Crossbow ?
 

Alabama has made it legal to use a crossbow during the regular bow deer season. Those of you that have used both crossbow and compound bow, how does the crossbow compare as to distance, ease of shooting and any other things you can think of.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

Oh boy let me make sure and check this one as soon as those nutcase bow hunting religion fanatics start posting. i always love to read their bullsh**.

You get really no more range with a crossbow so they still have to be close. you can get busted just as easy as you can drawing a bow.
actually they are more cumbersome than a bow .
yeah they are as accurate as a bow.
i say get you one and enjoy it. but if you can find one of those fruit loop purist bowhunters and hunt close![8D]

RE: Crossbow ?
 

Wow...I'm speachless. Nutcase religion Fanatics...Wow. Maybe they aren't the only ones around.

In response to the original post,
Crossbows main advantages over a bow are ease of use and holding a full draw. Range is close, maybe a little better with crossbow. I compare a crossbow with a good handgun. There is no reason Crossbows should not be hunted with in regular season. They are however easier than bows and should not be part of the bow season. If Cbows were legal here in NY I would certianly use them along side my shotgun and Black Powder.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

I have used both in Ohio and I can tell you that neither one truly gives you an advantage over the other. The range is nearly identical, the draw strenghth goes to your own personal choice. The smaller shaft for the crossbow can be a slight disadvantage. It is more bulky to carry but it does hold the draw strenghth locked till you release it. The speeds are a little faster with the crossbow I believe which causes a few more shoot throughs. Basically it all comes down to personal choice. Lets face it, if you are an ethical hunter you are going to make sure what you are using is sighted in and you will have the patience to wait for the perfect shot. As for this religious thing, I aint going to go there but consider this. In alot of states crossbows are illegal unless you are handicapped. I would pose the question or statement that if a person hunts with a bow all their lives and worships bowhunting, and if they become handicapped, are people saying that these folks arent true bowhunters anymore because of what weapon they are using? I dont think so.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

Dang thats the best i can get after insulting the bowhunting purists?:D

I am glad i live in a state where they are legal to hunt with in the ARCHERY season. I like the choice to hunt with either if i want.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

I started hunting in Ohio as a teenager with a crossbow. Let me tell you, it is a gun without the range of a bullet. You pull the trigger. Real tough. Compounds intorduce challenges that surpass the crossbow infinitely. Oh, soarkrebel, if I'm using too big of words for ya let me know and I'll throw a couple of "ya'lls" and "dun gots" in there.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

Oh cfdjay i jest can't figger that northurn accent! geez!

your right you do pull a trigger to shoot but i pull a trigger on my release thats far more sensitive! and yep you do point it like a gun but it's more cumbersome.
I have to move just as a do drawing my bow maybe not as extreme but when a deer is close movement is movement.

Most people think that a crossbow extends range to shoot a deer nope! not at least that i have seen.

My problem is with these folks that are so high on themselves cause they "bowhunt" exclusively that if you mention another type of archery equipment they attack it . so a person uses a crossbow during an archery season in a state. why would that bother someone else? unless maybe that person is insecure about their on abilitys.or jealous .or what??
who should care if a person goes out with a crossbow and enjoys the outdoors in october.so they hunted with a crossbow and someone else hunted with a matthews .
They are both primitive weapons as is a muzzleloader, at least it was ,and the special seasons were developed ,at least in arkansas, for people to have a longer periods of time for the chance to take an animal. whew.....

you know the only place i have ever been in a discussion on crossbows is online maybe the folks i hang out with in arkansas are just more understanding or just don't care about this arguement!

But even though i have about $500 invested in a bow and probably $300 in a crossbow . another $600 in a T/C encore i still take my best bucks with a rifle. i hunt to take an animal not just to see them and wish they would get close enough. i see deer almost everyday and when i get a chance to get the "one" i want the best weapon ....a rifle!

RE: Crossbow ?
 

