The Crossbow Controversy
 

I have read posts in the past that some do not agree with the use of a crossbo for hunting deer or other animals. This is fine as everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. I live in Ohio which is one of few states that permit hunting with a crossbow. I own and hunt with both a crossbow and a compound bow. The argument seems to be that crossbow hunting isn't really bow hunting. Well, an argument can be made that any form of bowhunting with any bows other than a longbow isn't really bowhunting at all.I realize that Pope and Young does not permit entry of kills with a crossbow. Why not? You still have to get the deer close to drop one. I say this, if a crossbow is a distinct advantge over a compound bow, than couldn't one say that a rifle is an advantage over a shotgun? In Ohio only a shotgun can be used. A lead slug that is only effective up to about 125 yards. I have never hunted with a rifle but I have heard of hunters dropping a deer up to 400 yards or more. So, why do we all anaylize our weapons of choice? I say as long as it is a legal weapon it is legitimate hunting. Do you have any thoughts on this?
Hunt hard and hunt safe!

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

a croosbow is just as deadly as a compound but its not any easier to bag a deer with.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

Just to add before to many opinions get posted; that whatever your means of harvesting an animal, as long as it is ethical, we should be sticking together as a hunting faternity.

Questions, or comments? Please feel free to email me at [email protected]

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

I have to agree with Datbuck, especially the statement that we have to stick together. My 2 cents.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

Hunting with a crossbow is legal in Miss. BUT! only for those that are handicaped or over the age of 65. At 68, I am eligible, but have not applied. A friend who is handicapped uses a crossbow. He has told me you have to be at within 20 yards to make a accurate shot. The bolt slows quite quickly, and drops very fast. It does not have the capabilities of a regular bow. He used to bow hunt before having a severe auto accident. It really is a poor substitute for a bow and is the only way he can still hunt during bow season.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

i live in ohio oand never had to opportunity
to hunt with a compound bow. i plan on getting one this year and becoming very good with it. for now i hunt with a crossbow because it is legal here. russ otten says his friend hunts with one but has to have deer within 20 yards for a shot. i dont know what he has but my HORTON LEGEND SL will drop a deer at 40 or even 50 yards if the shot is there. i have a scope on this and can keep a grouping of 6 arrows with broadheads at 40 yards close enough to cut fletchings off. it is all a matter of knowing your weapon and your limits.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

This is the thing. I am neither for or against crossbows. It doesn't really matter to me because I will never use one. I have heard from people on this board say that a crossbow is DEADLY, then later on they said the EXACT OPPOSITE. I have heard that crossbows can be built to shoot 345 fps. I have heard from others that they only shoot 245 fps. I have heard that they are harder to use than a regular bow because you need to use lots of horizontal space, but with a regular bow you must use lots of vertical space. There have been reports that say they cause a higher loss rate, there are studies that say they cause a lower loss rate. It just doesn't matter to me. As for Pope&Young not excepting them. I can totally see why, they aren't a bow in it's truest form, a true bow doesn't have a stock and trigger.

Good Luck This Season: Buck Magnet
P.S. Only Chuck Adams can sit at home and see deer so get into the woods. =;^)

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

Bozman; check the site excaliburcrossbow.com
They have excellent units which are accurate to 30 yards.

As for crossbow vs longbows vs compounds; they're all bows, with the limitations of bow energy. Different releases, stored energy vs partially stored energy vs arm strength only. If you use any weapon properly, within the law, you're a sportsman.

I haven't shot a deer the past 2 years. Two years ago I had a doe broadside at 20 yds with no doe tag. She looked beautiful bounding off into the bush. This year, with a tag, I wouldn't take a 40 yd broadside shot at another doe. A crossbow gave me a reason to spend many days standing up a tree watching nature. It isn't a cheap and easy way to fill the freezer.

