Why Crossbows????
 

I can wholeheartedly assure all of you I have NOTHING against crossbows, I just dont understand the "Why". I am an avid bowhunting fanatic and chose archery because I like the challenge of archery, up close, etc. It just takesmore skill to get that close. Matter of fact, I have recently dedicated my life to the sport!

Do crossbow hunters also bowhunt? I understand persons with disabilities sometimes cant pull back a bow, so they use crossbows.

I am going to go out on a limb and figurehunters who choose a crossbowdo so for the same reasonhunters choose muzzleloaders. For an added challenge.Why dont you just bowhunt? Help me understand. If that is your weapon of choice, OK by me. I honestly just dont understand. Please dont take offense.

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Don't know how old you are, but the years will answer your question! If you believe in prayer, pray that you don't have injuries at work or accidents in your life. Some of us are not as fortunate.:)

Yes, there are X-bowers on here that do use verticles and X-bows.

What makes you think that Verticle shootersshoot closer than X-bowers? X-bowers that know, keep the yardage to 30-35yds.

Like you mentioned, why do Riflemen also shoot Muzzleloaders? Hey, different strokes for different folks!:)

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Dave, no offence whatsoever taken.
Aside from what you see in my signature. I have a Vulcan and a Gamemaster (recurve) on order. I also own a "cheap" target recuve.
I first bought a crossbow because I found shooting a compound when wearing heavy clothing cumbersome. Problem was that it was so much fun and so addictive I shot it more and more. Bottom line is that it is because it is I can and it is legal and ethical. Whatmore does one need. Please do not take offence but that question is similar to asking someone why they drive a Ford or a pick up truck. It is only another choice. Personally I think that a compound with a drop away rest, a release with a "hair trigger" is an advantage over a crossbow. It certainly is more accurate.
Don

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

I use my crossbow for one reason, and one reason only! I ain't worth a crap at throwing a spear.
BBO

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Montana Dave: Welcome to this part of the forums. No offense taken at all and you did a good job making that apparent. There are many different reasons we use them. Age, health, physical ability which includes some real young hunters getting an early shot at what we all love. As you probably have already seen, the hunt part is pretty much the same regardless of which type bow you carry. The real thrill is getting one close enough to take. I use mine mostly because they are just plain fun! I like tweakin/tuning them, and can shoot the recurve [lighter in front] style offhand w/ dinged shoulder. Another analogy, I like squirrel hunting. I have a .22 rifle w/ scope, a .17 hmr I use alot. I like sniping them from afar, lol. I also use a Colt Diamondback .22 w/ 4" bbl. when I want a real challenge. Kinda boils down to what a persons choices are.

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Again, I repeatedly said I was NOT trying to offend anyone. If I did, I sincerely apoligize.

Kinda what I figured. If someone said "I shoot a crossbow because they are friggin' cool!" Thats perfectly OK by me. I own an archery-only hunting ranch, but I am still a gun-nut! I understand the "Cool" factor. Anyone who cant smile after shooting a fully automatic M-16 needs to see a doctor! (Ha! Ha!)

As far as the use of crossbows for persons with disabilities- my hats off to ya! It is a fact that a rifle hunt would be easier, you know? But, thats not why you use a crossbow, is it?

Thanks for the insight, guys. Again, I am honestly just trying to get the "Why".

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

well, dave.. to me i like to shoot it, is cause i have that right too shoot it. i too along with many others have averticle bow, but like reb said, differnt strokes for diffrent folks.crossbows are vicious looking, thats 1 reason why i love mine.plus in 20 yrs(if im still around) im sure im gonna need it more than my verticle bow.plus sometimes i like to put on my amour suit made of metal and run threw the woods, jus like they did in the medevil times....lol jk

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Yup its just a personel choice Dave. A rifle or shotgun or ML is much easier! Trouble is its not near as much of a challenge! I used to shoot Long & Recurve's before the Compound came along. Then i got one or 4 and was shooting all of them. Then i got crippled up and couldn't shoot them anymore. I still have a Bear compound to get rid of. The CB is a bust compared to regular Bows, because of its weight, size and being so awkward! Its the onlydeal in town fer me now to get up close and personal with my big Game! It still provides that thrill of taking animals with a Bow just a differant type.:)Since i got one i love it!:D

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

I didn't tell you thats its a great Vampire killer![:-][:o][8D]:D

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

:D:D:D:D:DNooffense taken Dave! No, that's Not why many of us don't use Rifles or Verticals, it's because many of us have had some sort of an injury over the years, Arms, Shoulders, Neck, Backand many don't qualify for Disability Permits, but most states have a X-bow season now.

