22 replies to this topic

[FuzzyFultz]

I sent an e-mail letter to our Kentucky State Wildlife Commissioner, Dr. Jonathan W. Gassett. http://fw.ky.gov/nav...avpath=C709C129

I sent the e-mail today. Asking about our new seasons and the possibility of getting another study done and changing the law to allow crossbows during the complete bow season. Once I receive his reply with his approval, I will post it here on the forum for all to see.
If anyone else here in Kentucky wants to do the same, here is the link with the address to either mail or e-mail the Commissioner.
http://fw.ky.gov/nav...on.aspx?cid=200

Make sure to express your feelings in a positive way and inform him that you know of several whom have the same thoughts. Hope this helps others and our state to improve on the crossbow season.

Thanks, James

Edited by FuzzyFultz, 21 January 2012 - 10:16 AM.

[FuzzyFultz]

I read this today, I liked this a lot. l had to copy and past it here. I quote;

"""In closing I want to leave you with these thoughts. Where there discussions and heated debates when the compound bow was invented ? Probably so, with all the Long and Re-curve bow enthusiast there's no doubt. I’m sure some of those continue today.

What is important to remember and in the grand scheme of things, we are all in the sporting and outdoor community together and any infighting that exceeds the boundaries of good discussion and debate will be to the determinate of our passion and create wedges which are welcomed by those who are against us and our way of life.

Whether you hunt with a pistol, rifle, shotgun, long bow, recurve bow, compound bow, or crossbow remember to respect the people, animals, and liberties we are afforded in this great country to ensure it continues on for generations to come."""

Edited by FuzzyFultz, 20 January 2012 - 05:15 PM.

[Tim50]

Good luck with your quest! Keep us informed of how things are going!

[FuzzyFultz]

Well here is the response I got from Ky Fish and Wildlife, and I Quote;

Dear Mr. Fultz,

Commissioner Gassett asked that I respond on his behalf regarding your suggested crossbow season changes. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns regarding deer and crossbow season.  I appreciate your carefully researched and well thought out letter.

As you noted, since the 2006 season crossbow season expansion, crossbow harvest of both deer and turkeys has a very small percentage of the overall totals.  My deer biologist colleagues in other states that have expanded crossbow season find the same thing – relatively few animals are harvested and most “new” crossbow hunters are already-experienced hunters who are choosing to try crossbows for a variety of reasons.  Although wildlife populations are not negatively impacted by expanding crossbow season, there is more to determining season dates and length than what the game population can withstand. Indeed, it is the job of biologists to assess what level of harvest is sustainable first and foremost, and only then can we address issues related to what hunters prefer regarding weapons, season lengths, etc.

The current crossbow season dates are the result of a compromise between KDFWR, crossbow enthusiasts, and other hunters and has been in effect for 6 seasons now.  Expanding crossbow season is a deeply divisive issue here in Kentucky for hunters.  We do not see a need to pursue further expansion of crossbow season at this time.  



We certainly appreciate your input and support.  Please feel free to contact us anytime you may have questions or suggestions.

  

Sincerely,






Kristina J. Brunjes, Ph.D.

Deer & Elk Program Coordinator

Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources

#1 Sportsman's Lane

Frankfort, KY 40601

800-858-1549

tina.brunjes@ky.gov

visit our website at www.fw.ky.gov

Edited by FuzzyFultz, 21 January 2012 - 06:28 PM.

[Tim50]

It is VERY clear someone or some organization has their ear/pocketbook! The person admitted that the crossbow inclusion in KY has posed no threat to the resource. She has also done her homework made the observation that crossbow inclusion in other states has show no adverse impact on the resource. So what is the peoblem? Here in Pennsylvania during the heated crossbow hearings a senior member made this statement " the inclusion of crossbow into archery season is NOT a resource issue BUT a social issue"! There you have it! This woman is the Deer & Elk Coordinator she should not be worried about social services. Her #1 priority is the resource!! If enough hunters voice an opinion they may readdress it! What are these State organizations afraid of? The local established anti crossbow organization ARE usually well established but few in numbers. They have made political friends over the years and that is the fight you face...the "good old boy" issue! This is a tough issue to over come...when the powers that be admit that, in their opinion, inclusion would not pose an issue to the resource then all your are dealing with is personal agenda's & hunter misinformation. On the UPSIDE it does appear that this person HAS at least looked at the inclusion issue in some manner did here due diligence and just does not want to "rock the boat'!! Well maybe it's time to TIP that boat!!   Show her she has a need to "revisit" her opinion! Good luck....there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

Edited by Tim50, 21 January 2012 - 10:02 AM.

