Crossbow confusion

The modern crossbow is a highly developed and engineered piece of hunting weaponry. These bad boys fling arrows at almost unimaginable speeds and attain accuracy comparable with any modern compound bow. They are more than satisfactory hunting tools and are legal for archery season in almost every state — except Idaho.
Almost every state in the nation allows hunters to use crossbows during archery and short weapons seasons. Crossbows are exceptionally popular in midwestern states because of strict regulations on hunting with high caliber rifles. Because rifles are illegal in these seasons, many hunters choose to take advantage of the archery season to do their hunting — where the crossbow really shines.
Because of the way crossbows are designed, they are very easy for the average rifle hunter to adapt to using. The way a hunter shoulders the weapon, aims and even the firing mechanism is the same. Contrasting with traditional archery equipment, which can take months to figure our, the crossbow can be learned in a matter of minutes, making it a perfect transition step from rifle to archery hunting.
So why can’t we take advantage of this tool in Idaho?
According to the Idaho Fish and Game website, crossbows may only be used during the archery-only season if the hunter is disabled and possesses a disabled persons archery permit. These permits are issued from the Idaho Fish and Game following a doctor’s verification that the hunter has lost the use of one or both arms or hands.
According to Idaho Fish and Game Big Game Rules, under the General Wildlife Laws, only a person possessing a disabled persons archery permit can use a device that holds a bow at partial or full draw. Because crossbows lock back when they are drawn, they fall victim to this law.
Some would say the crossbow hunter has an advantage over the vertical bow hunter. In actuality the crossbow hunter is at a disadvantage, because he or she only gets one shot. Cocking a crossbow is quite an ordeal, usually involving a crank mechanism or use of your foot for leverage. As soon as the crossbow hunter is in a tree stand, he or she has one chance to connect, whereas vertical bows allow for follow up shots.
So by Idaho logic the arrow requirements, the supposed advantages of a draw lock, and the ease of use, are no longer issues if a hunter finds a doctor’s note.
While I always support getting everyone, including the handicapped, into the woods, it strikes me that it’s not fair to deem a weapon unacceptable for some, but totally fine for others. If the physical requirements are the issue, then why isn’t the handicapped permit a rifle-only hunt? The use of rifles will give any hunter a much larger advantage than the use of crossbows.
Idaho needs to understand that crossbows have advantages and disadvantages just like any other weapon. Not allowing everyone an equal opportunity to try their luck with this equipment is taking opportunities from all sportsmen.
Michael French can be reached at [email protected]