Virginia's changes in bow season

[Virginiashadow]

They are now allowing crossbows during the 4 week bow season. I am very disappointed. The whole art of bowhunting is in the draw....

Brett

[Gotcha!]

And you shoot a compound - so the bow season has already gone to hell in a hand basket. How so you think the "traditional" bowhunters feel about that?

[Steverino]

I have been following this debate some as some states (Kentucky I believe) has allowed crossbow hunting during the full archery season.

Personally, if it helps the deer herd (by culling or harvesting does) and it is facilitated in compliance with local laws and DNR regs, I wouldn't have an issue with it.

In Illinois, one has to be disabled to archery hunt with a crossbow.

Like anything, however, if sound game management and ethical hunters do not do their part, I don't think that the mode of hunting is all that important.

[Virginiashadow]

Good point Gotcha---I still feel that even though I shoot a compound, I still have to draw the thing, which is a skill...unlike a crossbow.

vashadow

[Leadbutt]

Crossbow is no more a sure thing than any bow, they have more problems with string set,if its not done right the arrow is off the mark the second its fired. i'm glad they changed it, now I can hunt with one during the season,and don't have to keep the handicap permit,for the back injury.

I see the same as using an in-line rifle in BP season

[gd357]

VAshadow,

While it may seem as though it's not a good thing, in the end it will probably allow a few more people to get into the sport. I think that crossbows are an excellent way to introduce youngsters into bowhunting, and there's no doubt it would be easier for them to shoot a crossbow more accurately in hunting conditions. I started out bowhunting with a compound, and didn't do too well. I shot a few deer with a crossbow, and then went back to hunting with my compound. I still hunt with a crossbow every once in a while, but I enjoy the challenge of hunting with my compound, and I think a lot of people who start with a crossbow will eventually hunt with a compound or longbow. Just my $.02

gd