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Crossbows: Bolt-Hunting Battle Rages On

By: Josh Dahlke
67 comments Mixed Bag with Josh Dahlke

Jul 29

(Note: Read this entire blog post for your chance to win some crossbow hunting gear.)

As some of you might remember, I attended a Bowhunting Round Table event in Illinois a few months ago with fellow outdoor writers and archery industry manufacturers (see blog post about it here). It was there I had my first crossbow-shooting experience. I was blown away by all the new innovations in crossbow technology. 

You don't have to be a hunting editor (i.e. live and breathe hunting news 24/7) to be aware that the popularity of crossbow hunting has been on a continuous growth curve for years. At the same time, if you've ever heard the "C" word brought up among a group of hunters, it doesn't take long to realize there are strong opinions about the use of crossbows for hunting. It depends who you're talking to, but chances are you'll typically hear the "strongest" opinions when you start comparing crossbows to their compound cousins among a group of bowhunters.

Currently, crossbows are legal to hunt with in 49 of the United States, and 10 of the Canadian provinces/territories. But don't be confused—that doesn't mean you can march into any of those places and start shooting bolts at bucks. Each state and province/territory has detailed, unique crossbow hunting regulations that you need to pay very close attention to. 

Looking at the United States, nine states only allow physically challenged hunters to use crossbows. Other states permit the use of crossbows for all hunters, but only during archery season. Some states classify crossbows more along the lines of firearms, allowing their use only during firearm season, but not during archery season. (See, you need to do your homework.)

So, which state is the "rogue" in this crossbow hunting revolution? Oregon. It's illegal for anyone to hit the field with a crossbow, during any hunting season—firearm or archery. In fact, the Oregon Bowhunters, a major bowhunting organization that's active in the state of Oregon, openly condemn the use of crossbows "'aka stringed-rifles'" during archery season (see No. 10 in their "Official Position Statements" document).  

It's an ever-changing atmosphere in the crossbow-hunting world. In terms of recent legislation, this fall will be the first time hunters in New York state will be permitted to hunt with a crossbow during regular big game seasons. Prior to this year, only severely physically disabled hunters have been allowed to use crossbows (with the use of a breath-tube trigger).

If you've been checking in regularly here at my "Mixed Bag" blog, you've seen that I'm steadily making my progression into life as a bowhunter with a compound BowTech Invasion CPX. It's been a long time coming, but finally I'm getting in the groove. As a fellow hunter, you probably agree: There's no such thing as "enough is enough." I can't help but think, What's next for me? Perhaps I'll be picking up a crossbow in the near future.

In the meantime, I know plenty of NAHC members regularly send bolts downrange. More power to you. Log in and leave a comment in the box below with your best bit of crossbow hunting advice. I'll choose my favorite Friday, September 2, 2011. The winner will receive a TenPoint Crossbow Technologies' brand-new, fully retractable ACUrope cocker and a 12-pack of TenPoint's Unloading Bolts to make their time in crossbow country a bit more comfortable.

(Side note: NAH Senior Editor Luke Hartle and I had a friendly crossbow shooting competition at the outdoor writers' Bowhunting Round Table event in Illinois. Check it out, and pay attention to my right ear when I'm trying to shoot. Luke is kind of a poor sport.)

