Point of using a cross bow.
 

Let me start by saying that I am not trying to start a war and I am not looking down upon anyone who uses a cross bow. What I want is to be educated by others on the use of this weapon.

In michigan you can use a cross bow during the rifle season orif you are physically disabled. Now, I can see the point of using one if you are physically limited, but why use a cross bow when you can use a rile?? also i know that in other states it is legal to use a cross bow during the archery season. To me the point of using a bow is the challenge. I like having to have the animal with 30 yards. With a cross bow (and correct me if i'm wrong) but the effective range is 50 or so yards. It takes the challenge out.

for those of you that use a cross bow instead of a compound or traditional bow...why do you do it?

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

I started this year because of a shoulder injury. I bought an entry level Horton Summit 150. I was surprised that the accuracy is still very much dependant on my ability. The speed of my arrow is 260 fps on a good day, much slower than a good compound. I have shot accuratly to 40 yards at targets but hold to no more than 30 with the Horton as the arrow is slow and the bow is loud even after my attemps to silence it (which probably cost me a few FPS). I hunt from a ground blind or from a stool in the brush fully camoed. I shot my first 7 pointer this year at less than 20 yards standing on my hind legs as I still hunted to my ground stand. I was like most and thought that a crossbow gave me some magical advantage. I see two small advantages, one, learning curve, very short even for gun novices (you still need woods craft to hunt), two, not having to draw with an animal in view, minimal as the chance to recock for a second shot is about nil. I hope this helps with your thoughts about challenge. I am saddened to hear so many myths when I try to explain to my hunting buds that I enjoy this way of hunting, they act like I am using a lightning bolt stolen from the Gods, but after a few minutes they realize it is no better or worse than any other way to harvest fair chase game.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

A modern vertical bow and the average crossbow have essentially the same range and speed. Surprised? It's true.
While one can hold a crossbow steadier because of the stock (although some vertical bows have 99% letoff so can be held back for a long time) estimating distance accurately is critical to accuracy with all bows; 50 yard hits are an exception, not the norm. Deer can easily move before the arrow gets there. Crossbows are much noisier when shot and when cocked so you generally get just one shot. Period. If you want a real challenge, hunt with a crossbow during gun season. If you want to shoot deer hunt with a rifle.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

Its 100% ignorance by the vertical bow guys IMHO. I am at presently hunting with a vertical bow a Hoyt trykon a very good bow I must say. But as soon as this season is over here in NJ I am selling it for a Bowtech Desert Stryker Crossbow. Why, Because it seems fun to me and has that cool factor to it. Now I did have shoulder surgery 3 years ago and has healed good but not as moble in my shoulder as I used to be but still plenty good enough to hunt with a vertical bow IF I wanted to. I am choosing NOT to next year. I will have more fun with it than my old hoyt trykon and will gain in my total experience with it. I do feel there is one advantage to it the crossbow as you don't have to draw on an animaland the learning curve is short compaired to the verticalbows. I HUNTED with a darton maverick at55yards and was deadly. I was good back then and yes that was before my shoulder surgery.

The crossbow and the modern vertical bows are the same in performance. ITs true. The only advantage is not drawing on an animal ( that is it). For me I think it will be a more fun weapon to hunt with,and it for me,has that WAY COOL factor.

I can't wait to sell my Hoyt trykon and get a crossbow. See I am converting over and I don't even NEED to. No handicap or anything. I am doing it cause I want to. And I can't wait to do it.


This same conversation could be said of the compound bow. Why would you use one when a real bow is a LONG BOW. All those wheels and pulley things and such makes it not a REAL bow to me. Oh also that let off stuff why that is not a real bow either. So the compound bow went through this transition from the long bow. Performance and ease of use. YEs I said ease of use with that let off you don't have to hold the full weight of the bow string. Also increased range over the long bow. See its the same thing that the ignorant vertical bowers are saying too mostly about us crossbowers. Hey I am not even a crossbower yet but I never had a problem with them ever. Maybe just jealous because till next season in NJ I will finally be able to use one legally. Thank GOD.

Stay tuned crossbows will be coming to the woods near you. LOL

oh just a quick note the farthest I have ever taken a deer is at 35 yards. just to clarify.

Brian

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

Well, what is funny to me is that this same question is posed over and over on this and other forums. The poster always starts with a disclaimer that he is not trying to start an argument. As the previous poster stated, I could easily go on the bowhunting forum and get everyone riled up with a dumb statement asking why they feel the need to use a compound.

