Here is the MBA's stance.
January 11, 2013
Legislative Alert
Members-
We have a very high priority bill which needs your immediate response by January 15.
HB 26 is a bill allowing lighted nocks on arrows during big game seasons.
We need your help to kill this bill.
Refer to our justification points below.
HB 26 Allow lighted nock on arrows while big game hunting.
Position: Oppose
Sponsor: Ted Washburn
(H) Hearing January 15 3:00 PM, Rm 152, House Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Committee
The bill inserts an exception into the statute language to allow lighted nocks on arrows (refer to full bill text in the attachment). Please understand that the exception for the lighted nock is not just a minor adjustment to the equipment regulations; it makes a change to the law which permanently and dramatically alters the Commission’s authority to regulate archery equipment. In doing so, lighted nocks are exempted from Commission authority, and this action sets a precedent for other devices to be introduced in future legislative sessions.
Currently, laser broadheads are on the market and a GPS broadhead and “BowMag arrow” are in the works. It is only a matter of time before someone will ask for these exceptions to the law. I’ve attached documents to the alert illustrating each device, or you can click on the links below.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/spot-on-laser-broadhead.aspx?a=886182
http://www.google.com/patents/US7632199
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd4X9naO_04
The recent push for electronic equipment fosters a misguided message that bowhunters cannot be effective without continually advancing technology. There are non-electronic alternatives such as reflective cap wraps and bright fletching to aid hunters in seeing the point of impact. Allowing an exception for the use of lighted nocks introduces the first of many electronic devices for which exceptions will be requested. The current regulations are crystal clear and parallel Pope & Young Club regulations for ethical, fair chase hunting. Deviation from the current regulations will create all sorts of gray areas for devices to be introduced.
Whether you see where the arrow hits or not, it is always better to wait longer to ensure the
animal has expired. Seeing a bright nock hit what is perceived to be a "good" hit will only cause bowhunters to rush in more quickly than they should and risk spooking the animal if it is a less than perfect shot. Again, IT IS ALMOST ALWAYS BETTER TO WAIT. Knowing where the arrow hit does nothing to improve the blood trail itself.
Our most recent survey supports our “no electronics” stance. We received many comments associated with this question which reinforced “no exceptions.” We did have nine respondents on the survey who said that while overall they support the “no electronics” position, they’d like to see lighted nocks as an exception to the regulations. It is important to understand that if lighted nocks are allowed, GPS and laser broadheads are the next devices which some may see as an improvement to archery equipment, and which may be requested in subsequent sessions. As a board, we feel we cannot take this first step in allowing exceptions to the “no electronics” stance.
In summary, we oppose this legislation because it undermines the clarity of the current regulations. Exceptions to the statute and regulations will create a “moving target” of legal equipment which will alter the nature of bowhunting. As an organization, we carefully consider all of the various impacts which equipment has on our seasons, and guide our membership towards actions which serve the best interests of bowhunting. We believe allowing this exception to the statute is not in the best interests of bowhunting.