67 comments

# cnmiller
Friday, July 29, 2011 4:14 PM
Bad bet. Never bet on a range (bar) bet.
# wbeauchamp
Friday, July 29, 2011 4:31 PM
I AM A DISABLED VETERON AND PROUD OF IT . I live in michigan and i have hunted with crossbow since 2001. If i could not hunt with it i would not feel the thrill of being in the woods opening day of archery season.
# jjohnson4
Friday, July 29, 2011 7:12 PM
I have hunted with bows for over 35 years from traditional to dual Cam and now Single Cam bows...they all can kill the intended animal if you know it's limitations and stay within that and practice, practice, practice. During my 28 year military career, I have had a few unfortunate accidents that have caused me to have a fusion in my neck, several back surgeries and now have a neurostimilator inplanted in my back...all this is to say...I would love to hunt with my archery gear...but can't...it has meant for the last three years that I couldn't hunt due to the pain and loss of muscle strength...my state has just started to allow hunting with Crossbows and I hope to one day be able to start archery hunting again...with the Crossbow. The equipment can't shoot itself, and will not ethically kill anything unless you use it correctly and practice it within it's intended range, which is around the same range as most compound bows...it's not a 100 yard archery weapon, and it wasn't intended to be. I am going to go to the crossbow out of necessity...and I am looking forward to being back in the woods with the thrill of archery hunting again!!!
# mbeeler2
Friday, July 29, 2011 8:32 PM
I have used anything from re curve to crossbows. To me It really doesn't matter what a hunter uses to hunt as long they are abiding by the law. If a 65 year old veteran or a 13 year old boy who don't really have the strength to pull a bow back uses a crossbow, I'm ok with that. They are out in the wild hunting...That's all we need. More people to get actively involved in hunting and conservation. I encourage everyone i can to go hunting.I take kids every time i get the chance. I actively guide hunts for friends and relatives. To me If I can take someone who don't hunt or rarely hunts in the woods and get them hooked on hunting and conservation, it shouldn't matter what they use because whether you use a crossbow or compound, longbow or re curve, When a 8 year old boy or a 80 year old's man's face light up after they have harvested either their first or last animal, it won't matter how they did it...
# dwitt1
Friday, July 29, 2011 11:59 PM
my birthday is august 7 I'll be 46.I had been a truck driver for 25 yrs. till I had a bad stroke while on the road june 2007" luckily no accident occured" meanwhile leaving me with left side weakness and short exposure limits to extreme outside heat. I also suvived lower back and neck,right hand surgeries I had been an avid bow hunter since 79-80 with my dad till his passing in may 1994, up to my stroke on june 2007.I have gotten a bit stronger in my left arm, but still can't draw a compound bow anymore,which got sold along with all we had of value just survive the 2 year wait for my S.S. disability.I so miss the rush of being in the woods,my dad,and my life long passion of hunting! from Western NC. mountains
# carolinairish
Saturday, July 30, 2011 7:53 AM
I am one of the hunters that was using the medical permit to bowhunt in NC with a crossbow. I am 72 years young and have tendoniitis in my right arm and am unable to use a standard bow. This year the almighty powers to be in my home state, made it a law that you must have a pistol permit to purchase a crossbow. This outrageous but is not surprising as we have such brain trusts running our Department of Fish and Game. What is next, must we provide a security bond to use a closed face spinning reel?
# jfolkert
Saturday, July 30, 2011 9:50 AM
I am all for adding crossbows to archery season everywhere. If a person wants to hunt and prefers a crossbow to a bow then it gets those people out there hunting. Having all of these different regulations that prohibit or restrict the use of a crossbow turns people off and turns people away from the sport.
# btransburg
Saturday, July 30, 2011 11:01 AM
btransburg
Saturday 30 July,k 2011 10:57 AM
I just retired from being in Africa and am looking forward to getting back into hunting in the US. I am at the point of making a choice between vertical and horizontal archery. Since there is a bit of arthritis in the fingers now, I am leaning more towards using a crossbow. It is a good thing that WI allows those of us over 65 to use a crossbow.
# subcsailor
Saturday, July 30, 2011 3:34 PM
I've spent the last twenty years on submarines. Didn't really have a chance to hunt (Well, in the woods that is. But boy do I have some good stories). Learned to shoot bows in Boy Scouts. REAL bows. Not compound. Bought a compound PSE last year and did some woods time. Only took one shot and it went low. She was to far away I guess. So this year I bought a Barnett Wildcat C5. I want to mix it up with the Xbow and the compound. I like them both. And for the ones that oppose, tough. I spent 20 years defending your right to your opinion. Now I get to voice mine. The compound bow is as far away from true archery as the Xbow is. Both devices have undergone major innovations over the years and neither are purer than the other. Now if you want pure then admire the recurve hunters. I have great respect for that. So for the not so pure compound bow hunters I have opinion (which I am proud to voice...)

Get a recurve.... or.... Get over it.
# smeade
Saturday, July 30, 2011 4:42 PM
3 years ago I had to have hand surgury.Thanks to crossbows I was able to keep hunting during archery season,my fav.LIke any thang you must take time to get good with it.Be glad crossbows help heep hunters hunting.
# jwright32
Saturday, July 30, 2011 5:21 PM
Practice, untill you know your cross bows limitations,range,wind deflection, drop, any aand everything you can think of (then the one you didn't will occur.) So practice and practice, and always make sure your bolt is fully seated. Good luck.
# fnicoletti1
Saturday, July 30, 2011 11:07 PM
I am disabled and the reason I hunt with a crossbow is because of my disability I can not pull my compound back enough times to ethically hunt with it anymore! so hunt how you want but give me the right to hunt how I can---ETHICALLY!
# marlen12
Sunday, July 31, 2011 7:02 AM
LenR:

