What makes a thing a bow? That springy bendy part which motivates a string which in turn propels a projectile, hence the term bow. Adding anything to this system does not obviate the inherent bow quality.
We can describe subdivisions of bows on the bow spectrum.
See the old advert image posted here and tell me why anti cross bow peeps would object to that technology which is clearly inferior to hi tech compound bows (perhaps all compounds) and possibly less than equal to some high performing stick bows. Go ahead. Tell us. (bonus points if you recall where that particular ad was popularized – it's kinda famous )
If you are worried about velocity, then argue about velocity limits across the spectrum. Imagine the enforcement nightmare. Poundage maximums?
Arrow weights or composition? Tell us about it.
Limbs? Forwards/backwards mounted? Number of strings? Number of cams? Cam geometry? Let off?
Optics? Take a stab. Vertical sight systems could be easily mimicked for horizontals with attachments at the limb center and anchor points or peeps. Not OK with that?
Don't try to tell us it is about the cocking and triggering situation ( remember that attached advert). That is not a defensible stand alone argument.
Are you on about 'how many' evil features in one weapon, like that old failed assault weapons ban?
Besides laser sights, and possibly draw locks, are there any limits (for hunting legality) on vertical bows? Should it be different for cross bows?
OK, enough about tech for now. Lets talk data.
We still don't know how many cross bow kills are attributable to lessor weapon situations, old enough peeps, disabled qualifiers, etc. And therefore we haven't the data on the impact of 'cross bow for anyone that wants to'. See my past posts for the long list. You tell us. What are the harvest numbers and success rates for those that couldn't have otherwise used a cross bow? How many of those were situations where the hunter couldn't have used a high tech compound (or lessor) with reasonable expectation of a similar result? You ain't got got bupkis.
Hey, here is an idea. I don't recall DNR ever carving out the crossbow data of old/disabled/lessor in the past (before the new season). Were those already reported as bow kills? They had to be reported somewhere, right? Certainly not gun or road kills. So automatically all those kills are now reported a cross bow, and had no one who didn't qualify the old way even entered the game there would be a data shift from bow to cross bow. Argue against that. Show us your numbers. No one has ever shown any harm or problem. Go ahead, I dare you. Please don't forget to bring your defensible data.
Thank you
Missouribreaks's Link
The old English longbow was the machine gun of the middle ages when employed in volley fire. Also, they were up to and in excess of 100lb draw...an archer was of a lifelong endeavor, and quite a physical specimen.
The crossbow was the natural progression of weaponry, designed to exceed the power of the longbow to defeat armored foes. While that was made possible, it was at the sacrifice of rate of fire compared to the longbow.
It, as the longbow of the time, was a weapon of war. Granted, the same is true in regard gun powder and shoulder fired weapons. Man is continuously seeking a more efficient method to kill his fellow man...today is no different.
However, the basic concept of bowhunting was established with the utilization of hand drawn "primitive" weaponry. Wisconsin was at the forefront of licensed bowhunting, but we've rather strayed from the original concept.
My question is...where does "it" stop?
My opinion is it stops when the arrows are no longer being propelled by energy stored solely in drawn limbs. Compressed air, powder charges, springs, etc..... no longer fit that definition and the line would be drawn there.
DoorKnob's Link
sure, take a stab at answering the question. Does all that motion matter all that much at 100 yards? did you notice this : http://forums.bowsite.com/TF/bgforums/thread.cfm?threadid=474489&messages=10&forum=2#4582784 check the second post.
I've killed deer with my sticks I wouldn't have with a compound. Yes...I've plenty of experience with both. In those instances, from spotting my target to impact was literally a few seconds. The very nature of a quick draw and instinctive aim/release was imperative. I wouldn't have had the time to draw, anchor, align sights and release with a compound.
Conversely, my longbow cost me the best 10 point I've ever had in close when I grunted him in from about 100 yards, and he busted me drawing at 15 yards. He was GONE...most ricky-tic...lol...there's a reason some of those boys live long enough to grow that impressive pile of bone!
Had I been toting a compound, I would've been able to draw when his eyes were obscured, and held that let off til I had my shot.
Such is life, eh?
But, I'm cool with it...heavy sigh...damn, he was a dandy! Lol.
I like how he negates one of, if not the most important thing that gives the x guns an advantage. Good arguement doorknob. Fitting username.
I hear it and profess the same thing. A crossbow is different than a compound when it comes to execution of the shot and more effective when everything else is equal. With that said, due to shooting arrows, one still needs to know when to shoot, where to shoot, have an unobstructed lane, know the distance, be close, etc.... All part of bowhunting. No skipping the truths with me. I prefer to talk in truths, unlike most here who still refer to the crossbow as a gun, despite overwhelming factual information that it is far from it.
I am not worried about your state at all. There are more important things in life to worry about than hunting and where certain weapons belong in hunting. I do enjoy being part of the discussion as there is lots of good information to share for those that can be objective.
Can I ask what is falling on deaf ears with me?
I think it's called deer hunting with a crossbow which legally takes place during the crossbow deer season that happens to be at the exact same time as the archery deer season BUT it is a magical "separate" season so that means it's all OK so no need to worry yourself into a tizzy mate!
Missouribreaks's Link
Missouribreaks's Link