Should Crossbows be Allowed in Archery Only Season?

[Kelly Timoffee]

It don't change harvest rates in Sask, fill your tag, you are done. Crossbow during archery is fine by me, even black powder wouldn't bother me. Just keep Rambo season to it's one month here and all will be well. Just too many weekend warriors.

Orange?? Who cares, the animals don't see it anyways and if it allows you to see someone you normally wouldn't, that's good too.

 

[HunterDave]

I don't know what to make of your survey other than it is so bloody confusing that the results likely wouldn't mean a heck of a lot.
.

I could have explained things better I guess?

I've tinkered with the OP so it might make more sense to people now.

 

[Pyd]

I've tinkered with the OP so it might make more sense to people now.

Me thinks you are tinkering with more than posts.
I also think you are trying to stir a pot. Is it because you can't shoot a compound well enough to hunt? Did you get skunked? Is it because you hold a bow and can't get a grip on how it works? Is it because you are incapable of knowing an arrow in flight is just that, an arrow?
Do tell.
If the MNR calls a crossbow a bow why do you feel the need to differentiate? Why try to undermine hunters in general?
You know very well that a crossbow is a bow just like any other in the word of the law, yet you try to drive a spike between us as hunters?
You should have had one more option in your poll "Am I a F'tard for making this post that is designed to separate hunters yet again?" That one would have had my vote.
I am a bow hunter, whether I have my crossbow, compound or recurve, I need to get close, and that is what makes me a bow hunter, not the tool in my hand.

 

[Dench]

whats with all the choices yes or no would of been better. Anways I voted yes.

 

[Morpheus32]

Me thinks you are tinkering with more than posts.
I also think you are trying to stir a pot. Is it because you can't shoot a compound well enough to hunt? Did you get skunked? Is it because you hold a bow and can't get a grip on how it works? Is it because you are incapable of knowing an arrow in flight is just that, an arrow?
Do tell.
If the MNR calls a crossbow a bow why do you feel the need to differentiate? Why try to undermine hunters in general?
You know very well that a crossbow is a bow just like any other in the word of the law, yet you try to drive a spike between us as hunters?
You should have had one more option in your poll "Am I a F'tard for making this post that is designed to separate hunters yet again?" That one would have had my vote.
I am a bow hunter, whether I have my crossbow, compound or recurve, I need to get close, and that is what makes me a bow hunter, not the tool in my hand.

Actually, you missed the boat on what he is discussing. Currently in Alberta, a crossbow is NOT archery equipment. The issue at hand right now in Alberta is the inclusion of crossbows into the archery season. The concern, as expressed by SRD who manages the harvest rates and tags is that an increase of hunter success means that more of the harvest will have to be on draw thus less opportunity for hunting. Promoters of crossbow use comment that it will increase hunter participation but SRD has cautioned that more species in Alberta will go to draw. The other discussion point is that SRD may move harvests from the general season to the archery season given the increase in hunters, thus reducing the harvest for rifle hunting and putting more on draws. So the concern is right now that no matter how you shake it, opportunites will decrease on average. SRD has made it clear it will over compensate to ensure that the harvest is not over the accepted plan.

So it is more than just "is a crossbow archery equipment". The problem is that this decision, if it proceeds could create a series of unintended consequences that change hunting in Alberta. Someone has to give here, but things will change if crossbows are approved for the archery season. No wedge issue here in Alberta, but rather a simple or rather complex numbers game. If you are a bowhunter, you prefer the status quo in terms of opportunity. If you are a rifle hunter, you are likely not too keen on changing to a draw for species that were normally general tags so that crossbows can be in the archery season.

My question remains....who is pushing for this? Unless someone thinks that everything will stay the same except you can use a crossbow....except SRD has ruined that idea by clearly stating that things will change...

 

[Big Game]

In an era when o0verall hunting numbers are dropping drastically I can't see much of on impact from a small number of crossbow hunters added to the mix. If you're concerned about animal quotas and harvest maybe better accountability should be undertaken with the First Nations and Metis communities to ensure reasonable harvest rates. I'm sure this position will be unpopular but the abuses I've seen this past fall would make the effects of crossbow harvests a spit in the bucket. Not my intention to slag aboriginal hunters or their rights just the complete unaccountability of that harvest.

 

[Morpheus32]

In an era when o0verall hunting numbers are dropping drastically I can't see much of on impact from a small number of crossbow hunters added to the mix. If you're concerned about animal quotas and harvest maybe better accountability should be undertaken with the First Nations and Metis communities to ensure reasonable harvest rates. I'm sure this position will be unpopular but the abuses I've seen this past fall would make the effects of crossbow harvests a spit in the bucket. Not my intention to slag aboriginal hunters or their rights just the complete unaccountability of that harvest.

Actually, Alberta has seen a regular growth in both bowhunters (confirmed via bowhunting permits purchased) and general hunters. Women and first time hunters are also rising consistently. It is part of the issue and why this decision to include crossbows may change the hunting environment in Alberta. Alberta has a very proactive and responsive hunter training program and a stakeholder process with SRD to advise on regulations and hunting issues. Very successful program overall. Cooperative with SRD rather than adversarial.

