Contributors to this thread:
Wisconsin Bow-hunters Association.
Does this origination even exist anymore? I would think it went belly up after they were unsuccessful keeping crossbows out of the season. Was it not just an organization of old white men that are quickly dying like flys and on its way out?
I’m going to be as finicky as a cold front Walleye and not take the bait.
DT -
Thanks for the advice....
No longer a member was for over 25 years waste of money they do nothing for the northern members in the state accept send you a pin, All the banquets are in the southern part. Spend your money on a local archery club !
Aren't the banquets near Wausau?
I think I'm a member.
No Tweed, its in Stevens Point, go to their web site,,,, I am a member,,,, was off and on, but made sure I did not forget this year......................... To me a lot of you guys are like, take your ball and go home, on the playground, when I was a kid, instead of socking the other kid, and settling things.....
We should all be organized and stand together, you can see what is going on in Madison..................... If you believe it needs a fix, than sign up for a directorship, or get involved,,,,,, it can only be as good as its members
and them old men, did a lot for all of us, to give us today, what we have
"and them old men, did a lot for all of us, to give us today, what we have"
Yep! looking good. Why do we need the WBH? It looks like anyone can get a season across the finish line. No way the DNR will ever take away a season. Looks like the WBH outlived its usefulness in a day and age when any season can get passed and none are taken away.
2017 seasons
Archery and Crossbow Sept. 16 - Jan. 7, 2018
Archery and Crossbow *Metro Sub-units only* Sept. 16 - Jan. 31, 2018
Gun hunt for hunters with disabilities This is not a statewide season. Learn more... Oct. 7 - 15
Youth deer hunt Oct. 7 - 8
Gun Nov. 18 - 26
Muzzleloader Nov. 27 - Dec. 6
December 4-day antlerless hunt Dec. 7 - 10
Antlerless-only Holiday Hunt
*Valid only in the following farmland units: Adams, Brown, Buffalo, Crawford, Door, Dunn, Iowa, Kewaunee, Marinette, Milwaukee, Oconto, Polk, Richland, Sauk, Waukesha, Waupaca, and Waushara. Dec. 24 - Jan. 1, 2018
All dates are subject to change through a rule making or a legislative process. Please check the Wisconsin Deer Hunting Regulations for a complete set of dates and unit designations.
Don't feed the troll. Upnorth is like a rookie fisherman at the sport show pond, trying to snag a fish because he cannot catch one. Not too bright but dumb enough to spout.
Just a question Captmike don't go and soil yourself. Why do we need the WBA now? Cross bows are now the norm and there is no way the DNR will take the bow season away. What can the WBA offer? Nothing!!! Should we just keep it around for the hell of it?
Talk about dumb. This statement below takes the cake. So are the crossbow hunters going to turn on themselves? Are the 100 remaining members in WBA going to make the change?
Per captmike
"Albeit slight, there is a chance that the legislature or the DNR Board could be swayed to look at and consider shortening the crossbow season. This might only come about by a loud and recurring voice from hunters and constituents. The WI Bow Hunters are still actively pursuing this."
DT, MF, TF, B69, and GH,...thanks guys. Boy, this tempting! But I've gotta shut up! (Maybe though, someone should spread the word that the correct acronym is WBH. )
Yes, don't take the bait. Although, ground hunter nailed it! It's always the whining, cry baby, do-nothings that bitch and moan the most and loudest! BC
Yes it is tempting but you can't fix stupid. If you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. casekiska we need to figure out where to meet for the Wolf Hearing on Wednesday at the Capital. I'm sure the bunny huggers will have us way out numbered as too many hunters just sit home & cry while we do these things to help all hunting. I would like to cry about the 2 1/2 hour drive up North to the WBH board meeting yesterday but many of the guys had to drive much longer. Why do we do this for nothing anyway? Just so we can listen to some raciest pig cry? I'm glad he is only one.
Just an FYI and then I am going to shut up.
This years convention is March 2-4 at the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point. I will be there most of the weekend.
The WBH membership has been growing over the past couple of years.
