July 10th, 2008
By Arthur

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.

Popularity: 19% [?]

May 23rd, 2008
By Arthur

Kristine posed a challenge to all of us bloggers, on the OBS blog a few days back, and I figure that it is about time that I got around to answering the call to that challenge. I’m going to address these particular issues over a couple of posts. This post will be part 1, and discuss the What Can We Do? portion of the challenge, and I will write a follow-up post next week that discusses the What Should We Do? portion of the challenge.

I think that all of us outdoor bloggers have a definite responsibility to help positively promote the hunting past-time that all of us love so much. I also think, we as outdoor bloggers, have a responsibility to protect all outdoor activities, including, but not limited to, fishing, hiking, canoeing, etc. If it involves being in the outdoors we have a responsibility, not only to promote it, but to protect it.

I wrote an article awhile back, that is posted on Associated Content, that covered a few of these particular issues. And even though I know I am cheating a little bit, I am going to refer back to them. Some might call it lazy, but since I already addressed these issues, it is much easier to reference what I’ve already wrote, rather than re-write them again. Also, by putting these ideas on this blog, they will reach a different audience, and thus help to promote the outdoors to another set of eyes and minds. That, in and of itself, will help to promote the very idea behind Kristine’s challenge.

I think that the first thing we bloggers need to do, in order to help protect our way of life, is to educate. Knowledge is power and by educating, not only ourselves, but also non-hunters, it will go along way to help promote our outdoor activities, and help to erase the negative spotlight put on these activities by groups such as PETA and the HSUS. By simply displaying our love for hunting, and writing about the things associated with it, in a down-to-earth manner, many people will be able to relate to our cause, and even though they may never hunt, they will be more educated about hunting and fishing, and more likely to support those activities.

The next important step that we bloggers can do is to be active. So many of us sit idly by while the anti-groups, such as PETA and the HSUS, defeat us. I can’t tell you how many hunters I have heard say “It doesn’t effect me, so why do I care?”. Well you should care, no matter if you are in California or northern Maine, because sooner or later the issue raised in the state that you didn’t care about, will be heading to your home state. You can guarantee that. Every hunter and fisherman out there needs to be actively involved in protecting their sport. How can you do this you ask? Here are a few ways that I outlined in my article:

It can be as simple as joining an organization that is on the positive side of hunting, or writing a letter to a newspaper explaining the positive things that come from hunting and conservation.

You might think you’re only one voice, but even if only one person reads your words, and it helps them to open their mind a little, the time it took to you to write the letter would be worth it. I think that even though we bloggers write posts on a regular basis about certain issues, that taking the time to write a letter to a newspaper, is a way for us to reach an entirely different audience. That is always a good thing.

The last thing I think us bloggers need to do, and one that Jeff and I take very seriously, is getting kids in the outdoors. We need to help the next generation get involved in the outdoors, and then feature those kids on our blogs. After all the kids our the hunting future, and the earlier we can get them involved in hunting and fishing, the better. To steal from my article again:

We also need to be actively involved in getting kids in the outdoors. This activity alone will go a long way in providing kids with a positive experience and help them to promote that love for the outdoors to future generations.

My words, and not only do I agree with them, I stand behind them, and actively strive to make them true. Jeff has gotten two of his step-kids involved in the outdoors in the last couple of years, and we also have given the bowhunting bug to our cousin Corrin, that many of you have seen featured on the site. Nothing is more pure for a youngster or a teenager than getting outside and appreciating what mother nature has to offer.

I think all of these things are great ways for us bloggers to help promote and protect our way of life, for us, as well as for future generations. I think these only scratch the surface of what we need to do, but I think they are the 3 main factors that I will be focusing on.

I will be writing the Part 2 of this post next week. Hope everyone will come on over and read that as well. This has been a great challenge posed by Kristine. I’m looking forward to reading everyone else’s ideas as well.

I hope everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend. Please do not forget what this weekend is all about!

Popularity: 28% [?]

April 07th, 2008
By Arthur

I know that I’m guilty of this, but I just wanted to get an idea if anyone else notices the same thing.  Lately I have been checking out my blog stats and I have noticed a steep decline in readership on the weekends.  Is everyone experiencing this?

I have a hard time asking a question about something that I know I’m directly contributing too.  I always keep up on blogs throughout the week, and always write a post for every day of the week, but on the weekend all bets are off.  I normally don’t read many blogs, and I rarely, if ever, post on Saturday or Sunday.  It just isn’t  really high on the priority list at that time of the week.

What I am wondering is if this concerns any of you and if you think that there is a way to prevent it?  As I write this I realize how hypocritical I’m sounding, and that is honestly pretty funny.

The big thing I wonder is if all of you see this downtrend in readership on the weekend, and if any of you take a break from your blogging on the weekends too?

I’m a curious guy.  What can I say? 

Note:  The picture is not an actual depiction of my stats.  Just wanted to make that clear.

Popularity: 25% [?]

December 12th, 2007
By Arthur

A friend of mine sent me this video today and I just had to throw it up on the site for everyone to see. They do seem like quite the odd couple but get along quite well it seems.

I wish I knew more of the story, but unfortunately I don’t. If any of you out there have seen this before and know the background behind it I would love to hear the story. Feel free to post a comment and let us all know the details.

Great stuff.

Click on the video to view it. I didn’t want everyone to have to wait for it to load before they could view the page!

Popularity: 28% [?]