Originally Posted by
DIY_guy
Many many of them. Ive even owned 3 of them since 1982.
yes. But I would rather be a bowhunter so I dont hunt with a crossbow. My 80 year old father does as does my 12 year old niece since they can bowhunt with a real bow.
Crossbows are certainly welcome in the archery community. But I am talking about bowhunting. I know lots of archers that are not bowhunters. They shoot leagues with recurves and compounds but dont bowhunt. They just enjoy archery. The Op was asking about a tool for hunting. I suggested that he would much more enjoy bowhunting rather than crossbowing for a lot of the negatives you describe about crossbows. Hard to believe anybody would want to hunt with a crossbow considering all the negatives about them you listed.
I know I won't use one till I can't pull at least 45 pounds. But that's a personal choice since I have been a bow hunter for a God Awful number of years. Playing slap and tickle with 70 but I've been told I don't look a day over 100
(dang mean wife) But I still wouldn't denigrate the use of them by younger folks. I just don't like the things for the reasons I stated. If someone can get them into the woods, up into a stand, and use one successfully they should be commended. All tools in hunting have their +'s and -'s And there will always be those traditionalists that think technology has ruined the sport. But since crossbows are FAR from new technology I can't see the reasons behind their complaints. As far as using a crossbow for deer hunting, you still have to get close, still need to do your homework to get within 40 or so yards, still need to be silent, still need to play the wind, still need to be as still as possible. The only difference is the draw. And if by some chance you miss, it's a LOT harder to get a followup shot with a crossbow than ANY other tool for hunting. Even a muzzleloader is easier to get a followup shot with!