As stated in your blog, we will be able to use crossbows in New York for the first time this fall. As a volunteer hunter education instructor (30+ years) I have seen a decline in number of hunters over the years. The crossbow is simply another tool in our toolbox. The ballistics are similar to compounds, so the "advantage" argument doesn't hold water. We saw the same objections arise when compounds first came out. I say anything that might create more opportunities for people to take part in and enjoy our sport, the better!
# hhepner
Sunday, July 31, 2011 7:21 AM
I hunt with a crossbow and have my son,grandson and daughter also hunting with them. As soon as Ohio made them legal I purchase one and practiced with it. It won't shoot as far as a compound but you have to get closed to the animal you are hunting and it is very exciting to be able to get up close. It still requires skill to be able to hunt with them and I don't see why some of the archery hunters are so upset unless they are jealous and are not really sportsman. This allows us seniors and other hunters that are injured to hunt.
# mastiff44
Sunday, July 31, 2011 3:14 PM
Practice practice practice!!!
# mbergeron2
Sunday, July 31, 2011 10:15 PM
i am a diabled electrical trouble shooting technician.IF it wasn"tfor thecrossbow,i probably wouldn"t be hunting any more.Ibeen hunting for three years with it and last year killed my first buck with it.
# ereider
Monday, August 01, 2011 8:22 AM
I fell off a roof seven years ago, and hurt my back and left leg. I have severe nerve damage, and the rest of my back and now my kneck are developing probems. I live in PA were crossbows are now legal for everyone to hunt with. When the crossbow first became legal for disabled hunters to use, I was all for it, and thought that was the best choice. "Regular" hunters didn't need to use a crossbow. After doing research my views have changed. I'm excited that PA lets everyone that wants to use one, use one. I've come to the conclusion that it's predijuce to put limit's on the use of crossbows. I know some people that all the practice in the world with a compound bow, they can't hit the broad side of a barn. I've been wanting a crossbow for some time now, it would make my archery season alot more easier on my failing body.
# wsmith27
Monday, August 01, 2011 11:24 AM
When I worked in Africa, we had several hunters that brought their wives with them. Some of these ladies had ner hunted in their lives, and we were a bowhunting only operation. We had a Ten Point equipped with a red-dot scope in camp, and could easily teach these ladies to safely operate this crossbow. As a result, we had numerous occasions that resulted in a young lady or a son/daughter was able to take their first African animal with a crossbow. They are great tools in getting people interested in our sport of hunting. The red-dot scope is the best advice I can offer. Its easy to aim, and safe to use.
# LDWILSON
Monday, August 01, 2011 4:54 PM
I am a bowhunting addict. I love hunting with compound and traditional both. My daughter is 13. She just passed her hunter education class and is very excited to hunt. She is not to keen on rifles yet and is not strong enough to shoot a bow with appropriate weight. So, I bought her a crossbow. She loves to shoot it and is always asking to go to the range. Without the crossbow, I would not have much to offer her in the way of hunting tools. I live in Tennessee. We may use crossbows during archery season. If she can hunt and enjoys the experience because of the crossbow, wonderful. It is a great tool to introduce young hunters to the sport during the mildest time of the season. Eventually she will progress to different tools, but without the opportunity with the crossbow, she may not have shown the interest in hunting. Thanks for cross bow. Bye the way, the range is minimal compared to any pistol, muzzle loader and rifle.

# MLDyke
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 5:31 AM
I only started hunting deer when I was 27 years old. Squirel was my thang during my young years and I still love squirel hunting to this day. Some where along the way a neighbor got me into competition archery. I became quite good over the years winning several compititions, placed high in a couple Texas state competitions. I also began hunting with my compound, and over the years was able to bag lot of deer. Squirel hunting started taking a back seat. But, with all the competition over time, it began to cause sholder problems, and with the bursidus that took over my left shoulder, I began having trouble pulling back and holding steady. One year I had hunted hard with my bow, and on the last day of archery season I finally had a doe in range to shoot. I made a bad shot, and gut shot her. I decided to let her go for an hour before I started tracking. After about two miles I lost the trail and right there and then decided to hang up archery hunting and compitition for good. After about 15 years of hunting with a bow, I was disgusted with killing and the waste of that beautiful doe. I have not touched a bow since. Also about that same time my son graduated High School and moved off to go to school at Texas A&M. I totaly quit hunting and fishing and took up golf.
About 6 years later my son married & living in Houston now, called me up wanting to go hunting. I told him find us a place half way and I would be more than happy to go with him. We spent 5 days at the Davie Crocket National Forest that year camping wilderness style & hunting, with him killling a small three point the last day of our hunt. I can say that was the best time I ever had hunting over my entire life, even though I didn't get one that year. Since then he has taken up Archery hunting and has been trying to get me to start again. I still don't want to hunt with a compound, but since Texas has started letting crossbows into the mix I have been thinking of getting one and trying it out. Would like to have some info from you guys on the art of cross bow hunting and what would be a good bow to try thats not overly expensive. lol Not a rich guy here. 57 years old and ready to start something new, that will let me spend more time with my son in the woods.
If anyone cares to give me some info, please send to MLDyke1954@hotmail.com
# wjoyce
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 6:51 AM
HI GOOD MORNING FELLOW CROSSBOW HUNTER. I HAVE BEEN HUNTING WITH A GROSSBOW FOR 3YEARS NOW AND ITS JUST AS HARD TO GET A DEER WITH THAN A COMPOUBD BOW. YOU STILL HAVE TO BE PRETTY CLOSE TO HIT THE ANIMAL IN THE RIGHT SPOT. SO YOUR ETICS STILL NEED TO BE THEY FOR A PROPER KILL. I REALLY LIKE HUNTING WITH A COMPOUND BOW BUT I HAD A BAD ACCIDENT IN 2006 SO NO LONGER CAN HUNT WITH A COMPOUND AND I SURER DO MISS NOT HUNTING WITH A COMPOUND BUT ALEAST I CAN STILL HUNT AND LOVE TO USE A CROSSBOW VERY MUCH SO AND IT GETS ME IN THE WOODS FOR THE BOW SEASON. SO IM THANK FULL THAT MY STATE LETS US HUNT WITH THEM OR I WOODENT GET TO GO ANYMORE AND HUNT THE BOW SEASON. I THANK GOD EVERY DAY THAT I CAN MOVE AND STILL HUNT. GOD BLESS ALL WHO HUNT WITH ONE THERE ALOT OFF FUN EVEN JUST TO GET AT THE BOW RANGE AND HUNT TO. THANK YOU TO ALL WES.
wesleyjoyce88@yahoo.com
# DEER SLAY'R JOE
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 8:38 AM
I think crossbows are great tools 4 hunting. i live in NY and they just passed crossbows this year. unfortunitly u can only use them in rifle season i hope this changes and then im getting 1 to.
jm
josephmrtn8@gmail.com
# ASTETSON
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 9:35 AM
astetson#1

