By Glen Wunderlich Outdoor Columnist Member Professional Outdoor Media Association
Michigan’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is considering several proposals aimed at expanding the use of crossbows – and, for good reason: The use of crossbows has generated much-welcomed revenue in our pitifully crippled economic straits. And, when it’s all said and done, it will come down to the almighty dollar.
Two proposals would allow hunters 10 years of age and older to use crossbows during any hunting season, whereas the current regulations require hunters to be at least 12 years old. In the Upper Peninsula, one proposal would retain the current rule, which permits only those age 50 and older to use crossbows. In any case, it appears that the minimum 10-year age requirement for crossbows will become effective for the entire Lower Peninsula.
Last year, archery participation was up and so were archery deer kills. And, considering the increased cost of tags last year, this is no small accomplishment. The State of Michigan gets a well-needed boost in income from license sales, retailers funnel more money to the state coffers through sales taxes, and the fees generated from the Pittman-Robertson act provide an infusion of cash for wildlife management.
It all sounds so good, who would complain? Archers of the vertical variety, that’s who. Well, it’s time to give it up, boys. Just listen to the money talk.
Decades ago, I’m sure there was a contingent of more traditional archers scoffing at the notion of compound bows for hunting, which a vast majority of today’s bow hunters now use. It’s called progress and there will be no looking back, just as it has been for them. Hey, if you prefer stick bows or sling shots, have at it; they’re legal, too.
We’ve made it easier for youngsters to get outdoors and to enjoy the hunting experience by lowering age barriers. And, if it were up to me, there would be no age requirements. Parents would decide when their children were old enough to become a game getter. And, as far-fetched as it may sound, some states do just that.
The proposals on the NRC’s table are simply means to recruit new hunters, and thus, retain them. It’s what we were asking for and it’s what we have received, when declining numbers made all hunters an endangered species. It is not a time to squabble among each other; it’s a time to unite and celebrate.
Adding more individuals to the outdoor ranks gives all hunters a louder voice. Sure, it’s that money talking again, but to me it’s more than that. It’s a chance to introduce youngsters to a world of reality far from the video monitor. But, once a youngster begins to mature without being exposed to nature, chances are they will never become an outdoors person. That’s reality!
While PETA and The United States Humane Society would applaud such an outcome, I am intimately familiar with one outdoor writer who is grateful for being introduced to the outdoor world of hunting and fishing. And, I also have it on good word that that same outdoor writer has already ordered his crossbow for the coming season.
Crossbows are just another tool that promotes humane hunting by young and old. Even more traditional archers acknowledge that accuracy can be achieved in a short amount of time. And, if I never kill another deer with an arrow wound from some William Tell wannabe, it will be too soon.
Bring on the crossbows and bring on more hunters! I love it!
