JF Griffin - Index

JF Griffin - magazine - Index

sampled in the same proportion as they exist in the hunter
population. This ensured all user groups were represented
fairly. The survey demonstrated support for the expanded
use of crossbows across all user groups. To view the survey
results, go to www.NJFishandWildlife.com/pdf/2008/
xbowsurvey07.pdf.
Crossbows resemble a firearm in that their short limbs
are transversely mounted on a rifle stock and they have a
trigger with a safety. The shooting technique is similar to
shooting a rifle and is simple to learn. After cocking, crossbows
hold the bowstring in the cocked position without
the shooter’s continued effort and are released mechanically
with a trigger. With practice, crossbows are accurate
and easily mastered.
However, the range and velocity of a crossbow is comparable
to those of a compound bow. And just as with a
compound, long or recurve bow, crossbow hunters must
still develop shooting skills to be successful: correct cocking
technique, proper stance, breath control, careful aim,
smooth trigger pull and follow-through along with the ability
to judge distance.
Crossbows will also enable aging hunters with
various physical limitations not defined as a
handicap, to continue with or to come back to
the sport they love.
Data collected from the 48 states that currently have some
type of crossbow hunting (including New Jersey) indicate
that crossbows are as safe as other types of bows; their use
does not increase either hunting accidents or wounding of
game. The success rate of crossbow hunters is equal to – or only
slightly better than – hunters with compound bows. No state with
legalized crossbow use during the archery seasons has needed to
reduce the bag limit nor shorten the archery seasons as a result of
crossbow hunting.
The Council’s proposal to broaden crossbow use is based on the
positive attributes of crossbow hunting. These benefits include improved
hunter recruitment and retention, better deer management
in areas of suburban/rural interface and increased agency revenue.
Crossbows may encourage a greater participation by youths, women
and others who have difficulty drawing a regular bow to engage
in the sport and start (or maintain) a family hunting tradition.
Crossbows will also enable aging hunters with various physical
limitations not defined as a handicap, to continue with or to
come back to the sport they love. Crossbows can be a practical
alternative in populated areas where firearms discharge has been
restricted by local ordinance. This will assist Fish and Wildlife to
achieve deer management objectives where hunter access has been
limited. And while no additional fees will be charged to hunt with
a crossbow, additional revenue is anticipated through an increase
in archery license and Permit Bow Season permit sales.
After reviewing the survey results and the documentation provided
by Fish and Wildlife biologists, the Fish and Game Council
voted to amend the 2009-10 Game Code to broaden the definition
of a bow to include crossbows, and allow their use for deer hunting
in any open bow season for legal hunters of all ages. If adopted,
this proposed amendment will not take effect until the 2009-10
hunting season.
Game Code changes to include crossbow hunting, as well as the
other proposed changes to hunting and trapping regulations (see
Proposed Changes to Hunting in New Jersey, page 80) are subject
to a public comment period whereby the citizens of New Jersey can
express their opinion. Check periodically on Fish and Wildlife’s
Web site (www.NJFishandWildlife.com) for details on the public
comment period, public meeting dates and to view the proposed
changes to the Game Code. And remember, crossbows are NOT
legal during the 2008-09 deer seasons.
8 | New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Digest Buy your license or permit online at August 2008
2008 Hunting and Trapping Issue www.NJFishandWildlife.com