Crossbow permit repeal

[cactusjack]

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:

1. Refinement of the CHAMP and Crossbow Permit Application Process: Introduce stricter accountability for medical professionals authorizing crossbow permits to ensure legitimate use.
2. 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.
3. 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 

[BOWUNTR]

I sent mine too. Ed F

Good job AZGFD. You have finally done something that made sense... identifying that crossbows are not archery equipment and that the current system was abused by many. Now... get busy on fixing the quota system that you haphazardly put in place.

 

[AZBIG10]

6 minutes ago, BOWUNTR said:

I sent mine too. Ed F

Good job AZGFD. You have finally done something that made sense... identifying that crossbows are not archery equipment and that the current system was abused by many. Now... get busy on fixing the quota system that you haphazardly put in place.

 

Point guard abuse needs to be addressed also

[cactusjack]

Compound bows are not primitive archery equipment.  With recurve and longbows, 20 to 30 yards is the effective hunting range.   

I am pushing to go straight draw, no more OTC tags. 

[trphyhntr]

Where does it say you need to use “primitive” archery equipment in the regs 

[cactusjack]

Right from the proposed rulemaking clarification sheet

"Crossbow technology was much simpler in 1996 when the crossbow permit was initiated, but improvements in crossbow technology have advanced to a point that crossbow is no longer comparable to standard archery equipment and cannot be considered reasonable accommodation in archery-only hunts."

 

1956 when the first only archery hunts were put in, that's traditional/primitive.  Compound bows were not invented until 1966, patented in 1969. 

My first compound bow was from the early 80s.  Basically 2 wheels. Judging distance was an art.  If you wanted a range finder it was mechanical with a wheel to align the images.  

My father-in-law was an engineer at PSE in Tucson, I got to benefit from the advances quickly. Upgrading every time the latest and greatest came out.  The grip was off set, eccentric radical cams, and the hits kept coming. 

So lets be honest, 90% let-off, trigger release, laser range finders, carbon fiber lightweight bows and arrows, that shoot at speeds of 300fps+ are not anywhere close to what was standard or traditional archery equipment from 1956, 1966, 1976, 1986 or even 1996.  

So if you start pulling threads, be sure your not unraveling something you don't want to fall apart.

 

[trphyhntr]

15 minutes ago, cactusjack said:

Right from the proposed rulemaking clarification sheet

"Crossbow technology was much simpler in 1996 when the crossbow permit was initiated, but improvements in crossbow technology have advanced to a point that crossbow is no longer comparable to standard archery equipment and cannot be considered reasonable accommodation in archery-only hunts."

 

 

Are you saying this quote mentions primitive archery equipment? Compound Bows from 1996 archaic? That’s a stretch. I still have my 1997, it’s not a bad rig.

[cactusjack]

in your opinion.  When OTC goes away, lets just sit back and say wow.  Crossbows in 1996 were not archaic either.  

Have a great day.  enjoy what you have while you have it. 

[jdown]

I have not heard anything but repeal but is the 'plan' to move Crossbows as part of the Champ permit process vs a Crossbow permit?

I have not looked at the Champ process but I assume more extensive to get? 

If that's that the case, would you be opposed to having to have a champ permit to use a xbow?

 

[BOHNTR]

If someone is permanently disabled and eligible for CHAMP then they would be eligible to use a crossbow in the AO season(s) for all species.  

[HuntHarder]

"Primitive" isn't in there Trophy.  Guy is grasping at straws.  

Good on Azgfd for this new rule.  Doing their best to stay ahead of technology.  I was in favor of the trail camera ban as well. 

Cross guns during champ or general spunds reasonable to me. 

[jdown]

7 minutes ago, BOHNTR said:

If someone is permanently disabled and eligible for CHAMP then they would be eligible to use a crossbow in the AO season(s) for all species.  

Exactly - therefore I think the rule makes sense. there is still avenue, just more restrictive - to the OPS first point.

 

[AZBIG10]

Blame the folks that abused it. Like trail cameras. Give the dept enough data that affects G&F bottom line (hunter sucess)and they will do away w/ the “problem”

Not a crossbow guy at all. But I do give the ones that abused it the finger. Go back to baiting scum bag  hunters that need to cheat to get animals in the dirt.

[creed]

Other than the argument crossbows aren't archery equipment what is the issue with a disabled person using an xbow during an archery hunt? Why are they less archery than a modern compound loaded with today's top of the line accessories?

I've been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and other conditions that make it hard to hunt. It's tough to go from bench pressing over 300lbs to  having difficulty even walking.

I have never killed anything with a crossbow but when I get to the point I can't shoot a compound I won't hesitate to go crossbow.

[jdown]

And you will be able to, but with a champ permit - which is more controlled than the current xbow permit - correct?

3 minutes ago, creed said:

Other than the argument crossbows aren't archery equipment what is the issue with a disabled person using an xbow during an archery hunt? Why are they less archery than a modern compound loaded with today's top of the line accessories?

I've been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and other conditions that make it hard to hunt. It's tough to go from bench pressing over 300lbs to  having difficulty even walking.

I have never killed anything with a crossbow but when I get to the point I can't shoot a compound I won't hesitate to go crossbow.