Not going to even get into discussion first nations or metis. Red herring to the point at hand.

 

[twistedbrilliance]

Not sure what all the choices mean. I think crossbow should be allowed during achery season. Also for general gun season as long as they are wearing orange.

+1
What the heck is with the choices????

 

[Brutus]

I myself have noticed a difference in the increase of deer hunters in my area around Cold Lake/Bonnyville/Lacorey. My first posting year 2000-2007 there was a steady but no preceived increase, and this did not impact my hunting. I was in NS for two years and when I got back here in early 2009, I've noticed a considerable increase in deer hunters these last two falls, compared to years 2000-2007.

my two bits.....

 

[Big Game]

Actually, Alberta has seen a regular growth in both bowhunters (confirmed via bowhunting permits purchased) and general hunters. Women and first time hunters are also rising consistently. It is part of the issue and why this decision to include crossbows may change the hunting environment in Alberta. Alberta has a very proactive and responsive hunter training program and a stakeholder process with SRD to advise on regulations and hunting issues. Very successful program overall. Cooperative with SRD rather than adversarial.

I guess that's why I have always had successful and enjoyable hunting trips to Alberta. Manitoba's DNR just seem to be out to lunch when it comes to any kind of progressive management. Perhaps your right maybe my overharvesting rant should be saved for another time and a different thread.

 

[2233]

If it helps to add more hunters back into the game then I'm all for it in Archery season. As it stands we have a very small number of bow hunters for the land mass and deer herd. It is an option that should be explored by our DNR but apparently it will "never" make it to the table as per some reliable sources.

 

[mmattockx]

Not sure what all the choices mean. I think crossbow should be allowed during achery season. Also for general gun season as long as they are wearing orange.

+1
What the heck is with the choices????

Let me explain the choices. It basically breaks down to do you think crossbows should be included in the archery season, yes/no? Then it is followed by the type of hunter you are, archery only, rifle only, rifle and archery, etc.

I am a rifle only hunter and say yes, so I picked the "yes, rifle hunter only" option.

Does that make more sense?

Mark

 

[HunterDave]

Me thinks you are tinkering with more than posts.
I also think you are trying to stir a pot. Is it because you can't shoot a compound well enough to hunt? Did you get skunked? Is it because you hold a bow and can't get a grip on how it works? Is it because you are incapable of knowing an arrow in flight is just that, an arrow?
Do tell.
If the MNR calls a crossbow a bow why do you feel the need to differentiate? Why try to undermine hunters in general?
You know very well that a crossbow is a bow just like any other in the word of the law, yet you try to drive a spike between us as hunters?
You should have had one more option in your poll "Am I a F'tard for making this post that is designed to separate hunters yet again?" That one would have had my vote.
I am a bow hunter, whether I have my crossbow, compound or recurve, I need to get close, and that is what makes me a bow hunter, not the tool in my hand.

Actually Pyd, I already hunt in Alberta with a crossbow due to a wonky shoulder. No, I did not take a deer this year with it because I was hunting one buck in particular and he didn't show up. I did though take 3 whitetail does with my rifle, which by the way is perfectly legal here in Alberta to do.

You would be very surprised at how many bowhunters in Alberta do not consider a crossbow a bow and that it doesn't belong in the same catagory as archery. Their thinking is self-serving though because if crossbows are permitted during archery season the longbow/compound bow hunters will have more competition AND there is a possibility that some species that are currently a general tag may go to draw, depending upon the increased harvest rates.

Now you are a little smarter about the topic than you were before reading this post. The next time that you think that there is some sort of hidden agenda or conspiracy behind the intent of a poll or thread why not take the time to actually THINK before typing. That way there will be a greater possibility of not looking like the F'tard that you called me.

 

[norskie]

Actually Pyd, I already hunt in Alberta with a crossbow due to a wonky shoulder. No, I did not take a deer this year with it because I was hunting one buck in particular and he didn't show up. I did though take 3 whitetail does with my rifle, which by the way is perfectly legal here in Alberta to do.

You would be very surprised at how many bowhunters in Alberta do not consider a crossbow a bow and that it doesn't belong in the same catagory as archery. Their thinking is self-serving though because if crossbows are permitted during archery season the longbow/compound bow hunters will have more competition AND there is a possibility that some species that are currently a general tag may go to draw, depending upon the increased harvest rates.

Now you are a little smarter about the topic than you were before reading this post. The next time that you think that there is some sort of hidden agenda or conspiracy behind the intent of a poll or thread why not take the time to actually THINK before typing. That way there will be a greater possibility of not looking like the F'tard that you called me.

If you have a wonky shoulder that can be verified by a doctor can't you already use a crossbow during bow season?

 

[Morpheus32]

Actually Pyd, I already hunt in Alberta with a crossbow due to a wonky shoulder. No, I did not take a deer this year with it because I was hunting one buck in particular and he didn't show up. I did though take 3 whitetail does with my rifle, which by the way is perfectly legal here in Alberta to do.

