Buck Magnet: I use a recurve crossbow with no scope (just pins). It pulls back like a bow except that I must use both arms to pull back it's draw weight. It has 100% let off. It has a mechanical release that is actived by the trigger.

Don't get me wrong, you need more skill to shoot a compound than a crossbow. Not more hunting skill, but more bow skill. The same way a recurve or longbow with no mechanical release would be more difficult to shoot than a recurve.

I believe that unless you are dedicated to developing that skill the crossbow provides the better weapon for the average hunter.

If you compare this to fishing you've got the fly fishermen who tie their own flies, then the caster with artificial lures. Next is troller followed by the kid with a worm. Each level takes more skill in some ways but they all enjoy the sport.

Dan O.