Dan O.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

I hunt each year with bow, black powder, and rifle. I see nothing wrong with allowing hunting with a crossbow. Heck, I would use a spear if there was a spear season.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

I think Bozman makes a good point.I started out using a recurve shooting with my fingers,then a tab. After that I bought a compound bow used a tab and finally use a release with a trigger and a pendilum sight.
Bow hunting started out as just that bow hunting with a recurve which is what was available at the time.Then along came an improvement the compound bow.Also add all the equipment available,releases,sights,scopes,overdraws,
etc.A big difference from the beginning of using a recurve.The same with hunting with a shotgun or rifle I hunt with both.I started out with a single shot my dad gave me open sights.I now shoot a pump 30-06 with a 3x9 scope even though I don't take shots at 300yds or more it is capable of doing it.
A cross bow is one step up in my opinion from a compound bow just as a compound was a step up from a recurve.The same with a gun.
I just wonder how many hunters who hunt with a compound bow would go back to a recurve by choice.If a cross bow is safe,will harvest a deer as quickly as a compound bow I see no problem with it.As far as record books why not a section for crossbows only.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

I do not like crossbows for hunting.
I still don't BUT if it's your cup of tea.
I think it should be up to everybody to choose what they feel is right for them as a person.
If you think it right then do it.


Hunting is nature.
It is our nature to hunt.
I'm not a hunting fanatic just a hunting addict.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

we all need to stick together in hunting in what ever means it is as long as it is legal.
enough said for me.


I am not a hunter I am a whitetail population reduction specialest

remember keep your back to the sun, your knife sharp, and your powder dry.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

I am from Ohio, I have no problem with people using them either (illegal here in MO, unless handicapped).

BUT, a crossbow does not require the user the draw the bow back while the game is present, it is already drawn. I had three does under my stand this year, thought I was good to go, was drawing my bow back when the one behind me, that WAS walking away from me, apparently turned around and saw me. She blew and they were all off and running. If I had a Xbow I would have nailed one, or at least would have got an arrow off.

But like I said, if thats what you want, go for it. I personally like the challenge of a compound bow, and I like the compound bow over the traditional as I feel like I have a better chance at a quick clean kill. A good friend got a buck up in Ohio with his Xbow.

--Jim

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

I am afraid to look where this thread could be headed. I think you might have stirred up a whole new can of worms with this one....

...as for myself. I have no problem with a crossbow being a legitimate hunting weapon. I do not feel that they should be in the woods at the same time as a compound or longbow (besides for handicapped hunters) but I do feel they should be given their own "season".....possibly in conjuction with muzzleloaders.

Just my opinion.

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RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

Hope I wont bore the guys that saw this in the northeast threads. I used a crossbow in Pa this year in gun season in the special regs area ( the only place the able bodied can do so in Pa) This is in a suburban deer control program where guns aren't allowed and a body count is the goal. I shot 3 deer with it. Two of which would have walked If I'd had to draw a conventional bow. My point? The Xbow is not the same weapon. It belongs in a season by itself but not in with conventional bows (my first love) Most Ohio guys I've spoken with concurr.

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RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

I agree with PAbowhntr, crossbows are OK, but should not be allowed in archery season. They are not hand-drawn, or hand-held.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

hey they say we dont need our guns , we fight them with the nra and other groups . peta and other groups say we are cowards for killing helpless animals . (there is a anti on biggamehunting.com now)(kills4fun) . and then of all the places i see some people who say they are hunters and are "totally dedicated to archery" on these message boards. they attack and put people down that use crossbows. they claim that crossbows have a higher loss rate. well B.S. bows have if not the same then higher. but i am not going to condemn them like they condemn people like myself. you so called dedicated bowhunters need to look at what your argueing against. the same aruements you use against crossbows may be used against you by non hunters.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

Cross bows are very effective as hunting tools and I say each to their own. If they were legal here and allowed me to hunt longer I'd have one. I believe Pope & Young rules drive the cross bow ban because of the " let off". Just like I can't understand why bows w/ more than 65% let off won't be recognized by Pope & Young.

SOTHRDNK

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

Thanks Datbuck, for your reply.

Together we stand, divided we fall...

_____________________________________________

Freedom Isn't Free....

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

I'm actually considering one now, I don't want to use a true bow untill I'm good with it, but the 2 week rifle season up here is just too short.
I may buy both and use the x-bow untill I'm good enough with a bow, knowing me that could be awhile <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

I hunted for 35 yrs with a recerve but had to quit due to a handi-cap but I got a crossbow this year as I didn't want to miss out archery hunting in Oct. You can hunt with a cross bow in Mo with a handi-cap. Mine is a 10 point brand and accurate up to 35 yds. still have tyo be close and usue your skills to bag a buck besides the are ackward as hell to carry and use. No advantage over a bow.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

As long as it is legal I have no problem with any weapon that is capable of a humane kill.