What we would like to see is X-bows included in Archery Season. In FL X-bows are not allowed in Archery Season, but Archery is allowed in X-bow Season.:eek:

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

I have both both are legal in AR,I took 5 deer with an old compound last year because they had a rule for the in town hunt that only vertical bows were legal, but I filled my state tags out in the country with my crossbow,I am 7o and the aurtheritis is in the shoulder joints but I shot a xbow long before that why not it is more fun. Lee

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Montana Dave crossbows are just another piece of archery equipment so yes crossbow hunters archery hunt. You see, crossbws have been in use for thousands of years and the compound was only developed and pattened in the late 1960's. If you go by how long a hunting tool was used, then crossbws would be the hunting tool for archery and the vertical compound would not be classed as archery, but that is not what we are about.

I will give you some ideas on why people choose the crossbow to hunt with:
ME personally - I dislocated my shoulder many years ago and can't safely hold a vertical while gaining full draw without the possibility of my shoulder going out again.
33 year old lady - she wanted to hunt with herr husband and could not hold the vertical bows steady enough for the accuray that she demanded for herself.
14 youth - being of slight statur, he was not strong enough to use the compounds and wanted to hunt with his father, he is now 23 and hunts with both the crossbow and a recurve.
75 year old man - wanted to continue to hunt with the bow, to enjoy the outdoors that he grew up with, just loves to hunt.
23 year old male - hunts with all 4 varieties of bows (longbow, recurve, compound and crossbow) just becasue he has the ability to choose the one he wants for the day.

Again, the crossbow has the same range as the other archery choices out there. You still have to get close and personal like you have to with other bows. Most of the garbage put out by the anti crossbow groups is only garbage to mislead people that de not know about crossbows into believe that they are not archery or do not belong there.

Why would somone choose the crossbow over a vertical bow could be just as simple as it was the best tool of choice available for the situation of the hunt they were going on. Same thing, if you have a choice and was going to be doing alot of walking through heavy bush, you would choose the vertical over the crossbow as it would be better suited for that style of hunt (easier to carry). There are some advantages of the the crossbow over the vertical compound, but there are advantages of the vertical compound over the crossbows. It is just a choice of hunting tool for most people.

Hope this helped you understand.

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Both of Rebel Hogs posts said it very well,After the surgery its neat to
be able to be in the woods,miss my compound but love my Ten Point
even more!;)

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Another reason is that we may or may not feel we owe it to the animals we hunt. i hunt with both X bow and verticle, the only deer I have ever wounded was with my Ben Pearson Spoiler. I never had a deer run more than 50 yards after the shot before last season. Using the weapon you can be most accurate with is as [if not more]important than the thrill of the hunt. Try to always remember we are taking a life. We owe them a quick and as painless as possible death. I use a X-bow when it is very cold or if I haven't had time to practice as much as I should. I never want play with an animals life. That is as good a reason as any to use a x-bow.













[/align]

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

There is a certain attraction to it. They became legal here so I said why not try one? I also do not have as much time anymore to tinker and compounds seem to take more from you to feel confident when shot time comes. You still have to know yardage ( my first xbow 3-D showed me that last week) but I no longer worry about the rest, or the sight, or my nock or any of the dozen things that seem to so easily go wrong during the season with a compound. Short of a bone jarring thump my xbow stays more on target week after week.

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Good post deserve good answers. All have said it well so far. Just to give us a little more back ground, what do you use as your bow of choice?

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

dave, i like shooting my new crossbow, its fun.but only fred bear kodiackrecurve i use for hunting buck..

now, someday i believe when i get 90,i will be looking for crossbow but i will not enjoy it as much as recurve..

its just to much fun shooting wooden arrows at a huge buck then letting a bolt fly from crossbow..

