Crossbow Bill

[coolrobc]

This isn't really geared specifically towards the ADK's but I thought some of you might like to read this.

A young Marine who lost an arm and a leg fighting in Iraq is now fighting for the chance to go hunting with his dad again.

Mark O’Brien, 24, grew up in the countryside outside East Aurora bowhunting with his father, David. A left-handed hunter, he would hold the bow with his right hand, pull back on the string with his left and let the arrow fly.

A firefight in the city of Ramadi on Nov. 8, 2004, ended that passionate pursuit. In the thick of combat, an enemy rocket severed O’Brien’s right arm and right leg.

Wounded Marine hopes for law to allow use of crossbow

[chairrock]

I had thought that there were already regulations allowing handicapped hunters to use modified weapons if their physical disabilty prevented them from using traditional weapons.I would have looked at the DEC pages but my work computer prevents me from accessing anything on weapons....Anyone know if I am correct?
I am opposed to a crossbow season, but in favor of handicapped special use permits.

[Hobbitling]

I thought they actually had a shorter range than a regular bow.
why would they be outlawed?

[coolrobc]

I had thought that there were already regulations allowing handicapped hunters to use modified weapons if their physical disabilty prevented them from using traditional weapons.I would have looked at the DEC pages but my work computer prevents me from accessing anything on weapons....Anyone know if I am correct?
I am opposed to a crossbow season, but in favor of handicapped special use permits.

Their may be a regulation as you suggest, but crossbows are banned in NY. A crossbow is a crossbow, not a modified weapon to accommodate a disability.

I think it would be great for disabled or older bow hunters that may lack the strength. but like anything else, I'm sure this will get twisted.

[chairrock]

I thought they actually had a shorter range than a regular bow.
why would they be outlawed?

Accuracy and trigger. Much less skill needed to aim. The bolt(arrow) is "locked in" so that every shot is identical. With traditional bows the shooter " draws and holds" the arrow, so a level of randomness is added to the equation.i dont know about range with a crossbow, but the average distance a deer is taken with a bow in NYS is seven (7) yards, or 21 feet. That is not very far.

[coolrobc]

http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/30419.html

To qualify for a Modified Crossbow Permit a person must be permanently physically unable to hold or draw a legal bow or to fire a legal bow that has been modified to hold and release the string. If a person can pull the trigger on a gun, he or she will not qualify for a Modified Crossbow Permit.

[Ordin Aryguy]

Will the crossbow permits be distributed like the handicapped parking permits are?.. Anyone that asks gets one?

Based on the handicaps of the VAST majority of those parking in the "blue spots" at the local malls and grocery stores, bad hair days and paper cuts must be sufficient enough to qualify for a permit.... That's EXACTLY what I woudn't want to see happen with crossbows.


Ordin

[Gurn]

Will the crossbow permits be distributed like the handicapped parking permits are?.. Anyone that asks gets one?

Based on the handicaps of the VAST majority of those parking in the "blue spots" at the local malls and grocery stores, bad hair days and paper cuts must be sufficient enough to qualify for a permit.... That's EXACTLY what I wouldn't want to see happen with crossbows.


Ordin

No way, I thought that only happened in Michigan!! Those people that are healthy and con a doctor into saying there handicapped, or just take the spot for no other reason than their too lazy to walk. They truly are pitifully.

[Hobbitling]

21 feet! I'm impressed. that must take some serious skill.

[Gurn]

Hobbit my old buddy.
Most people measure a hunters skill buy how colse he takes his critter.

Man you just made my day again

[Adirondack_hunter]

I'm glad he qualifies for a handicapped archery permit. He is quite capable of using a draw-lock mechanism. He does not "need" a crossbow.
To my Marine Corps brother: Welcome to being unfortunately handicapped and thanks for your service.

Semper Fi

[fvrwld]

Aren't there mouth draws/releases for bows. I remember hearing about someone using one...might of been during my bowhunter education course.

I think crossbows and bows are two toatally different animals....IMO a crossbow is not a substitue for a bow.

[fvrwld]

Found this...http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...40/ai_17052206

[Ordin Aryguy]

I think crossbows and bows are two toatally different animals....IMO a crossbow is not a substitue for a bow.

That's not just your opinion.

Take a little test for me. Try to tell me what weapon I'm firing based on the following firing sequence:
1) Pick up weapon.
2) Place buttstock against your shoulder.
3) Aim.
4) Slowly squeeze trigger.

Nowhere in that sequence are the words "draw string" and "hold weight." Crossbows are operated exactly like my old iron-sighted 870. Does that mean I should be able to also use it in the archery season?

Many people will use the argument that modern compound bows have such high let-off percentages that they are nearly like not holding any of the draw weight of the weapon. My contention is that even if a compound bow could be created that had 99.99% let-off, there would still be .01% of the draw weight held by the ARCHER. When that last little bit of draw weight is no longer held by the ARCHER, it is no longer ARCHERY.

Fvrwld, you're exactly right. Crossbows are not bows.



Ordin

[Gurn]

God Bless that boy!!

If he gave his leg and arm serving in the Marines, I personaly owe him.
He is my hero. I'm not gonna bicker about what weapon the man wants use.
He can come to my place in Kentucky use my huntin blind, and wax whatever critter he wants, with what ever weapon he wants. Then I'll skin it clean it and cook it, and if he needs help I'll cut it up in little chunks and feed it to him.