[FuzzyFultz]

Here is the letter I sent in the beginning. I have not yet responded to their response above;


Attention:  Dear Commissioner Dr. Jonathan W. Gassett,


  Sir I met you at the Town Hall Meeting in Rowan county last year. I was the fella that stood at the microphone and almost broke down into tears when speaking about my wife being able to turkey hunt with me. What a good job your department has done with the turkey restoration. Thank you all.


  I would also like to thank you for making some changes to our deer season this year. Slight changes here my area, but never the less better for our deer herd. This was a main concern for me. Although I still feel as if some more changes need to be made.


  There is an area here, in between Grayson (west side of Carter county), and west across Rowan county and into the East edge of Bath and Fleming that there is still a decline in the deer herd. Maybe the blue tongue disease was harder on the herd here, I do not really know. I do know that it takes time for the deer to recoup.


  I acquired some information by listening to all the deer reports through out these counties while at work and everyone discussing their own thoughts of the deer herd and from my own hunts and observations in at least three of these counties. Most of us deer and turkey hunt whom work for the Ky State HWY Department. The men at work and others wanted me to contact you and ask some questions, about the deer herd and also about the crossbow season.


  I have been employed with the Ky State HWY Dept. for 10 years now. Everyone in every county discusses their deer hunting with everyone else, so I know almost all of these men. Several counties (5-6) sometimes are gathered together for different meetings, safety meetings,snow and ice removal, and some useful classes and training concerning our jobs at hand. There are always many many people here ( at least 98%) of whom deer and turkey hunt. I would like to recommend that you maybe set up some kind of a meeting through the HWY Dept. to speak to us at the different equipment barns to obtain a lot of useful information for your deer and turkey studies. I do not know your relationship with the State HWY Department, but I am sure you could probably get this set up with out to many negatives.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


  Now for another thought and deep interest for me and several others. I would love to see the season change for the crossbow hunters. I have been a vertical compound bow hunter for 30 years. I have hunted here and in Ohio. I have always hunted for deer and turkey, also squirrel. While hunting in Ohio for the past 15 year or so, I have always admired their state deer herd and all the privileges to hunt and fish. Especially the crossbow season there. As from what I have been able to research and find out from many hunters there, the crossbow has not been a great influence in a negative way. But rather, in a positive way. All bow-hunters actually increased and the deer herd was not affected. The poaching influence did not increase.


  Myself and several friends and family would like to see crossbow season become just as the bow season. I would like to hear what you think about this and if you think there is any more thought/work being put into another survey or possibly changing the bow season for crossbows. Here is a useful link to some of the survey information that was conducted back in 2005. Seven years ago, pay very close attention to pages 22 and 23, this the Ky study that was done then. http://www.tenpointc...utCrossbows.pdf


  I and several others have seen an increase in the interest to crossbow hunt. These crossbows of today are very accurate and have really come a long way in the last 4 years. The crossbow offers a chance to some that would love to bow-hunt, but can not practice with the vertical bow like some others, because of time/work and other issues. I am not saying that the crossbow is all that much easier, but it is somewhat. For once you get everything set up properly, you can still be very accurate with the crossbow with out a long period of practice.


  I have bow-hunted for 30 years with a vertical bow. I still practice some every season before opening day. But I know that there is no possible way I could show the deer or turkey respect with just being able to shoot one evening and then be prepared and accurate. I have purchase two of the newer crossbows lately. I can set a crossbow up and shoot one evening (4-5 hours) and be confident that I would be able to show my respect to the animal I am hunting. I am a seasoned bow/deer hunter though. But I would think that others could do the same thing and with some practice be able to show their respect to the deer and turkey in just a few evening and then be set for several years of enjoyable crossbow hunting. I really love this form of bow-hunting, it is a new and wonderful bow.


