Here's the following "game code":
 
Previously, only hunters with permanent disabilities and a permit from the Game Commission could use crossbows. However, Act 111, which was approved by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Tom Ridge at the end of 2000, removed crossbows from the list of unlawful devices and methods for hunting in the Game and Wildlife Code (Title 34).
 
DID YOU STOP RIGHT THERE TT?  THAT'S NOT ALL!!!!!
 
The new law also allows hunters with temporary disabilities to apply for a permit to use a crossbow throughout the state for up to one year.
 
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?A=11&Q=155963
 
I'm aware of the law.  Apparently, you are not.
 
You've already admitted that the reason you shoot a crossbow is because you lack confidence with a bow and arrow.  It's on the old board.  Would you like me to find it for you??  You've also admitted you hunt northwestern PA, which does not have any special reg. areas.
 
Sounds to me like YOU are ignoring the law and plan to according to the start of the thread.  It sounds to me like YOU are SELFISH for taking advantage of the law KNOWINGLY.  OR, did you misinterpret it?  Well... that's ok but put the crossbow down TT; it's currently against the law if you don't have a disability.  It's currently against the law to hunt archery season with a crossbow in 41 states and many of the Canadian providences.
 

Why should crossbow hunters have to compete with bullets?  I'm not satisfied with having to compete with bullets, just as you "traditionalists" aren't thrilled about competing with crossbows. 

 
It's ok for your needs but no one elses???  ahh.... the pot calling the kettle black, a???     Too funny.

Now, that's a different spin on things.  LMAO.

"Consistency can only be achieved through repetition, and that's not possible for me."
 
Why not?

Without going into too many details(sorry to disappoint you, SK) but I lost a monster buck (pre-AR 14 pt.) the second year out with the crossbow to a rifle hunter.  Realistically, you are only at a disadvantage because of the relative range of a pistol.  The knock-down power of the weapon should (in a perfect situation) be enough to drop a deer, where the lack of said power from the crossbow allows that animal to travel a bit further.  I knew exactly where that arrow hit, and exited.  Mr. I Hunt My Land From 4-Wheelers got my deer. 

That's why I say it's competing.  First one to the dead deer wins.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had this happen to, and I know it even happens in rifle season.  I just don't think that a close-range weapon with little to no knock-down power should be stuck competing in those over-crowded seasons, especially rifle.  If you've never shot a crossbow, I highly recommend doing so.  They are fun, they are deadly, and they offer some unique challenges all on their own without being mis-categorized by Game Commisions.  Like I said, you don't want it in archery, I don't want it in rifle, give us our own season.  2 weeks during the rut should be adequate. 

You hit it.  Archers don't want to give up a second of their monopoly on antlered deer before and during the rut.  That's what I'm up against.  I'm glad someone finally said it.  And SilverKype calls me selfish.  HA!

And yet more fuel to the fire  LOL
 
http://www.airowgun.com/pellet.php

ORIGINAL: T.T.

 If you've never shot a crossbow, I highly recommend doing so.  They are fun, they are deadly, and they offer some unique challenges all on their own

 
I have shot them and they are fun.  Just won't work in Pa. the way our seasons are set up. 
 
 I hunt alot in the SRA's were they are legal and many of my buds use them.  There is no doubt how much easier they are when a deer is in range.  I have not joined them as I like the challenge of traditional archery.

Quote from SK
 "The future of crossbow season (and its length) in this state will be directly affected by the number of deer taken in the special regs areas with them.  The more deer you kill now, the shorter your season will be later.  Hammer them deer boys!  LOL "

The PGC cannot even tell you how many deer are killed in a season let alone tell you what weapon they were killed with LOL
Are they gonna use the same equation that they use for report cards?

Just for the record though my opinion is that they(crossbows)are fine the way it is set-up now.(disabled/SRA's)
If they were to legalize them statewide then I'd probably get one. I don't agree with a lot of the regulations that the PGC has but I do obey by them or use them to my advantage.
Mike

You wont ever see me carry one, that takes all the fun out of it. Miles well just start rifle season in october, let it run till january if thats the case.

Fill your tags and get out of the woods so I can enjoy the times when its best. Ill find my deer.

Then let those ethical hunters who want to use one to fill their tags along WITH the "conventional" archers, and like with every other season/weapon, throw the book at those who aren't "quite-so-ethical".

I hunt in an area where crossbows are permitted and I do not see but one or two nice bucks taken a year with one. Most of the people that use crossbows hunted with compounds before they were legal, so there really is not an increase in pressure. They are a primative weapon and belong in a different season than firearms. Sure they are not the same as they was when they were created in China but the same could be same said for compounds.