crossbows are not easier to use than compound bows overall. they have some advantages over compounds, sure. however they also have some disadvantages. they certainly arent in the same class as a gun. anyone who says otherwise hasnt hunted w/ a crossbow. eclipse, laid the differences out very well. i' m a compound shooter but i have 0 problem w/ those who CHOOSE to hunt w/ a xbow. so what if they didnt have to spend as much time getting comfortable w/ their bow as i did. its not a competition and that hunter didnt cheat me or do anything to me. they simply chose to use a bow that is easier to learn than my compound. it doesnt lessen or cheapen the effort i put in getting comfortable w/ my bow. and given the fact that the effective kill zone is the same, they also dont have it any easier when we both go into the woods. ok, they dont have to draw, but my bow is near silent where theirs is loud as all get out. its not a competition and someone using a crossbow, even if its by choice, isnt stealing or cheating or taking anything away from those who choose to use a compound. i dont get the hatred/hostility towards crossbows, i really dont.