Are Crossbows to Blame for the Deer Hunting Decline?

Crossbows have been at the forefront of controversy for years now, but are crossbows to blame for the deer hunting decline across the... Read more...

The post Are Crossbows to Blame for the Deer Hunting Decline? appeared first on Bowhunting.com.

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Do not get it, they had to have a panel and discussions to study declining hunting numbers? All they had to do is look at hunter numbers in states that do not allow crossbows and see that in those states hunter numbers are declining as well.

 

I'm not a fan of Xbows at all but some of that shiz is just silly.

 

Come on Bowhunting.Com, please don't stoop to Yahoo and Huff Post CLICK BAIT inflammatory, bs, article titles like this........

I didn't even read the article due to the crap title. Dumb

 

It was the author and his eagerness to do a hatchet job that turned me off. Durkin

 

I don’t know about hunter decline but...I was in my local big box sporting goods store recently just browsing around and I was shocked how the inventory was catered to the crossbow hunter. There was next to nothing for vertical bows. I remember the days when I could actually walk in and shop for sights, quivers, stabilizers, etc. The small independent shops typically can’t compete with online retailers. I always try and give my business to my local shop when I can. Things are definitely changing in the archery hunting world.


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Dumbing archery down with crossbows has not helped get numbers up in Wisconsin.

 

There is an aging population in the Northern states where cold weather does effect the hunting turn out. Crossbows inclusion would, in my opinion, increase hunter turn out. Also increase woman and kid inclusion. Many do not like hunting during the more dangerous fire arm season FACT! Moms don't want their kids out during firearm season, fact!
They're killing " my buck".. Well in my area by week 2 of bow they've pushed the deer nocturnal so guys taking pokes several hundred yards away with their rifles have a better chance than a guy with a bow or cross bow on high alert deer.
Hunters evolve, I started out recurve, went to compound, picked up a crossbow and long for the recurve again. Problem is I started bow hunting late so my longing for the recurve is in a time where age has me wishing for cross bow inclusion. As it is I take the cross bow out more during gun than my shot gun. Why because it gets me into areas where gun hunters can't go due to safety set backs. 150-250 vs 500 ft.
I suppose it's regional thinking , stubborn long term views, or just plain ole not logical viewpoints that dictate hunters actions across the country. It's definitely not the fault of a piece of equivalent,one way or the other, in my view

 

Yes...


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Regarding hunter nunbers...Hunter numbers where I've hunted most of my life (Texas, Oklahoma) have not declined, in fact it seems like public land keeps becoming more crowded. Private land is harder to come by and more expensive. Every part of the country is different, but after hunting a couple times out West in Colorado it certainly seems that hunter numbers are increasing there as well. Experienced western hunters have told me its increasingly frustrating to avoid out of staters crowding OTC units. I just dont see how the hunting populace is decreasing. My local bow shop has exploded, and is often "wait in line" busy.
Regarding crossbows...I have seen more reckless/inexperienced crossbow hunters than gun or bow hunters. It comes down to the individual, but I have seen a lot of guys hunting with crossbows who dont take the time to learn how to actually hunt, let alone bow hunt. Trample all over the woods, all hours of the morning, its annoying.
Regardless, if I encounter a reckless hunter then I hike farther and find another spot.

 

Do tell.....

 

I'd argue video gaming has disconnected the youth from hunting more than a crossbow.

Kids these days are lazy and want everything provided for them. They'd rather sit in front of a TV

 

I don't know about video games, but I do believe that it's the pussafication of America that drives the numbers. Between that and the desire for instant gratification the numbers prolly will not start to grow again.

 

Couldn't agree more.

 

Bot....

 

This is my son. He likes the IDEA of going hunting, but the actual execution of said idea, not so much.

 

This S*** again...

 

Oh I have to mention this, my comment on firearm season. OMG, Why I bow hunt! Find the the hunting public video of, I think, Aaron hunting public fire arm this year...I thought NY was the worst, but it's got company.

P.S. Every states safety course division should be begging them for the video to be used in EVERY safety course.

 

Assertion 1) Crossbow huntin slobs kilt all the bucks
Assertion 2) Deer hunting and harvest numbers continue to fall

They can't both be true.

Maybe if you're worried about not getting to shoot "your deer" at 200 yards from your heated Hillybilly Highrise with a rifle; you should get off your ass, buy a bow (or x-bow), and enjoy the early season hunting instead of pissing and moaning and wasting the taxpayers money on a so-called "commission."

 

Are crossbows to blame.......... of coarse they are. They ruin everything!