Soarkrebel, it seems we share many of the same opinions about the term "primitive weapon". It is applied to hunting weapons as liberally as Hillary Clinton is. Muzzle loaders that are as accurate at 200 yards as my .270 is are not primitive, they are just loaded on the other end. Special bow seasons were not started for the compound bow, however the purist bow hunters that use long bows don't get special considerations. Heck if you are going to be primitive, get a straight stick and tie on a flint point. One thing I try not to do is look unfavorably on hunters that do not use the same weapons or styles of hunting I do. I try to lean on the "if it is legal, go for it" viewpoint and I hope I didn't stray too far from that viewpoint here.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

I hunt with a crossbow and it does not give you a range advantage. I have hunted with both and the crossbow has no advantage whatsoever.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

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

RE: Crossbow ?
 

timbercruiser i really don't like bashing any bowhunter i just get pretty tired of reading how some trash crossbows and i even seen some want to bash firearms.
i mean i like to hunt with my bow and love getting out and shooting it. i would rather shoot my bow than my crossbow but i like the crossbow.
i really have the belief that if one is good with a weapon and it is legal go for it. even though i feel that ethically a firearm is the best weapon to harvest a animal thats why they call it modern.
and firstshot is right you can hold a crossbow at full draw until the cows come home but can you hold it to your shoulder that long?;)

RE: Crossbow ?
 

Here in NC crossbows are for permitted, handicapped hunters only. I'd like to try one but I don't qualify. Don't really know much about them. Here's a question I haven't seen addressed. What about reloading for a follow-up shot? We've all missed one that just stood there, wondering what happened. Doesn't the compound have an advantage here?

RE: Crossbow ?
 

rwilson

You are right on the money on that one. Follow-up shot with a cross-bow......might as well forget it......especially if you are in a tree stand...LOL. The compound has a HUGE advantage in that regard. If the deer isn't looking right at you, you can usually nock another arrow without too much commotion. Not so with a cross-bow where recocking can be a real trick while in a tree stand. I've got a Grand Slam climber and you've durn near got to be a gymnist just to get your foot into the cocking stirrup. Either that or sit back down and cock it with the but stock against your chest. Either way you're making so much commotion, that getting a second shot is highly unlikely.

Another reason to: Make your first shot count!


firstshot

RE: Crossbow ?
 

Firstshot is correct ,
even a lighter weight crossbow is difficult to recock without an aid of some sort . I own a 150# Barnett Ranger , and it takes a good effort to draw it to cock after a shot . Forget a follow up shot , you won't get the chance .

RE: Crossbow ?
 

I can't speak for other states, but right now PA bowhunters are fighting to keep the crossbow out of our archery season. One of the biggest concerns here is the shear number of hunters we have....over 1 million. Currently about 300K of those hunters are bowhunters. If the crossbow is legalized for archery season there will be a huge influx of rifle only hunters that think a crossbow is the ticket....the uninformed and lazy will be storming the woods just like they do in rifle season. Taking shots at rediculous distances, putting on drives, and screwing up the dedicated hunters that have actually scouted and carefully placed stands. They'll sight in with field point then screw on broadheads with no knowledge of planing and wonder why they corkscrew to the deer that's too far away. Now, maybe I'm exaggerating, but it's a fear in many of us in this state. If you live in a state that has far fewer hunters it probably isn't that big of a deal. I don't see a problem with disabled folks using crossbows in archery.

Now, I pose this question to those of you that say it's no easier than hunting with a compound: Why is Ohio's crossbow harvest higher than it's vertical bow harvest?

RE: Crossbow ?
 

"Why is Ohio's crossbow harvest higher than it's vertical bow harvest?"

Because there are more folks hunting with crossbows than regular bows there according to their 2003 Harvest Summary . Crossbows were liberalized in Ohio over 20 years ago .

