Those contraptions which allow a small arrow called a "bolt" to be zipped out of a horizontally held and mechanically fired device are coming on strong. Here in the East our Fish and Game Departments are being blitzed by crossbow companies looking to expand their markets. The crossbow is about as far removed from a bow as a firearm. Yet the appeal to our politicians and DNR officials, is to find an effective way of removing nuisance, urban deer, and the crossbow is just another tool to do that - or so they think. The problem is that we bowhunters aren't getting the job done! We have liberal seasons, lots of tags, and more access now than ever. Still, the deer herd continues to grow out of control and the crossbow companies know this. Yes, crossbows will allow a greater number of people afield to kill deer in greater numbers than we do today. Whether we like it or not its fact. But I don't like it.

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You see we bowhunters are having an identity crisis. Do we simply want to roam around the hills, bow in hand, in pursuit of peace and a break from our hectic daily lives? Or are we a management tool - to be used effectively by our Fish and Game Officials to removed large numbers of deer? My contention has always been that we need to argue the merits of bowhunting on the dollars we pump into the economy, and the person days afield enjoying the outdoors - not as a game management tool. This is risky since many Game Officials see bowhunters as just that - a tool to remove deer where firearms are not tolerated. But continuing to represent bowhunting as a management tool simply opens the door for crossbows, and perhaps, firearms. If the management tool isn't working - then we expand the definition of the tool until it starts working. See my point?

I'm less concerned with the weapon than who's behind it. I see the crossbow as just another inanimate object, albeit an ugly one for sure - but just an object. The problem with crossbows are these:

1. Crossbows will introduce a new group of less-than-dedicated hunters into our bow season. Sorry if this offends you but I'd rather see less bowhunters of higher quality than more hunters of questionable ethics and experience. We have enough image problems already within our season without introducing weapons which everyone can use with little or no experience.
2. Crossbows will reduce our opportunities. If the tool gets too effective and the deer herd begins to drop, then our F&G officials will likely cut the archery season and/or tags in its entirety - reducing our opportunities to bowhunt. It is unlikely that the F&G will simply remove the crossbows. Once they're here, they're here to stay.
3. Crossbow hunters will handicap bowhunters using conventional equipment. You bet many of the non-bowhunting rifle hunters will show up on opening day with their newly sighted Horton - looking for that undisturbed 10 point to dust before the rifle season. The same buck that may have wandered off of the neighbors property during the rut and showed up within 20 yards of your stand. Call me selfish - but I like to do my homework and look forward to figuring that big buck out each year. Competing with guys who can shoot out to 30 yards is a whole lot different than guys good to 70.

Lose that argument and you better get ready...because the crossbow crowd is coming to a treestand near you.