Wow can't we just let people participate in what they want and hunt the way they want, I hunt with a vert bow but I have nothing against anyone who hunts with an x bow it must be January because people have nothing else to complain about, I'm disappointed in these threads that do not actually contribute anything useful or start decent conversations, no offense to whoever started this
Chief, The issue is using a superior weapon in a deer season. x guns are here to stay. All I would like to see is an equal opportunity for all weapons. The gun season is 9 days for a reason. The bow season is longer to get near the same success rate. The xgun season needs to be shortened to bring them back to the same level. Equality for all. Plus that would give the handicapped & older hunters back the advantage that was taken away when able bodied people were able to use the same weapon. What a slap in the face that was to them. I think these threads contribute a lot to the future of all hunting. Just everyone's opinion. If everyone agreed with each other it would be nice but that isn't how life is. It is a battle to keep hunting the way it is. Bow hunters are top on the antis list followed closely by trapping and hound hunting. If nobody takes a stand they will take us down one group at a time. Join a group to give them more power weather it is the WBH, WTA, the other WTA the Hound hunters assn. or all of them. If you are a x gunner you are out of luck as their Org. folded due to lack of interest.
Chief, the issue is the same, regardless the month. You are on an archery site, what did you expect?
OVER 75 YEARS of ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Following are just a few of the initiatives WBH has helped implement over the years:
•Approval for bear hunting with bow and arrow
•An either-sex season for archery
•A post-gun-hunt bowhunting season
•Allowing the use of camouflage in bow seasons instead of the previously required red or orange clothing
•Relaxed restrictions on strung or cased bows in vehicles or even while in the woods
•Establishment of a separate archery deer license and tag in 1965 that provided more opportunity and helped define the scope and growth of bowhunting
•Legalization of deer hunting from treestands in 1971
•Extended twilight hunting hours
•The ability to use archery equipment for hunting virtually all legally hunted species, including turkeys and small game
•An extra included antlerless archery tag in units where deer populations are adequate
•The ability for archers to also obtain bonus and hunters choice tags for use in archery seasons
•Legalize the ability to continue bowhunting during the gun season if desired
•Relaxed restrictions on strung or cased bows in motor boats, greatly improving opportunities for bowfishing
•In 1997 WBH finally was able to get most of the week before gun season - some of the best rut hunting - opened to bowhunting
•Being granted a seat on all DNR wildlife management committees
•Developing legislation that defines crossbows as separate from archery equipment and further, will allow crossbows to be regulated separately as their popularity and effectiveness grows
>>>--arrow1-->'s Link
""""can't we just let people participate in what they want and hunt the way they want"""
I agree if the season and the weapon are within limits. Those limits should be based on the time of year (Rut) and the effectiveness of the weapon. We had a very good xgun law which allowed ANYONE to hunt with a xgun within limits. Anyone that thinks hunting with the modern day xgun is archery hunting is not a TRUE archer and would make others wonder what weapon they are really using while professing to be an archer. I believe you would be amazed if you knew how many of your archery friends now use xguns in the shadows. Its amazing how many guys come out to archery shops to buy their wife a xgun. LOL..... @ weeks ago I had the pleasure of talking to a WBH member that was 78 yoa. In the last 2.5 years he had BOTH shoulders replaced. I asked him if he used a xgun while rehabbing. He said no. I asked why not. His response hit a home run .. He said archery was meant to be difficult both in hunting and to gain proficiency of the bow. He said he has worked his way back up to 45lbs and his goal is 55. "That is all part of archery" The guy should be a poster child for all those that use the excuse I can't pull back a bow anymore....... I'm sore........
To continue the list of WBH accomplishments;
# Sponsors and conducts an annual convention for members
# Sponsors and conducts an annual outdoor "broadhead tournament"
# Sponsors and conducts an annual Youth NASP tournament
# Publishes (three times a year) a magazine for the regular membership
# Publishes (three times a year) a magazine geared toward the youth membership
# Works with the board of the WI Bowhunting Museum to maintain, grow, and prosper the state's only bowhunting museum
# Maintains archery tackle available to be loaned to clubs for youth programs
# Sponsors and maintains a wide variety of award programs for successful bowhunters and winners at the annual broadhead tournament
# Sponsors and maintains a tract of land available to select groups for outdoor activities such as camping, bowhunting, etc. (WBH Land Trust Corp.)
By the way, at the board meeting on Saturday 1-13-18, the current paid membership was listed at close to 5,000. When someone says or implies the WBH is not doing anything they are simply telling us they have not been paying attention and are spotlighting their ignorance. To say the WBH is ineffective, out of date, and has nothing to offer is a gross mis-statement, the truth lies elsewhere.
I believe the WBH has served Wisconsin bowhunters well for many decades.
It is unfortunate so many have left vertical bowhunting to become crossbow hunters. That is no surprise and in fact was easily predictable from the onset. Many hunters had already experienced two major tech advancement with compounds and inlines, both were overwhelmingly embraced by the Wisconsin hunting community. Why would the acceptance of crossbows be any different?
