Crossbow issue to draw comments at survey

The state’s crossbow deer hunters are cranking up for a battle to save their sport after a surprise attack launched by the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board.

The board has proposed an Oct. 1-31 crossbow season for those without disabilities and under age 60, with the suggestion on the spring public questionnaire of the joint Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Congress hearings held in every county. Those with a disabled permit or over age 60 would be able to continue using a crossbow during the full archery season.

In 2014, the state authorized the first crossbow season open to everyone, not just those with a handicap or at least age 65 as it was prior to that season. Crossbow hunters have shared the same season as vertical bow hunters, beginning the second Saturday in September and continuing through the first weekend in January. Both crossbow and vertical bow hunters are allowed to use their weapons during the nine-day gun season if they choose.

Crossbow hunters embraced the new law, helping the DNR control the ever-expanding deer herd by shooting antlerless deer as well as bucks. Crossbows eliminate the need to draw a string back when a deer is within sight and sound of the hunter — the main and some would say only advantage of a crossbow over a modern compound bow.

Many lower-priced crossbows are 30- to 50-yard weapons, launching bolts (arrows) at 300 to 400 feet per second. Top compound bows fire an arrow at 355 fps. High-end crossbows — at prices exceeding $2,000 — are capable of accurate shots out to 100 yards, although few humane hunters would try a shot that far.

DNR statistics show that more archery season hunters are taking up the crossbow and having success with this efficient killer. In 2017, crossbow hunters surpassed vertical bow hunters on both bucks and antlerless deer, killing 27,406 bucks and 19,822 antlerless deer, versus vertical bow hunters who took 25,808 and 19,358, respectively.

The NRB question mentions that in 2019, 42% of the registered antlered buck harvest occurred prior to the gun deer opener.

“This has impacted the firearm season to the point that it may no longer meet the expectations that firearm deer hunters have historically had,” the statement continues. “The department has authority to modify the crossbow hunting season by rule. It is possible to again meet the expectations for firearm hunters by reducing the disproportionate buck harvest and reduce hunting pressure a couple weeks before the gun deer opener while still maintaining exceptional crossbow hunting opportunity.”

DNR surveys indicate that while time afield for gun deer hunters has dropped off since the early 1990s, time afield for bow and crossbow hunters has been increasing. Interviews with gun deer hunters who have left the sport blame a lack of seeing deer or just losing interest in hunting.

“People have spent their hard-earned money on the equipment with the expectation they would have same opportunity to hunt with crossbow as vertical bow. It’s not right to take that away from them at this point,” said Kevin Marquette, of Shawano, a former board member of the Shawano County Conservation Congress.

“I don’t like this because it discriminates against 50-plus-year-olds that like to hunt, as well as younger kids that are learning to hunt (who also in many cases don’t have upper body strength to hold 40-plus pounds back with a vertical bow). That shuts out those two groups from hunting the rut when they are most likely to see deer within crossbow range. That’s not right. I can think of a few in that age group who have joint/muscle issues and can’t pull/hold a vertical bow back.”

“They better be careful with this crossbow thing or they are potentially going to lose a whole generation of hunters on the front and back end, along with many in the middle,” said Dan Frank, of Oshkosh, who hunts deer with rifles, crossbow and compound bow.

“So many people have switched (to crossbows) and can’t afford to go back. So many kids are in it because that’s more fun for them or easier when younger. So many women now use them who had trouble with bows. We are trying to recruit more hunters … they can complain all they want but the only license sale numbers going up every year are crossbow. I would quit gun hunting tomorrow if I had to choose between crossbow and gun and I think a lot of people agree.”

Frank noted that the current archery/crossbow season features “warmer weather, deer in natural patterns, and less people in the woods in general.”

Marquette added: “The bow/crossbow kill is going up more and more because more hunters are out earlier in late October and November, hunting when deer are moving. If legislature would move the gun opener up like we want, some of that kill would transfer over to gun season. Duh! The NRB, whether it’s intentional or not, is driving a wedge between sportsmen/women of this state. They’re doing it at a time when we need to be uniting and working together, not fighting each other.”

The questions on the annual survey, shared with the public at April meetings in every county, are simply a gauge of public opinion and help the NRB and DNR make decisions on policies. The public also can respond to the questions online without attending a meeting.

FYI

Saturday is the season opener for the lake sturgeon spearing season on Lake Winnebago and the upriver lakes.

This year’s biggest issue is thin ice, which will not support trucks in most areas. The thousands of spearers will rely on ATVs and snowmobiles to traverse the frozen lakes and in some cases use lightweight ice fishing tents if they can’t move their heavier shanties in place.

A report on this unique sport will be published next Saturday. If you are from the Shawano area and would like to share your spearing success, email Ross Bielema at Ross@wolfriverccw.com.

Ross Bielema is a freelance writer from New London and owner of Wolf River Concealed Carry LLC. Contact him at Ross@wolfriverccw.com.

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