Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 10 · column 6 of 7 · from the scan, no model involved
New hunting ]
regulations
By Bill Kossu r Rappahannock News Stall'Writer
On June 23rd, the Virginia Board of Game and Inland Fisheries allowed the use of crossbows during hunting season. Previously, hunters who were disabled and unable to use a standard bow could get a crossbow license, but they were banned for the general public.
Crossbow licensing is now similar to archery licensing. On the website of the Virginia Depart-1 ment of Game and Inland Fisheries, they post details of the new ; regulations.
As with standard bows, prospective crossbow hunters will need a license during bow hunt-: ing season, but no special license is required during y the general firearms season;
If a hunter wants to use both a standard com-; pound bow and a cross- i bow during bow hunting season, both an archery j and a crossbow license j : would be required.
Hunting from a stand with a crossbow is pro*/ hibited, and crossbow ■ hunting will still require the usual big game licenses that needed for any hunting.
Ken Carter at Trading Post Guns in Rappahannock does not carry crossbows, but reports a big increase in customer interest.
Carter says cross- • bows are more dangerously accident prone than either firearms or compound bows.
Opining that that increased licensing revenue is the main motive behind this change, Carter expressed concern that it will lead to an increase in severe hunting injuries, particularly from hunters who may haul cocked crossbows up onto • tree stands, despite the legal prohibitions.
Bill Kossler can be reached at bkossler® timespapers.com
•- v -.VU ,<*. ,, v \
76.8%