I wish the WBH well. With a rapidly declining audience of hand drawn, vertical bow use,....... just like the P&Y Club, the WBH will have a tough road ahead. I would not say that was from lack of effort on anyone's part. I thank all who made the WBH and Wisconsin bowhunting successful in the past, the future will be challenging.
As I suspected the group of old white guys are looking in the rear view mirror. Back to the glory days. Someone better change the mission statement because its all been done. Without a new mission its over. You don't need an org to get things done now a days just offer a politician some money and it gets done.
Albino the crossbows don't need an org. They have numbers and will continue to increase. DNR will not challenge a group of hunters that buy tags. captmike is smoking something if he thinks the DNR will decrease the crossbow season. He is one of the old white guys in denial;^)
Upnorth, your racism is not welcome here.
If one needs proof that its over look no further than the thread next to this one "Crossbow deer kill exceeds vertical bow" they achieved that in what 4 years? I can not see how going FORWARD that WBH can influence much.
Where'd this guy come from?
Been here way longer than you Muskybuck. Search the harvest threads you will find me.
Ok, I got a little hot under the collar and couldn't stay away from this thread.
For many, many years the WBH has stepped up and fought hard for all of the bowhunters across the state. They fought to have the crossbow law written so that the season would be adjusted accordingly if harvest rates with crossbows were too high, ensuring the archery season would be protected, and this is not happening. Through no fault of their own the WBH has been kicked in the face again and again.
How can this be changed? If every person who is a bowhunter would open their wallet to support their bowhunting heritage and become a member the WBH would have more than 200,000 members and have one heck of a strong voice in Madison.
If you are not a member and support bowhunting, maybe it's time you helped fight the fight.
Have a wonderful week.
Mike F, agree while heartedly. I wonder if the racist Upnorth guy who owns an archery shop is a member? Probably not, it is much easier to shoot the mouth from behind the keyboard than to step up with personal and financial support.
Legislators will always go where the $$ and power is. If the NRA supports crossguns, then nothing will change. Follow the $$ and you know what the result will be.
"I wonder if the racist Upnorth guy who owns an archery shop is a member?"
Racist? Owns an archery shop? What are you talking about? Seek help Captmike your on the ledge.
"How can this be changed? If every person who is a bowhunter would open their wallet to support their bowhunting heritage and become a member the WBH would have more than 200,000 members and have one heck of a strong voice in Madison."
Not true Mike. Beside just being plain crazy talking about membership at 200,000 when its at 1500 on a good day, the Crossbow guys had zero membership and got the exact season they wanted. You just got to own the politician.
So the real issue here is WBH still relevant? The answer is a resounding no!
In another thread, Upnorth stated: "I have had my shop for almost 24 years . So I hear a lot of things probably believe maybe 50 pct of what they say . I watch guys shoot bows crossbows etc. and can tell you there's a lot of bow hunters that shouldn't shoot past 15 yards . So a 25 yards shot to them is like a 50 yards shot for a crossbow . Before I built the indoor range and got these guys shooting more then just a couple days before hunting the stories I heard about wounded animals was unreal ."
Seems to imply you have an archery shop. If not, is it a flower boutique?
Then on this thread, he stated: "As I suspected the group of old white guys..."
Upnorth, are you an idiot or just a simple liar? Pretty difficult to take anything you say with an ounce of seriousness when you double talk in the same breath.
Upnorth do you make money off of crossbows in your shop?
One would think that some of you bowsite die-hards would have realized there are 2 different "upnorth's" posting on this site. Calm down and be sure of your target before throwing punches through your keyboards internet tough-guys. lmao bean dip.
The really tough ones have no problem posting under their real names, right, "CJ?"
Strawberry shortcake on time is the key phrase.
"The really tough ones have no problem posting under their real names, right, "CJ?""
CaptMike perhaps if you had stalked "u(U)pnorth's name(s) like you did mine you wouldn't have made this stupid mistake and lashed out with the name calling for no reason. Key lime breaker one niner.
S&T-I was referring to Upnorth with the uppercase U. Good to hear you been around longer than me. BTW, there are some good threads around beside Harvest and Crossbow threads. Hope you continue to contribute....A little less defensively.
Mike F +1. WBH is as relevant and justified now as it has ever been. We all need to work together to preserve bowhunting not tear it apart. An organization is only as good as it's membership. There will always be work to do. Don't ever toss in the towel! It's easy to stand on the sidelines and criticize. If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.