I guess I an one of the fortunet ones who can still pull a 70# compound at age 55, I have had A long and hard road with A number of injuries to joints and pulled muceles, have enjoyed hunting and fishing and outdoor activities all my life, we all have our opinions on proper methodes of taking game but as long as it is within the law I belive we should be able to choose our method...
JUST GET OUT AND ENJOY NATURE
allen_stetson@hotmail.com
# kandrascik
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 10:44 AM
I’m an avid bow hunter living in the great western state of Utah. I have been bow hunting since I made my first bow in 7th grade wood shop (from a bow kit). I have taken many an animal with a string and stick starting with carp in the ditches and canals near my house to elk in the High Uinta Mountain Range but it is not me I want to talk about. I want to tell you about one of my hunting partners, close friend, brother from another mother, Rick. Rick is an avid big game hunter and loves the mountains of Utah more than I do (Yes, it’s hard to believe but he does). About 12 years ago while coming back from an elk hunt with another hunting buddy of ours (Jerry), they came face to face with an out of state Fish and Game officer on a windy mountain road. The police report stated that the combined speed of both vehicles was over 120 MPH when they collided head on. Rick was driving a small Chevy truck that was no match for the full size Dodge Fish and Game vehicle. The accident left Rick dying in the mangled truck he was driving. With the help of Jerry (who only suffered with bumps and bruises) and a heart doctor that just happen to be taking a scenic drive with his wife to see the fall leaves, Rick was kept alive until life flight could get him to the hospital. The Fish and Game officer suffered a broken left arm, no one was killed.
Rick had a pierced and collapsed lung, multiple broken ribs, ruptured spleen, the left side of his face was shattered and the bones in his left arm and shoulder were turned into splinters. He was in a coma for almost two months while his body tried to heal. Rick did recover after many months, multiple surgeries and tons of physical therapy but he could no longer bow hunt with his favorite bow. The injuries to his left arm and shoulder made it so he could no longer lift and hold his bow. Utah allows disabled hunters to hunt with a crossbow if they meet certain requirements, Rick fits that bill. He did all the proper paperwork and now has the permit to hunt with a crossbow in Utah. In less than three weeks Rick and I will be at our honey hole looking for that large Mule deer to fill our Utah bow tags, Rick with his crossbow and me with my compound. If you have ever hunted Mule deer in the Rocky Mountains at 11000 feet in elevation you will know that it’s nothing like hunting whitetail in a corn field. Even though Rick’s crossbow shoots faster and flatter than my compound he always lets me take the first shot. I’m not a fan of capable hunters using a crossbow to take an animal but allowing a disabled person to use one I have no problem with. Due to Utah having a law allowing disabled hunters to hunt with a crossbow I will be able to hunt with my friend this year…….
# samsonone
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 11:36 AM
To me it is all archery. If it get's more people in the wood's more power to it . Get the younger kid's involved reguardless if it is either vertical or horizontal go for it.
# 9cookroad
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 12:07 PM
I hunt with a crossbow and have hunted with a compound bow, and it is easier to hunt with a compound then a crossbow. The crossbow is heavier and more awkward and once you shoot if you are in a treestand, that is probaly the only shot you are going to get. It is really hard to cock and makes a good bit of noise shooting and to recock. A compound is much easier and faster for a second shot if needed.
# KosmiKoyote
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 2:11 PM
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone's posts, especially from the disabled/handicapped hunters. Whether you were born with a physical limitation or have been injured in some way that limits your abilities to hunt with guns or regular bows, the crossbow has provided a viable alternative.
After an auto accident that let me completely paralyzed for several months and still dealing with nerve damage after more than half my life, I thought I'd never be able to hunt again. But when I decided to buy a used crossbow and killed my first wild turkey with it, I actually wept tears of joy.
Words alone will never be able to describe how we outdooorsmen (and women) truly feel when we're engaged with life in a hunting mode. Suffice it to say that this old hunter is back on the trail and enjoying every second.
kosmikoyote@live.com
# DSIEKAWITCH
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 2:29 PM
I think crossbows have been a great asset to Disabled hunters and other hunters in states that allow them. I have Had 2 neck surgerys and my hunting buddy convensed me to use one for hunting because I dont have the upper stringth to hold a bow anymore and I wish I would have tried it sooner
# AFRider2000
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 2:39 PM
I have been shooting a bow since grade school and hunting with a nice bow for over 5 years. I knew i "never" wanted to hunt with a crossbow. I am a disabled verteran and arthritis hit my hands/thumbs last year. Now.................thank God, i can give my bow to my son and buy me a crossbow and NOT lose the exprience of silent, up close, exciting, bow hunting!
# ericbrooks
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 3:42 PM
I love bow hunting in general. The only reason I switched is to prevent shoulder problems that I always hear bow shooters talk about. I think really to tell you the truth a compound bow is more devistating to deer then crossbows. Compound bows are quiter and allow you to maybe get a second shot if needed crossbows are bulky and louder. You can sit and shoot, not have to stand an shoot. Also there down range limits are about the same. In my opinion its a tie, if we had less of these crazy politics maybe there would be more hunters. What suprises me is there hasn't one word been said about rifled slug barrels w/ sabot type slugs, or these muzzle loaders that shoot better and farther than some rifles, But lets keep that a secret !!!!
# jkaller
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 4:24 PM
I sit here and read everyones comments about how they got into using a crossbow because they were hurt in an accident or grew too old to use a compound bow. My opinion on this subject is simple, there should be no debate between hunters on what weapon one chooses to make a humane kill as long as it is legal to use. We should all stand united in preserving our heritage and priviledge to do what we love.
# bubbas dad
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 6:32 PM
I would just like to say that after you spend all the time setting up your crossbow with the right sights,right bolts,right broadheads, don't ever let anyone borrow your crossbow.It will never shoot the same or be the same again. no matter how close you are to these people they will not respect your bow.
# CBOutfitting
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 7:21 PM
I don't understand the negative stance on crossbows. I personally don't shoot one, but have witnesses a guy shoot a caribou at 95 yards with a compound bow and an elk at 83 yards with the same instrument. He practices at 100 yards almost daily. Would these people think badly of a compound bow or just the person that would use one. Remember Olympic shooters shoot almost 100 yards with recurve bows. Crossbows might be able to shoot that far also, but it is the person behind the gadget that makes the difference. If one thinks of these as a "stringed rifle" they have never shot one or formed a serious negative attitude before doing so. Diehard traditional archers had negative remarks about "wheeled bows" when they first came out. But, attitudes changed when hunter numbers increased and archery became a family tradition again. Remember the advancement of archery equipment ensures that more of us will get involved in hunting or just shooting and we need these numbers to keep all the antis at bay. Encourage others to hunt however it is legal and this will ensure a hunting future in this country, something that worries me worse than a scope and a bolt.
# robert graham
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 7:41 PM
hy
# fourawhile
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 8:02 PM
Some people only use pistols to hunt some people use rifles etc,etc. If someone wants to hunt with a crossbow more power to them.If it is legal to use go for it. Personally I will hunt with whatever my state says is legal. I hunt with all types of weapons. The point is just get into the outdoors and do it . IT IS PART OF OUR HERITAGE TO HUNT