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Well maybe if you took aim rather than let a so called bolt "fly" you'd have more fun. JK, you're attitude sucks. I and everyone else here take carefull aim and release an arrow. You sir are a silly arse and you shame us all. You are a pimple on our behinds. My biggest fear of late is that you may be mistaken as a sportsman as well as be associated with us! You have an aura that arrives just before a bad stink. You complain that there have been people that try to find you to do you harm. You beg me not to broadcast any information that may lead a person to you. I have just realized why. You have mastered a way to worm your way under everyone's skin and irratate like a bad oozing rash, constantly bothering and wearing to a point that one wants to cut the appendage that the rash exists on. Stop it JK! You are pushing us to our limits! My next post will not please you whatsoever.
You should not email anyone that you irratate because your emails allow an IP address to be tracked down! Now this is dumb! Talk about self-destructive!

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Dave.
Everyone has spoken well here on why crossbow.Iam 46 and have onlybow huntedthe last23 yrs.Now I have serious neck problems again and need surgery(again).Insted of giving up bow hunting I found this forum and relized I could still BOW hunt,so with the help of all these people(friends)I decided to buy a crossbow so I can still hunt with what I love tohunt with,a bow and arrow......The Doc said it would be at least 2yrs before I could get back to my recurve's and longbow and maybe I wont be able to do it at all,at least I have my crossbow to hunt with.I do own several long guns,a black powder and many handguns and a couple shotgunsbut I decided I would hunt bow only from the fall of 1982.The kick from the rifles and BP and shotguns are to much for my neck,besides my right arm and hand are somewhat numb and Iam already in steady pain.
So you see,we all have our reasons to use a crossbow.

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Easy dnk. Your blood pressure will go up. Don't sweat the small people. They ain't worth it. We regulars have our fun and usually filter out the garbage. So go easy big fellow and let's not debate crossbows with useless and worthless efforts.
BBO

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

DNK, did he really email you? LOL Feel the love! Must be OCD.

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

In my state of Oklahoma it is illegal for anyone without a disability to even shoot a coyote with a crossbow, but that doesn't stop me from owning 2 of them. First off I am an outdoor and shootingenthusiast, I don't hold a bias against any weapon and for that reason I will try anything. I agree whole heartdly that hunting with a crossbow would be more difficult than hunting with my brand new compound. The only real advantage I see as a hunter is the lack of movement in the field when using a crossbow. The vertical archer has to draw and hold the 85% letoff :Dfor who knows how long, while the horizontal archer simply has to have the bow raised and ready to fire. If Oklahoma would change their hunting regulations I would definetely have a tough decision on which weapon to hunt with during archery season.

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Yuppers, he needed help with some basic concepts and problems. Like why does my arrow hit the target tail left when I am shooting 7 yards away, how do I make it easier to pully my arrows out of a target etc, etc. I tried to explain to him the archer's paradox (arrow oscillation). Now he struts around like a Tom! Then he pesters us with sweeping incorrect statements, trying to perpetuate myths and miss-information about crossbow and deer hunting, etc, etc, etc and them he begs me not to give information about him because he's had people search him out, hmmm I wonder why? :eek:

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Ryan, this info is somewhat at odds w/ what I've been told. I've talked to a couple of hog outfitters near me but in Ok and was told xbow was legal for them. Along the same lines, it's disability only for xbows in Lousiana, but they are legal for all for hogs there, as the state doesn't consider them game animals. I did look at the OK regs and it would appear on public property [WMA's] you can only use what weapons are legal for which ever other season is in, which would exclude them there, but I'm wondering about private property??

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Just like most debates, I guess it all depends on personal reasons as to why we hunt, orwhat we hunt with. As long as it is legal, you dont have to "justify" the "why".

I sincerely appreciate the responses and further appreciate you guys NOT automatically taking offense to my question. This might ruffle a few feathers, and I dont really care, but I believe it is "easier" to harvest a deer with a rifle than a sharp stick. My hats off to all of you for taking it to the next level and getting "up close" and enjoying the "hunt"!!!

Good luck to all, yes, even you, Sproulman!

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Dave, Over the years (over 50yrs) of hunting, I have taken my share of Hogs, Deer, Moose, Wolf,Bear, Turkeys, Ducks, Rabbits,Doves and Quail in many states and Canada, all with Long Guns. I have never owned a Vertical Bow. All my hunting years I only asked questions about Guns to other Gun Hunting friends. When it came to hunting, I always asked Archers!:)

I am considering a Crossbow this year and have never hunted with one either, but am waiting on the doctors OK, cause of two Aneurysms in the Stomach Aorta.