I think you should always join each state org, in the state you hunt in, and benefit from,,,,,, I also support the NRA,,,,, how soon we forget, what got us what we have....
HunterR, you will surely be called names now for dropping Bowsite's know-it-all on his head for attacking the wrong member. That is too funny.
Thanks to the WBH for all it has done over the years.
I am "happy" to see the local cheerleader's skirt still fits. What you think, CJ?
CJ, not man enough to use your real name? The quick ones caught on immediately. You, not so much.
I remember....1970 taking off of work to protest in Madison for Bowhunter rights . Must have been 250 of us . The gun hunters would bad mouth us at the spring hearings . lots of yelling & sometimes fights in the parking lot . I was 1 of the fighters defending archery . There was a wealthy business owner that broadcast ccommercials about Deer walking round with 2 or 3 arrows stuck in them . The gun guys wanted us with a early short season . 3 of use were kicked out of a bar in St Germain because we were bowhunters .
Its interesting that those same gun hunters are now buying Crossbows & flinging Bolts all over the woods .
My 1968 WBH pin is on my hat next to my 2017 WBH pin .
Congrats Ruger, not many like you!
Upnorth's Link
Here is an org just formed in 1967 with 13 members that is able to keep Crossbows out of the Archery season in Iowa. Makes you wonder what power they have that WBH does not have? Guess you don't need 200,000 members to get it done?
"To protect, improve and increase the opportunities for hunting with the hand held, hand drawn bow"
This just shows how weak under the current structure the WBH assoc. is. The dying old white men with their inability to change. Keep looking to the past to justify inactivity in the future. This kind of trash belongs on a beach in Florida with a 12 pack talking about the good old days. Meanwhile in Iowa the true protectors of the bow drop the crossbowers on their heads and laugh;^)
Absolutely right Mike F. WBH has been fighting a long time. If more put their money into it, it could be a driving force. Sadly, not likely to happen. Ruger, I still have my 1968 pin. They were bigger back then.
Why the nastiness Upnorth? A vendetta? What's the story? With all your knowledge and foresight why weren't you part of the solution to keep crossgunners out? Or is this just hindsight, which we are ALL 20/20 at? Instead of ripping on those in WBH, rip on those not in it . I plead guilty.
"If more put their money into it, it could be a driving force."
Money will not help. Drink beer with the money you will be way better off in the long run. The past money did not stop crossbows from coming in.
Meanwhile a tiny group in Iowa with no money and hardly any members fight off the NRA and pro crossbow groups. Hmmmmm? Better strategic planners? Looking forward not regurgitation of the same 50 year old achievements? Maybe Arow1 can re-post the long lost achievements of the WBH again?
Come on fellas can't we all just get along... Haha
For a while these past few months we were doing pretty well on this WI Forum and it seemed all posted with a certain level of respect for their fellow bowsiters. Oh sure, differences of opinion did occur, but they were done with respect. Seems now this has changed and one bad apple is beginning to spoil the barrel.
Take the high road. Ignore him. Silence is the answer. This will achieve more than volumes of rebuttal.
"Why the nastiness Upnorth?" Musky, it happens as a result of entitled children screaming for attention. He has nothing and cares for nothing. He spews in an attempt to gain attention. I'll be the first to offer help to this lost soul.
Upnorth, Muah! You are loved and needed.
There is a reason many of us do not respond on the Wisconsin Forum. We may read it religiously, but the " Forum Attacks " are still alive and well!
"Beware of no man more than of yourself; we carry our worst enemies within us."
"I’m going to be as finicky as a cold front Walleye and not take the bait."
I agree!
I think the WBH historically has been one of the best state associations. The crossbow situation was beyond their control, it is a national movement with far reaching implications. Crossbow use is spreading across the US by leaps and bounds, while vertical bow use declines. The WBH cannot be blamed for this, it is what the hunters wanted....look at the numbers. The WBH tried and failed, so be it, what more can anyone ask?
As can be seen from statistics, the majority of Wisconsin hunters during the archery season prefer to hunt with crossbows, that is the driving force. How does one expect the WBH to beat what the majority of archery hunters really wanted?
Very true, MO. Still, one cannot help but wonder how much more they could have done with the support of so many here who easily bad mouth them but have contributed nothing on their own.
