I live in Texas. We have to use .30 PCP's to hunt most species of game animals. Other states mandate .35 and/or .40 caliber. Ever wonder why that is?
When .22 caliber is obviously more than adequate?
Its to discourage people that don't know any better from trying to kill deer with headshots from small caliber rifles, from stupid ranges. Lost deer=wasted resources that other responsible hunters could have enjoyed.
Putting in place a caliber restriction to larger calibers, that deliver more energy, opens the possibility for a heart/lung shot, which is a MUCH larger target with MUCH more margin for error for either shot.
As for the airbows, those get cut down because people tend to buy them to take advantage of archery season, without having to put in any practice to be proficient with real archery equipment. And likewise, tend to attempt shots at unreasonable ranges. I saw the same thing, firsthand, here in Alabama when crossbows were legalized. I found 4 deer on the little patch of public land I hunt in the FIRST season. All were hit in the hindquarters, with crossbow bolts.
Lost animals are wasted resources. Simple as that. Regulations are in place to preserve what little hunting we have left, for more people to enjoy.
There you go. Spelled out so a third grader can understand.
You start with the PETA poop in every post you make in the hunting section. When in reality, the biggest influence on stricter hunting regulations is unethical or irresponsible hunters. The things you don't see on the internet is when "perfect shots" don't end up going so perfect. You only see the good ones, just like on TV.
And before you tell me what side of the fence I'm on, know that I have been a Compton's Traditional Bowhunter, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers member for years and fight for land rights and longer more lenient seasons every year. Petitions, sending letters to state departments etc.
What have you done to help "game laws" other than bitch about PETA on the internet?