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Should NH allow crossbows for bow hunting?

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In New Hampshire (and most other states), bow hunting season is for vertical bow archery.  Hunters may use crossbows during firearm hunting seasons.

Rep. Raymond Gagnon is sponsoring a 2017 bill to change that.  His bill, HB 392, would allow crossbows during the archery season. 

Bill supporters point to states such as Ohio and Arkansas, which have allowed crossbows during archery season for decades.  They argue that crossbows are stronger and easier to manage than vertical bows, which makes kill shots cleaner and more humane.

They also note that crossbows are easier to draw, which may make teenage and senior hunters more likely to participate in archery season.

Bill opponents argue that the ease and power of crossbows makes them more like firearms than vertical bows.  It would be unsportsmanlike to allow crossbows during archery season.

New Hampshire also already allows hunters with disabilities to apply for a license to use a crossbow during archery season.

The Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 392 on Tuesday, January 24.

Do you think New Hampshire should allow crossbows during archery season?  Let us know in the comments.

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