Years ago there was a multi state round table discussion dealing with the declining number of hunters. The answer was simple, legalize crossbows. Well it turns out that was not the right answer! Hunter numbers are still declining, 14% in MI alone.  In fact, the round table have now said " if we knew this would be the outcome we would have  never legalized them."  Year after year record breaking archery kills,  resulting in gun hunter decline,  which we all know is what the small towns and communities strive on to survive especially in the northern Michigan. Now the compound bow industry are closing pro shops and the sport of vertical bow hunting have numbers lower than ever. An average of 10/1 crossbows are sold over compounds and in some cases pro shops reporting 17/1 sales. They shoot like a firearm, in some cases out of the box at 100 yard groups. Let's be honest, their is a far more advantage withwa crossbow. let alone how many are deer are lost due to people just punching the trigger, and center punching deer like it's a firearm. Yes,  vertical compounds have those capabilities but the hunters do not, keeping them within a way closer effective killing distance. Yes, vertical bow hunters loose deer just like everyone else, but the truth is that anyone  can attest that far more deer are lost with crossbows, just ask around, you hear about it all deer season. Like multiple other states, I'm asking to implement particular season dates. I'm also asking maybe for an age requirement say 50 and up can use one all season for example, along with all veterans or current U.S military.

I'm asking for crossbows to have thier own season dates, where compound vertical and recurves bows are still accepted, but crossbows are then legal to use.  Crossbows use to be legal to all during any firearm season, but you never seen anyone using then over a firearm did you? So why should they be allowed over a compound vertical bow? Seeing as a crossbow is fully cocked, bolt loaded and all you have to do is point, aim, and squeeze the trigger, I believe that it should be put majority in a gun season. I petition to give a crossbow season for 7 days in October, 7 days in November,  and the month of December. Also,  still be legal to all youth during the youth hunt.