I wondered how long it would take before this weapon would draw attention--well--not long.
I am old enough to remember the transition from self, long, recurve bows into the compound era.
Then we had the cross bow introduction into the season. I have ALWAYS advocated ALL three of these devices--why? Because all three devices use stored energy within the limbs thereby transfering that enegy through the string and into or, onto an arrow shaft. All of these devices--no matter how modern they have gotten through cams, wheels, high end sights, rests, cocked and locked, release aids, etc.--they all still have a set of limbs be it vertical or, horizontal and a string and or buss cable.
This new device named or labeled as "The-Air-Bow" is in fact an air rifle. It used a precharged cylinder storing compressed gas and has NO LIMBS and NO STRING. It is by definition NOT A BOW and by NO means is even remotely a device that should have the name "BOW" attached to it.
In the past with the changing world of archery there were folks on both sides of the fence when the compound bow came along. That same sentiment was present when crossbows were introduced. The thing is folks all of those devices as I have previously stated have "LIMBS" and "STRINGS". They by definition are archery devices. Even though time and technology have made them more modern with all of the high gadgets that we can attach to them--AGAIN I will state-the fact they have a set of limbs and a string defines them as a certain class of weapon.
The introduction of the "Air-Bow" is now where I draw thew line. If they want to allow this weapon in seasons defined as "RIFLE" and use it during our current two week "RIFLE" season it could very well be a little wedge to push for getting it legal in our archery seasons--NOW--I am not crying fowl here.
This may not happen.
In the past I have refrained from drawing a line with weapons. I always tried to advocate sharing and introducing folks to the sport of hunting. I have NEVER advocated for limiting the access and opportunity of others but, now I have drawn the line. I DO NOT want to EVER see this weapon gain ground and momentum to be introduced into our archery seasons and, I honestly believe in the future this could happen. I know--many who will read my post will say--You poor cry baby--your just crying fowl here. I am not--NO limbs--NO string--Its not an air bow--its an air rifle plain and simple.
Thanks for reading my post.