Since we haven’t had a good debate on this site in quite awhile, I thought I would touch on probably one of thee most controversial hunting topics I have ever come across–should it be legal to hunt with a crossbow during archery season? I have came across this topic on many websites, and I have seen this topic almost result in fist fights in person. I’m sure there isn’t a hunting forum moderator out there that hasn’t came across this heated issue as well.

In my home state of Michigan, crossbows are legal, but only during the firearm season. Disabled hunters, who have met certain criteria, are allowed to use crossbows during the regular archery season. These criteria are very strict, and at this point in time require a doctor’s approval before they are issued, although there are some plans as I write this to ease those disability restrictions somewhat.

So where does all this emotion and controversy come from when it comes to the topic of crossbows, and being able to use them during archery season? Well, that tends to be in eye of the bow holder, or beholder to be more exact. The debates are very opinionated, and rightfully so. I have went back and forth on this topic quite a few times, but I think I have finally come to a conclusion–If using a crossbow will bring more people into hunting, and give more people an opportunity to hunt, then I’m all for it. I know some of you, who have talked to me in the past, might be surprised by this. Let me break it down for you.

The main reason’s I think I was so opposed to crossbows being used during archery was sure selfishness. I took on the opinion that somehow me hunting with a compound bow was superior to someone hunting with a crossbow. While I do still believe that a crossbow is not “archery” equipment, I do think that hunting with a crossbow poses just as much of a challenge as a compound bow does. Also in Ohio, where crossbows are already legal during archery season, the success rate between crossbow hunters and compounds hunters is pretty much the same-right around 13%.

The biggest difference I see between compound bows and crossbows is the simple fact, that with a compound, you have to draw in the presence of the animal. Now I have read many different things about how, with a crossbow, you have to move to get the shot, but with a compound you have to draw and move to take your shot. I still believe that that is a huge difference that should be addressed.

In my perfect world we would have a separate crossbow season. A season where only crossbows could to be used that was separate from the archery season. I would even be fine with a crossbow season that overlapped our muzzleloader season. I think that would have been a viable option as well.

With Michigan’s House of Representatives already passing legislation that will allow for Michigan hunters to use crossbows next season, I suppose all of us have to get used to this crossbow idea. If the Senate vote goes the way I think it will, all of us are going to have to come to grips with the reality that crossbow hunters will be in the archery woods with us next year.

In the end, we all have to remember we’re on the same team. That is the most important thing.

Note: I will return to vacation posts soon, but this topic came up and it was just too much to let pass by. I hope everyone will weigh in and let us know what your opinions are.

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