Crossbows in SC

[KodiakBob]

It appears that our state government is going to try (using weasel tactics, hey they are politicos) to make crossbows legal for archery hunts. If this becomes a reality the question maybe be to we as bowhunters become sheep and rollover. Or do we go after the concerned parties. Your thoughts.

[KodiakBob]

SC Bill s691 passed thru committee and go to the full state senate tomorrow.

[Al Dente]

I've sent the info on to be discussed at the NABC meeting during the P & Y convention this week.

[KodiakBob]

Thanks Al Dente, we in the SCBA are organizing to stop this.

[Ray Hammond]

from experience I can tell you that unless you can get to someone ranking on the committee that runs the wildlife legislation in your state to block this, you can pretty much count on it happening.

The misguided souls on our DNR board were even for it, because none of them were bowhunters and they THOUGHT because we had a deer population problem that by allowing this they would see harvest numbers increase, recruitment go up- instead, they saw a bunch of guys who were gunhunters who never bowhunted buying these things the 30 days before bow season and they went out and used it to pop deer without having to expend the effort necessary to shoot a bow.

They didn't get any additional license sales at all. Pawn shops are now full of new crossbows.

These deals are cut behind closed doors, and over bbq at private political gatherings that involve politicos, lobbyists, like the ATA,heck
Bass Pro Shops helped them get it through here, and others with a vested interest in the CASH!!!!

That's how they did it in Georgia...and if you don't want crossbows in YOUR state, you better start way before anyone begins this process, get to the state wildlife committees in your legislature, and SHOW them the difference between the two and why a crossbow is not a bow or you are doomed.

In other words, be proactive, or be a sheep...you have only two choices in my view.

[TimZeigler]

I'm glad someone posted this already.  I just sent out emails to Professional Bowhunters Association, as well as the NACB hoping to get some support.  I also forwarded a pdf version of the legislation to everyone on the SCBA mailing list for everyone to review, as well as links to our representatives websites where they can be contacted.  

Its sad to see the DNR supporting this, I'm pretty disappointed.

[KodiakBob]

Yes Tim and Ray it appears that our DNR has got in bed with the ATA. Not sure what their purpose is except show how stupid they are. There is no archery license to buy. (Maybe I should say yet) There are a few special archery hunting areas. But most area have gun seasons.

[TimZeigler]

I just recieved a response from the Southeastern representative for NACB providing me with documentation such as letters, bullets, and others that were used in Florida to prove there case.  If anyone is interested I'd be more than happy to email you a copy.

Also have a copy of the letter sent by New York Conservation Officers Association.

[Ted A. Young]

Follow the money!  Just like Ohio.  If they can make $$$$$$ they will come.

[Al Dente]

We've been able to defeat crossbow legislation in NYS for over a decade now with a solid, grassroots movement.  You must present the facts to the Legislators and the options available for the disabled bowhunter.  There's a plethora of information available from the NABC, and being the Chairman of the Anti-Crossbow Committee for New York Bowhunters, Inc., I can assist you if you need it.  Begin by setting up face to face meetings with your Local Legislators, the Sponsors of the Bills themselves, and Members of the Environmental Committees of your State Legislature.

[TimZeigler]

Al,
Good advice.  I read the letter sent by the New York Conservation Officer Association and they had done a pretty good job, and good place to start. Thanks for your help.
Tim

[Al Dente]

There's plenty more information out there.  A study was done about 2 years ago using a borrowed crossbow.  Target bales were set up from 20 yards to 100 yards.  After only 20 shots, the shooter was able to group 5 bolts in a 4" group at 100 yards!!!!

Utilizing data collected by a joint crossbow study sanctioned by the DNR's of Ohio and Arkansas
a few interesting points have been brought to light, and dispelled some crossbow "truths".  The first "truth" is that once the crossbow is introduced, they do not impact harvest totals.  Actually, since 1986, there have been more deer harvested by crossbows than traditional and compound tackle.  The next "truth" is that crossbows introduce new hunters into the brethren.  The TRUTH is that there is ZERO new hunter growth from crossbows.  The third "truth" is that there is no great influx of hunters into the archery season.  The truth is that there is a crossover ratio of 37% of firearms hunters(NEW crossbow hunters) into the archery seasons when crossbows are introduced.  These have been gleaned from their own study.

And then you have the multitude of success stories from temporarily injured of permanently physically disabled bowhunters who have utilized adaptive equipment that they've either made themselves or gotten from a manufacturer to get back to bowhunting.

There are options and truths to combat the manufacturers, sellouts, and shills.

[Texas Tinman]

Bob, we just went through this here in Texas and it appears that we have stopped it here.

  http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Crossbow/index.html  

Follow the above link to an online version of our petition. We also collected several hundred signatures by encouraging members to print out petitions and carry them to pro shops and 3D shoots in their area.

After our Bill passed the House (132-1), we were all prepaired to make room for x-bows during the Archery Season here in Texas...however, we didn't give up. We sent copies of the petitions over (via fax and hand delivered) and made sure that we had a good representative ready to speak at the Senate hearing.

PBS and NABC should be able to help with getting your ducks in a row but it will take involved members to stop it.

It appears to have helped our cause...this time.

Good luck and let me know if I can help in any way.

[One eye]

Same thing happening here in Michigan.  We have held it off for now, but I am afraid this is like the "finger in the dike".

Dan