Currently Indiana is relaxing a bit on the crossbow and the bow hunters here are just as worried as you are . They've been fighting it tooth and nail for all of the reasons that you stated , and some that just don't make sense . If lazy stupid hunters are all you're worried about then relax , crossbows are intimidating to someone who only gun hunts . They don't like to fuss wth all the things you have to do to send an arrow downrange with accuracy . They also don't like knowing that they only get one shot with no chance of a follow up shot . At most you'll probably have some muzzleloader hunters continuing with it after the first season .

RE: Crossbow ?
 

Kevin, you just made my point that crossbows are easier. The numbers in Ohio speak for themselves, there are more guys shooting crossbows because it's easier. At least that's my opinion....why else would so many use them?

As far as relaxing about it....doubtful! As soon as the opponents relax in any debate they get hammered. Why would it be any different in this case? I can't speak for Indiana's hunters, but in PA we have more than a few bad apples. Not most or anyting of the sort, but there are plenty....simply a product of the numbers I assume.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

I won't deny that a crossbow is easier to master than a compound bow , so who says that a tool must be difficult to master to be proficient ? Personally , I prefer knowing that a fellow hunter is in the woods with a tool that they can humanely kill with . Equipped with the same type of scope , red dot sight , or even electronic range finder that you can now put on most compounds will only help ensure that the crossbow hunter will have little excuse for missing except lack of practice .

Just for my own curiosity , have you ever owned a crossbow Jason ? Ever fired one more than once ? Ever sight one in ? If not then I'll say that you probably have no fair base for comparison . If so , then you know what they can do in the hands of a hunter who has "done the work".

RE: Crossbow ?
 

i have to laugh at the comparisons some make. it shows they really do not know anything about a crossbow.crossbow distance is a great deal shorter than a compound.the arrows are smaller therefore lose their energy faster.it is no morer accurate than a compound.when they say it is easier to use i laugh again. how many of you can pull back and hold 200lbs?if being honest it would be none.they are heavier,more cumbersome, and have less distance.crossbows do not have any where all the bells and whistles that a compound does.compounders put everything they can on their bows to hepl them shoot better.there is very little you can put on a crossbow.where is this accuracy that compounders talk about?i have heard compounders say the cb has a trigger.what does the compounders have that they use to release the arrow>there are no advantages of one over the other.if honestly speaking it is the compounders that have all the advantages.then the question,"then why don you use a compound?"that is like saying why doesn't everyone use the same brand.it is a mute argument but the only one compounders can use or have

RE: Crossbow ?
 

Well from the posts i did read it looks like most folks seem to accept the cross bow i have used both i just like using my compound better

RE: Crossbow ?
 

It is nice to finally find a forum where people have grown up for the most part.

I use a compound....have no desire to use a crossbow (I think a compound is a better killer).....but I have absolutely no problem with anyone using a crossbow during the bow season.

Hunt legally....ethically....I don't care what you use!!

You hunt....and that's good enough for me!;)

RE: Crossbow ?
 

No, and I don't think I ever will unless I become disabled and can't draw a bow.
Yes, my uncle owns one....doesn't hunt with it, but plays around and shoots it.
No, I have no experience sighting in a crossbow....what difference does that make?

My main point isn't that the tool be difficult to use....more along these lines: If anyone can pick up a crossbow and become proficient enough to hunt with it in a matter of minutes then what's stopping them from doing it? Most everyone I know and on these boards and others use a peep and pin sights, not scopes and not red dot sights! If crossbows are legallized they(I know states do this now with archery) need to make a bowhunting education course mandatory to get your archery license. Frankly, all states should be doing this now, IMO!

