Finally some good news

[Nick87]

Still have a numbers problem. But I don't disagree.

You'd see a lot of numbers drop off imo.

 

[44hunter45]

AZ was issuing the 'illegal' disability permits. AZ could easily fix that and still allow hunters who cannot physically shoot a bow to use x bow without magnifying optics, to hunt during archery. It was not easy to get my disability x bow authorization here in CO, I needed a signed form from my Dr. He consulted the regs before signing my permit. If AZ doesn't trust Drs to be honest they should firm up the regs on what specifically constitutes x bow eligibility, then designate specific Drs with training on the topic and make permit seekers go through only those Drs. There is a flavor of kneejerk reaction against genuinely handicapped archers in this, just because the state didn't do it's due diligence in their handicap permitting process.

Agree, but not 100%. People use scam doctors to get drugs, too.

 

[Flynarrow]

Agree, but not 100%. People use scam doctors to get drugs, too.

Too many doctors would sign anything without recognizing the consequences. And too many hunters would use anything to make it easier. They probably have handicapped parking permits too.

 

[Rie Bread]

Based on the condition of the mule deer herd it’s in our best interest to promote a more fair means way of pursing mule deer. Logically a trad bow only for mule deer hunting is one way as sportsmen/women that we can bring about change, like getting mule deer hunting out of the rut.

 

[Straight Arrow]

like getting mule deer hunting in the rut.

I say let's quit mule deer hunting in the rut.

 

[mtmuley]

Can you imagine the game numbers/and trophy quality if rifle season was open sights, muzzleloader was sidelock, and archery was stick and string. Not to mention the oppurtunity it would provide for all of us in the number of tags that would be available. People don't want oppurtunity though they want to fill a tag as easily as possible. I say this as a guy who shoots a 15x scope, an in line muzzleloader and a compound bow. I would be in overwhelming favor of it though if we could pull that off.

Nobody on Rokslide would kill anything. mtmuley

 

[Rie Bread]

I say let's quit mule deer hunting in the rut.

Typo

 

[grizzly63]

AZ was issuing the 'illegal' disability permits. AZ could easily fix that and still allow hunters who cannot physically shoot a bow to use x bow without magnifying optics, to hunt during archery. It was not easy to get my disability x bow authorization here in CO, I needed a signed form from my Dr. He consulted the regs before signing my permit. If AZ doesn't trust Drs to be honest they should firm up the regs on what specifically constitutes x bow eligibility, then designate specific Drs with training on the topic and make permit seekers go through only those Drs. There is a flavor of kneejerk reaction against genuinely handicapped archers in this, just because the state didn't do it's due diligence in their handicap permitting process.

See, you're not looking at it right. Why is all the emphasis on the state controlling it? The people had a chance to do the right thing and not game the system and they failed. No one wants bigger government so the next best step is to not allow the gaming of the system. You're like everyone else and looking out for yourself which is normal and to be expected.

 

[Keep'er Movin]

Durkin: Crossbow’s impact on Wisconsin bowhunting loses steam

The 89,480 deer that arrow-slingers registered during Wisconsin’s 2023 archery and crossbow seasons marked the third straight year of decline after the kill hit 111,628 in 2020.

www.antigojournal.com

Basically what the article says is crossbows have had little impact on the deer herd in Wisconsin. I've had 3 knee surgeries on my left knee. I'm not disabled by any means but it sure hurts like a SOB when I use sticks and my saddle or hang on. I have two very nice Hoyts that I enjoy shooting but I'll admit, I just got a tenpoint in the mail on Friday to use on the ground and I'm excited to try something new. I hunt public land, have never used a trail camera in my life, and I'm going to enjoy my opportunity while it still presents itself and I'm able to whether it's with a compound or a crossbow. I only take what I need in terms of deer and that is usually 1 per season. I'm not sure why crossbows are so polarizing, but OnX, cell cams, TSS shot shells, forward facing sonar, range finding anything, E-bikes, 200+ hp motors, lightweight synthetic clothing, semi-auto anything, high powered optics, ATVs, UTVs, etc do not seem to garnish the same amount of criticism. I also wonder how many hunters would complain if a youth hunter who has never been exposed to the outdoors finds success with a crossbow? Would that youths experience in the outdoors be any less meaningful or memorable because of the choice of weapon?

