I think we go hunting or fishing most of the time without even admitting or realizing the real reason for doing it is to be outdoors in the woods or on the shore or in a boat. Success does add to the experience but is not always obtained or necessary. On the crossbow debate I agree 100% with your reasons on disability/age. I do still feel there should be separate seasons. I see ads for the new crossbows that claim they are capable of shooting 3 inch groups @100 yards. If true this is more in line of the capabilities of a muzzle loader than a recurve/compound bow. I think ads like that also encourage people to shoot at deer way past their actual effectiveness which has always given all bowhunters bad publicity. I have and will always respect all your opinions.
Muzzleloader tag is only good for early and late seasons not regular season
So as i read the DEC regs ,which arealways sometime confusing, im not sure but even though i shot a buck with the gun can i still use a crossbow during the rest of gun season and put my muzzle loader tag on it. My muzzler loader is shot..
I have noticed a drop off in the number of hunters this year too.It seems like it is because of aging hunters. I am not sure the state can do much about that?I had my 7 year old out this morning. We sat in a deer stand until he was almost frozen. Then we chased squirrels for a few hours and brought a couple home. We both had a great time (minus the frozen toes)