I have read and contributed to most crossbow related threads on this entire site and forum. My honest opinion, based on reading hundreds of posts on Bowsite and the Wisconsin and Michigan forums, is that many, if not most, are really crossbow hunters, supporters and enablers. I am sure where legal, most have family members who shoot crossbows, and the majority are starting their children out with them. Many also own a compound bow but it is likely hanging in the garage with the old recurve come hunting season. What you hunt with at crunch time... is what you are.
So, I agree with you CaptMike, however as I understand, the WBH is for non crossbow hunters and therefore is catering to a rapidly declining minority of those hunting during the archery season. The downward spiral of hunting with hand drawn, vertical bows will continue for a few more years. That will not translate into a robust and growing membership for clubs catering to vertical bows.
Boy, I'm glad that I was off the grid for the last 4 days. Lots of 1 or 2 time posters coming on to stir the pot. Probably card carrying PETA or HSUS members. Enough said.
MO, very good point. Those who put the kill first and foremost are most likely crossbow hunters who have invaded an archery site to spread and further their agenda. Not my cup of tea but I know some here who are "happy" about it.
The biggest problem to me is starting a son/daughter out with a crossgun. Now with no age limits even more kids will have them in their hands. The chance of them switching to a compound is slim to no chance. We all worked up to pulling back the legal limit and then hit a paper plate consistently at 15 yds. Now the norm will be give a kid a crossgun and hit the plate at 40.
Very few children will switch from the crossbow. As they grow the vast majority will look for even more technology. Archery and muzzleloading history has proven that over, and over, and over, many of their parents did exactly that.
Right now we are in the transition phase. Many hunters own a modern compound (and still use it), while they are also learning the superiority of the family or friend owned scoped crossbow. They may even own a modern scoped crossbow and a modern compound.... and kill deer with both. With time, both of their weapons will require updating which will be quite expensive. The dollars will go to the more efficient crossbow. During hunting season the now outdated compound will hang on a nail in the garage with the recurve. This is reality guys, simple logic. I am sure many of you will agree from your own past and personal experiences.
RJN, it is a problem. But, that problem stems from the lazy parent. On the flip side, the archery shop I go to has a very successful youth program. I am amazed to see so many kids from around age 5 or so and up to 16 participating in it. That and the success of the NASP program give me hope that archery is not lost. I will continue to promote and fight for an archery season, no matter how big the crossbow contingency gets.
What was the motive behind starting this thread and the way it was worded?
He doesn't like old white men and wants to stir things up so I have a heart attack . WOW nice guy . But I gotta thank him . It's been awhile since my blood circulated this fast .
Brown E - I can answer your question in four words...WHO THE HECK KNOWS?
To me it seems as if the entire intent of the person who started this thread was to demean the WBH and ridicule those who have created and maintained it. I cannot see any other motive. (Further, in my opinion he did not do a very good job. He made glaring errors in statistical facts, logic, assumptions and couldn't even use the correct acronym to identify the organization.)
In another communication one bowsiter said to me, "We should take up a collection and pay for his first hour of psychiatric counseling. Or maybe not, you can't fix stupid".
Why have none of the WBH finest answered the question of how Iowa bow hunters continue to keep crossbows out of their season? Maybe the WBH should send a delegation down there to find out what they did to keep them out? It’s a very small org with very little money. I suppose it does not matter at this point it’s over.
WBH is like all the other traditions in Wisconsin that have disappeared(see below). But hey let’s look at the bright side you can make your own back tag and wear it. Print out your own tags and attach them to the antlers. Drive your buck to the local gas station and attach some type of metal tag. You can still send a check to WBH and get a shiny new pin.
1. Back tags
2. Gun cases
3. Tagging Deer
4. In person Registration
5. Kmart
6. Sears
7. WBH
Why don't you enlighten everyone Upnorth with what the solution is or how IA is successful? Your hard on for WBH is rather annoying and your kinda ruining the rather positive vibe that's been occurring on this website lately.
Whew just looked at this thread! First I'd like to say i agree with some points by the OP. I don't know much about the WBH association so can't comment on that.
It does disgust me how we've lost our way as hunters and our traditions which I feel very strongly about. All these new rules and seasons are a joke.
Also saying "old white men" is NOT racist. Might be kinda dickish but not racist. You guys have thicker skin than that don't you?!
Upnorth--take it down a few notches, no reason for name calling our brothers. Understand your upset but be more civil
Sorry Grunter. Old men is not racist. Young men is not racist. Men is not racist, but when you start labeling people by color, it is racist. And, on top of that, he is simply looking for attention by offering a very uneducated opinion. I think we need to give the little fella a big group hug.