You say that it's easier to harvest game with a Long Gun, No Question, No Doubt....Agree 100%.:)

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

I got a crossbow because I wanted to extend my deer season and injury prevents my using a trditional bow. I have only been hunting for ywo years now, but I have always been a gun guy(police & military). I bought an Excalibur Vixen a couple months ago and figured I would use it until the day gun season started and put it back in my closet until archery season opened again. The trouble with that is since I got it, I can't stop shooting it. I'll probably use it even in rifle season depending on where I hunt. I guess it's just one of those things.

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Dave, you certainly got his number! LOL!
Dave, it's a pleasure to have answered your questions. Some of us were expecting what we ususally get like from sproule/JK. But for a pleasant change we acutally had and intellegent person asking intellegent questions. Thank you Dave. I am sure you are quite welcome here by all and surely will contribute wisdom and experience when you do come here.

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

I agree, that was a refreshing conversation on the topic..

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

:):):), Ya'll come back, hear??

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

You are not ruffling any feathers just old sproul is giving a good rib jabbing. But I did ask you a question and would like your answer. I assume you did not see it the last time I posted. Thanks and please give me your answer.

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

i'm an old vertical bowhunter that went to an xbow due to an injury. for me it was the only way i could continue to bowhunt. nothing has changed about the way i bowhunt other than the bow i shoot. still try to keep shots to 20 yards....less is better. just thankful that i can still bowhunt.:)

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Montana Dave-- I use a crossbow because its my right to choose ,to hunt with what i want. I or any one else here on this forum has to explain to you why we use the hunting weapon, then i think you might have a problem.

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Hotburn,

I thought your question was directed at the others, sorry. I proudly shoot an outdated old Mathews Ultramax. Shoots a blistering 258 fps! (Ha! Ha!) I just cant justify spending $1,400. on a new bow- mine works just fine!

And you, sir?


RWK, Just trying to get some insight, thats all. No problems here.

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Sorry I messed up, one more question and then I will answer if you answer this last question. I will also give my word I will answer back with a non offensive reply.

So why do you choose to use a compound and just not acrhery hunt?

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Jason, I am guessing that Dave started archery hunting with a compound. Sounds like a down to earth guy, probably a salt of the earth kind who isn't a gaget head like some guys! LOL!:eek: Did I tell you Jason I just ordered a Hoyt Gamemaster recurve! LOL! Some guys like Dave don't marvel when they look at equipment like some Canadians! They are more into the hunt. Being a BMW mechanic with Snap-on tools I can't HELP myself! I will extend myself and say that if Dave started with a Wolverine crossbow he's still be using it today becuase it's good enough.

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

Funny you mention a recurve, I have been looking at the PSE Kingfisher lately. I figured only 100 bucks and the worst I could do is have fun and toss in the trash if need be when done. I have a Martin Dreamcast, but I bet I have not shot it since last summer or spring. Never liked the Dreamcast from day one, but the guy would not take back at full price, said it was used after one day of use and would give me 75% toward a new bow from his Shop!![:@]

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

I mainly bought one so I could make strings for a recurve (yes I am an idiot:eek:) but I also want to try to hunt with one some day. I have a cheap target recurve and I am always amazed when I can hit a target bag at 20 yards with it. I will probably not hunt with it for a few years unless I get proficient with it sooner. Either way I think it will be fun to learn now to accurately shoot it!:)

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

It appears I have made a mistake. Hotburn, how old are you??? Sorry, I dont have time to play junior high games. You should be embarrassed!

Good luck, everyone! I hope Hotburn is not your spokesperson! Better get your money back!

RE: Why Crossbows????
 

You made no mistake, I only asked the same question you asked but requested that you answer before I do. It's kinda hard to answer when someone first considers there way archery hunting and yours isn't. Has that feeling of putting a knot in your throat and apparently you like it as much as me. I am thirty years old and can't see how age could affect my answer or yours to myquestion, it would not matter. You asked in your first post for no one to take offense and when asked the same question you did, I do not understand your double standard.

Its 7:AM and I have to leave for work, have to work 13 hours today. I have to do PLC Programing for a new line we our building at out plant using Allen Bradly RS Logix5000 programing. Not sure if you know what that is but it iswhat makes modern factories run in thenewer age design factories. Just trying to give you a background on my maturityand intelligence. When I get back from work tonight I will give you my answer to your question, It may be long, do not have time right now. Hopefully youwill have dropped your double standard and answer mine.