cactusjack

I have the Leupold range finder that drops a pin on onx. It is a nice feature. My Swarovski EL range with tracking does the same thing, but on its own software.

Here is a copy of the letter I sent to Game and Fish, the Gov office, my State Senator, Pres of the Senate, 4 diff media outlets, and a couple ADA groups. Please contact Game and FIsh and make your opinion known. Even if you disagree with me, you have an opinion, its wrong 😂, but express it just the same. there are many reasons besides lack of strength to draw a bow that can cause someone to be unable to draw, hold, aim and release accurately an arrow. In my case I have nerve damage/neuropathy, essential tremors, shoulder injuries, and an auto immune connective tissue problem that causes my ligaments and tendons to rip away where they are supposed to be. Its not a strength problems. 3 shoulder surgeries to put things back in place forced me to look at other options. My surgeon at the VA was the person who told me about the program. The VA has been pushing disabled vets to get back to doing what we did prior to our injuries, especially outdoors with our friends and families. It sometimes requires adaptive means. Taking away options because some people have abused it, doesn't seem like a good idea. Go after the bad players. I know its extreme but Lets get rid of all handicap parking because some people inherited their grandparents old placards or lied..... https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYIhOra-8hsDSgR8mjOmG99pSydNfhvrvufWo8B3zbBRfAtg/viewform rulemaking@azgfd.gov Subject: why is AZ Game and Fish taking away hunting opportunities from disabled hunters that are not disabled enough Arizona Game and Fish Department 5000 W. Carefree Hwy Phoenix, AZ 85086 Subject: Opposition to Repeal of R12-4-216 and Advocacy for Equitable Hunting Opportunities Dear Arizona Game and Fish Department, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed repeal of R12-4-216 and the growing discourse surrounding crossbow use in archery-only hunts. As a committed advocate for equitable and fair hunting practices, I believe this change could alienate and disadvantage certain hunters, particularly those with physical disabilities who rely on crossbows as their legal method of take. The argument that crossbow technology has advanced beyond "standard archery equipment" does not hold when weighed against the progress of other hunting technologies. Compound bows to high-powered scopes, technological advancements have benefited all hunters across the board, offering more ethical and efficient harvesting opportunities. Singling out crossbows is an inconsistent and inequitable stance. If technology is a concern, should we not then limit compound bows, inline muzzleloaders, or range finders? Clearly, this approach is neither practical nor fair. Furthermore, statistical claims about the increased number of crossbow hunters are misleading when contextualized with Arizona's growing population and hunter demographics. With a population increase of 9.9% since 2015 and more individuals entering the sport, a proportional rise in crossbow permits is inevitable. The 1.3% of permit holders using crossbows represents a minor fraction of the total hunters and cannot reasonably be classified as a problem. Assertions regarding quick harvests and over-the-counter (OTC) unit closures fail to account for practical realities. Disabled hunters with crossbows are more likely to act on their opportunities due to limited mobility, while other hunters often prioritize trophy harvests, which extends hunting durations. It’s worth noting that nearly half of the OTC units remain open, debunking the notion of widespread closures due to crossbow use. Recommendations: Refinement of the CHAMP and Crossbow Permit Application Process: Introduce stricter accountability for medical professionals authorizing crossbow permits to ensure legitimate use. Transition to Draw-Based Archery Deer Seasons: Implement a system where all hunters, regardless of method of take, compete equally through a draw process for archery tags. This ensures fairness and mitigates concerns about overharvest by a specific group. Public Representation and Transparency: Include representation from crossbow and CHAMP permit holders in stakeholder discussions to ensure their perspectives are considered in decision-making processes. Arizona Game and Fish has worked hard to build rapport with non-hunting constituencies. Repealing R12-4-216 without adequately addressing concerns risks damaging the Department's reputation and undoing years of effort to foster public support for responsible wildlife management. I urge you to reconsider the proposed changes and instead work toward solutions that maintain equitable opportunities for all hunters, honoring the diversity and inclusivity that defines Arizona's outdoor heritage. Thank you for considering my concerns. I am confident Arizona Game and Fish will act in the best interest of all stakeholders. Sincerely, Steve

ok. so 1 out of how many?

and Crossbow permit holders?

If shooting a dink puts you 2 or 3 years away from trying again it should.

No hunting 1/4 mile of a permanent water source. OTC archery deer tags, when you harvest a deer, you are put into a 2 or 3 year OTC timeout. You can still put in for draw tags and use your bow if you choose. People will think twice before shooting a dink.

