(PHOTO: Jackie Johnson)
When the archery deer season opens in the state this Saturday all hunters will be able to use a crossbow, under a new law that some “traditional” bow-and-arrow hunters don’t like.
Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Executive Director George Meyer thinks it’s a good change. “There are several situations where people no longer can use regular archery equipment but weren’t technically disabled under the very stringent disability requirements nor were under the age of 65.”
The crossbow law has generated some controversy from archery “purists” who feel it will “taint” their sport. Meyer says there’s room for everyone. “A lot of young people that didn’t get into firearm hunting are entering through archery these days.”
Bow and arrow hunting used to lag far behind the gun season for deer hunting in Wisconsin, but not so much anymore. With the archery season opening this weekend, more than 265,000 participants are expected.
It’s also popular with women — young and old. Meyer says it’s something they can do with their husbands. And, he says, says the bow hunt is much more “challenging” than getting a deer with a gun. The Wisconsin archery season begins Saturday.
John Colbert, WIBA