crossbows legal in IL...

**rknierim** · 04-16-2012, 10:02 AM

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/bill...4&SessionID=84

Looks like making it legal to hunt with crossbow in IL is in progress. The amendment to the wildlife statute has passed the House and is up for first reading in Senate tomorrow. HB4819 is on the way to making it legal. Any thoughts on this? Anyone?

**Dogfish** · 04-16-2012, 11:18 AM

Personally i dont think they should be illegal in any state, yes maybe there own season...

**Lady Forge** · 04-16-2012, 11:41 AM

Disgusted by the way it was introduced. Politics as usual in Illinois.

Here is one story on it
http://www.heartlandoutdoors.com/cha...ws_are_coming/

**dukemichaels** · 04-16-2012, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by Lady Forge

Disgusted by the way it was introduced. Politics as usual in Illinois.

Here is one story on it
http://www.heartlandoutdoors.com/cha...ws_are_coming/

I don't know why folks try to differentiate Illinois politics with national politics. The way this bill was introduced is how just about everything gets passed.. and its been done this way since our 2nd president.

How else you think we 'approve' so much money for off the wall military experiments.

So.. Illinois wants to allow crossbows.. big deal. Doesn't bother me at all and maybe it will help recruit greater numbers of participants within the state.

I mean if you don't like crossbows.. don't shoot them.. end of story.

**Christine** · 04-16-2012, 11:58 AM

It is soooo politics as usual that there's really nothing unusual about it.

Having been a member of both the UBI and IBS, I still don't understand their rabidly anti-crossbow positions. (well, I can see it with the UBI because they've become haters and irrational.)

I'm not pro-crossbow but I'm not really anti-crossbow either. In fact... I think I wish this would pass so people would spend their time fighting for more important issues.

**Christine** · 04-16-2012, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by dukemichaels

I don't know why folks try to differentiate Illinois politics with national politics. The way this bill was introduced is how just about everything gets passed.. and its been done this way since our 2nd president.

Just because it's done often, doesn't mean it's the right way to do things.

**dukemichaels** · 04-16-2012, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by Christine

Just because it's done often, doesn't mean it's the right way to do things.

Fantastic.

Did I say that it was the right way to do things?

**muzzyman88** · 04-16-2012, 12:14 PM

I'm sure the politics involved in Illinois weren't neared as screwed up as they were here in PA when they legalized them. Here, it was basically a money driven issue.

I'm not pro or against them myself. Hunt with whatever you see fit. Though, judging by the racks and racks of them at our local bow shops these days, its kind of disheartening to see new comers buy a crossbow instead of a real bow. Not to mention the hordes of misinformed guys thinking they can kill deer at 100 yards with one.

**rknierim** · 04-16-2012, 12:15 PM

ok ok ok... This wasn't meant to start bickering. Just for a few honest opinions. I know the crossbow debate always brings out a few who totally oppose them and a few who are totally for them. Politics in IL is just as absurd as it is in the Federal Govt. They are both crooked. End of story there. I only hope it brings a few more ppl into hunting, but I also wish they would study up first and not think just because it has a scope they can shoot out to 100 yrds proficiently. Anyway... on with the debate hahahaha

**rknierim** · 04-16-2012, 12:19 PM

My Dad shoots one. We got it for him before he was legal age. He was 61. 62 is legal age for them now. He shot and got pretty accurate out to 70 yrds, but still won't shoot a deer beyond 30. THAT'S what kind of hunter I would like to see come into the sport with a crossbow. Knowing your limits and not exceeding them. Good advice for ALL hunters in my opinion

**Lady Forge** · 04-16-2012, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by dukemichaels

I don't know why folks try to differentiate Illinois politics with national politics. The way this bill was introduced is how just about everything gets passed.. and its been done this way since our 2nd president.

How else you think we 'approve' so much money for off the wall military experiments.

So.. Illinois wants to allow crossbows.. big deal. Doesn't bother me at all and maybe it will help recruit greater numbers of participants within the state.

I mean if you don't like crossbows.. don't shoot them.. end of story.

Since you quoted me, are you saying I dont like crossbows? I never said that.
I like crossbows.
Do I want to see crossbows allowed during the Illinois Archery Season for eveyrone... NO ... (with the exception for the elderly and handicaped ) This has nothing to do with if I like or dislike crossbows.

**Justin** · 04-16-2012, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by muzzyman88

I'm sure the politics involved in Illinois weren't neared as screwed up as they were here in PA when they legalized them. Here, it was basically a money driven issue.

In the 5 seasons prior to 2009, PA archery license sales were on the decline. When asked what the #1 problem facing the future of hunting is, most people respond with either anti-hunters, or the overall decline in hunter numbers. In hopes of turning that declining trend around, PA legalized crossbows. In the 3 seasons since that legalization, archery sales have increased by about 30,000 which amounts to just under a 10% increase from 2009.

I always find it ironic that we, as a group, say we need more of us to preserve and fight for the future of hunting, and when that happens we complain about it.

I'm not pro or against them myself. Hunt with whatever you see fit. Though, judging by the racks and racks of them at our local bow shops these days, its kind of disheartening to see new comers buy a crossbow instead of a real bow.

I'm not sure why that would be disheartening. If it brings them enjoyment to shoot a crossbow and to get out and enjoy the same woods, fields and experiences as those with "real bows", who cares? There's plenty of things to be disheartened about in today's world, and the fact that someone chooses to hunt with a different weapon than you do certainly shouldn't be one of them.

Not to mention the hordes of misinformed guys thinking they can kill deer at 100 yards with one.

This, admittedly, is troubling. However, there's just as many misinformed archers with compound bows who think that they can shoot 6 arrows a year prior to the season and so long as one of them in relatively close to where they aimed, it's good enough. Ignorance is prevelant in all different aspects of life, and certainly isn't limited solely to those who use a crossbow instead of a compound.

I'll be glad when this bill passes in Illinois. I may even shoot a deer with a crossbow if it does.

**Christine** · 04-16-2012, 02:09 PM

^ Nice rational post.

**Illinoishunter102** · 04-16-2012, 03:33 PM

I personally wouldnt mind it this does pass, in fact i hope it does because then my dad and younger children (like cousins of mine) would be able to join me in the woods. Although i would like a "crossbow only season" because I already see a steady decline of deer, if hunters would be able to hunt season long with them, i fear that there would be poaching and other possible issues. Other than that, i hope it passes!