The problem with the question is that it starts with the premise that the x-bow user needs to justify his use of the weapon. I don't feel the need to justify my use of the x-bow. I like to use one and it is legal where I hunt. To me, this debate is akin to a stupid debate over calibers, models, manufacturers, etc.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

Let me also add one more thing before I get off my soapbox. From astrict herd management point of view, there is no"point" in using any weapon other than a modern high-powered rifle. We are fortunate our game departments allow more primitive weapons. You can manage a deer herd more effectively, witha shorter season,and with fewer hunters using modern rifles.

So, there is no point to using any kind ofbow other than to challenge yourself or try something different. This is why the question is dumb.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

After 52 years of shooting selfbows, longbows and compounds, foolishly shooting extreme draw weights up to 125 pounds for many of those years, my shoulders don't work properly any more. Rather than give up archery entirely, crossbows let me continue to shoot arrows. I would be lying through my teeth if I said I don't miss strolling through the woods with a sleek longbow in my hands, because I do miss it - terribly - but shooting a crossbow is better than not shooting at all.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

This get's a lot of mention on the forums, most often by people who have never sat in a stand for a few hours w/ an 8 -11 lb xbow. Not their fault, it's a logical assumption, but the fact of the matter is raising the relatively speaking cumbersome beasts to shooting position entails plenty of movement. Some hang them on hooks, some rest the stirrup on the foot platform, few hold them for hours on end.

Some stands have rails around them that offer the possibility of shooting from a rest. Getting an often hollow composite stock to rest or slide on a metal tube steel rail is a lot like playing the drums while trying to be quiet, lol.

I stick to 30 yds on deer and prefer 30 feet. I use mine during gun season and for turkey because I like the challenge of hunting w/ a centuries old weapon.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

Right on aweshucks
I held my relatively light Cyclone at the ready for a clocked 20 minutes while a suspicious doe worked back toward me. My arms were so tired by the time she got into shooting position that they were trembling. So, I missed her at some 17 yards. I just laugh about 'easy to hold' comments now.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

AWshucks, I never thought of holding all that weight and a cumbersome beast that it is and to move it into shooting position to get off a shot still involves a lot of movement.

I now change my opinion there are no advantages IMHO thanks Awshucks for pointing this out to me.

Great reply

Thanks for that info.

I hope to be getting the desert stryker this winter to play with and become proficient with.

Brian

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

SwampDog, let me see now, Why do I use a crossbow when I could use a rifle? We, when I started hunting, you could only shoot atlered bucks and there was only two days of doe days near the end of the season. You had to buy a primative tag to hunt with a recurve bow or black powder rifle.
Compound bows had notcome out yet. Black powder rifles were mostly rifle kits you built yourself and it fired using a #11 percussion cap. Slowly things improvedand bows and black powder rifles started getting a lot more modern. More bells and whisles. I bought all the bells and whisles I could afford and still do! The crossbow is just another whisle for me and I like it very much. It's a lot easier to shoot deer with than a recurve for me. My black powder rifle uses 209 shot shell primers and has a 3-9 rifle scope with flip up lens covers on it. Bells! My Browning A Bolt 7mm Mag. is really something else and thetower box stand is a fully equipted home away from home. Soooo, Anything will kill a deer, even a thrown rock in the right place. It's the age of advancement for those of us that like today's little bells and whisles so toot, toot and tweet, tweet!
BBO

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

I use one occasionally if the situation calls for it. Sometimes, if I have seena big mature buck moving through only in thick areas with lots of cover and no trees, I will set up on the ground in that area with my crossbow. It doesn't bother me at all to use a crossbow, even though most of my deer hunting is donewith my compound. There are times, when hunting for big bucks, that a crossbow is my weapon of choice, it just depends on the terrain and the situation. My objective is to get a big buck on the ground, Period!

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

The reason I use a crossbow is because I can. Where I live, modern gun season is over. Crossbow and bow season is still in.The reason I use a crossbow instead of a bow, I don't really have a spot to bow hunt. I would just sit on the ground. (Kind of hard with a recurve though.)

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

A great question...my answer is simple...

