Originally Posted by
Bugle M In
Things and technology change, lets be honest there.
When Bow season started, it was considered a "short range" weapon.
(Note: short range).
And giving an earlier start to those folks makes sense, although yes, once they have traipsed in the woods for a week bugling/calling etc, the jig is up and the game knows hunting season is on, which then makes GOS season a little harder when I it starts, but that's not a bad thing (remember, we are hunting, not out killing).
(besides the point, but some argue that so worth mentioning).
And the "give 2 rifle hunters a bow or Xbow", and which will they shoot better, I agree, Xbow hands down! (that's the truth).
Thing is, XBow is not a "short range weapon" any longer.
The FPS rates make this weapon just as effective as a 30/30 (maybe even better??).
So, that's were the "grey/gray area" is, in regards to their use on Bow only.
(Only have to look at Alberta to see how they look at it, and that's another fair point, imo)
Disability, good to go (that is allowed in Alberta, but I think some folks take their disability to the umpteenth degree to say why
they need a disability permit...seen it here in BC on other matters)
Lots of hunters have XBows now, that never owned vertical bows not ever would have gone vertical bow if Xbows weren't allowed in BOS.
IS it to "extend their season"????
I don't know, I suppose that is just a "spin-off".
I think most get them to hunt in a "timeframe" that they feel gives them a better chance to harvest their quarry.
Also, quite often the "restriction on antler size" is lower as well, which helps increase the chances of success.
So, less antler restriction and using a "Medium Range Weapon" are the 2 big factors.
(I know it is something I contemplate every August before the season begins, but haven't done so as of yet.)
So, are there more hunters out there during BOS due to XBow….for sure, imo.
Is there some increased success due to more hunters, yes, if the game is around, and is there more success given the
extended range....more than likely, imo.
2 points not brought up, not often enough:
For the CO's, the nightmare is more about game being poached "inside city/town limits".
Yes, a vertical bow is equivalent, but agin, extended range and the fact that there are many folks with XBows adds to this issue.
So, we have to understand the CO's perspective on that.
The other point is, some GO's do not like having hunters in their territory before they are in there with their clients.
(Lets face it, some GO's are great, but we also have another camp who hate anybody but themselves hunting and that will never
change.
Hunting alone can bring on a "competitive nature" for some, and throw in money....well, enough said).
And sure, there are some die-hard traditionalists in the Bow World who hate XBows in their BOS season.
(But, when it comes to this Ban, they didn't play a role in it, even if they feel it will benefit them)