posted on August 11, 2009 08:36
Since the inception of the American Crossbow Federation’s Individual Membership program in 2001, one question regarding ACF benefits has overshadowed all of the rest combined – “When are we going to have a crossbow record book?” We are pleased to announce that work has finally begun to establish the ACF BIG GAME REGISTER, which will document and record the harvest of big game animals with the crossbow. The preliminary objectives have been met and the project is underway. Certain aspects of the process will be evolutionary in nature, but a basic blueprint of action has been established.
All species of big game animals (including introduced species) shot in North America and all game taken with a crossbow from around the world will be accepted for consideration. The initial “minimum size listing” may not include a particular species, but eventually all species will be added to the register as entry applications determine need. The ACF scoring system will be similar to that of the Safari Club International program, which does not have a deduction system. If an animal has non-typical points and the entrant chooses to register it in the typical class, the non-typical points will not be added to the total score.
All animals taken with a crossbow, going back to at least 1980 (that date is still in debate), will be eligible for application to be ranked in the register. A completed registration form must be submitted with a photo or series of photos depending on the species. Photos may be taken in the field at time of harvest or of the mounted specimen. Eligibility for inclusion in the record book will require that the applicant is a dues paying or Lifetime Member of the American Crossbow Federation. There will be a $25.00 registration fee for each animal entered.