  I appreciate the fact that I/we can hunt some of the bow season with mour crossbows and during gun seasons, for I have not hunted with a gun for 10 years. However I and many others think that there should be more opportunities for the crossbow hunter. I feel like the season should be as along as the vertical bow. A crossbow is a bow, shoots an arrow, and is very accurate downrange to 35 yards.The kinetic energy is even more so than many of the fastest vertical compound bows of today. You will see this information in the posted link. I have checked it and it is very accurate in the information given. Here it is again for your easy reference.http://www.tenpointc...utCrossbows.pdf


So if you would sir, please consider our thoughts when you and your staff arrange the bow-season this next 2012 year. I have heard you say that even though the dates and seasons have been arranged for the year, you still could make changes. So please give this some consideration and let us know your thoughts on this matter with a return e-mail. I am a member of Crossbow Nation. A very large member organisation and good site for the crossbow user. Check it out sometime.   http://www.crossbown...x.php?/index?s=


With your approval , I would like to post this letter and your thoughts and feed back on this matter. But only with your approval.



          Thank you very much for your time and for considering this matter.





James Darrell Fultz


437 Reeves Branch


Olive Hill, Ky


            41164


                            Home  1-606-286-2078


             Cell    1-606-356-7797

Edited by FuzzyFultz, 21 January 2012 - 06:27 PM.

[pa crossbow]

Very nice letter Fuzzy very nice. I am interested in hearing the response you get.Keep up the good work and keep up presenting facts and not fiction like the United Bowhunters so often do. I can attest as Tim50 stated its more of a social issue. The entreched UB want no part of crossbows in "THEIR SEASON" (ARCHERY SEASON)and that what its always been about.Crossbows are fine in every other season but not in their archery season.

Edited by pa crossbow, 21 January 2012 - 04:14 PM.

[FuzzyFultz]

pa crossbow, on 21 January 2012 - 04:13 PM, said:

Very nice letter Fuzzy very nice. I am interested in hearing the response you get.Keep up the good work and keep up presenting facts and not fiction like the United Bowhunters so often do. I can attest as Tim50 stated its more of a social issue. The entreched UB want no part of crossbows in "THEIR SEASON" (ARCHERY SEASON)and that what its always been about.Crossbows are fine in every other season but not in their archery season.

Well Pa, the response from them is the above letter. Sorry I did not make that clear enough. So I have not responded to their response yet. I have talked to several vertical bowhunters that I met at Wallmart the other day. Some where just strangers in the sporting section. I explained the crossbow to them and there was no negative reponses at all. I believe one of the fellows is going to pay us a visit here. He wants to purchase a crossbow for his wife so that she will bowhunt with him. What a good ideal. But I was surprised not to hear any negative from those I talked to. I ask them all to send letters to the Commissioner  and to Tim Farmer of the Kentucky show Kentucky Afield. Got to go, get ready for church.

[Highlander]

FuzzyFultz,

I wish you luck and personally don't see why that don't allow crossbow along with regular bow during the season.

Looking at the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife site, it appears that the Commission holds Town Hall Meeting every year where citizens are allowed to present their concerns from each district. Looking at last years reports that I read, I don't see any mention from crossbow hunters. If not, one good way would be to have as many as possible at these meetings for each district, to present the crossbow hunters case. Showing up in your district with friends would undoubtedly help IMHO. Remember one person doesn't mean much to a commission, but if a lot show up (the larger the numbers the better) this will draw more attention at these Town Hall Meetings. When local clubs and Organizations show up representing very large crossbow hunters' opinions, this has even more impact on the commissioners.  


See this link:

http://fw.ky.gov/tow...tingsummary.asp



From it:

Town Hall Meetings

The Department held a series of Town Hall Meetings from  November 2010 through January 2011. The purpose of these meetings was to present  an overview of Department's activities based on our strategic plan

http://fw.ky.gov/pdf...an2008-2012.pdf and listen to public  input and concerns related to hunting, fishing, and boating issues. The  following is a synopsis of these individual meetings:

Edited by HighlandHunter, 21 January 2012 - 11:23 PM.