NAHC LIFE MEMBER
RICK MORTIMER JR
WHITEHALL, PA.
8/2/11 9:00 pm

# melwing
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 8:25 PM
I would love to go crossbow hunting but i cant afford a gun and a crossbow. (I am a begining hunter)
# robert graham
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 8:51 PM
for those like me that cant shoot the compound bow any more due to a bad fall that crushed my shoulder makeing it where i have 25% use of my right arm there is hope dont quit bow hunting
get a crossbow ,here is what i look for
i read as much as i could about them an the different types i got my handicap permit an then i went shopping fro a crossbow first i asked about the warranty an service of the different companys i broke it down into catigorys wieght speed brand service then started tring out different crossbows at the locale bow shops .til i found the one that best fit me then came the speed ftps most have the speed posted on them but they dont always shoot at the posted speeds ..heres why the bolts wieght are different an then the broadhead are all different,changing the speed ..the pro shop can help you find the set up you are looking for once you choose the crossbow take it home read the instructions first then practice pratice practice til you feel confident with it it is very different than shooting a conpound bow..
oh the site ,i chose the multi reticle lighted scope heres why in low light i couldnt see thw cross hairs so turn on the hair light an now look out i can see the cross hairs so to make that ethical shot ..since i was injurd now i can still go hunting with my two boys an injy the storie that are told an deer cap an injoy the excitment of watching my boys grow up an make new memorys together

