Idaho's 80% Letoff Law?

Prism · May 22, 2006

I guess I just have to ask "WHY?"

Is 15% in letoff really going to make a difference in harvest success? I didn't think so!

Now maybe not allowing compounds or sights makes sense, but this just seems like something somebody came up with cause they didn't like compounds, sights, releases, etc.........

Has anybody ever been checked while in the field? I'm not condoning or suggesting that you do anything illegal. I'd just like to know if it's being enforced.

IdahoBugler · May 23, 2006

I have been checked twice in the last 4 years. I also heard of a check station that was stopping everyone and checking there bow setup. It has been getting very regular to get checked.

IB

archeryelk · May 24, 2006

An tell me how they check it?

Archer

Choclab · May 24, 2006

They look at that little 65% or 80% letoff number stamped on the side of your cam. Washington used to be 65%, but they changed it this year to 80%.

"The rich....who are content to buy what they have not the skill to get by their own exertions, are the real enemies of game".........Teddy Roosevelt

IdahoBugler · May 25, 2006

You would think it would be that easy but they don't care what the bow companies say. Even though I shot a mathews with a 65% cam, they checked me anyway.

They use a hand held bow scale that had a slider that would stop at peak weight and then they would read the holding weight. Simple math calculated the letoff of the bow. It took maybe 1 minute for the whole process.

Also at the check station the guys I talked to had each arrow weighted and broadheads checked.

IB

Prism · May 25, 2006

Wow, they really take it serious!!!

I'd think they'd have bigger issues than checking arrow weights, but can't fault 'em for doing their jobs.

Any reasonble ideas as to why Idaho has such laws?

The only thing I can figure is a pretty strong traditional presence or somebody that just doesn't like the new tricked out bows. It sure doesn't seem to have anything to do with success rates.

Anybody kill more deer because they have an 80% letoff bow?

Elkslayer · May 26, 2006

I was able to hold my bow last year for two hours ( 80% let-off ). Problem was, I used the wrong pin and missed. HA!!!!

Have a good Holiday.

Alan

Prism · May 26, 2006

LMAO!

Outdoordan · May 29, 2006

Ok, so I may have a problem. I drew a sheep tag this year in Idaho, and want to go bow-only. I have a hoyt protec with cam and 1/2. I don't know what the letoff is on this bow. Can I change?

IDkTm · May 29, 2006

Does your protec have green or black cam modules? If they are black its 65 %, if they are green then its 75%. The let off modules can be changed.

Personally I hope Idaho maintains the 65 % rule. Even if they get rid of it I'll continue shooting 65%.

flea_bitten · May 30, 2006

You ask why, but why not? If you say 65% is not much of a difference to 80% then why complain. P&Y don't recognize anything over 65%. Yes they do check in Idaho, I was checked out antelope hunting last yr at a checkstation off the mudd flat road, they checked let-offs but did'nt check arrow weights, there scales are certified by an idaho weight master to be within 1 pd they told me. My bow passed but my buddys did'nt and they issued him a citation as a warning. No harm done. They said for the most part everyone was well within 65% only like a couple people were'nt so far.

BOHNTR · May 30, 2006

"P&Y don't recognize anything over 65%."

Actually, P&Y now accepts animals taken with bows greater than 65% let-off. These entries will have an asterisk next to the animal in print. However, if taken in Idaho, they must follow state law (no more than 65%) or the entry is not accepted.

I personally shoot 65% and won't go any higher.....in fact I didn't mind the 50%.

Made for a smoother release, IMO.

BOHNTR )))---------->

Outdoordan · May 30, 2006

What I feel is irritating about it is that the manufacturers now don't really list on web-site/brochures the let-off. So, you can unknowingly break the law. I think the law needs to be changed for that reason. I will check my modules altho last time I looked at them they seemed to be the same redish color as the cam.