1) In Ontario a crossbow counts as part of the archery season so I get to hunt additional time during the archery season
2) Additional tags are available in many areas during the archery hunt
3) I dont have a whole pile of time to practice with a traditional bow to add to the many other hobbies I have. An excaliber crossbow is so accurate, it is like shooting a rifle...yes, you need to practice your shots at different ranges, but nowhere near the time people dedicate to becoming good archers with traditional bows.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

I have 2reasons I use my crossbow, one...it's legal, and 2...I want to, as others have said shooting distances are around the same as compounds...30yrds or less for me

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

I'd hate to try to shoot my crossbow at 50 yards... I have it sighted in at 25 yards, by the time I get out to 40 yards it's already dropping about a foot.

Shot placement and selection is the same as with vertical bows. The deer still has to be broadside and there still isn't any room for error.

My compound bow has a much flatter trajectory, it's faster, and has more KE. It's also easier to tune and lighter. So why would I shoot a crossbow? Well, I was amarksman and MK-19 gunner when I was in theservice and even though I have to practice just as much with the crossbow as I do with the compound, the crossbow just feels more natural in my hands. My crossbow is also easier to maintain, and it's cheaper. I've killed twice as many deer with the compound bow, mostly due to having a longer effective range (I hunt a wide open CRP field) but I guess I just like the crossbow better.

So, it's more economical, easier to maintain, and feels more natural to me. Though the specific challenges that face crossbow hunters may be different at times than those of vertical bowhunters, I believe the actual level of difficultywith taking a deer is about the same with either method.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

ive successfully harvested deer with compound, crossbow and gun. AND successfully missed with all three at some time. they all have pros and cons. i hunt in ohio where it is legal in archery season. ive been hunting with my x-bow for 2 years now in a result of a football injury in high school (right shoulder) that was 6 years ago. just couldnt pull a compound back like i used too. i say hunt with whatever your choice of weapon (legal) is and have a safe and fun time doing it.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

I'll tell you why I switched...

I've killed my far share of whitetails with a compound bow, over a hundred...

I'm 44 and I've just plain goton lazy lol... Now I just enjoy the fact that if a deer walks within in 30 yards of my stand I know I can take it home if I choose so... No more missing. No more bad hits;);)To each there own... I'm hooked

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

It took me years to get enough balls to use a compound and I didn't like the minor amount of unreliable hits. I can pin starlings at 30 yards 90% of the time but that small percentage of bad hits on deer is very much uncalled for and not necessary whatsoever. The worst time I found was when wearing bulky clothes. So I tried a crossbow and bad hits are non-existent. I ask one question, why would anyone want to hunt with a vert bow(I still do) when you can pick up a hunting too which will cause fewer to no more wounding?

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

I felt like buying and using a crossbow because I like the extra FPS. And I only use the bow during bow season so I can get in the woods earlier. Once gun season comes in, I will use guns. I find it pointless to use a bow during gun season.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

you asked why not use a rifle, because i like the up close and personal use of my CB at 35 yds and under. i don't need to kill a deer out yonder with a rifle and it doesn't even know i am in the woods. Its a challenge and i have to move it just like all the other Bowhunters. deer just don't walk up and set themseves in the exact positionfor my killing shot!

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

Because I'm disabled and have that Right. I've shot deer to just over 400 yards with my 7 mag. Before my physical health went south. Now I have to have a deer within a very limited range to shoot them from. If they get within my comfort range they are dead and my shoulder is okay to start the real work.

I bought the original Stryker and am quite happy and confident with my placement and it's accuracy. I hit solidly at any range I shoot because of the Stryker's residual KE. I get rifle shots out of a bow and don't need a visit to the orthopedic doctor afterwords. Money joy of the outdoors is maintained and my economic support should also be considered a huge plus considering what I spend each year. I know the game benefits by my money going to manage it.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

The point of using any archery tool is to kill what it's pointed at, challenge is a personal choice and is not required of any tool. I have a 180 crossbow that's good out to 40 yards, after that the drop of the bolt renders it pretty much useless. A compound bow with a carbon arrow in the hands of a well practiced archer could easily exceed that. I also shoot a 50# recurve bow, with which I'm probably good only out to about 20 yards due to age diminished vision, but with my scoped crossbow I can shoot at twice that range with reliable accuracy, and accuracy is what really matters.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

I guess ole Swampdog is chuckling to himself at all the replies he started with his ignorant question. If he had any ounce of intelligence he would be able to comprehend the statement "this is not a crossbow debate forum" before he clicked on the Crossbow section of Huntingnet.com. I agree with others in this thread that I don't have to justify my preference of hunting with a crossbow to anybody. I've hunted with and owned all types of bows, pistols, shotguns & rifles in my lifetime. What I choose to use and why is up to me as long as it is legal. And in Virginia a crossbow is legal to use by anyone who buys a seperate crossbow license. I still buy the regular archery license too just in case I want to use a verticle bow. Hey Swampdog, I also prefer to drive a Dodge Dakota Quad cab 4X4 over an electric car but again, that is my perogative and I don't have to justify that to anybody either.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

The biggest drawback for me in shooting a crossbow is trying to shoot behind yourself in a tree stand. I think it cuts your effective shooting radius by at least 15%.