The Tazman

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

I hated crossbows before. Now, I don't really care one way or the other. My PERSONAL opinion is that they aren't a bow and that I would NEVER use them, but if they become legal in Pennsylvania and people start to use them, it really wouldn't bother me. Now, if they were used and the amount of injured deer rose DRAMATICALLY because of them, I might have a problem.

Good Luck This Season: Buck Magnet
P.S. Only Chuck Adams can sit at home and see deer so get into the woods. =;^)

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

Have to go with what Tazman said As long as its legal and humane ,who am I to judge a fellow hunter .

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

Well Mi. made them legal this year during general gun season only.

The stupid part of this is they claim they want a higher deer kill as the herd is to large. By placeing the x-bow in general gun I think it will lower the kill not raise it. Those who opt for the x-bow over a gun have a reduced chance of taking a deer.

I hope this season was just a test. I'd like to see the crossbow made legal in all seasons as are the reguler bows. That might increase the deer kill some, but I doubt it will make a large differance.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

I guess I don't see the big deal. I've never shot one because they're illegal in Texas except in certain circumstances. I guess I'm reading that there is a significant loss of velocity on the bolt, and I can see where that could be bad. If they are effective at killing deer quickly and humanely, then what is the big deal? It looks to me like the makers would improve the velocity issue.

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RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

I was born with deposits in my elbows, so I cant straighten out my arms. I was allowed to aquire a crossbow permit by a doctors approval.
The range is the same as a compound and no different, but you dont have to draw
I have yet to have a clear, clean, open shot at a deer in three yrs of hunting with my crossbow( the deer still have the advantage!) I am a trophy buck and doe hunter and turkey.
Its all about ethics and morals not your weapon.
Come on oct 2002!!!!!!!!!!!!!

scott boain

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

The difference between a crossbow and a compound bow with an 80% let off is holding 20% of the bow's draw weight. With a mechanical release you're half way to a trigger. The other factors (draw weight, tip, arrow weight/length) depend on what equipment you're using. Sighting a crossbow on target without scaring the deer isn't as easy as most would make it out to be. I don't know anyone who keeps their 6 lb crossbow at the ready when they hunt.

If you use any bow within it's limits to reduce the chance of wounded game and ensure clean kills, you're hunting for sport, not to fill the freezer. If you can learn the skills of hunting well enough to make clean kills with a bow, then you can decide if you want to hunt for meat during any open season.

Dan O.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

what is the difference between a crossbow and a compound bow? the compound has more bells and whistles than the crossbow will ever have.shooting a crossbow is not as easy as you think.they are not as accurate as a compound.
if we really want to get down to basics we should take all the bells and whistles off the compound and go back to the recurve.compound users want the crossbow made illegal or have its own season.why not take all the bells and whistles off the compound and then only let them hunt that way.
there is more of an advantage for compounds than crossbows. i had to start using a crossbow last year dur to a back injury.the only TRUE ARCHERY is with a recurve.
crossbows are just another hunting tool that has been around much longer than the compound.as long as the hunting is done ethically we should all be able to hunt with what is legal.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

Im with PABowhntr on this,its fine for the handicapped and they should be in their own season or with gun season. As far as shooting one. Their like a gun in the respect that you can get it sited in put it back in the case and not touch it again till a week before season. Ya cant do that with a bow.Also if you pickup someone elses crossbow you can take a couple shots and be as good as the owner with it. Try that with a compound. If your forearm dont get filleted youll at least have to buy your buddy some new arrows. A crossbow doesnt take near the dicipline that a compound or traditional bow does and that probably P&Y's problem with them...1B

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

how many bells and whistles does the compound bow have compared to the crossbow? you are mistaken in saying they stay sighted in until next season. they are like a compound that has to be checked before every useage.
i could use your same reasoning and say that the compound bow should be outlawed due to all its add ons for advantages. again the only true archery is a RECURVE. crossbows have been around much longer than a compound.a crossbow is not anything like a gun. there are no bullets. it does have a scope just like the compound has a sight pin. no difference.they are both bows that shoot arrows using sight devices.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