My biggest problem with how this went down is who was asked to be on the focus/working group. Who was on it? Were there any CHAMP or crossbow permit holders involved? The lack of an honest look at advancement in compound bows compared to the scrutiny of crossbows. https://www.outdoorlife.com/hunting/crossbow-vs-compound-bow/ Personally I'd love to be able to hunt with a compound bow again. Before I started having major medical issues, I hunted with a compound bow, and was practicing with a recurve planned to use it on a javelina hunt. Crossbows are heavy, bulky, slow to setup and load and reload, and shoot so loudly. I tried chasing bugles and it was so awkward. Had to have my cousins carry my tripod. Trying to get positioned and setup, then move and try again. The 2 years of harvest data isn't enough to make an informed decision. That was taken from Dr Hardins Dec Commission meeting presentation. With 2 days remaining on the OTC deer hunt, there are 28 units still open. - get your magic crossbows out and slay them. Other ways that we can protect the deer herd. End OTC archery deer tags. Straight draw. Keep OTC archery deer tags, but put a harvest limit on the hunters. If you choose to take a deer, you are prohibited from taking another OTC archery deer for 2 years. You can draw a rifle tag, and use your bow during your 2 year timeout. Kinda in the idea of the Nevada eligibility waiting periods No more sitting water. 1/4 mile rule.

I use my old walker game ears.

how does having an special needs child make him a spokesperson for people with a disability? it doesn't. No more than me being a disabled veteran or having grown up with a foster sister with sever cerebral palsy, that lived with us for 15 years makes me an expert. I have been dealing with the VA for 20+ years, so my perspective is different. I can get a CHAMP permit, according to the new requirements, so this isn't sour grapes. I will agree that disabled hunters that qualify for the new requirements of the CHAMP permit, will have the same 71 days a year of access to OTC deer tags, however what happens to those who are disabled, but not disabled enough, but still cant pull and hold a bow well enough to use it? They get to put in for draw hunts. So they dont have the same opportunity. A.R.S. 17-101 Guides are required to report violations , that the guide knew of or should have known...... Russ claimed to know outfitters that had people commit fraud. Statistics are never skewed to show a preferred outcome Dr Hardin from Game and Fish gave some statistics in her presentation in Dec. In 2010 there were 895 permanent crossbow permits issued compared to almost 1100 a year now. a 22% increase --Az population in 2010 was 6,407,342 and in 2024 is 7,582,384, an increase of 1,175,042 or an 18.339% increase in population. That is a 14 year window, so the hunting population is aging and with age comes frailty or disability. Information about the permit has spread, people that would have quit bow hunting found a way to legally continue. The 22% increase in applicants is not a shock when you look at the 18.339 % population increase and factor in aging hunters. She also said the 2 years of harvest data isnt statistically defensible by itself. What other factors are in play? You were a part of the focus group, do you have the totals on how many permanent crossbow permits have been issued and are still being used? and how many temporary ones have been issued and are still being used? How many CHAMP permits are there currently and how many do they expect to now qualify? There are 95 any elk CHAMP permits this year. I hope they are ready for the competition for those.

statistics. Dr Hardin, who works for Game and Fish, in December said "the 2 years of harvest data is not statistically defensible". and there are still 30 archery units open.

OTC archery tags are good for 71 days every year. The ABA, Russ Richardson, Marvin Zeiser, Brian Rimza and others are hypocritically slandering disabled hunters in order to protect their guaranteed 71 days each year. Apparently, now some of us are cheaters, cowards, lazy, and liars. Purely selfish protectionism. Before the archery quota days, nobody cared about what archery method was used. BOHNTR, I took that from your words. BOHNTR, you were on the panel and claim to know 3 people that committed fraud. Did you turn them in? If not, in my opinion you are an accomplice to fraud. Had you turned them in, it's up to Game and Fish to investigate and possibly charge them. If you know someone is fraudulently buying an In State license and tag, would you turn them in? I don't hunt OTC deer, but if I wanted to I could and should be able to with my permanent crossbow permit. The ADA attorneys are ready.

I went to the Commission meeting. Unfortunately my voice is gone due to a sinus infection. I struggle with the way crossbow hunters were portrayed in the last meeting by Russ Richardson and Marvin Zeiser. I can get the CHAMP permit, with the new requirements, but I shouldn't need to and what about other people that are disabled, but not disabled enough? I have been speaking with ADA groups and an attorney but hopefully we can find an equitable solution. here is what I tried to communicate. Attached is what I struggled to get through this morning. Good morning, Thank you for the opportunity to express my concerns regarding the proposed repeal of R12-4-216 and the debate surrounding crossbow use in archery-only hunts. As an advocate for equitable and fair hunting practices, I believe this change risks alienating and disadvantaging hunters, especially those with physical disabilities who rely on crossbows as their legal method of take. Numerous allegations have surfaced regarding fraudulently acquired crossbow permits. However, how many of these cases have been formally cited or reported to Operation Game Thief? Without concrete evidence, these claims appear speculative and detract from the core issues. The argument that crossbow technology has advanced beyond "standard archery equipment" lacks consistency when viewed alongside advancements in other hunting tools. Modern compound bows now feature 90% let-off, trigger releases, and arrow speeds of up to 340 fps. Paired with laser rangefinders, these advancements enable accurate kills at distances exceeding 100 yards—a fact readily verified with a simple search. Singling out crossbows while disregarding these other innovations is both unfair and impractical. If technology is truly a concern, should restrictions also apply to compound bows or other tools? Clearly, such a policy would be unreasonable and inequitable. Concerns regarding increased crossbow use also lack proper perspective. Arizona’s population has grown by nearly 10% since 2015, naturally increasing the number of hunters. Currently, only 1.3% of permit holders use crossbows—a proportional rise, not an outsized issue. Dr. Harding noted that, in 2010, approximately 895 permanent crossbow permits were processed compared to nearly 1,100 today. This modest increase does not indicate widespread abuse. Similarly, claims attributing over-the-counter (OTC) unit closures to crossbows fail to consider important nuances. Hunters with disabilities often face significant mobility challenges and must seize opportunities efficiently, while many able-bodied hunters extend seasons in pursuit of trophy harvests. Notably, nearly half of OTC units remained open as of January 14th, with 27 still open today—clearly showing that crossbow hunters are not responsible for widespread closures. To address these concerns fairly, I propose the following solutions: Refining CHAMP and Crossbow Permits: Strengthen the application process to ensure accountability from medical professionals and maintain the program’s integrity. Transitioning to a Draw-Based Archery Season: Implement an equitable draw system for archery tags. Currently, OTC archery hunters enjoy 71 days per year, which could be more fairly balanced. Ensuring Stakeholder Representation: Include crossbow and CHAMP permit holders in policy focus groups to ensure their perspectives are considered. Mandatory Harvest Reporting: Require harvest reporting for all big game species, regardless of season or method of take. Dr. Harding mentioned during the December Commission meeting that two years of crossbow harvest data has been collected but remains statistically inconclusive. More robust data collection is necessary to ensure fairness for all hunters. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has built public trust through its commitment to responsible wildlife management. Repealing R12-4-216 without addressing these critical concerns risks alienating an important segment of the hunting community and undoing years of progress. Thank you for your consideration. I trust Arizona Game and Fish will prioritize fairness, inclusivity, and respect as the foundation of Arizona’s outdoor heritage. Steve King

