Syracuse.com - Two senior crossbow hunters heading off to Ohio to hunt next fall

[HuntingNY-News]

The two bought $800 crossbows last year and are frustrated that they're currently illegal to hunt with in New York. "Maybe if we pressure them (lawmakers), maybe they'll pass something," one of the hunters said.

I met Chuck Eastwood, 78, and Charles Abulencia, 73, two frustrated crossbow owners Sunday at the New York Sportsman's Expo at the state fairgrounds.

Both are former chiefs of the Cicero Volunteer Fire Department and both like to hunt. They told me that last year they both bought $800 crossbows from Abulencia's son, who co-owns Cuzzin's Archery.

They said they'd like to try them out in this state, but since an extension to last year's law allowing crossbows wasn't extended past Dec. 31, the two hunting made plans next fall to go to Ohio to hunt whitetail deer with their bows.

Eastwood said he still hunts with a regular bow, but Abulencia said he's dealing with two torn rotator cuffs.

"Maybe if we pressure them (state lawmakers), maybe they'll pass something," Abulencia said. "I hope they do."

Eastwood said he located an outfitter in Ohio who has a farm and leases several adjacent properties. The two friends, who've been hunting together for 40 years, have scheduled a five-day trip for Oct. 20-24 (during New York's bow hunting season) to hunt deer in Ohio with a crossbow.

"It's in Tippecano, Ohio and according to the computer it's 431 miles away and it should take 6 hours and 51 minutes to get there," Eastwood said. "The outfitter said that we should shoot as least an 8-point buck or bigger. They have feeders, crops planted for them. It's all free-range, no fences. He said hunters usually have about a 40 percent success ratio."

Eastwood said the trip will cost them $1,800 each, plus license fees ($125 hunting and additional $25 buck tag).

"I told the outfitter I didn't care. I just wanted to see some deer," Eastwood said..

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Eastwood said he still hunts with a bow, but Abulencia said he's dealing with two torn rotator cuffs, adding that he can't bowhunting now.

Bought crossbow, $800..

We kind of anticitped.. it would be OK this year in New York.. keeping our fingers crossed.

Torn rotator cuff..he coubht his first..

I still hunted last fall with a bow..We've hunted deer together for 40 years..

shotughun rifle, bow,.. carabou..

Little tougher.. go to gym.. 3 times a week trying to stay in shape.. use a climbing tree stand..

Tippecanoe, Ohio. outfitter has his farm and other farms under lease.. 1,500 acres.

"It's in Tippecano, Ohio and according to the computer it's 431 miles away and should take 6 hours and 51 minutes to get there," Eastwood said. "The outfitter said that we should shoot as least an 8-point buck or bigger. They have feeders, crops planted for them. It's all free-range, no fences. He said hunters usually have about a 40 percent success ratio."

Eastwood said the trip will cost them $1,800 each, plus gas and license fees ($125 hunting and additional $25 buck tag).

5 day hunt.. Oct. 20-25..whitetail..

He asked that you shoot at least 8 point or bigger.. feeders. crops planted for them..all free-range, no fence.. 40 percent success ratio.

"I told the outfitter I didn't care. I just wanted to see some deer.

$1,800 each.. everything.. exc3ept licnes.. $125.. and buck tag for $25..

We hunt down to Eirieville, Cazenovia.. don't see.. no sign.. Letchworth State Park.. three-points on a side.. downhill. tow bears after election day.. 10 a.m. made my day.

Both said it's too bad that crossbows are currently illegal to hunt with in this state, considering it's OK in neighboring states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania.

"I talked with one of the outfitters from North Carolina," Eastwood said. Ciuceroe, volunteer department.. both past chiefs..

Pa.. OK in Pa... brothre goes to illionois.. crossbows out there..

Noreth Carolina.. talked to outfittrer. in Raleigh.. can hunt with whatever down here.

Told my outfitter I jsut want to see some deer.

Charlie...73, Cicero..both shoulders..

Charlie mentioned last year.. had to have knee replaced. didn't go.. finally said. I think we'll go.. looked up online..

Gn.. see a couple of doe. that was about it..

Maybe if we pressure them, maybe they'll pass something.. I hope they do,

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog