Over those decades I have been cited and stereotyped as a crossbow advocate. Okay, I plead guilty. Long before New York Bowhunters formally formed, I casually supported crossbow use for anyone who wanted or needed to use this device for hunting.

However, my involvement remains mainly that of a reporter. As a life member of NYB and many other outdoors organizations, I strongly support NYB programs that further archers' aims. Each time crossbow questions come up, I suggest its use and strongly support interested bow shooters to join NYB and help with bow hunters' programs.

As for my own hunting involvements: I have two crossbows, three vertical bows (two compounds and one recurve), and several shotguns and rifles; my big-game hunting time is mainly spent with a vertical bow.

The early season for bow hunting is a great time to be outside -- anywhere outdoors. Most of my harvested game comes with gunpowder, but a bow kill is a major thrill.

As for the crossbow, if and when it becomes legal in this state, I will continue to use my vertical bow (a Hoyt compound right now) with hopes I remain healthy and do not have to revert to crossbow use.

The debates, contentious conflicts, slings and arrows sent forth by both sides in this archery issue weakens us all as sport hunters, environmentalists, and conservers of New York State's rich wildlife resources.

If crossbows were such an evil presence in our hunting fields, why don't we see anti-hunting groups joining with the archers opposed to this implement? I've been watching groups such as HSUS, PETA, Friends of Animals, and other anti-hunting hordes for decades -- since their inceptions. None oppose or support crossbow use.

The contention between factions within our hunter ranks serves purposes of anti-hunters more than it serves the good people who obey game laws, try to quickly and humanely harvest game animals, help fund non-hunting conservation programs, and simply want to get out and hunt with the proper archery gear they can capably use to pursue and hopefully harvest.

With hopes we will soon see hunters who need or prefer to hunt with a crossbow afield soon, I wish all the best through the various hunting seasons about to open.

odrswill@gmail.com null