I was in a motorcycle wreck several years ago and tore up my left shoulder to the point that I could no longer pull a compound to full draw. The shoulder would always give out just before reaching the break-over point.

So I'm very thankfull that crossbows are legal here in Arkansas. If it wern't for the cross-bow, my bow hunting days would be over. Until recently, I also had a hunting lease in southern Missouri, and even though crossbows are NOT legal there, I was able to get a special permit to use one by sending in medical records and Dr's recommendation to the MO Game & Fish Commission. So for those of you in similar circumstances, check with your game & fish commission. They may make exceptions on cross-bow use if you are unable to hunt with a standard longbow or compound.

The only practical advantage I've found using a cross-bow is you can hold full draw till the cows come home. There is no range advantage and actually, probably due to the shorter arrow shaft, I don't think they are as accurate as a compound. I do find them a bit more cumbersom as well. As far as "instinctive" shooting is concerned, the compound definitely has a big edge as you still have to aim a cross-bow....no way around it.

With all that said, I'm sure glad I've got my cross-bow and am still able to hunt with it.

firstshot