[FuzzyFultz]

Yes Highlander, I have plans to attend this year. They have not set any dates and may not be even having a town hall meeting this year. I will find out. I will address that in my e-mail back to them. I had looked at those meeting results. I was at the meeting in January 2011. I stood at the microphones and spoke to them about our declining deer herd here. They did revise the 2011 deer season somewhat to help. I hope there will be a meeting this year. I will try to be there along with several friends if possible.

Thank you.

Edited by FuzzyFultz, 22 January 2012 - 03:02 PM.

[Highlander]

It seemed last year when the figures came out, the deer populations were down a bit, perhaps from the disease that had effects several years ago. With luck when the new figures are released this year, the deer populations will be up again. If so, that is some ammunition to use.

Best Wishes.

[FuzzyFultz]

I just got some good news from the Kentucky Afield radio show here in Kentucky. Russ from the show has invited me to do a show with him concerning the crossbow. I just got off the phone with my brother and if he will go with me to help out, I will do the show request. I would like to have Daniel Hendricks along to if at all possible. I mentioned to Russ that he should get Daniel Hendricks to speak in my first e-mail to him and his response was that he would rather have someone from Kentucky. But how about a couple Kentucky residents and also Daniel Hendricks (president from American Crossbow Federation) ? What do you all think about that ? I am really dumbfounded and glad from what I have done so far, It seems that Russ from the radio show is also a crossbow hunter. He says he loves the fun of it and the hunt. So right now I am very pleased with the out come of what has happened. A joy that is hard to explain, but I know I could be shot down at any time. But I won't go with out speaking my opinion. An opinion for all of respect to all who love to hunt with what ever they choose, gun, stick and string, compound bow or crossbow. I love the sport and would rather do nothing more than to improve the laws for all to enjoy. Here is my e-mail and his return thoughts;

From: James Darrell Fultz [mailto:jamesdfultz@hotmail.com]<br style="line-height: 17px; ">Sent: Wed 1/18/2012 2:44 PM<br style="line-height: 17px; ">To: Kennedy, Russ (FW)<br style="line-height: 17px; ">Subject: Crosbow full inclusion in Kentucky.<br style="line-height: 17px; ">
Hello Russ,
I appreciate what you do here. Thanks and keep up the good work. I would love to hear more about the crossbow in some of your discussions. I would like to see Kentucky allow full inclusion of the crossbow during the entire bow season. It seems to me that this would be no problem , since the decline and falling numbers of our hunters in the woods is a concern and also a necessity to our deer population check. I would think that the crossbow would be a good introduction to hunting for everyone.
The crossbow shoots arrows with a string, just as the compound vertical bow and is just as much a challenge, if not more of a challenge to hunt with. I can draw and shoot my vertical bow quicker and easier than I can the crossbow, especially from a tree-stand. Have you ever tried cocking a crossbow from a tree-stand ?  It is a challenge, and more than likely you are not going to get a second chance because of the time to re-cock but also because of the sound from the crossbow. With a vertical bow you can sometimes get a second chance.
  The crossbow is so much the more accurate now a days than they used to be. The crossbow allows some to hunt that do not have the adequate time to practice with the more involved vertical bow. From all the studies that I have saw from other states, the number of deer taken did not increase. The crossbow only really helped to keep the numbers in check and keep people in the woods hunting longer.
  Also, a crossbow shoots arrows, not bolts. Bolts where used in midevil times and where long pieces of metal or heavy wood with no vanes or feathers, therefore referred to as bolts.
  If you could help with this matter I would appreciate it. Feel free to forward this to anyone you would like. I am going to include a contact person whom has been very active in the crossbow community and is the president of the American Crossbow Federation. Perhaps you could interview or speak with him about this matter ( Daniel James Hendricks - phone 320-634-366 ). Here is a video of Dan Hendricks talking to a reporter from Wisconsin at the 2011 ATA show     .
  Just some thoughts. Thank you for your time.
Your thoughts and help on this matter would be greatly appreciated. I have been a bow-hunter for 30 years here in Kentucky. I love to bow-hunt and I appreciate and respect all that has been done by our Fish & Game Department, thank you.


James Darrell Fultz
437 Reeves Branch
   Olive Hill, Ky
        41164              Cell number > 606 - 356 - 7797 Home > 606 - 286 - 2078
-----------------------------The Response;

• 
  RE: Crosbow full inclusion in Kentucky.‏

Reply ▼

Russ with Ky radio game and fish..

