Montana x-bows illegal

[RAGGED EDGE]

We really don't need hunters bashing hunters. I can appreciate the fact that MOST states let disabled people use a crossbow during archery season. It hasn't always been that way.
Regardless, we can't afford to fight among ourselves, we have enough problems with the antis without fighting each other.

It's been going on for a long time, and it will continue. IMHO X-bows will be legal in MT. Maybe not tomorrow, but it will come. It all comes down to hunter recruitment (dollars).

 

[Critter Picker]

It's been going on for a long time, and it will continue. IMHO X-bows will be legal in MT. Maybe not tomorrow, but it will come. It all comes down to hunter recruitment (dollars).

I get that,but, still don't like to see us fighting each other. It also bothers me to see all the archery shops closing and archery clubs going under, at least here in Wisconsin, since they started to allow cross bows.

 

[FEENIX]

 

[DDWing]

Not trying to steer away from the OP, but this sentiment is garbage. And as someone who hunts multiple states every year, spending thousands of my hard earned dollars in your state I might add, I'm sick of being called an "idiot" or that we non-residents "screw up your hunting". Last time I checked Montana received more than $9.3 billion in federal aid. That's not including all the revenue us non-residents contribute to your state's economy.

Don't get me wrong, I understand you being protective of your state. I don't want people from outside my state telling me how to live in mine either. I'm just sick of being looked down like I'm doing something wrong when all I want to do is hunt.

 

[FEENIX]

I get that,but, still don't like to see us fighting each other. It also bothers me to see all the archery shops closing and archery clubs going under, at least here in Wisconsin, since they started to allow cross bows.

I agree with you. No one is unsympathetic with the OP. The problem is the OP's approach of trying to change the current laws/regs in Montana.

 

[FEENIX]

your right we as non-residents are looked down on but the truth is i have seen and heard more problems with residents of their home state ,just ask a game warden .

I know quite a few Region 4 game wardens and these so-called residents are out-of-state contractors that apply for resident hunting licenses after 6 months in Montana. Montana has a significant number of out-of-state workers thrown into the residency pool, which is misleading statistics. The military service members are also thrown into the same mix. With their PCS orders, they only have to wait for a month to get a hunting license. These are NOT permanent Montana residents.

 

[Critter Picker]

I agree with you. No one is unsympathetic with the OP. The problem is the OP's approach of trying to change the current laws/regs in Montana.

And I hope for the sake of our sport Montana sticks to their current laws.

 

[sp6x6]

lot of comments buy none MT bow hunters about easy of compound shot distance etc.Lot of BS too.Ive hunted lots of places and states,follow the rules-all vary.MT has already been mostly ruined by wolf.Cross bows of today far cry from compound.Lost of MT thick and tough hunting.Taken half of my 40+ elk archery,3 yd,9yd,many 20yd.Son at first archery kill site,deep in grizz country,look EASY?

 

[CF96]

View attachment 292669

Pretty well sums it up! Lol

 

[CF96]

it appears many feel that even if we are old and handi-cap plus have to go thru the Montana drawing to be lucky enough to draw a big game license to hunt Montana > no x-bows. so we the old non-resident handi-cap bowhunter are a real threat yet to do better at taking to many legal game animals in Montana over younger resident bowhunters ? i never felt we were that much more skilled at archery , hunting and taking game animals with archery equipment even when we are older and handi - cap ? why not at least allow x-bows without wheels on limbs legal ? and outlaw compound bows " wheel bows" ? regular limbed x-bows have been around for many centuries, not only less than 50 years as a compound bow has been .

Why not put in for another state then? Arizona lets you use a crossbow. Probably others as well. I have no use of my hands and feet due to severe neuropathy but still hunt the same as I used to. Just enjoy being out there

 

[sp6x6]

MT has one of the best and longest seasons for hunters in all the states,pretty much a 3 month season

 

[WapitiBob]

Go to Wyoming. They've been using crossbows in archery season for 40 years and so far are a non issue.

 

[6.5x300 WBY]

I absolutely 100% agree that an out of stater who uses a crossbow trying to force another state into making it legal by lawsuit kinda sux. Well not kinda, DOES. JUST FIND A DIFFERENT STATE, That allows you to use a crossbow. Change happens and not always for the better but we roll with the punches. Money talks and is what usually triggers change. If its not the legal where you want to hunt find one that does or use a different weapon. Easy peasy.

I just cant fathom myself saying i should be able to go to MT and hunt with one of my crossbows so I'm calling a lawyer. Seems like Californication to me and i want no parts of that. Just like i dont like anyone telling me how to live my life the way i want too. Too much of this is already going around now.
I will back all of you as my fellow hunters and fight for your rights to do so how you want to as long as its legal where you hunt. I wish you all the best in life and health. If i have the pleasure to hunt in one of the great states out west someday, i will be following their rules. If i don't like the rules I'll go somewhere else. Easy as that.

 

[6.5x300 WBY]

MT has one of the best and longest seasons for hunters in all the states,pretty much a 3 month season

Thats all. 3 months! Is that all seasons together or just archery? Either way not that much. Unless you are talking elk as i am talking deer. Then totally different. Obviously we dont have them.

Nj depending on what zone you are hunting archery starts in September and ends somewhere in February. With a few weeks off for shotgun or muzzleloader.