Even though I am also an avid rifle hunter I still get the strong 

 impression the Fish & Game Commission gets heavy pressure from 

 rifle hunting groups to limit archery hunting in some way in 

 order to help hunting conditions. I strongly suggest from 20 

 years of hunting in Montana that perhaps the rifle hunting season 

 needs to be more strongly regulated rather than archery 

 especially the first chaotic week. 



Many others and myself feel that the problems lie in rifle 

 hunting, not archery. Something must be done before hunting in 

 Montana is completely ruined. During rifle season, thousand upon 

 thousands of irresponsible hunters (mostly out-of-state) are 

 tearing up the country with 4x4 's and ATV's, shooting at most 

 anything that moves. This I have seen many, many times, with my 

 own eyes . 



Nearly every ridge or canyon is cross-crossed with 4 wheel drive 

 and ATV tracks. Even those posted with "No Vehicle" signs. It's 

 hard to even get to a place anymore where someone hasn't allready 

 been with a motorized vehicle. Something must be done before 

 Montana becomes one of those "Used to be good hunting places"! 



I think most complaints aginst bowhunters is unwarronted and 

 bigotid! ! If Bow hunters are made to make consetions Rifle 

 hunters should have to also ( I am both and see nether group as 

 perfect. I see dead elk from rifle hunters more than archery 



I love to hunt with a bow but I don't want to be bowhunting in 

 competition with rifle hunters. Having to wear orange clothing 

 would ruin bowhunting for me. Use of crossbow should not be 

 allowed in archery season. I do not believe that early season 

 bow hunting affects the regular season kill or hunt quality. I 

 frequently scout the same areas I bow hunt during the (1) week 

 break between the bow & regular season . The elk are still in 

 the area but they dissappear with opening day traffic. I hunt 

 with both bow & rifle - it doubles my pleasure. 



Archery is a great sport my wife & I feel sage in the woods 

 hunting as the Indians did. I saw 10 times as many animals when 

 I started bow hunting. Very relaxing sport, allow cross bows, 

 very accurate shots . 



The challenge of archery for surpasses that of a high powered 

 gun. Typically archers are very careful not to shoot when in 

 doubt of a clean kill-which may not be true of the gun hunter. 

 Though I have never shot at an elk, I continue to pursue the 

 mythical creature of the mountains. 



About legalizing cross bows during the archery season is not a 

 good thing to do. I've seen one shot at a tree 60 yards away, 

 and the arrow went in 6 inches. If crossbows are legalized in 

 archery season, it would cheating on everyone. 



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