Crossbow distance? Do you mean max hunting distance? I'll agree with you there! Less energy....I'm with you on that too. Accuracy....I have to agree there too! Easier to use? Oh, so now you're holding 200 pounds? Using your legs or a cranking device that isn't all that much weight to pull! Bells and whistles? Let's break down what most guys have on a bow vs. crossbow.....sights-both, quiver-both, rest-both(crossbows rail compared to a compound rest I think is fair), stabilizer goes to the bow, but crossbows are stabilized differently because of the rifle shooting style, trigger release is very much the same.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

The point of my questions was to determine whether or not you had a fair base for comparison . Your uncle owning one doesn't necessarily mean that you have experience with them , lack of experience with one usually indicates a lack of real knowledge about them . I guess I'm trying to say that you don't seem to know much about the tool you're fighting against . Once you have a fair base for comparison you can debate any topic .

Sighting a crossbow , even one equipped with a scope , is not that much different than sighting a bow . You still start with a fixed point of aim and adjust for drop and wind drift . BTW , bolt drop can be quite dramatic compared to an arrow . Mine drops about 8-10" between 20 and 30 yards . Also , if you think that you can master one in minutes then I'd respectfully suggest that you revisit your uncle and try his . Be sure to remove the scope and then put it back on and resight it before shooting . I also reccomend stringing it too , that's always an adventure .

There's also nothing stopping any compound shooter from mounting a scope , red dot , or electronic range finder on a compound anymore , check the Cabela's Archery catalog if you don't believe me , they're available . If you think your fellow compound shooters wouldn't buy them you're only kidding yourself . Cabela's doesn't carry anything that doesn't sell for long , and that includes crossbows .

Until you actually have some experience with one your arguments against it won't have much credibility with your state F&G department , they've already heard every lame alarmist POV before , so parroting them won't help . For this to even come up in PA tells me that there is already support for the crossbow , or F&G is having a cash crunch , or both .

RE: Crossbow ?
 

My experience is limited, but I have some. I have shot my uncles crossbow, but never sighted it in or tuned it(can you even tune one?)! My reference to mastering it in minutes is simply based on my experience with one. I picked it up, cocked and loaded it and fired a few rounds.....straight into the bull at 20 yards....about a 2.5" group, nothing special....it was loud and had a bunch of shock! This was all under his supervision as I knew nothing about crossbows at the time. It reminded me of shooting a rifle for the first time....the sequence, the trigger, etc. BTW, he only had a peep and pins on it, so I have no experience with a scope.

You're right, nothing stopping compound shooters from using scopes, red dots, or rangefinders(I'm not sure what the reference to rangefinders has to do with any weapon, but whatever you want). The thing is though that most don't....jump over to the bowhunting forum and ask who uses scopes or redots. For less biased answers just ask what type of sighting system everyone uses.

I don't think we're disagreeing as much as you seem to think. I just don't want my season infiltrated with an orange army that decides they suddenly want to hunt with archers because the weapon is easier to use with less effort. The crossbow has been shown in a bad light as long as I can remember. Archery seasons were fought for by traditionalists, not crossbow hunters or even compound hunters, but the acceptance of 'new' weapon with this much controversy is bound to raise debate.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

I am thankful that Ohio has a liberal crossbow law. I wanted to start bow hunting this upcoming season, but I discovered that tendinitis in my shoulder makes it impossible for me. So I got a crossbow. No doctor's exam, no paperwork -- just freedom.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

You're certainly entitled to your opinion Jason ,
but firing a few shots from one that an experienced shooter set up for you isn't what I call experienced , and certainly not objective . I'm not suggesting that you buy one , but try to be a bit more open minded before you condemn a tool that just may help keep bows in the woods . Every single person who has tried mine also wanted to try my vert bows , and at least 2 of them have expressed a desire to get one of their own , both vert and crossbow . These were all non-hunters , though one has said that he may go bowhunting in the foreseeable future .

What sighting system folks on the bow hunting forum use now isn't necessarily the same one they'll be using next year . Are the sights on yours the same ones you started with or have you upgraded ? A riser mounted laser range finder would be a huge advantage to a bowhunter , that's why I referred to it . So would a scope or red dot for that matter . Don't kid yourself into thinking that you won't be seeing them in the woods soon , you will . As far as tuning goes the compound versions take all of the tuning that your compound does and then some , the recurve and straight prods don't require as much .

