It was worth the fight.....

[lscha]

I just received an email from one of the pioneers involved in the fight to include crossbows in Michigan's archery seasons.

Laura -

I attended today's NRC meeting, just thought I'd let you know that the Wildlife Division presented a report to the NRC that included the results of a survey regarding crossbow use in Michigan. It was a very positive report and was well received by the Commissioners, all of the comments that they made were good and in my opinion it puts to bed any lingering potential that might have existed for any future re-examination of crossbow regulations in Michigan.

Just thought you might be interested.

Regards,

Jim Sweeney

[wolv1001]

Good Work Laura!From one michigander to another thanks!

[secret]

Good job Laura! I just dont see why every state is Full-inclusion with crossbows.

[Geodehunter]

Excellent!!!! Great job to all that helped.

[lscha]

The major "take home" that would be valuable in other states is that it showed that the claims that were made that crossbows would decimate the deer herd and result in changes in season lengths to be totally specious.

[birddog10]

Thanks Laura, for all you've done in this endeavor.

[Carnivorous]

That is great news. We have our annual Michigan hunt planned already & out of 3 of us that go I am the only x-bow user & proud of it. If it wasn't for all your hard work on this issue I would not be able to enjoy your great state with my bow of choice!!!!!

Cheers

[JT of PA]

.

Thank You.

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[thestuz]

nice work there !

[Raymond]

Congrats and thanks to all for their hard work. Hopefully we here in Nova Scotia, Canada, will have full inclusion for crossbows. The only season we are waiting for is the early bow season.
Raymond

[Hester0305]

Sounds like a great win for the crossbow shooters in Michigan Congrats and great job.

[awshucks]

Congrats, Laura!! You were there for it all.........

[agingcrossbower]

Laura, we really need you here in wi. Reaaallly.

[maple]

Well done Laura. You good people should feel proud.

[lscha]

As a person that helped expand crossbow regulations in the state of Michigan, here's the bottom line and what eventually forced our game commission to act. And, had they not, the Michigan Legislature stood at the ready to step in and fix the problem. Here in Michigan, we have a law on the books that states that hunter opportunity must be extended to it's fullest capacity so long as the regulations do not have a negative effect upon the resource. Social and economic considerations are not to be part of any regulatory matters. In other words, SCIENCE ONLY! The Wildlife Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources categorically stated that the use of crossbows during any of Michigan's hunting seasons would not have a negative effect upon wildlife. END OF STORY. With that statement, The Natural Resources Commission was literally forced to follow the opinions of its own scientists and the regulations were summarily changed. If there was a demographic shift in who is hunting and during what season(s) as as a result of crossbow expansion, so what? The bottom line is, there was/is no negative effect upon the resource, therefore hunter opportunity must coincide with the science. I wish that other states, (WI) would use this simple approach to have crossbow regulations changed in their state. It is the easiest and also, the 100% successful way to get it done!