kevin1

I can't really answer your question Steve ,
I don't live in Ohio . I have seen their harvest report from the previous year , however , and it would seem that there are more hunters using crossbows than compounds there , which would explain the disparity . My guess would be that they are just less trouble in general , and far less expensive , than using other archery gear . There is also the matter that they have been legal for all to use for over 25 years like Arkansas , and the Ohioans decided for themselves what was right for them in their own state instead of listening to uninformed blather from other states who don't allow them at all . From what I hear the state of New York could learn from that ...

I personally own a 180# folding recurve crossbow , which is legal at certain times of the year here , and it's not as easy to master as you may have been lead to believe . My PSE Kudu recurve has greater cast , is much lighter , and despite it's 58" length it's more manueverable in the hardwoods where I hunt due to it's slimmer profile . I'm more accurate with the crossbow since it has a sight and the Kudu doesn't , but with sufficient practice I would take longer shots with the Kudu for the reasons that Cardeer mentioned .

BTW , I'm not handicapped , I just like having another choice of hunting tool . My wife has a bum shoulder and would like to hunt deer , but shotguns and muzzleloaders are no longer an option for her . She can't pull a bow at all , should I tell her to just stick with quilting ? What about my non-disabled neighbor ? Should I tell him not to hunt because he happens to be a gun hunter only ? No , it's none of my business what he uses if it's legal , or yours .

Cougar Mag

Anyone with a disability can receive a crossbow permit rather easily in Illinois, all they need is documentation from their doctor.

Bottom line at least from my experience talking to most people who would like to use a crossbow and are not handicapped...............they won't take the time to learn and practice using traditional equipment or compound bow.

I worked with a few guys in Ohio who hunted with a crossbow when it was first allowed in archery season..........all used one because they were too lazy to use any other bow and they all admitted it!

1865

Is that wrong? I think a lot of bowhunters look down on crossbow hunters for this very reason. But I don't understand why. If a hunter is going about his business in a safe and humane way, why do others so often feel the need to have a problem with it? I don't see how what equipment one hunter uses has any effect on the experiece of another.

SteveBNy

From what I have heard ( and I certainly could be wrong ) , the xbow does not bring a lot of "new" hunters into hunting. The vast majority are converted archers or gun hunters seeking another opportunity which is percieved as easier. I say easier because that is the way the xbow manufacturers market their product.
Most of these crossover gun hunters could have tried archery prior to xbow but did not. A percieved easier weapon is legalized and they try it. Therefore relatively few of the new bowhunters are actually new hunters, so the major new money is going to the manufacturers and not the state game departments.

My observation on the bowkill for Ohio was to elicit responce from those who say it has many disadvantages. All weapons have some. But the numbers from Ohio seem to indicate to me that it is the weapon of choice there. And I seriously doubt that the reason is because it is harder than a compound or trad bow.

Have to note this has been a surprisingly respect thread to this point and hope that continues.

Steve

1865

I agree! Crossbows are always a hot button for some folks. It's nice to have a respectful discussion for once. My biggest thought for those bow hunters who have a problem with the crossbow is this: What does my hunt have to do with your enjoyment of your hunt? With proper herd management there are plenty of deer for all of us. We should all encourage each other regardless of method. Thanks again!

wrongway

If the DNR allows crossbows, does anyone think that they will remove the rule about a device that can hold a bow at full draw?
I will not use one, but how can they do one and not the other? Any opinions on that subject?

HAZCON7

I for one welcome the legal use of crossbows in Illinois. It will be another weapon in my arsenal to hunt with. I don't think anyone here that knows me would call me an unethical unpracticed or lazy hunter. If they legalized slingshot season you bet I'd be out there every day practicing with my slingshot also.

IL_BOW_MAN

I have mixed thoughts of the crossbow issue.

If the person using the crossbow would realize the limitations of the weapon and accept them. I am all for it.

But there are way too many people that think...Wow, 150 - 200 lbs of draw and a 18" bolt (or however long they are) I should be able to shoot to 70 yards with no problems at all. I know this first hand as my father got his permit this last season. I watched first hand as he shot at a doe that was atleast 60 yards, standing in front of my stand that I was sitting in. I was in no way in the path of the arrow, but when I called him on it, he was like it was broadside. Nevermind the fact that I was waiting for her to get to my shooting lane when he winged it at her. I know this isn't what everybody thinks, but there is a lot of people that think they can shoot 3 times the distance with a crossbow than a regular bow.

BTBowhunter

A good compoound shooter will outshoot a good crossbow shooter at ranges over 25 yards every time. They both have their limitations.

The two main arguements that have some validity against the crossbow are 1:that it is relatively easy to just pick one up and shoot it well at short distances without much practice and since any other archery hunting takes a lot of practice and dedication, some worry it will attract only the weekend warrior. 2: A conventional bow must be drawn in close proximity to the game and requires some talent and ability to do so without being detected. A decided edge for the crossbow in hunting situations.

I think most bowhunter take a lot of pride in the fact that theirs is not the easy way and some feel the crossbow doesnt belong in the same season.

I own one and personally detest shooting it. Noisy, harsh, apain to cock and it actually has a bit of a kick.

I'm all for them for the disabled shooter, but other than that, I personally think they belong in their own season.

Just my $.02

drstalker

You stole my thunderBT..In the state of Illinois it is also illegal to use a device that holds the bow string at full draw with a nocked arrow.I am not talking about the crossbow nessesarly.Do any of you remember the thread that was started sometime ago where one of the members here wrote about ,the taking of game with rifles/firearms compared to game taken with a bow?And how satisfied you are by using archery equipment compared to firearms?I cannot knock or put a guy down for using such ,but it not my cup of tea.It is indeed more challenging to harvest game with traditional equipment,then some compound bows with little let off,then bows with high let off,crossbows,muzzleloader,shotg...rif.......lazer guided mis............Oh I digress.where the hell am I going with thisI forgot rocks,spears traps &hand to hand al be it legal of course