Crossbows are NOT hand drawn, or hand held! In that respect, they are much more like a gun. Sure, the effective range is similar to a bow. One does NOT need to practice nearly as much to be proficient with a crossbow. In my opinion, they (crossbows) should not be in regular archery season. The difference between a crossbow and a compound, is certainly not the same as the difference between a compound and a recurve. If you are disabled, legitimately, fine, bring your crossbow into archery season. That is a different scenario than saying that they should be just lumped together.
And dep214, you are absolutely correct in stating that a crossbow is not as accurate as a compound, nor does it have as far of an effective range. So why would anyone without a physical disability choose one over a conventional bow? Because they require minimal practice to hit the broad side of a barn, thats why!

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

I believe that you're wrong in saying crossbows are less accurate that compounds. My bow is guaranteed to shot within a 4&quot; circle at 25 yds. Read the writeup at excaliburcrossbows.com It takes a good deal of practice with a compound to be able to claim you can shoot with that accuracy.

But; that aside, does everyone agree that any bow takes a great deal more skill to consistently take deer. That you have to dot your i's and cross your t's to get deer within shooting distance. That it opens up a whole new area of hunting close to inhabited areas.

Dan O.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

Dan O, I agree that a bow, or crossbow is an effective weapon, and that they both require more skill/patience to harvest game with than a gun would. As far as the accuracy thing goes, I have shot a crossbow probably 50 shots in my life. The people who owned them claimed they were top of the line equipment. I could shoot them every bit as accurately as them, from the first shot. As far as your statement about a 4&quot; group at 25yds., well I will be wiping diet pepsi from my keyboard for a while on that one. Granted, I have fired, on average, 100 arrows per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, for over 10 years. So maybe I have an unfair advantage over people you may know that shoot a conventional bow. The day I cannot hold a 4&quot; group @ 40yds. with broadheads(fixed blade) is the day I quit hunting until I practice some more. And I know quite a few people who can perform every bit as well with their bows. Once again, I am not against crossbows, I just feel that they should not be included in regular archery season.

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

That is one problem with crossbows that I have seen. Some crossbow users have told me that a crossbow can't shoot past 30 yards and still be accurate, others have told me that they can hit 3 inch rings out to 60 yards. Some talk about how crossbows have low fps, some talk about how they have high fps. A traditional bow is the hardest to use, but a compound isn't very easy either. No matter what anyone says, a compound/recurve/long bow is harder to use than a crossbow. It IS true. Sure, crossbows are made to be VERY easy to use, and they aren't as easy as they are made out to be, but they still have a HUGE advantage over a compound bow. First off, a compound bow is only different from a traditional bow in that you have a let off, thats pretty much it. A crossbow doesn't have a let off, you don't have to hold the weight. That means that you won't pull some arrows and you don't have to practice your form. It is true. Bow season in my opinion should only be for recurves, long bows, and compound bows. PERIOD. It won't really bother me if crossbows are introduced, I just don't think that they are a real bow, the facts point them to be more like a gun.

Good Luck This Season: Buck Magnet
P.S. Only Chuck Adams can sit at home and see deer so get into the woods. =;^)

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

if you want archery only the take off all the bells and whistles on the compound. lets see how good you are then. the crossbows are not any where as accurate. the bolts,arrows, are shorter and mush easier to be influenced. what is the diff between sight pins and scopes on a crossbow?how many bells and whistles do you see on a crossbow as compared to a compound?they are just tools to help you shoot better. anyone who says a crossbow has an advatage i one not knowing the crossbow. the crosbow has been around much longer than the compound. maybe the compound should not be allowed?

RE: The Crossbow Controversy
 

I appreciate your suggestion to remove the bells and whistles from my bow. But, I found these neat little gadgets a few years back, they are called simms limb savers. They keep my bells really quite, so I will just leave them on the bow.
And by the way, a crossbow does have one HUGE advantage, it is already at full draw when the deer gets there, so very little movement is required to aim and shoot. Now you know one advantage that a crossbow has over a conventional bow. And, for the life of me, I can`t understand why you are being borderline hostile about this, when by your own admission, crossbows are not as good in most aspects.