Man I don't know what to think of this. Torn. Don't like the idea of air guns during bow season at all. But I don't want to screw over people who are truly disabled. Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
I have zero problem with it if the person is disabled, sure there may be a few who fake disability but if it helps getting a disabled person hunting I am all for it.
In the states I hunt its legal to use a bow during the gun season and on most occasions I do so. Just my humble opinion but I dont think anyone hunting with a different weapon is going to dramatically impact you chances. Yes if it were a rifle someone down the ridge could change the deers pattern that day but that could also work in your favor by pushing them more towards you. Our numbers are declining so like Sota said if we can get more people in the woods and buying licenses and equipment that help fund the various wildlife programs, lets do it.
You know some who are against it will be called elitist and all that. The fire base I work at is on a WMA outside the Twin Cities. The WMA hosts hunts for handicapped hunters, they get to hunt a sanctuary area that the public does not have access to. The hunter hunt mornings and afternoons like most hunters the hunters would take a break to eat and hang out. I would hang around the shop and talk hunting with the guys between calls and it always made me laugh. The guys were huge crap talkers giving people crap about the weapons other hunters used who was a better shot etc. There was one guy that could only talk thru his voice simulator and he cursed like a sailor and could talk smack with the best.
Why do they need this, will a crossbow not work for disabled people? How is an airgun any different or better?
From my experience, the disabled currently have 100 times more opportunities to hunt than anyone else.
Many state that they cant reasonably draw a crossbow. Of course they should be able to get a cocker that you turn then they say thats not within their budget and call hunting a "rich" mans sport. All excuses of course but there are a few people who do have a legitimate disability that will not allow them to do either.
I know my dad (paraplegic for 23 years) has tried to use a crossbow but cant get it drawn back, 23 years of wheeling a wheelchair around a farm does some damage to your shoulders. With an airgun he'd at least be able to get it cocked and go out alone to hunt . He was an avid bowhunter before his accident, still is an avid hunter just with only a rifle.
Sorry to hear your dad is in a tough spot. Perhaps in circumstances like his, it should be allowed. Personally, I have never seen the difference between a crossbow and an airgun from a shooting standpoint. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is allowing airguns that shoot pellets bigger than .40 for the first time during modern gun season. Can't say I am a fan of that.
Does it have an effect on your hunting opportunities or success? I don't want to argue or be a jerk but they need those opportunities and assistance to enjoy the outdoors. I think able bodied hunters take our mobility for granted sometimes.
This will become the crossbow argument reincarnated. But the outcome will include another level because now No one will talk about crossbows.
I'm sorry about your father and I apologize for hitting a nerve. Not my intent. I grew up in a state where exploiters of the disability system followed the trout stocking trucks during the week and fished out holes before school kids and fathers could fish on Saturday. I currently hunt in a state where there is a long gun season and until last year, zero buck tags were required. Guys on disability hunted and killed 20+ bucks a year. But my apology stands to your dad and others who aren't exploiting the system. The exploiters, however, can FOAD.
I don't really care about handicapped folks using one I only worry that the manufacturers will use the old "foot in the door" strategy to eventually get broader use legislated. The only thing that hopefully will prevent that is the fact that it is a gun. There is no string, no limbs to store energy. I could stuff a bunch of arrows into a cannon and call it a bow if I wanted but at the end of the day it's still a cannon.