Your season ? Really ? I can think of about 999,999 fellow Pennsylvanians who might disagree with you there . ;) Yes , hunters fought for a long time to make archery legal , so did the gun hunters in their day when the states first created hunting laws because of the serious depletion of game that market hunting caused . Ironically , compound hunters like yourself faced the same uphill battle that the crossbow faces now 30 years ago , ask any compound hunter over 50 . "Too modern" , "You can hold at full draw all day" , "Not a real bow" , "You can put gunlike sights on it" ... Any of this sound familiar ? If not then your're probably under 50 .

The crossbow gets and has gotten bad press because misinformed folks listened to their know-it-all buddies instead of finding out for themselves , just like the compound . The compound was very controversial in it's day too . Crossbow hunters haven't been given the chance to prove what their tool can do like vert bow hunters , many states don't allow them for anyone but the disabled , some don't allow them at all .

How can you fight for what you want if there is no season to hunt in ? How can you generate interest in a tool if it's only practical use is shooting targets in the back yard ? Ironically , I bought mine for target shooting because it looked like fun , it had been legal to hunt with for 4 years and I didn't even know it until I was perusing the hunting regs one day .

Like them or not they're headed for a woods near you , maybe not this year but sooner than you think .

RE: Crossbow ?
 

In this state, just coming this fall crossbows will be allowed during our firearms seasons, our early muzz. season and our late archery/flintlock season. That tells me that somebody wants crossbows in pretty bad since just last year you couldn't use them at all or in limited special regs areas. I don't really want to generate interest in crossbows, and from what I've read/heard(you know how that is) the big push for crossbows isn't coming from sportsman as much as it is coming from crossbow manufactures....I don't know how much truth there is to that, but I do know they're involved.

I don't like it, but you're right, it's going to happen! Sooner or later I'll have to accept that, but for now I won't.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

It's not gonna be as bad as you fear Jason ,
they've been legal for all here for nearly 7 years and I've never seen anybody else in the woods with one unless I happened to look down at a puddle ... LOL :D

Indiana's total crossbow take last year was on the order of 300 deer or less at check in , so there aren't that many out there . Yes , the manufacturers have pushed for more liberalization , liberal use translates to more sales just like the bows those same folks sell . There's nothing wrong with doing honest business .

Somehow I have a problem with mixing guns and "devices that fling feathered sticks" like you guys do , it kinda makes seperate seasons seem like a waste of time . Our bow hunters have been able to bow hunt during our 2 week gun season for some time now , and I know why DNR does that but I never could agree with it . I guess we're not so different after all , eh ? ;)

RE: Crossbow ?
 

Not so different.....just on opposite sides of the fence!:D I may be selfish or flat out scared $h!tless[&:] about these crossbows coming into archery season in the not so distant future, but quess what? The sky will not fall and life will go on.....I'll just have to grumble for a few years!;):D

RE: Crossbow ?
 

Well Im 38 years old. Been hunting since I was 10 years old. Started bow hunting around 15. Now I have a screwed up back. I cannot climb trees anymore. So I hunt on the ground. And just this past year I applied and received a crossbow permit from the N.C. Wildlife Commission. I have not killed anything with the crossbow except a 3-D target. I never had any desire to shoot a crossbow. But to be able to hunt during archery season. Things in life change. For better or worst...who knows. But this does offer me the time to get in the woods. The doctors claim I may very well be in a wheel chair time Im 50. So Yea,like me or not.I will take advantage of my (estimated 12 yrs of hunting)situation as much as possible. Because one day. I may not be able to get in the woods at all. I used to climb hills and hollers to hunt. Never owned a ATV until last year. After walking about 100 feet I have to sit down and rest. This is reality people. Be thankful for what you have. Because in the blink of an eye.... Life changes. Yes, theres pros and cons to a crossbow. But to people in situations like myself. I do beleive theres more Pros.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