i hope this might help those that are looking for a new way to injoy the sport..
life member robert graham
# robert graham
Tuesday, August 02, 2011 9:12 PM
as for as those that are opposed of the crossbow we all are hunter an the anti's are always looking for away to shut us down,so why in this day an age would you want to start up stuff to give the antihunter ammo to use aginst us ,,some of us have no other choice its either hunt with the crossbow or not hunt again during the bowseason,,..being a disable combat vet i feel that i have the right to choose the equipment that i want too .i hope that you would never be in the perdicument that i have been in to where you would have to make that choice to quiet hunting or use the crossbow but you just never know what might happen im sure if you where in our shoe you would choose to hunt too,,so next time you see a person hunting with the crossbow stop an think how lucky you are to still be able to hunt the way you love most crossbow hunters i know would rather be using the compound bow by choice but are no phisicaly able to do so
# dphillips1
Wednesday, August 03, 2011 7:35 AM
I live in Michigan and swithced from a Matthews compound to a Ten Point crossbow last year. Age and back problems were making me to inconsistent to feel comfortable shooting at game with the compound. The crossbow gives me the confidence and consistency to take game cleanly at normal archery distances.
# whickok
Wednesday, August 03, 2011 8:57 AM
I've bow hunted Michigan the mid-50's. My first two bows were straight bows, then in the in the late 60's I bought my first recurve, then later came my first compound bow which was rather crude (not to my liking). I'm on my second compound bow (The first bow I've had with a sight) now love it, but after fifty plus years of hunting I've lowered the poundage as far as it will go. I'm thinking its about time to take the next step and go to a crossbow.
# rckreutz
Wednesday, August 03, 2011 11:13 AM
Rayck50
Wednesday Aug 03 2011
I started hunting last year for the first time in my life. And I'm 60 years old. My father hunted when I was very little then gave it up.
I tryed shooting compound bow a friend of mind has been hunting with for years and I could not hold it back long enough to shoot it. So in the state of Missouri if you are disabled you can get a crssbow lic. to hunt with a crossbow. So I have a disabled lic. I shot 2 deers last year. First time hunting it was GREAT. My bow is wicked ridge by ten point love it. I Shot many cross bows before buying this one.But PRACTICE with the crossbow a lot. It is like anything you hunt with PRACTICE PRACTICE. So to all you hunter out there.(BE SAFE OUT THERE HUNTING.)
# jjfriz8
Wednesday, August 03, 2011 11:37 AM
Although I started bow hunting a few short seasons ago, I have loved it just as much, if not more, than gunning for those big bucks. Through those last few exciting years, I have only hunted with one bow, my 'Alpine Archery, Micro' and boy has it been a ride. Even though I'm a dead shot with that little thing, a crossbow upgrade would bit just fitting considering I am a big time spot and stalk hunter. Over these last few years in Michigan, there has been quite a bit of confusion over the crossbow topic in Lansing. Throughout that time period, I have had the same position on the discussion, "They kill the same way as a regular bow, and are more accurate which means cleaner kills." And now that they have made crossbows legal to anybody (including the younger guys, like me) I have been looking around for a new one. Good hunting my friends, and be safe!
# dcarter11
Wednesday, August 03, 2011 11:56 AM
from all that I have read bout what a cross bow can do the dont seem to perform any better than a compound bow. as far as what a lawyer in some state considers a cross bow here are the facts It has a stock and a trigger and a fore end. It can be shouldered like a riffle. It has a String and limbs and can send a short arrow. Also known as a bolt. down range.
the operation may be a little different but the end result is the same. the Target if hit will have an arow in it and not a bullet. Cross bows have been arround for a much longer time than fire arms. A Cross bow is nothing more than a modified bow and is in no way any more or less effective. I across bow is nothing more than a bow with a stock trigger and fore end. If you out law cross bows on the bassis that it is trigger operated you are selling your self short because there are trigger and trigger like devices for compound bows to the call them quick releases. There is a lot more to say but I am out of time. Good bye for now.
# jonathanbooth
Wednesday, August 03, 2011 1:10 PM
Crossbows are an incredible tool to all hunters. And, they shouldnt belaughed at. Frisbee golf is still golf and a sport in the same league.... its the same on what hunting preferences you have and safely follow
# jonathanbooth
Wednesday, August 03, 2011 1:13 PM
Thanks,

