I live in a state that allows a bow hunter to use verticle bows and/or cross bows. I have never used a cross bow in the woods and was wondering what bowhunters think of Crossbows being introduced into the field during the bow season full time verses having a season just for crossbows like gun seasons and BP seasons. I’ve been bowhunting for over 20 years and this is the first year I have given a cross bow a thought. I was injuried on the job and was forced to retire on a disablity retirement and have been able to get a permit for a cross bow for several years now, but was against the idea of cross bows for the longest time. I’m just trying to get a wider opinion than just the locals in my area. Have at it !!!!!
I will probably get flack for this but, I don’t think it is that big of a deal, just will get more people in the woods. I know “real bowhunters” hate the thought of the xbows, but I started bowhunting 25 years ago with guys that used the traditional stuff, and they hated the compounds. They called them bows with training wheels, it is all relative. Change sucks, but things evolve. With that ssaid, give them a try, you may love them.
It’s all about personal preference. If you like the crossbow or the compound then stick to what you like. My state offers both during archery season. I have friends that shoot both and the main thing I hear about the crossbows is that it increases the distance a little but the accuracy can be better than with a compound…less room for error. I personally am hunting this season with my compound mainly because I just got into archery hunting last year, so I’m still looking for that first bow kill. The problem in my state is that if you’re undecided on which one to use…you need to buy both licenses…more money out of your wallet!
I hunted recurves for years. then I got tired of the long limbs gettin’ hung up in the brushy stuff I like to hunt in. Bought a compound from my wife’s brother in law ‘bout 20 years ago and still hunt with that dinosaur. Things have progressed a long way as far as speed and let off. Maybe I’m just not willing to spend the money on a newer (and better) compound, they can cost as much or more than a decent rifle, but as far as my wife is concerned, I have enough of them anyway. California won’t let us use a crosser except during rifle season, so for me, I just never saw the point. I have shot many of them, just at targets, but really enjoy them. To hell with anybody that tells you it’s an unfair hunting advantage to use one. People used to think the same thing about scopes. So… if it gets more hunters out there to persue game, and they pay their fees like the rest of us, go for it. They are not a game magnet, ya still gotta find the critters and be able to hit ‘em.
Use whatever you want, espescially if you have an injury. If things don’t change, how can things get better. I’m really dissapointed in the Pope and Young club about not accepting animals shot with electronics, or too much let off. They"ll never accept crossbows. I look for them to fade out sooner or later. I think they served a need, and really helped archery become what it has become. I think it might outgrow P&Y. This is a touchy subject, and I’m glad you bought it up in your first posting, Welcome !
thanks for the input here. I agree with Chris about the traditional bow hunter and the compound bows. I guess the same can be said about the way we hunt with Shotgun or Inline BP’s. In the shotgun season we used smooth bore barrels with beaded sights, and round ball style slugs years ago now its Rifled barrels multi powered scopes and Sabot slugs now. I guess if you look at it all, its all changed, just some like one change more than the others.
If a crossbow will keep you hunting then by all means use one! I have used an Excalibur for years and it is great.Very accurate.I won’t worry about what others think.I also had a work injury and can no longer draw my compound so it was the only way I could continue to bow hunt.If someone wants to bring up “traditional” and say compounds or nothing ask them this question.How longer have compounds been around compared to crossbow’s?? But one and you will love it,especially when its very cold out!
Doesn’t bother me either way, personally I will ONLY hunt with my compound bow, I don’t even hunt with a rifle.. Also I know a lot of people that are going back to the recurve bow, just like everything else they all come in cycles… started with the recurve, then the compound, now the cross bow & now there recurve is making a big come back.. To each their own..
That being said, I just joined USA.. Wow is this site unbelievable.. There is so much info I get lost.. Lol.. Only been hunting a few years, started with my brother.. I live in a small city right outside Boston so sitting in that tree stand, in the woods is so damn peaceful.. Anyway, thanks for a great site..
Paul, we all live such different lives but we come together with a few common themes….......The union and the outdoors. I cant think of a better combination than that. Protecting both can at times be hard but very rewarding. Many times, protecting our rights as union members, brings me close to the people who make the laws and I try (when possible) to incorporate the 2. The outdoors is a huge part of the state I live in. Thats why they call it Vacationland.
Welcome to the site and I will say (and I have been reluctant to comment on this post) That I feel the very same way you do on this topic. To me, its kinda like whether you like fly fishing, trolling bait, trolling lures, or simply casting. If its legal and it gets you out of that la-z-boy and into the outdoors, then I say go for it.
Cant say it like Maine guy, but welcome to the site.
Any welcome is a warn one.. So thanks..
I am in Boston which is not far from Maine.. I am yet to hit one of the Maine hunting lotteries.. My brother & I both put in for everything & nothing yet.. A very good friend of my brothers, Richie. He has been putting in for it for 20 years & nothing.. Last year he put his wife in & she got the Moose ticket.. He was so happy till his wife said she wants to shoot.. So he had Yo be back up.. Then she chickened out & he got to take the shot.. Thats one I hope I get.. My brother got the New Mexico hunting lottery 2 years on a row.. & this years got 2 different ones.. i work way to much to go
