CROSSBOWS for Deer Hunting in Nova Scotia?? Starting this Fall???

Yes, it’s true! Nova Scotia has joined most of other jurisdictions in North America in embracing crossbows as legitimate hunting equipment. The Dept. of Natural Resources issued a press release on Sept 10, 2008, that announced:

“Nova Scotians have another tool for harvesting deer, thanks to recent changes to regulations under the Nova Scotia Wildlife Act. Changes to the Firearm and Bow Regulations will allow the use of crossbows by qualified individuals for hunting deer in the province.”

Further, the 2008 Regulation Summary (available on the NS Dept. of Natural Resources website) states:

“Use of crossbow by certified hunters is now legal for hunting deer only, during the General Open Season for Hunting Deer.”

“TO HUNT DEER WITH A CROSSBOW

Until October 1, 2012, a person may be certified as qualified to hunt with a crossbow during the General Open Season For Hunting Deer if they:

• hold a Nova Scotia Wildlife Resources Card with both a firearm (HT or HQ) AND bow certification (B); or

• have been certified to hunt with a crossbow in another jurisdiction; or

• produce proof satisfactory to the Department that they have hunted with a crossbow in another jurisdiction         within the preceding 5 years.

NOTE: To hunt deer with a crossbow, the crossbow must have a draw weight of 150 pounds or 68 kilograms or greater and bolts with heads measuring more than 2.2 centimeters in diameter.”

What does this mean for Nova Scotians? For starters, from Wikipedia, here’s a definition:

“A crossbow is a weapon consisting of a bow mounted on a stock that shoots projectiles, often called bolts. A mechanism in the stock holds the bow in its fully-drawn position until it is shot by releasing a trigger. Crossbows played a significant role in the warfare of North Africa, Europe and Asia. Crossbows are used today primarily for target shooting and hunting.”

Crossbows are not new, at least 2000 years older than guns, but recent technological advances have contributed greatly to their ease of use, performance, durability, safety, accuracy, availability and cost, which explains why they are gaining in popularity. Like a rifle, they can be fitted with a scope for effective hunting at dusk and dawn, and they are cocked and ready for use when the safety is released. Also, like a rifle, proficiency is gained much faster than bow hunting. Crossbows require much less arm strength than a bow, so may be suitable for young, disabled or elderly hunters. Since their range is similar to a bow, crossbow hunting is basically hunting from a tree stand or ground blind. Their short range, 30 yds or less, as well as their size and noise factor, makes them extremely impractical for use by deer jackers, a common misconception.

Crossbow purchases & possession require neither a firearms acquisition certificate nor firearms registration in Canada, welcome news for those hunters who oppose what they perceive as over-regulation.

More information about Canadian-made crossbows can be found at www.excaliburcrossbow.com. These crossbows are sold in Guysborough county by River Magic in Stillwater NS (see advertisement in this publication).

Please stay on the line …