Life member
Jonathan Booth
# budha3
Wednesday, August 03, 2011 5:11 PM
I was Injured in an auto accident three years ago in Idaho.Since then I'm unable to pull my compound bow back,due to a torn rotator cuff.I've been told by my therapist that I would be better off to get a Crossbow if I want to bow hunt again.To me its not the same,but many people have told me that it is just as exciting as the compoud bow.So I am really thinking that I just might look at buying a Crossbow,because I really miss the bow hunting.
# jsprague
Wednesday, August 03, 2011 7:53 PM
I began bow hunting in the ancient days when the "working recurve bow" was THE thing and Bear Razorheads were the most advanced. I live in Illinois and up until a few years ago only "handicapped'(no real definition) hunters were allowed to use cvrossbows.Oh Yeah! it needed a doctors statement (they din't know how to define "handicapped" as pertains to bow hunting either. Anyway, Illinois legislature ,in it's infinite wisdom, now allows crossbow licences to ALL of us who are 65 years of age.Can't wait until Sept.2011 Thanks for Reading my rant.yours in hunting!!!lglegle2003@yahoo.com
# lkloke
Thursday, August 04, 2011 10:29 AM
I was an avid bow hunter,starting in the 70's and ending in 2005. After working as a drywall carpenter and lather for 30 years, I had 2 neck surgeries resulting in 2 rods being installed in my neck and my right shoulder needing to be replaced. I had to give up archery. In my state, WI, a person can get a disabled permit to use a crossbow as I'm not yet 65 when you care allowed to use the crossbow. I am presently looking for a crossbow and would appreciate any help in finding the best one. I have been looking at wicked ridge and ten point. lynnzeke@yahoo.com
# jrichardson25
Thursday, August 04, 2011 4:26 PM
It's great that CB's have become legal in most states now, they are a bow, period, those that live in states that they are not legal need to work to get it changed. Maryland opened it to all but in their wisdom decided that laser rangefinders could not be mounted on bows or guns, duh, along with making lasers illegal, they are a dot on the deer just like an aimpoint etc and I guess they don't know or understand the diff between a rangefinder and a laser sight that projects a beam. We must work together to educate and end these laws everywhere and not become divided because of personal preferences or dislikes of a kind of bow or gun.
# cavi3016
Thursday, August 04, 2011 9:31 PM
I am both a bow and gun hunter, so i do see both sides of the fence. On the archers side i see that it does take alot of the ethics away from the stalk and setting up for the perfect, although like most bowhunters i see where it does have the advantage of holding its string with no fatigue on your shoulder, i draw at about 55lbs and i know that after a min or so my shoulder feels like jello. On the gun side the biggest threat is that a crossbow is almost silent which is great for stalking if you need to take another shot, but other hunters may not here you which could pose a threat to you as no one knows your there. I live in NY and we are only allowed to use croosbows during rifle season temporaraly until dec. 2012. there should be a time frame set in the season for only crossbows nationwide, and not limited there is alot of technology in a crossbow, i have shot many but have yet to buy one they are comfortable and very easy to carry through the woods, we are all hunters whether we use a gun, bow, trap, or a plain old rock, there is no reason to become seperated on what type of weapon we choose to use, they should be legal everywhere for everyone period.
# bubbas dad
Thursday, August 04, 2011 9:36 PM
I use both a crossbow and a compound,and sometimes a recurve.I used the recurve to live on wildgame when I got laid off 6 times.I hunt with anything legal and think people should hunt with what they are comfortable and accurate with.
# vman
Friday, August 05, 2011 9:33 AM
I live in Wisconsin and have bow hunted for years using a recurve to a compound bow. There have been many good comments made such as "they all can kill the intended animal if you know it's limitations and stay within that and practice, practice, practice" . I myself see nothing wrong with using a crossbow for hunting in any state. But as I said being from Wisconsin I have seen a lot of anti crossbow rhetoric for the Wis Bow Hunters association. I believe that no one group should have the right to take it upon themselves to try to dictate or sway anyone on what whether they should use a crossbow or compound to hunt. I use a compound bow but have no problem with anyone who use's a crossbow. If it gets more people out enjoying the outdoors and hunting that's great, unless that's maybe what the anti crossbow people want less competition in the woods. It should be left up to the individual and what they are most comfortable with .
# amsandbcs
Friday, August 05, 2011 11:25 AM
I live in Oklahoma and have hunted here and Texas for 40 years.
I was glad to see the Crossbow become available to all hunters
during archery season within the last year here in Oklahoma. I
believe it will help control the doe populations better than before.
# kgoodpaster
Tuesday, August 09, 2011 9:16 PM
i live in ohio and you can use a crossbow all bow season. The reason i use one is becaues i had a arm injury some time ago and i can't pull back a compound but if you think crossbows are so easy to use get in a climber and try to manuver it with no sound with a deer right under you its not as easy as it looks.
# lyarbrough
Monday, August 15, 2011 5:38 AM
