8-23-13 crossbow hunting

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A state Senate committee has passed a bill creating an open crossbow hunting season to run concurrently with the archery deer season in Wisconsin.  The Senate Natural Resources Committee passed the measure on a 4-1 vote Thursday. Democratic Sen. Mark Miller, who had expressed reservations about the measure at Wednesday's hearing, voted against it.  Miller said he was worried about the "magic" of bow hunting season being harmed with crossbows.  Currently, crossbow hunting is allowed only for those over age 65 and those with physical disabilities. The bill would allow hunters of all legal ages and of all physical abilities to use crossbows to hunt deer and other smaller animals including rabbits and coyotes.  The Senate could take up the bill as soon as next month.