State House News Service 

March 3, 1999--A legislative committee is weighing the pros and cons of expanding the number of hunters allowed to use crossbows to stalk wildlife in Massachusetts. 

With the growing popularity of archery, tens of thousands of archers here use the bow and arrow to hunt.  To do so, they must possess both a 
hunting license and an archery stamp.

But disabled hunters, like those in wheelchairs, can't handle the traditional bow and have sought permission to use the smaller crossbow. Its arrows are fired mechanically. 

Under current state law, special crossbow hunting licenses are available for paraplegics and those afflicted with cerebral palsy.  There was an attempt during the last legislative session to expand the special permits to any person whose disability prevents them from using the traditional bow.  But that allowance was deemed too broad by lawmakers and those who regulate hunting.

Officials from the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife have worried about
being placed in the position of having to be medical experts and making
decisions about medical conditions.  Such a charge was likened to the way
the Registry of Motor Vehicles must decide which applicants deserve to have special plates gaining them access to handicapped parking spots.

Deputy director for administration Jack Buckley said fish and wildlife officials have been asked to give special permits to people with partial
paralysis, amputated elbows, and rotator cuff problems.

Rep. Stephen Kulik, a Worthington Democrat and member of the Natural
Resources Committee that today heard the latest batch of crossbow bills,
referred to a man missing several fingers.  He said the man was frustrated
that a wheelchair-bound person with healthy hands and arms was allowed to use the special device while he was not.

Buckley insisted that the department does not want to stand in the way of
any disabled person's desire to be treated equally.  "But we would like
some statutory sideboards on what you'd like us to do," he told the committee.

A representative of the Massachusetts Sportsmen's Council said the expansion should not have a significant effect on the wildlife kill but does provide another opportunity to address problems associated with the state's growing deer population.

Animal rights activist Dorothy Checci O'Brien warned against any 
expanded crossbow activity.  Walkers and others out to enjoy the woods can at least hear gunshots and be warned to stay away from the woods, she pointed out. "Arrows are silent," she said.
 

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