Some older hunters who back the bill argue they should be allowed to use crossbows because many aren’t strong enough to use regular or compound bows.

“Most of your senior citizens no longer have the strength to pull a bow string back,” said Ronald Zerfas of Lansing, a self-described avid hunter who staunchly supports allowing seniors citizens – and not just the disabled – to use crossbows during archery season from Oct.1 to Jan. 1.

Under state law, a crossbow cannot be used to hunt except by a person 14 or older during the Nov. 15 - 30 firearm deer season and by a disabled person with a crossbow permit, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The proposal would give seniors a longer period to hunt with crossbows in the warmer October weather. In addition, “seniors do not have that much time left” and are being denied the opportunity to hunt with their children and grandchildren, said 70-year-old Zerfas, whose multiple injuries from an explosion more than 30 years ago combined with arthritis got him a lifetime DNR permit to hunt with a crossbow.

Now that he has a lifetime permit, Zerfas said he is pushing to get the bill passed for seniors who are aren’t strong enough to draw a bow, but do not qualify for a crossbow permit.

“Seniors all tell me, and I quote, ‘I am tired of fighting the system and I just got rid of my bow and gave up,’” Zerfas said.

But Lou Leavens of Sterling Heights, president of the Michigan Bow Hunters Association, which does not define the crossbow as archery equipment, said he does not support opening up the archery season to seniors with crossbows.

 “We will continue our fight to keep crossbows out of the season for senior citizens,” Leavens said, adding that there are 80-and 90-year-old seniors who hunt with regular and compound bows who would be offended by the suggestion that senior citizens need crossbows.

He also said the archery industry has done a “terrific job” in making conventional bow equipment adaptable for “anybody and everybody” who really wants to hunt with them. 

But Zerfas said that apparent unwillingness to share the woods with crossbow hunters reveals “a selfish attitude.”

Michigan United Conservation Clubs Executive Director Sam Washington said his organization is neutral about the issue.

In a similar vein, DNR wildlife chief Bill Moritz said the department is still preparing a response to the bill.

Tim Ondusky, president of the Oakland County Sportsman’s Club, said he does not oppose the legislation for the senior citizens who want to hunt safely and effectively.

“It will give them the opportunity to stay active in the sport,” Ondusky said.

The bill is pending in the House Conservation, Forestry and Outdoor Recreation Committee. Rep. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, the sponsor, said he doesn’t know if there’s enough support to pass it.

Rep. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, who chairs the Outdoor Recreation Committee, said he supports the measure in concept. Many of his constituents “who were getting up there in age” and want to continue to hunt had brought it to his attention.

 Casperson said he and Jones discussed bringing together groups such as the MUCC, DNR and hunting clubs to get input and seek compromise.

A similar bill was introduced in 2003, and “guys got pretty passionate about it,” he said.