Leave crossbows for truly disabled
Dear Editor,
I for one am opposed to allowing the use of the crossbow in archery season except for those who have a true disability and cannot shoot a bow.
Both writers mentioned the fact of crossbows being heavy and awkward to use and store, but we are led to believe they will be able to be used by women and children? By the time they are able to handle a heavy crossbow, with a little practice they should be able to draw and accurately shoot a bow. You do not need to shoot a high poundage bow to take a deer.
I have helped handicapped individuals enjoy shooting a bow and some of them had tried a crossbow and decided they could shoot a bow easier than the crossbow. Some surprised themselves with the ease and accuracy they found in shooting a bow. There are several different options available for those who wish to shoot a bow. Mouth tabs can be used by someone with a disabled or missing limb as well as some other devices that can help them shoot and hunt with a bow if they really want to.
MDC has done a great job of managing the deer herd in our state without allowing the crossbow in the archery season and I do not believe a crossbow is the answer to managing our growing deer populations. Bowhunters have proven the fact that if they have access to the pockets of deer they can help control the herd. Gaining more access will help bowhunters in the effort to help MDC’s effort to control deer numbers without the use of the crossbow.
I have shot some crossbows so I do some experience with them. I do NOT see them as a bow! Mr. Huffman’s opening statement fits my opinion with one difference. I feel they are already allowed to be used where they should be allowed, in the firearms deer season! His opening paragraph states the reasons they need to remain in the firearms season and NOT the archery season.
I have been a long time reader and subscriber of River Hills Traveler. I would hope you would refrain from using it to try to eliminate the archery season we have been handed. Keep bringing us good, factual stories about hunting and fishing, not biased opinions.
Tom Dickerson
Jackson, MO