 

[Nick87]

also wonder how many hunters would complain if a youth hunter who has never been exposed to the outdoors finds success with a crossbow?

I would, especially if they could've waited a year or two or whatever to hunt archery season with a bow. Little discipline never hurt anyone. Instant gratification isn't what I'm looking for with my kids and hunting. Also what do knee surgeries have to do with switching to a crossbow?

 

[Raisin Bran]

Are you saying this a bad move?

No. Not all. In fact the complete opposite.

 

[Raisin Bran]

Likely a knee-jerk ideological reaction to any comment regarding a "government" decision at any level. Uncontrollable reaction to criticize the "gubment" at any opportunity ... logical, rational or not. Stretching the elasticity of "crossbows" to "natural resources". Pathetic, but unfortunately it's prevalent. Try to view it as absurdly humorous.

Meh. Sure appreciate your over opinionated assumptions!

At least @Nick87 had the forethought to ask. Thanks @Nick87!

 

[Straight Arrow]

Meh. Sure appreciate your over opinionated assumptions!

At least @Nick87 had the forethought to ask. Thanks @Nick87!

Thank-you.

Yes, Nick87 is much more objective, thoughtful, and polite.

 

[Nick87]

Thank-you.

Yes, Nick87 is much more objective, thoughtful, and polite.

Not to mention more handsome and well endowed.

 

[elkduds]

See, you're not looking at it right. Why is all the emphasis on the state controlling it? The people had a chance to do the right thing and not game the system and they failed. No one wants bigger government so the next best step is to not allow the gaming of the system. You're like everyone else and looking out for yourself which is normal and to be expected.

I'm looking at it from the perspective of a hunter who had to quit archery because of shoulder injuries, then legally took advantage of CO's disability process to get permitted to hunt w x bow during CO archery season. We are the hunters these laws were made for. Why should we lose our legal privilege because scammers jump on poorly written and enforced legislation? ADA is a federal law requiring accommodations to those with disabilities, especially by gov't agencies. All laws have to account for abuse by scammers, this one is no different. Are you really advocating for taking away hunting opportunities from genuinely disabled hunters? Then you are looking at it wrong.

 

[Nick87]

Ive always been in the fence on applying in Arizona. After this, they will be receiving my money this year.

 

[Treeshark]

I wonder if there isn’t some valuable context missing here- how in the world did disability permits increase 1700% in just a few years?

Did the criteria change or something? That seems way to big to be just spontaneous growth.

Also, how does the author of the quotation know that there were so many “illegal” crossbow applications? If they were indeed illegal, why was the current law not being enforced as a starting point?

Lot of questions on this one, but at its face I feel bad for legitimately disabled people in AZ that lost this opportunity if this is really how it all went down.

 

[Treeshark]

I can only speak from what I have observed locally- but we used to have a fairly strictly-enforced disability application system here. It wasn’t easy to get the permit, and very few people used crossbows (included 65+ as well). It was a non-factor.

We have since went to full-inclusion and it has had a massive effect on harvest and harvest timing (way more in archery season now, less during rifle). That sucks and I wish we had our old way back.

Just seems like AZ may be throwing the baby out with the bathwater, but I suspect there is more nuance to this one than we have seen thus far.

 

[Nick87]

Can those disabled hunters use a crossbow during firearm season ? As far as the age limitations go, when I'm 70 or 80 (tomorrow who knows?) or whatever that number is when I can't bowhunt anymore I'll stick to gun hunting. Or just watching my kids/grandkids hunt or mentoring someone else's. There's a lot more to enjoy in the world of hunting than notching your own tag. Especially after notching them for that long. Hell, I learned that in my early 20's.

 

[Nick87]

And for the record my step Dad and my Grandpa jumped on the crossbow bandwagon. Actually I take that back my grandpa had the disabled permit before it was legal for everyone. Anyway, yes I criticize the legality of it just as hard in front of them.