Bowhunting

[bkupris]

I have been a bowhunter all of my adult life and then some. Yes I would support it with the correct control measures in place.

[chemistry]

Originally Posted by Gold Flinger

I'd support it in principal; I have nothing against shooting game, indeed I've hunted with shotguns and rifles and enjoy fishing for game too.
The only thing I'd worry about is that the anti blood sports lobby in the UK have such a loud voice that their intervention would inevitably lead restrictions across the board including all other forms of archery. Do we really want to be forced to keep our equipment in approved locking cabinets? Do we want to have to apply for a government licence to own and use a bow?
Proceed with caution!

I agree 100%. No objection to bowhunting morally, but don't think we should reitroduce it because the resultant licensing issues will kill target archery. It will start with licenses for bow hunting (sensible), but then some bright spark will suggest licenses for all bows...

Licensing is the thin end of a dangerous wedge that will result in archery dying out, just look at pistol shooting etc. in this country. All licensing does is kill off legitimate sport and has no effect on idiots or criminals (look at gun crime in this country). Step by step, where you can shoot, what you can shoot, who can shoot, etc. will become increasingly restricted once any form of licensing is introduced.

chemistry

PS I'm not a disaffected pistol shooter, and have no chip on my shoulder! I'm just a cynic...

[Thunk]

I agree. Currently our bows are looked upon as sports equipment which accounts for the lack of regulation that we enjoy. Once bows are used for killing - even if 'only' animals - the perception changes to that of a weapon, and we can expect licencing, locked storage inspections and all the rest that the shooting fraternity have to endure. And what will that do to the flow of beginners into our clubs? Not only will their own preconceived perception of archery be changed to the point where many will not consider it an attractive sport to get into, but the hassle factor of licencing et al will grow to the point where the majority will consider it too much trouble and take up golf instead. Do we really need more golfers?

In short - be careful what you wish for.

[*JJ]

Originally Posted by Thunk

I agree. Currently our bows are looked upon as sports equipment which accounts for the lack of regulation that we enjoy. Once bows are used for killing - even if 'only' animals - the perception changes to that of a weapon, and we can expect licencing, locked storage inspections and all the rest that the shooting fraternity have to endure. And what will that do to the flow of beginners into our clubs? Not only will their own preconceived perception of archery be changed to the point where many will not consider it an attractive sport to get into, but the hassle factor of licencing et al will grow to the point where the majority will consider it too much trouble and take up golf instead. Do we really need more golfers?

In short - be careful what you wish for.

Agreed. Why should archery be put in jeopardy because of a few people who get a kick out of killing?
And sorry if I have offended anyone - but this is true.

[Trunkles]

Sorry Tim, I'm with Thunk on this one

[WhitehartFB]

Definately No

If you met some of the morons I do on a daily basis who are not archers but would like bow hunt given the chance, then our sport would quickly get a bad name and it would be the end of target archery as we know it with the introduction of licences etc. It is these people and believe me they are not a minority that would ruin it fot the responsible ones.

[Toxophilus_Archer]

In France there are regulations on any type of hunting which includes taking a test and being certified as competent. They also regulate on what can be shot and when. In South Africa the equipment is checked for conformity and agin it is heavily regulated, Canada is the same.

[bimble]

I would assume that as this is such a small country we would not be looking at hunting by just heading into the woods, but more like the game ranches that appeared in the Louis Theroux film down in SA. You have to pay what you hit, you're not allowed out until you have shown yourself to be able to hit the target and you have a guide who watches over you.

[Fuzzy]

I agree with WhitehartFB. Our university club always gets a few "hard lad" idiots on our open and demo days who come specifically because they think we hunt. The thought of those people bowhunting, certified or not, makes me nervous.

It's not the person themselves, it's the mentality. I just get the feeling that a significant number of people woudn't take training/certification seriously enough and then suddenly, tragedy. That would impact on the target side of things and all would lose out.

[jet186]

Originally Posted by TJ Mason

I'd support the introduction of bowhunting to the UK and ROI, since I don't think the death is any worse than what happens in an abbatoir, and the animal certainly had a better quality of life than a farmed animal. But I think anyone wanting a bowhunting licence should have to complete an accredited course in a country where bowhunting has been established for a long time.

Your opinions?

TJ,Regarding the introduction of bow hunting to the UK it would be like opening Pandora's Box, every nut job would be wandering the woods with a bow. and then we would end up with the situation like when handguns and rifles were banned.
If as you mentioned an animal is subjected to a poorly shot arrow, it could suffer a long and lingering death. As someone who worked in the meat industry for over 20 years I never felt the urge to go and hunt or shoot animals for fun, thats why when I shot 12 bore shotgun I only shot at clay pigeons, it didnt matter whether you smoked it or just clipped it, so for that reason I would not support the introduction of bow hunting

I also have to disagree with you regarding what happens in an abbatoir, the animals welfare is monitored by vets, the killing process is swift and closely monitored by the Meat inspectors and the health inspectors.
Best Regards

John