THIS WILL BE MY FIRST YEAR HUNTINGWITH A CROSSBOW. I ALWAYS THOUGHT OF THEM AS A RIFLE WITH A STRING BUT I FOUNDOUT THAT THE LIMITS ARE ABOUT THE SAME AS A GOOD COMPOUND.I BOUGHT A REALLY CHEAP ONE TO START OUT WITH . THE BOLTS WERE OF POOR QUALITY AND I COULDN.T HITTHE SAME PLACE TWICE LOL. FINALLY I FOUND SOME GOOD BOLTS AND THEY ARE BETTER BUT HAD TO CUT THEM DOWN TO GET THE RIGHT LENGTH . AT ABOUT 30 TO 40 YARDS IT SHOULD WORK FINE. I DON.T SEE ANY REAL ADVANTAGE EXCEPT NOT DRAWING AND HOLDING TILL THE SHOT PRESENTS ITSELF NOW I CAN HUNT IN HEAVIER BRUSH WHICH THANKS TO HUNTING CLUBS THATS WHAT I HAVE TO HUNT.
# Mike
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 10:43 AM
First! Let me start off with...
If you choose to give me a crossbow - DON'T! Give it to a disabled veteran, cause that's what I'm going to do anyway.
*
Crossbows are excellent tools for people with limited mobility or strength issues. I know a girl (friend of a friend) she is small of stature and loves to hunt, unfortunatley due to physical issues she can't pull a bow back and the kick of any size gun (That can take a deer) will knock her out of her "chair". After seeing her face everytime someone talked about the deer they bagged or the turkey they called in, we decided she needed to be in the field. So we pooled some cash, and picked up a decent crossbow for her. She recently moved out of state, but last I heard she got with another group of folks that get her set up in a blind and she is planning to take a deer this year.
Crossbows are excellent tools for persons with physical issues, limited mobility and/or strength issues to enjoy hunting.
If you are so narrow minded to think that a crossbow is anything other than a bow w/a built in draw holder, then you should be ashamed of calling yourself a sportsman and a hunter!
# ch1675
Saturday, August 20, 2011 6:59 PM
i dont hunt with a crossbow because i dont have one but i know if it my cousin couldnt hunt with one he couldnt bow hunt i would love to be able to hunt with him but i feel if you hunt any way that is legal to you and are able to get out in the woods and enjoy the hunt and nature that what its all about good luck to all hunters this year
# MDIGGS
Sunday, August 21, 2011 4:44 PM
Just recently got a crossbow tho been wanting one for a LLOONNGG time. get to go hunting with it in Oct
# lamellr
Saturday, August 27, 2011 10:19 PM
I'd love to be able to shoot my Mathews but because of military injuries its not possible! I won't let go of the Mathews but have no choice but to use the crossbow. Problems with that can be addressed to the Department of Defence.
Besides, crossbows are much louder than any vertical bow you can find and were used as far back as the 1800's
# pwhammond
Sunday, August 28, 2011 6:20 AM
Best bit of Crossbow hunting advice I can give, and it applies to all game, not just big-game, is practice more! It seems dead simple to sit on the range and throw bolts at a target. Does not take long to get proficient at this at all. So, get off the range! Take off-season walks in the field, carry a handful of cheap bolts and take shots that challenge you! Practice judging range, shooting offhand or leaning over or around cover, and get very familiar with your bow!
# LBshooter
Sunday, August 28, 2011 8:14 AM
Well, I think that crossbows have a place in hunting and that place is in the hands of someone who is unable to use a standard bow due to injury,disability or age. All others need to go out and practice with thier bow if they want to hunt with one. The crossbow manufactures have done a great job of thowing alot of money to promote thier product , but agian it should be limited. Just my two cents.
# jthiede
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 9:50 PM
My crossbow shoots better if I wax the string after every 3 shots.
Lube the rail too.
# dkleiman
Sunday, September 04, 2011 11:56 AM
Just, started deer hunting a couple of years ago, & here in Ga. the WMA that is close to me only has eight gun days. My wife bought me a crossbow so I can now hunt from Sept. to Jan. 1st. I have only killed one deer so far, but I am learning. She bought me a Barnett Wildcat C5. I tried to use a regular bow, just wasn't able to aim or shoot it right. The crossbow has opened up a whole new avenue of deer hunting for me.
# cmyers14
Sunday, September 04, 2011 9:00 PM
As a disabled vet a crossbow has allowed me to start bow hunting again. Have heard all of the complaints especially the one how a crossbow is no different than a gun. I still wait patiently for the 20 yard or less shot, now I don't have to worry if i can pull back and hold.
# dwitt1
Monday, September 05, 2011 7:42 AM
I had a stroke 4 yrs ago,back/neck/right hand surgery,lung cancer,I can't bow hunt anymore w/a compound bow,been hunting 40+ yrs. my S.S. Disability payments don't allow me to purchase a crossbow to try,so winning one may be my last chance to attempt my lifelong passion of bow season again! and God Bless ALL and happy hunting anyway! Don...
# jthiede
Monday, September 05, 2011 11:33 AM
My crossbow is over 10 years old. It needs a new string and can't afford to buy a new one. It would be great to win a new one. I am disabled and still love to hunt as much as I can. My husband is waiting for a liver transplant too. We both use the same crossbow for deer hunting. He can't take the cold weather we have in the winter (UP MICHIGAN). so he tries during the first part of bow season.
# Web Editor Josh
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 7:09 PM
Thanks to pwhammond for sharing his crossbow hunting advice. He is the winner of the TenPoint crossbow hunting accessories.

Everyone offered great opinions and advice about crossbows and crossbow hunting. Here are a few more notable individuals who provided some excellent comments/advice:
robert graham
LDWILSON
wsmith27
marlen12
jwright32

Thanks to everyone for participating in the discussion. I look forward to seeing your comments about future blog posts.
-Josh

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