Published: June 21, 2008 08:05 pm            

JOE GORDEN | Crossbow bill gaining support

Not many hunters took notice when state Rep. Gary Haluska, D-Patton, introduced House Bill 2653, but it’s a piece of legislation that’s sure to get a lot of attention in the coming months.

The official description says the bill would amend Title 34 – the Game Law – “providing for the definition of ‘bow’ and disabled person permits.” In fact, the bill is designed to legalize crossbows as a hunting tool across the board in Pennsylvania.

The crossbow originally was only permitted for use by hunters whose physical limitations did not allow them to use a conventional bow during the regular archery seasons. But, Haluska pointed out, it was eventually approved for use by anyone during regular rifle deer seasons, then during archery season in special-regulation areas.

“Now, you can hunt turkey with it in the spring and fall,” he said. “You can hunt (deer) with it in the extended bow season, and during muzzleloader season. I think the time has come to say ‘OK, it’s a bow. Let it go into bow season. Hunt with what you want.’ ”

The crossbow industry has tried hard in recent years to get the Pennsylvania Game Commission to remove the restrictions on crossbow use. It’s motivation is clear – there is a potential to sell a lot of crossbows here. But, the hunting public likely underestimates the number already in the hands of the state’s hunters.

“We’re actually issuing more permits for crossbows than some states sell archery licenses,” Haluska said. “Anyone who wants to use a crossbow can go to their doctor and say ‘Gee, Doc, I have a bad shoulder,’ and he fills out the form. It’s to the point now where the crossbow has been pretty well accepted.”

There is now a question of whether it is fair to allow so many hunters to use crossbows while denying them to other segments of the hunting public.

“Over the years, we’ve demonstrated by what other states have done that crossbows are very good at introducing young people to bow hunting, women especially into bow hunting, and keeping seniors bow hunting longer,” Haluska said. “Those three groups, especially, would benefit.

“But, there’s another group that would benefit. I talk to a lot of guys who are working and don’t get time to practice a lot. They won’t buy a license and hunt archery because they haven’t had time to hone their bow in. With the crossbow, pretty much like a deer rifle, you take it out, shoot it in for 20 minutes to a half hour, and you’re ready.”

But, Haluska disputes claims of crossbow critics that the device is just a type of gun.

“It has probably more limitations than some of the faster bows with the longer draws,” he said. “You still have to hunt wind, you have to hunt seclusion, scents. It’s bow hunting. You’re not going to be able to walk through the woods with a crossbow and shoot a deer like you would a rifle.”

The bill is now in the House Game and Fisheries Committee. Haluska said he hopes it will be sent to the floor before the summer recess and expects it to come up for a vote early in the fall, if not before the recess.

There seems to be considerable support in the House.

Among the co-sponsors of HB 2653 are Johnstown Democrats Ed Wojnaroski and Tom Yewcic, and Somerset Republican Bob Bastian.

“We have 55 co-sponsors, people who hunt with crossbows,” Haluska said. “This is the time when we should just make it another bow and take this special permit off the books and let those people purchase a bow license and pick their bow and go hunting and enjoy themselves.”



Joe Gorden is the outdoors writer for The Tribune-Democrat.

        

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