Syracuse.com - Morrisville resident, 74, writes existing crossbow law is "bad and needs to be changed."

[HuntingNY-News]

"I consider it ludicrous to be prevented from using an archery implement during archery season, but then being allowed to use it during gun and muzzleloader seasons," he said. Bill Donnelly, 74, of Morrisville, wrote me this week and shared a letter he wrote to Sen. David Valesky. He called me and said it'd be OK to share with readers of this blog.Here it is: "I first want to commend you (Valesky) and thank you for the legislation you introduced in 2010, with the result that crossbows are now allowed for at least part of our big game hunting season. I realize that your bill was modified several times in order to gain passage, so my criticisms of the current law are not aimed at you. You at least got us a "foot in the door"."Let me share some of my thoughts on the overall issue: I refer largely to David Figura's Outdoors column in the May 13, 2012 issue of the Post-Standard."I'm a 74 yr. old avid hunter and outdoors enthusiast, and have been a bow hunter since 1980. I keep myself fit and use a climbing treestand and a compound bow,and in some circumstances hunt from the ground. I have had enough success w/the compound bow to eagerly anticipate each season, but would consider buying a crossbow for it's certain advantages if allowed to use it during archery season. I consider it ludicrous to be prevented from using an archery implement during archery season, but then being allowed to use it during gun and muzzleloader seasons. In those seasons I'll use a gun and muzzleloader, respectively. I like to come home w/venison."I consider the whole issue to be idealogical or philosophical, with essentially one well organized and vociferous lobby group imposing their viewpoint on all. I'm disappointed that the legislature succumbed to pressure based on superficial reasoning. This is the same as if fly fishermen lobbied to ban spinning tackle or bait casting tackle during trout season. "I thought David Figura's article was objective and balanced, but he did refer to the issue as being an emotional one. It was also mentioned that N.Y. Bowhunters, Inc. was "not against crossbows; they just didn't want to share the woods w/them at that time.""Well, that's simply not their call. State land is the public domain. State policy affects all. A policy based on opinion, rather than fact is not valid. As it now stands it's a bad law and needs to be changed to be just."I wonder if the current law would stand up in court if challenged?"Removing the restriction on crossbows would have both economic and conservation benefits. More hunters would be attracted to the archery season, generating revenue from license and permit sales. Some of that revenue would go to the conservation fund, beneficial to all. There would probably be an increase in the deer harvest in the archery season, resulting in a healthier deer herd. Small businesses would enjoy a boost, especially archery shops."Finally, it is socially desirable to provide expanded recreational opportunities to the citizens of our state."

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog