Michigan Crossbow regulations

What do you think about the new legislation regarding crossbows in Michigan?

I'm still kinda on the fence....................

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by ronnie willis on January 1, 2010 at 9:56am

what about all the fools with guns that cant hit anything and tak that 500 yard shot they wound a lot of deer also .
we have the good and the bad

ronnie willis said:

Dave said:
Hey there Bob.

I for one hope everyone can look at this from a purity of the sport of hunting issue. Cross bow use gives Michigan the opportunity to bring more people into the world of the outdoors! After all the sport of hunting should always be about keeping the heritage and passing it on to our future generations. Cross bow use provides one more tool to bring new outdoorsmen and women into the sport where they may not have been inclined to do so otherwise.

One more comment on cross bow use. As so many of the hunters who did their utmost to mentor each and everyone of us on this great sport of bow hunting grow into their elder years, many move from the treestands to the ground and retire the bows and memories of bowhunting. The ability to use cross bows now gives back to those stewards by keeping their bow hunting spirit alive and well for even a few more years...even if it is not in the traditional sense. It makes very good sense to me.

Permalink Reply by John C Keith on January 6, 2010 at 2:40am

That is an education problem. Not something related to the weapon used. No one taught them (or they didn't listen) about safe/ethical shots.

As for crossbows... I am on the fence too. I love the idea of having more hunters in our ranks. Yet, I don't fall for the idea that Crossbows are the holy grail of hunter recruitment and retention. Thats BS. Check the statistics from other states. The issues are deeper than having a tool that requires some less practice than a normal bow.

My biggest beef in how the deal went down (from what I saw/read) the crossbow manufacturers that pushed for the change. Not a grassroots/internal movement of Michigan hunters. But like it or not... I am certain its here to stay. Anyone want to bet the NRC doesn't wait for the 3 year period before making it official?

Hope everyone had an very enjoyable deer season... get out and drill the hard water or chase some small game!