I've already smacked a limb on a tree when I was SURE I had clearance and missed as a result.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

I started hunting during archery season for the first time this year. I got started because my friend had one. I do have bad shoulders and rotator cuffs in both shoulders. One wasoperated on but it is not back to 100%. The other one was in the same bad shape, but a therapist worked it back to useable shape. It should be operated on, but why cut when I can live with it.

Now back to xbows. I have hunted for the last 50 + years and never with a bow of any kind. I must say that the xbow is a lot of fun to operate and shoot. I have not harvested any game with mine yet, but the season is not over yet.Why the other bow hunters have a problem with xbow is beyond me. But then again, they don't like gun hunters much either! I don't want to say they are an arrogant bunch, but if it walks like aduck... ;)

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

it is legel in indiana late season i dont like compound hunting with all the clothes on,plus if you only have public
ground to hunt the deer are so wise by then i think they can see you blink let alone draw back

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

I'll use a crossbow during shotgun season. We don't have rifle season in Ohio,but crossbows are legal during archery season as well. 2 reasons for it
1) I don't have to buy a shotgun and slugs.
2) A lot of the areas I hunt are so thick that I can't see far enough to make a shotgun worthwhile anyway. A deer will be within range of my crossbow by the time I see it. I spent $250 on my Horton and the accessories for it and it's pretty good out to 30 yards. I've never tried to push it past there but the way it shoots I would guess that accurately it will go to 40-45 yards, I just don't know about speed and don't want to just wound an animal.
A third I guess would be I just love shooting the thing. It's cool as hell.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

I think it is fun, different, legal and challenging.
This has been a great thread, and also a nice view in to the evolution of the inevitable. It seems crossbows are quickly making their mark in the archery world, resuming the position they should never have left.
I think recurves, crossbows and compounds all have their place,
throwing arrows and tradingfresh meat for a close encounter.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

the truth is, the new generation of compound bows are even more accurate than crossbows, and they also usually shoot with a flatter trajectory. the only thing that is easier about a crossbow, is that you don't have to worry about being seen during the act of drawing the bow back.

your challenge arguement, no longer applies. go back 15 years and shoot an old Bear Whitetail or something, and then you're justified about the advantages of a crossbow---but not today, if you're shooting a Hoyt or Matthews, etc.

Here's the thing I don't get---bow hunters look down on crossbow users, because it's "not challenging". If you want a challenge, replace those sweet shooting Hoyts, Bowtechs and Matthews with a nice, stiff longbow or recurve.

I shoot a High Country bow, by the way----it's just easier than having to practice for hours with a crossbow. I need all the advantages that I can get.

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

very well said...

RE: Point of using a cross bow.
 

I was given permission to hunt a 200 + - property for free but was told I could only use a bow. The property was right next to where I work so this meant I could hunt every day if I wanted. I had a shoulder injury a few years back and recently dislocated it again filling a feeder. My old Martin was to remain in the case. SO, I bought a Horton 175 RealTree and learned to hit a target 35 yards out. Moved a feeder onto the property and bought a portable blind and set it up.
Big learning curve form vertical bow hunting ! Holding onto a heavy crossbow for several hours was not easy and my arms ached in the morning when I got out of bed. I made up a bipod rest and strap arrangement that helped alot. SO far this season I have scored a 4 pt and a doe. The buck was a wild guess shot that paced 47 yards. The arrow still passed thru and stuck in the ground. The doe was a 20 yard shot and the arrow passed thru also. Both jumped the string when I fired. Very loud discharge and I have added all the vibration isolators and gizmo's . I love to hunt and live to hunt. I get to hunt a 2500 ac ranch to cull does and use a 30.06 but the shots are usually 80 yards. I am hooked on the crossbow now and like the idea of having to get close to the animal. I'm building a ground blind to set up for ferral pigs at another ranch I get to hunt. Setting it up for the use of a crossbow at 30 yards. Can't wait till I get to go.