Proposed bill to reclassify crossbows in Michigan draws fireLANSING -- State lawmakers and resource managers are considering a proposal to reclassify crossbows under the same definition as conventional bows, a move that would circumvent a three-year trial phase for the weapon launched in 2009.
crossbow.jpgGrand Rapids Press File PhotoCrossbows would be allowed in any area or season available to regular bow hunters under a bill being considered by Michigan lawmakers.Rep. James Bolger, R-Marshall, introduced House bill 5922 this month to remove a distinction between crossbows and regular compound bows under Michigan law that would open up the weapon to any area or season available to regular bow hunters.
Bolger said the bill could draw needed hunters into the woods by giving more access to crossbows than regulations adopted last spring by the Natural Resources Commission, which restricts crossbow use by age and geographic zones.
?My concern is that we have a future with hunting by getting more people involved. I don?t see a logical reason why one area of the state should be treated differently than another area with regard to crossbows,? Bolger said.
?The Legislature has historically defined weapons like the difference between hand guns and rifles. The NRC would set the hunting season.?
The legislation was sent to the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee, where lawmakers considered criticisms that the measure voids regulations crafted from months of public input and careful consideration through the NRC last year.
Amy Spray, resource policy manager for Michigan United Conservation Clubs, said the group opposes the bill because of a long-standing policy against crossbow use during archery season, but also questions if it conflicts with current law that gives the NRC authority over ?methods of take.?
That law, known as Proposal G, mandates certain decisions are based on sound scientific evidence.
Spray's group argues that data collected by the Department of Natural Resource and Environment on success rates, hunter surveys, recruitment and retention of hunters and other factors in the current three-year probationary period is necessary to shape future crossbow use.
?Our members said that until we had that data, they didn?t want to see any change in the policy as it stands,? Spray said.
DNRE wildlife officials echoed Spray?s concerns.
?We believe the process the commission undertook last year was a good one and that should be able to logically conclude,? said Dan Eichinger, assistant to Wildlife Chief Russ Mason. ?We feel there is a role for the commission to play in these decisions as well, and we believe that was the intent of Proposal G.?
Mason said the NRC plans to discuss the issue at its next meeting in April.
The Michigan Bow Hunters Association also stands against crossbow use during the archery season, and group president Bruce Levey said HB 5922 shoots to the core of the group?s argument against the weapon.
?The Michigan Supreme Court in 1941 said (crossbows) are not a bow, and nothing has changed,? Levey said.
The DNRE ?said they are going to do a three-year trial and already we are hearing reports of an increased (deer kill) in the archery season, whether it?s real or perceived. Just wait until the third year,? he said.
Bolger said the House committee likely will wait until after the NRC discusses the issue next month before taking further action on the bill.
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