To James Darrell FultzPlease excuse my tardiness in getting back with you.  My bad -- been "slackin'" a little I suppose. James Darrell -- you are talking to a crossbow guy (Hoyt).  I believe in crossbow -- for fun and hunting -- and have no problem putting pro-crossbow information on the air. I would be open to putting your guy on KY Afield Radio with me....but I'd much rather have a KY guy....like you.  Would you consider doing a guest shot with me on Kentucky Afield Radio ???
Russ Kennedy, Host
Kentucky Afield Radio

KY Dept of Fish & WIldlife Resources
1 Sportsmans Lane
Frankfort KY  40601

email: Russ.Kennedy@ky.gov

Visit our website:  www.fw.ky.gov

[Highlander]

How about that, you are going to be a celebrity for a worthy cause.  

[dropzone]

Hey Fuzzy me being a Life long Kentucky resident I try and watch Kentucky afield show when I can catch it on KET. Let me know when the show you will be on will be aired. It makes no sense to me not to include crossbow's with Archery season.

[FuzzyFultz]

dropzone, on 24 January 2012 - 11:32 AM, said:

Hey Fuzzy me being a Life long Kentucky resident I try and watch Kentucky afield show when I can catch it on KET. Let me know when the show you will be on will be aired. It makes no sense to me not to include crossbow's with Archery season.

OK Dropzone, but it is the Kentucky Afield RADIO show, not the TV show. I did know the air time of the radio show but have forgotten. I will let you know when it will broadcast. I still have not responded to the offer or any of the e-mails I have gotten so far. I am still awaiting a response from Tim Farmer of the Kentucky Afield TV show. Right now I am researching and talking to some others and mainly family and friends to get their opinions. No real negatives so far. Everything feels great, so I will continue my quest. At least I am getting some response now.

[FuzzyFultz]

HighlandHunter, on 24 January 2012 - 10:42 AM, said:

How about that, you are going to be a celebrity for a worthy cause.  

Well Highlander I am humbled. It does make me feel really good to feel as if we are being heard and respected in our opinions. I love this new to me challenge and will try my best. But I also know that people like Daniel Hendricks and all the others that have worked so hard to get their state to become full inclusion with the crossbow have made this road a lot smoother for me and others. All I have to do is put forth some effort and be careful as I go. I do not want to underestimate some that are skillful in their negative opinions. I need to be ready and willing to go the distance. But even if I do fail, the road may be a little smoother for the next person.  

Edited by FuzzyFultz, 24 January 2012 - 01:38 PM.

[Tim50]

Congrats & good luck with your spot. One thing your radio guy is a fellow crossbower but I was unaware Hoyt made a crossbow..Hummmm....Getting the word out is important...keep up the GREAT work!

Edited by Tim50, 24 January 2012 - 04:03 PM.

[FuzzyFultz]

Tim50, on 24 January 2012 - 04:02 PM, said:

Congrats & good luck with your spot. One thing your radio guy is a fellow crossbower but I was unaware Hoyt made a crossbow..Hummmm....Getting the word out is important...keep up the GREAT work!

Thanks, yes I was also unaware that Hoyt made a crossbow. He may have gotten mixed up on the brand.. I am going to look that up. UPDATE; I found a Hoyt Game Master crossbow for sale.

Edited by FuzzyFultz, 24 January 2012 - 06:21 PM.

[Tim50]

FuzzyFultz, on 24 January 2012 - 06:13 PM, said:

Thanks, yes I was also unaware that Hoyt made a crossbow. He may have gotten mixed up on the brand.. I am going to look that up. UPDATE; I found a Hoyt Game Master crossbow for sale.

I don't think the Game Master is a crossbow....

[FuzzyFultz]

Tim50, on 24 January 2012 - 09:50 PM, said:

I don't think the Game Master is a crossbow....

Yes you are right, sorry. My bad. So evidently Russ was talking about a Horton, not a Hoyt.

I did see posts about Hoyt crossbows,even here, but no real evidence. The post I made was correct in that there was a picture of a crossbow,but after reading the description they where talking about a compound vert bow for sale.