posted on October 26, 2009 02:10
CLOSE, BUT NO CIGAR … AGAIN!
Once again, the State legislature chose to shelve the crossbow bills for another year. This time, however, it was primarily because of the upheaval in the State senate. The resulting rule and procedure changes that have evolved from that struggle for control, should actually improve the chances of our crossbow bills, by making the process more transparent and extending greater influence to the individual senators. Also, term limits have been placed on committee chairmen, thereby eliminating the total control they could exercise over certain pieces of legislation. Also, a recent meeting with several key legislators from both sides of the aisle, produced solid pledges that crossbows would receive high priority during the 2010 legislative session in Albany.
In the meantime, we are extending our outreach to additional state legislators, seeking their co-sponsorship of the crossbow bills in both the assembly and senate. We are also in the process of bringing a new look to the N.Y. State Crossbow Hunters Association. It’s been almost 20 years and it’s time for new leadership, which will of course bring new ideas on line. There are several young crossbow advocates who have stepped forward to grab the reins, which should be a big plus for NYSCHA. If anyone is interested in being a part of this rebirth, or becoming affiliated with our group, give me us a yell at penrodacre@aol.com.
We are proud members of the American Crossbow Federation (ACF)… in fact, many years ago we became the first chapter of that fast-growing group. The ACF produces the highly successful and award-winning slick magazine, The Horizontal Bowhunter, the official voice of crossbow hunting on this continent. It is also the official publication of the NYSCHA and a subscription comes with membership. Or you can subscribe for the magazine by contacting the HBM publisher and editor Daniel Hendricks at: bowtwang@charter.net.
Yes, it is time for crossbows in New York State! Let your legislators know!!!
Recently, the NYSCHA was highly criticized in the letters section of the New York Outdoor News. The critic, from N.Y. City, is a member if the New York Bowhunters organization, the solid opponents of crossbow hunting, not only in New York, but wherever the sport is legal. He extolled the many positive programs of his group, while at the same time criticizing the NYSCHA, stating that we failed to anything of value.
Some of his criticism is valid, but he is also way out of touch with reality. For instance, while “scratching the backs” of the NYB, he failed to mention their greatest accomplishment … preventing thousands of men, women and children, and especially the physically challenged, from hunting in New York State. They have done a good job, to the detriment of good sportsmanship, conservation and wildlife management.
They take credit for a so-called law, which allows a mere handful of disabled residents to hunt in New York with a modified crossbow permit. The law is an absolute insult to everyone, not just the physically challenged, because the recipients must have no use of their arms or legs. The simple test is … if you can move your trigger finger, you do not qualify for a permit. The bow must be fired by the mouth, using the sip and puff method.
He also talked of the fine program the NYB has to send archery equipment to soldiers in Iraq, to give them a break from the ravages of war. That is fine, but they are shocked to find out that when the vets get home, that same group opposes the wounded veterans from using crossbows. One double-amputee from the Buffalo area, found that out when he wanted to go bowhunting with his dad. Thanks for your service, but no thanks, you can’t use a crossbow! You have to hunt the way we want you to hunt!
The Wilson Conservation Club of Niagara County has just completed another successful Summer Family Crossbow League. Each year they start in early summer and continue into August, when they have their final shoot, followed by a great steak and shrimp cookout.
They embellish the cookout with a good supply of local fresh corn, salads, pies and cakes.
Chris Schotz of Sanborn is the organizer of this increasingly popular event and he must be commended for a great job well done. You do not need to be a member of the club to participate in the league, so drop Chris a note if you want to be involved in the 2010 league, or wish input on starting a similar event at your club: penrodacre@aol.com.
Yes, it is time for crossbows in New York State!