The X bow factor

[nek4me]

I was recently reviewing the VT 2016 Deer Harvest Report and what jumped out at me was 32% of the archery deer kill was taken with crossbows. That would be about 1000 deer and even if some took the two deer limit, combined with the unsuccessful folks, that would add up to more than few crossbows in the woods. In addition to the typical handicap use rule, last year VT allowed crossbow use for anyone 50 yrs or older which instantly made it "easier" for many more.

I didn't hunt archery last year so haven't actually seen any yet but have opening week off this year and hope to not see any this year- or more importantly not have them see me as something other than a hunter. I hunt state land and timberlands open to the public and primarily still hunt in and around thick cover and cutover areas and find the thought of a finger on the trigger of a cocked X bow a bit unnerving.  

VT does not require hunter orange for any season but firearms and muzzleloader, which also doubles as the late archery season, always finds me with an orange hat at minimum. The late season typically has snow cover where I hunt which also enhances the contrast between hunter and the hunted.

I have added a blaze orange camo cap to my early season archery uniform and I'm still looking for a blaze camo boomer/bucket type waterproof hat for the cooler, wetter days.

Have any others altered their approach to their archery season due to the X bow factor?

[mark Willoughby]

We have a season for the x bow guys and gals here in ky I personally don't think to much into it I wear orange when state law says I have to even though I'm the only person on my wife's grandfather's farm if I was on state land I'd probably do the same . Life liberty and the pursuit of happiness is what I say if they want to tote a x bow power to them and I hope they get a big one my pursuit of happiness will remain my longbow

[Terry Green]

Please realize we have never allowed crossbow threads since day one.  We have been steadfastly holding to that rule ever since.

We just can't allow this thread either as there's too much talk of crossbows in it.

I hope you understand and continue to enjoy the site.