You would be very surprised at how many bowhunters in Alberta do not consider a crossbow a bow and that it doesn't belong in the same catagory as archery. Their thinking is self-serving though because if crossbows are permitted during archery season the longbow/compound bow hunters will have more competition AND there is a possibility that some species that are currently a general tag may go to draw, depending upon the increased harvest rates.

Now you are a little smarter about the topic than you were before reading this post. The next time that you think that there is some sort of hidden agenda or conspiracy behind the intent of a poll or thread why not take the time to actually THINK before typing. That way there will be a greater possibility of not looking like the F'tard that you called me.

Maybe your position on crossbows being included is self serving since YOU want have it same as compound and traditional bowhunters so that YOU can hunt in the bow season?

A poll is like statistics, you can manipulate them anyway you want. I for want some facts on the impact of the inclusion of crossbows. It seems to me that SRD acknowledges that changes will take place. Without an analysis of the impact, it is all emotional tripe. If you asked gun hunters if they would be willing to give up 5% of the harvest to the archery season to allow the inclusion of crossbows...you might get a little different response from Alberta hunters. As with most emotional based discussions on change...the position of change all you want...as long as it does not effect me or it is the change I want. Sound kind of familiar. I would prefer to see a clear discussion on the impact of this decision on hunting both for the archery and rifle seasons. It seems to me that some advocates of crossbows in the archery season see an increase in opportunity or they don't care about the impact since they figure they will just be hunting whitetails. Again, all sides, self interested. Better to have a plan and discuss that than this emotional garbage.

I suggest we lobby SRD to provide a more realistic plan on the inclusion rather than this emotional crap.

 

[manitoba]

No

Crossbows should only be allowed in general season, or possibly muzzleloading. Not archery.

 

[guido]

Should Crossbows be Included in Archery Only Season?


WHY?

 

[Gatehouse]

Of course crossbows should be allowed. It's not like the sky is going to fall because there are a couple of extra hunters out there. Wildlife populations likely won't change significantly.

BC allows all forms of archery tackle in the Archery seasons, and there are still plenty of animals to kill.

 

[grinrgrn]

First of all,why are so many people confused over the poll options,as Ricky would say,"it aint rocket appliance",lol.either you are for or against inclusion of x-bows in real bow season and what kind of equipment do you currently use...duh.

Secondly,I don't beleive the results of this poll for a second,it is heavily skewed by current x-bow hunters that think they are real bowhunters imho,most likely Ontarians would be my guess?No f'n way do I beleive that 30%+ of current real "bowhunters" are in favor of allowing wannabe bowhunters with x-bows into real bow seasons.Anyone that thinks x-bows are as challenging to use successfully as even the most modern compound either doesn't have a fn clue,is a current x-bow hunter trying to justify themselves,is an x-bow industry rep motivated by personal gain and is trying to convince those that don't know any better or are indifferent,or a combination of all or any of the above.Might as well just allow single shot slug guns into bow season as well.....pffft!X-bows have most of the same advantages as a single shot firearm inside of 50 yards,cocked and ready to fire in a split second,scoped sight,no practice or dedication required to become proficient,no game scaring drawing movement....the list goes on.I could give 100 more good reasons why x-bows should not be allowed and how they differ from vertical,hand drawn bows if I had the time or desire to beat this dead horse,but fact is,they ARE NOT bows,they shoot a broadhead tipped projectile powered by stored energy in limbs but that's where the similarity ends.If you want to BOW hunt,get a vertical bow and spend some time learning how to use it instead of trying to justify your lazy ass,generation instant gratifaction,out-of-the-box-instant "bowhunter" agenda.

FYI,a previous poster asked "who was pushing for these changes" or something similarily worded?The answer in most cases,in most states and provinces,is it's the x-bow manufacturers and retaliers pushing for legalizing x-bows.In jurisictions where x-bows are allowed in firearm seasons only,sales of x-bows are slow or stagnant.Without inclusion into the archery season,there isn't much incentive for people to buy one.When allowed into traditional bow seasons,depending on the hunting population of any given jurisdiction,it can open up the potential for MILLIONS of dollars in new x-bow sales....wake up!Studies in several U.S. states have shown that 25-40% of "gunhunters" will cross over to "bowhunting" where x-bows are allowed during archery only seasons,while less than 3% of "gunhunters" choose to handicap themselves with x-bows if they are only allowed in firearm seasons.The x-bow industry is not looking out for your best interest or considering how increased "archery" success rates will affect quotas,which in turn affects everybody,gun and bow hunters alike.There(the industry's) only concern is increased sales and they are lobbying hard to provincial and state agencies to have thir toys included as legal gear.

FWIW,I have no problem with physically challenged hunters using x-bows during bow season if they are truly unable to draw a vertical bow....with a doctor's certification of course.

 

[Gatehouse]

Most bowhunters in BC are not concerned about Crossbows in bow seasons. Sure, there are the elitist snobs, just like in any sport, that think that "if you don't do it the way I do it, it shouldn't be allowed"

These elitists do nothing but make themselves look foolish while alienating potential allies.

BC's only provincial bowhunting organization recognizes crossbows as legitimate archery gear for bow only seasons (although I know there are still some elitist snobs within their ranks that dont' like it)

Bunch of crybaby bedwetters...