[D Winkler]

March 19, 2008
Kansas Hunting Goes Modern, Prehistoric

In what can only be described as one incredibly ironic juxtaposition of hunting regulations to be reviewed and approved at single venue, the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission OK'd modern high-powered optics for guns considered to be primitive, as well as arrowheads chipped from rock, like those utilized by prehistoric cave-dwellers.

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I certainly can’t be the only one who noticed the bizarre paradox in last week’s action by the Kansas commission that allows deer hunters to use scopes on muzzleloaders and hand-made, knapped stone arrowheads for bowhunting.

Following a 20-minute discussion Thursday during its regular meeting, a divided commission voted 4-3 to allow scopes of any magnification during the state’s early muzzleloader season.

Those against the measure argued that the advanced technology offered by scopes is not suitable for a firearm in what is supposed to be a primitive and more challenging hunt. On the other side, supporters countered that accurate shooting is a goal of all hunters and some aging hunters need optics to insure their accuracy.

Carbon2

But without dissention, commissioners approved the measure to allow bowhunters to hunt deer with arrowheads fashioned from knapped (chipped) stone.

With the action, Kansas becomes the second state to take hunting back to a time when hunters didn’t need cover scents, because they smelled exactly like their quarry.

The Illinois DNR approved the use of obsidian arrowheads for deer hunting a few years ago.

So if you’re looking for a more challenging method of taking your deer this fall, head to Kansas and remember the theme of those Geico insurance commercials.

“A caveman could do it!”


Newshound

[D Winkler]

I don't really agree with this. I hunt the Kansas muzzleloader season and don't know if I will use a scope or not. What do you guys think? Would You?

[oucorry]

I would but I do feel a little hypacritical on this matter.

[shortbus]

I would since they allow it, but just like I said in the other muzzleloader thread, once you start adding scopes to black powder rifles you lose the "primitive" aspect of the sport.

If you want to hunt like that, just wait until rifle season. It's kinda like passing a law to allow all bowhunters to use cross bows. It's called primitive firearms for a reason.

As soon as you let everyone out there with a TC Encore with a high powered scope you have gone from primitive firearms right into high tech rifle. Why not just expand the rifle season?