If you look at the agenda for the meeting being held this Friday, read down in the executive meeting minutes. During the closed session Legal Advice. The Commission may vote to meet in executive session in accordance with A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) for the purpose of discussing and consulting with legal counsel for legal advice regarding the Commission's authority to close state trust lands to hunting and to close roads providing access to state trust lands. What do we think about that? Our land?

https://www.outdoorlife.com/hunting/crossbow-vs-compound-bow/ an objective look at compound bows vs crossbows.

Friday. Trying to get there, but have an appointment at the VA that has been on the books for 8 months.

Im not an attorney, but I have had multiple concussions so my brain has been bruised enough to understand some of their ways. My hairbrained comments are below each item. b. Litigation and Legal Advice. The Commission may vote to meet in executive session in accordance with A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) and (4) for the purpose of discussing and consulting with legal counsel for legal advice in order to consider its position and to instruct legal counsel regarding the Commission’s position concerning the legal strategy recommendations from the Department’s legal strategies team. Circular legal speak, asking the attorneys if whatever shenanigans the legal strategies team has concocted will get them sued c. Legal Advice. The Commission may vote to meet in executive session in accordance with A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) for the purpose of discussing and consulting with legal counsel for legal advice regarding the Commission's authority to close state trust lands to hunting and to close roads providing access to state trust lands. Closing off select land to the public doesn't hurt their $$$$$. We pay the same. They can now charge more for the now "private property" leased state trust land f. Legal Advice. The Commission may vote to meet in executive session in accordance with A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) for the purpose of discussing and consulting with legal counsel for legal advice regarding a proposed petition to amend Commission rules related to the lawful methods of take and seasons for taking wildlife. Crossbow and OTC g. Legal Advice. The Commission may vote to meet in executive session in accordance with A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) for the purpose of discussing and consulting with legal counsel regarding trespasses and other unauthorized activities on Commission-owned Wildlife Areas. Robbins Butte, Powers Butte are 2 that came to mind, I see illegal dumping out there. Dont see this one as sketchy i. Purchase or Disposal of Real Property and Legal Advice. The Commission may vote to meet in Executive Session pursuant to A.R.S § 38-431.03(A)(3) and (7) for the purpose of discussion or consultation with Department staff in order to consider its position and instruct its representative regarding the purchase or disposal of real property and for the purpose of discussing and consulting with legal counsel for legal advice I wonder are we buying or selling? the legal definition of real property is land and anything that is affixed to, growing on, or built upon the land. Are b, c and i connected? Are these connected to the rumors for a push for landowners tags?

Just spitballing here, but limiting access to certain leased land would make those leases more desirable. If you own land and post it, but now you can keep people off leased state trust land too. How much more could they charge for those leases? They are looking at closing it to hunting and closing access roads. This dovetails with Land Owner Tags. The leased land would not increase the quantity of tags, but would stop joe public from hunting those "private" areas

Here is the entire agenda January-24-2025-Commission-Meeting-Agenda.doc (1).pdf

Complain on forums, push to punish everyone. Make allegations of fraud, on same public forums... Your job here is done.

Prime example of the problem. Complains about fraud, but doesn't want to do more than complain and make allegations.

Sad, if nobody is interested in stopping theft and fraud.

How is it that everyone knows someone that is committing fraud, but nobody is reporting them to Game Thief? Instead, many are pushing to take away something from everyone, people who have not committed fraud.

I just got a pair of 8s. They are great. Hold out for the 8s.

Did you call Game Thief?

Pm inbound