO!  Crossbows don't belong in an archery discussion anyway but that is another discussion. 

i know you said another descussion but here i go.. 

have you shot a crossbow? or ever spent alot of time with one? the only advantage i see to a crossbow is the fact it is at a cocked postion, so no need to draw back when a animal is coming at you.. which i agree is a huge thing in archery.. but everything else is the same. especially in this state where if permitted to use one you can, but need to use peep/pins. the range is the same with a crossbow as is the modern compound bow from what i have seen so far. let's just seperate groups even more in this state?!?!?!  that is the last thing our sportsman need to do.

I would say that a modern compound is actually more of an advantage in almost all areas except the 'locked at draw part'.  Modern compunds shoot roughly twice as far with half the draw weight, reload faster, are quiet, lightweight....  The only thing I've come up with over the years of listening to the crossbow haters for most is fear of losing season/competition in the woods/competition for recognition for 'book scores'. Basically what the commissioner is implying about if scopes are allowed, then days reduced/additional season eliminated.

[Special T]

Range is not the same with a modern bow. I hunted witha guy from AR that killed deer out to 150yards with his. I think a cross bow is more comperable to a muzzy than a bow. Its main advantage is the fact that it is quiet... There are lots of guys out in the San Juans that use them so that they don't alert thier Bunny huggin neighbors.   

[The100Road]

Besides, if the rut were the deciding factor, I'd have an ML.

Muzzleloader hunters don't get to hunt the rut any more than archery hunters do.