Sportsman Poll

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In the March edition of the Maine Sportsman publication they have a opinion poll. There are 41 questions in all. I wanted to take a look at a few of these and give my opinion on the matter. I am in hopes that whether we agree or not this will bring up some discussions on these matters.

1. Should we lengthen the deer-hunting season into December in the southern part of the state?
Yes, I believe that this will help control the rising population of the deer in this area of the state. This is also a great compromise to those in the northern part of the state that opposed a statewide extension of the deer season.

2. Should there be a speed limit for motorboats at night?
I would have argued there was no need for this a couple years ago. As a dad to a two year old son though my opinions in many areas have changed. Due to the amount of people on lakes and ponds these days enjoying a variety of activities I believe speed limit enforcement would be a positive change.

3. Should there be year round fishing?
In my opinion this would be a great thing for the people of Maine. Fishing is a great tradition that has been and will continue to be enjoyed for many residents and visitors in the state.

4. Should crossbows be allowed for use wherever compound bows are allowed for use?
This is certainly a heated debate among a lot of people. Those who hold true to the tradition involved in bow hunting are strongly against this. Even those that allow compound bows are against the use of crossbows. Here is my take on the matter: the draw to bow hunting is the fact that you have to get in close with the animal. Drawing the bow and releasing a clean kill shot is difficult. The biggest reason I oppose the use of crossbows during regular archery season would be that fact. With a crossbow you can set it once in stand and only have to release safety as with a firearm. A bow you spot the deer the excitement is just starting. Drawing the bow without the deer seeing you is a challenge. Releasing a clear kill shot is the climax.

5. Should there be a fall shotgun for turkeys?
I believe as with the extension of deer hunting in certain areas there should be an extension of turkey hunting in certain areas of the state. Those areas that are seeing a high number of turkeys that can support a shotgun season without hurting the number of turkeys in the area, I say go for it.

These are only a few of the questions involved in this poll. If you have not yet taken the time to submit this poll now is the time. It will be interesting to hear from other outdoor enthusiasts opinions on the state and activities.

Let me know of your thoughts and opinions on these matters and if you want to bring up others please do.

What’s in store for sportsman in Maine?

http://tjvaoutdoors.blogspot.com/ Tom James

4. Should crossbows be allowed for use wherever compound bows are allowed for use?
This is certainly a heated debate among a lot of people. Those who hold true to the tradition involved in bow hunting are strongly against this. Even those that allow compound bows are against the use of crossbows. Here is my take on the matter: the draw to bow hunting is the fact that you have to get in close with the animal. Drawing the bow and releasing a clean kill shot is difficult. The biggest reason I oppose the use of crossbows during regular archery season would be that fact. With a crossbow you can set it once in stand and only have to release safety as with a firearm. A bow you spot the deer the excitement is just starting. Drawing the bow without the deer seeing you is a challenge. Releasing a clear kill shot is the climax.

Like you said it’s a controversial subject.

Crossbows are no more powerful than a compound bow. You say, that’s not true because the draw weight is greater. True, but it has to be because the distance traveled by the bow string is shorter, thus you need to create more energy over a shorter distance in order to achieve the same velocity.

So, the length of shotting distance is the same. You still have to get close to the deer.

Younger and older hunters have trouble shooting accurately with a conventional bow sometimes. With hunter numbers decreasing, why not allow crossbows for those who wish to use them and bring in more people to the sport, which in turn allows a greater voice to protect habitat and our hunting rights and traditions. Why limit peoples enjoyment of their time in the woods?

Guy’s and Gal’s we have to realize we are losing the habitat battle and with it access to areas to hunt.

Encourage people to hunt ethically and help support us and not “shoot ourselves in the foot” and end up losing what little rights and habitat we have left.

http://www.magicvalley.com/articles/2007/03/09/features/outdoors/107778.txt
http://www.skinnymoose.com/norm Norm

I agree that those involved in hunting are declining rapidly. Reading your point certainly makes me think about the positive side of allowing crossbows. If this would in fact get young people involved in the great outdoors it would certainly be worth it. I also agree the distance you have to shoot is similar. The real difference is the act of drawing the bow and getting a kill shot off. The crossbow is already drawn and ready to go. Like I said, I certainly would have to reconsider my side when you bring up the positive side of using this to involve more people in this great tradition we call hunting.
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