John,

Crossbows are definitely short range weapons compared to firearms but I personally don't consider them bowhunting. For the most part, crossbows allow gun hunters to deer hunt during bow season. So, let them use their crossbows during the rut. It is "their" season too now.

Bryan,

Deer hunting with short range weapons is an entirely different ballgame.

First, there is no way bows and crossbows are going to knock out tens of thousands of breeder bucks during a two week rut period...let alone a two day period (opening weekend of firearms).

Second, it's not just about the number of bucks killed, it is also the disruption caused by deer drives and thousands of hunters just walking around on the ground all day still hunting and prospecting. The vast majority of guys hunting with short range weapons spend the daylight hours with their butts parked in trees (i.e. MUCH less invasive resulting in MUCH less disruption).

I could absolutely live with shutting it all down for two weeks, but I don't believe that is necessary. Limiting deer hunters to short range weapons during the rut would greatly reduce breeder buck mortality and give them a chance to do their job before gun season....without removing deer hunting opportunity. It works in states like Iowa, Kansas and Ohio. It works for other big game species such as elk. Most western states offer short range weapons during the bugle, but very few offer long range weapons during the bugle. Those that do, restrict tag numbers to greatly limit bull mortality during the bugle.