I am thinking that Upnorth is wanting to start something. Which I will not take the bait. I will offer this to Upnorth - Come to the convention in Stevens Point March 2-4, I will pay for you to attend any or all of the seminars. Meet some of the bowhunters themselves, sit down and talk with them and see if this organization is worthy of your membership.
Heck, I will pay the admission for up to 20 bowhunters that are here on bowsite that are NOT WBH members and want to come to the convention and see what the WBH is about. Send me a PM and let me know that you want to attend and I will set it up.
are you running a bar tab?
Groundhunter - For you and me, I will bring in some special reserve beverages from where my Son-In Law works. My favorite has a hint of vanilla, real maple syrup and is alcohol free. Hand delivered from Idaho Springs, Colorado. They have other flavors like Orange Creme and Almond Creme also.
I did not read all the posts. i want to just say for my reasons I will always be a WTA and WBH member. Oh, and I live in IL..... Have land in WI and hunt WI so again, for me it is the right thing to do. Bill
I am going to be at the WBH convention and I live in western MN, which will be a 5 hour drive each way. I grew up in WI and hunt in WI, and the hunting is better than places I found in MN. I’m going to support the WBH. If you choose another organization that supports hunting, great that is your choice. What I am concerned about is hunter’s that don’t support any organizations that supports hunting. I’m not in agreement with some other organizations’ platforms but I’m also not going to run them down, I’m just not joining. The anti hunting groups have enough ammunition so running down organizations that support hunting is counterproductive and a huge waste of time.
Hope to see some new faces at the convention.
It is good to see the WBH getting support on this forum and to hear fellows are going to the upcoming convention. There are at least a dozen other forum members I know personally who are WBH members and who regularly attend the annual conventions. I look forward to seeing you all there. In the above post by bowhuntndoug, he made the statement, "The anti hunting groups have enough ammunition so running down organizations that support hunting is counterproductive..." I just wanted to reiterate that and say I agree completely. Us hunters, especially us bowhunters, need to stick together and not be divided by petty squabbling. We need to present a united front to the anti-hunters and tree huggers. There is strength in numbers and the greater our number the more likely we are to be successful in promoting and preserving our sport. Demeaning comments and criticizing organizations that work to this end will, in the long run, only shorten our days afield.
I did want to say that I called the statement about a bunch of old White Men racist because that is exactly what it is. WBH has a number of very active members of color & all walks of life. It is a comunity welcome to all.
One of my customers just pointed out this thread to me . I am the guy that owns the archery not the guy that started this post .
upnorth this guy is giving you a bad name . I thought it was strange of you for behaving like that and ruining your business . Almost as if you've been drugged .
I knew the difference right away and the reason for my first post under the OP’s.
Yep, I caught it right away also. Small u and capital U gave it away. Probably the same guy that spelled rancid wrong also.
I did not catch it. I did not think the site would allow for a duplication of names. With the poor grammar used by some on this site, I have become immune to the sloppy writing, inaccurate spelling and lack of capitalization.
CaptMike- i tak ofence tu dat.
I also was sure that the troll was not upnorth. The OP did have a couple of somewhat valid points about the WBH. However the way he/it went about it was ineffective.
It is crazy Iowa has no crossguns yet? How do they do it?
A few evenings ago I called a bowhunting contact in Iowa and asked about their archery season and crossbows. What follows is what I was told. I believe it is accurate.
In Iowa a person can purchase an archery license and it is good for deer hunting with a vertical or horizontal bow (one license, one fee, no upgrade required). The early bow season is restricted to vertical bows only. The late season allows the use of vertical or horizontal bows, and muzzle loaders (with the proper license). Also, apparently the state does not keep track of vertical vs. horizontal bow kills. They do not know how many crossbow kills occur annually, they only have an archery tally.
I also asked about the Iowa Bowhunters Association. I was told the IBA was founded approximately 50 years ago by 13 avid bowhunters and that now the membership numbers approximately 1,000.
I made the call. I asked the questions. The above is a summary of the answers I received. I believe this info is correct, but if you know something different, please post.
Casekiska - Do you know the total current WBH membership numbers?
My offer still stands for the first 20 non WBH members if they want to come to the convention in March. Saturday is the best day to come, take in the seminars, meet other bowhunters and have a good time.
Send me a PM if you are interested.
musky & dT, dint mean ta ofend da boat of ya!
At the 1-13-2018 director's meeting a current membership number was announced. As I recall it was close to 5,000 paid members.