Vote Scheduled to Change PA Game Code to Allow Crossbows

From the NRA:

Vote Scheduled to Change the Pennsylvania Game Code to Include Crossbows! Friday, January 16, 2009 Please Contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission Today! Over the last several years, there has been a growing debate concerning the use of crossbows in Pennsylvania. At its upcoming meeting, the Pennsylvania Game Commission will be voting on a proposal that would make Pennsylvania the twelfth state to allow the use of crossbows during the state archery season. This meeting will be held from Sunday, January 25 to Tuesday, January 27. To view a copy of the agenda, please click here. NRA strongly advocates for any expansion of hunter opportunity and choice when there is no biological reason to oppose the expansion. In fact, states that have allowed the use of crossbows have been able to maintain healthy wildlife populations. Additionally, the recruitment and retention of hunters has improved by removing crossbow restrictions. At a time when the number of hunters is declining, nothing is more important than the ongoing effort to preserve and strengthen our hunting heritage. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has received input on both sides of the issue from stakeholders concerning this proposed change. It’s time the Pennsylvania Game Commission hear from the very sportsmen and hunters they represent. There is little doubt that non-hunters and “animal rights” forces will be active in making their voices heard, so it is vital that sportsmen speak loudly. Please contact the members of the Pennsylvania Game Commission TODAY and respectfully ask that they act to preserve our cherished hunting heritage by voting for the inclusion of crossbows during the state archery season. Contact information for your Game Commissioner can be found below. Roxane Palone, President vrpalone@windstream.net Greg Isabella, Vice-President secommissioner@aol.com Jay Delaney, Jr., Secretary PGCDistrict7@aol.com Russell Schleiden reschleiden@intergate.com Tom Boop tboop@verizon.net Dave Schreffler c-dschreff@state.pa.us Ron Weaner pgc6@superpa.net

Copyright 2009, National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action. This may be reproduced. It may not be reproduced for commercial purposes.

Here's the email I sent in support of this effort:

I am writing to express my support for the PA Game Commission to legalize the use of crossbows during archery deer season. I also ask that you legalize crossbow use during gun season, because this would appeal to hunters who have to hunt in areas which have heretofore been shotgun, muzzleloader, or archery-only.

There is no real game management reason to oppose the change, and states that have allowed the use of crossbows have been able to maintain healthy wildlife populations. Additionally, the recruitment and retention of hunters has improved by removing crossbow restrictions.

Legalizing crossbow use during archery deer season would also help Pennsylvania's sporting goods stores because it would increase demand for crossbows and accessories by people who might not otherwise purchase archery gear.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Feel free to plagiarize. ;-)

Edit at 20:07:

I received a reply from Mr. Isabella that this measure passed.