I commend you on your honesty!! I've been in these debates so many times it's not funny and in my opinion it all boils down to what you said above. I'm just as scared as what legalized x-bows might bring as the next bowhunter but it has nothing to do with "archery heritage" or any of that "my way is better than yours" crap. It's all about the fear of over crowded woods or shortened seasons , i.e. selfishness.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

i commend you bothe for your honesty.one is not superior than the other.i do not see that it will be more people in the woods or surely a shortened season.it should be included in archery as they both shoot arrows and use the same broadheads.i used a recurve for years.a crossbow will allow younger people to hunt due to not being able to pull back a compound. that is what we need to keep our hunting heritage going.the more we limit those who can hunt it will hurt us.it is extremely hard to get young people involved in anything.lets pull together and keep the next generations involved.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

If people want to use a crossbows than why can't they use them during the general gun season when rifle, shotgun, pistol, bow, ML, crossbow and archery is legal to use. (Exceptions to this would be those with disabilities.) I don't understand how a person can put a cross bow in the same class just because they launch an arrow.
Part of my hunt is getting an arrow knocked at full draw without getting busted. When I am finally at full draw sometimes the animal may freeze behind a tree, therefore after holding for too long I have to let up and now I hope I'm' not busted again. There is a whole lot of difference in pulling a bow back and holding it than to casually pulling a trigger when EVER the shot may develope.
I just hope that this state doesn't want to include crossbow during bow season and I will let my bowhunters assiociation know how I feel about that. Thanks for the reminder, ;) Bobby

RE: Crossbow ?
 

which has been around the longest,the crossbow or compound?it clearly sounds as if you have never shot a crossbow,there is nomlet off on the crossbow.both are fired by a trigger release.at full draw?i would like to see you hold a crossbow up for that long.you will not be able to,if you are a purest about archery then you would have to do away with the compound and go to a recurve with wooden arrows and hoemeade broadheads,do you do this?

RE: Crossbow ?
 

Trap, I'm in full support for disabled folks to use a crossbow in archery season.....no beef with me on that! Kudos to you for pursuing your passion by whatever means you can and helping to keep this sport alive and well.

I'm with you Bow, But selfish is such a derogotory word....how about excessively concerned?;):D

RE: Crossbow ?
 

I like it!:D

RE: Crossbow ?
 

i am not understanding how this will shorten the season.sure there are crossbow hunters and there will always be crossbow hunters. there are just not that many.please answer how this will shorten a season

RE: Crossbow ?
 

The fear is that too many hunters who dont have the confidence with a compound or traditional bow will head to the woods with a x-bow because of it's similarities to a gun and ease of use. If you took half of our current archers who rarely fill their tags and put x-bows in their hands and they start filling their tags on a regular basis. Then took maybe 1/4 of our gun hunters who decide to take up archery season because they can use a x-bow and they start filling tags regularly. Now your looking at a archery harvest of over 1/4 million deer to go along with nearly 1/2 million deer for gun season.[&:] Somethings gotta give! Either shorter seasons or fewer tags.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

I just don't think there is going to be an appreciable number of "new hunters" that are going to go to the woods just because it is legal to hunt with a crossbow. The majority of the crossbow hunters are going to be crossover bow hunters that would probably be in the woods anyway. The posters that have hunted with both bow and crossbow say that the range is shorter and accuracy is relatively equal. I see the crossbow as a great alternative for people with disabilities as well as the person that has a hard time pulling back a compound. There are times in our club that it would suit me to prohibit the use of any kind of bow. One guy in the club "stuck" four deer last year and did not get any of them. I have heard the phrase "stuck a deer" a lot over the years by a lot of different hunters. Can't say it is poor marksmanship or buck fever, but it amounted to the same result.

RE: Crossbow ?
 

If i had a guy that "stuck" four deer and didnt get any of them he would still be running!![:@]