Crossbow permit repeal

[creed]

12 hours ago, wildwoody said:

Oh ya. We can still shoot a gun.  But can we get drawn.

 I’m old enough to remember OTC rifle deer tags. Just a handful of years ago desert rifle deer tags used to be a sure thing with two bonus points.. I have friends and family needing 3-4 now.  I don’t have the time to wait that long. I likely am done if I don’t draw this year. 

[NOTAGS]

15 hours ago, wildwoody said:

Oh ya. We can still shoot a gun.  But can we get drawn.

depends..... on how picky you are.  

[cactusjack]

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

[bonecollector]

So did it get voted on today?

[654321]

28 minutes ago, bonecollector said:

So did it get voted on today?

They are excepting public comments until April 2nd. They won’t do anything until after that.

[creed]

I had a guy tell me they are going to attempt to get the Americans with Disability Act involved.

 

There is a possibility a can of worms has been opened.

Think I will go fishing