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Crossbow hunting; Hunting with crossbows
Topic Started: Nov 3 2013, 12:08 PM (2,638 Views)
hunterlexi
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Hi there I am just wondering what people think about hunting with crossbows?? Personally I dont consider it a bow, as you dont really need any skill like you do when you use a compound bow. I think Its more of a rifle then a bow I would say, with the scopes and things. I dont think they should be allowed in bow only hunt zones, just seems to easy to kill something with one. Anyone else agree??
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Shadower
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I think you'll open an can of whoop a$$ there buddy !

I hunt will a crossbow, and telling me I have no skill ? LOL

I'm an Outfitter ... and I'd like to have more crossbow hunters because there are alot of compound bow hunters out there that think they have alot of skill ... just watch a few bow hunting shows on TV and see where all these professionals are hitting deer at 20 yards !!!!! Some shots should not be shown to the public they're so bad !

Just like a compound ...if you don't take care of your crossbow and shoot it often to make sure it's sighted in and working 100% ... you take a risk of a bad shot.

No one wants a bad shot ... be it compound bow, crossbow or rifle.

We're all hunters trying to execute an accurate kill shot with our personal weapon of choice.

And ... some of us with shoulder injuries from the past, can't pull a compound comfortably ...

I'll stop there !
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hunterlexi
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Im not saying you dont have skill, but I am just saying that a compound bow takes way more practise and skill to be good at. Crossbows are fine but its like comparing apples and oranges when comparing the two. Thats just my take. I am sure most crossbow hunters would dissagree because they crossbow hunt. Crossbows have a trigger like a rifle, you hold it like a rifle, there is now draw wieght holding you down and you have a scope. see what I am getting at. Its just easier then a compund. ( So I believe I dont not shoot either bows, just always wondered this so I thought I would see what other people think)
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Partikle
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swampridge
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I think that here in ontario the regs state that xbows fall under bow hunting so just leave it at that. the stores still sell spot lights and some stupid people think its all right to lite the deer up in the feilds. maybe they should ban them too
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paul savage
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I have just gotten into a crossbow (yup bad shoulder and tendonitis in the elbow)and I gotta say drawing, holding and aiming my matthews on a target was way smoother and steadier for me. I find aiming the crossbow even with a scope has its challenges and getting a good shot off with that much string pressue on the trigger is a whole other skill set. Chalk me up to having a new found respect for crossbow shooters.
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Posted Image alf
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I consider a skilfull bowhunter is one who uses a long bow.
So you don't use a trigger release with your compound? Most do you know. :wink: Compound shooters do require more practice. If this is what you consider requiring a skill.
I gave up compound only because I can't practice enough.
I guess we should call it a rifle with a string.
lol))) :cheers:
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hunterlexi
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paul savage
Nov 3 2013, 03:50 PM
I have just gotten into a crossbow (yup bad shoulder and tendonitis in the elbow)and I gotta say drawing, holding and aiming my matthews on a target was way smoother and steadier for me. I find aiming the crossbow even with a scope has its challenges and getting a good shot off with that much string pressue on the trigger is a whole other skill set. Chalk me up to having a new found respect for crossbow shooters.

I never thought about hanicapped people that dont have the strength to pull back a bow. That is a very good point. Not trying to stir the pot here. I just wanted to get your opinions because I always had the thought that a crossbow wasnt a real bow and is a little cheating because it seems way easier.
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Posted Image barr creek acres
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A bowhunter that decides to hunt with a crossbow is no different to me than any other bowhunter. One traditional bowhunter can make the same argument vs compound bowhunters . No matter what archery gear you decide to use know your limitations and your shot placement then you get my respect as a bowhunter.
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hunterlexi
Nov 3 2013, 11:08 AM
Hi there I am just wondering what people think about hunting with crossbows?? Personally I dont consider it a bow, as you dont really need any skill like you do when you use a compound bow. I think Its more of a rifle then a bow I would say, with the scopes and things. I dont think they should be allowed in bow only hunt zones, just seems to easy to kill something with one. Anyone else agree??

Man you are so far behind the times I bet you don't even know what the Fox says !!

lol))) lol))) lol))) lol)))

:buttkick:
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Posted Image roughneck
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I'm a fan of Alberta's laws on xbows.

"Cross-bows may not be used to hunt big game during archery-only seasons. The only exception is for an eligible handicapped hunter who has obtained a cross-bow licence."
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Posted Image billert


All comes down to range.

Trad bow - close? Probably 10-20 yards, more on the low end.
Compound - 10-40 yards, usually under 30 yards. Most shoot under 30 yards.
Crossbow - 10-50 yards with just about each shot under 40 yards ethical.
shotgun - 50-100 yards.
rifle - 100 yards - ?

Are we talking sporting? Are we talking efficiency? What's your goal?

You take those weapons and shoot out of those ranges and you wound more deer. Pretty simple.

So crossbows let you shoot more accurately from 20-40 yards.

Yes, 20 yards extra range makes a big difference, but not as much as 20 yards to 100 yards i.e. shotgun.

So it's all a matter of degree. Should compound bows be eliminated and we just use trad bows?

All a matter of degree, no black and white.

If someone says that crossbow is just as hard as compound, they are lying. If someone says trad is just as easy as compound, they are lying.

It all comes down to ranges at which the weapon remains efficient and accurate, personal skill stripped.
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Renegade
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Crossbow requires you to get very close to your game and make a great shot to kill quickly and cleanly. There are some advantages over compounds and even more advantages over longbows but isn't that the point? I hunt with a rifle. From 10-50 yards I am pretty deadly with her. I am glad I have that choice. I think Ontario has it right where crossbows are concerned and more states are allowing crossbows to be used as well.
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hunterlexi
Nov 3 2013, 12:35 PM
Im not saying you dont have skill, but I am just saying that a compound bow takes way more practise and skill to be good at. Crossbows are fine but its like comparing apples and oranges when comparing the two. Thats just my take. I am sure most crossbow hunters would dissagree because they crossbow hunt. Crossbows have a trigger like a rifle, you hold it like a rifle, there is now draw wieght holding you down and you have a scope. see what I am getting at. Its just easier then a compund. ( So I believe I dont not shoot either bows, just always wondered this so I thought I would see what other people think)

Well I am a compound bow hunter and I am going to stick up for all the crossbow hunter faithful out there and tell you couldn't be more wrong with that statement. People may think that just because you hold the bow like a rifle and it has a trigger like a rifle than it is a rifle, but that is not the case. Now I do have a problem with people who go out and buy a crossbow with the mindset that "it is rifle b/c it looks like one" just to extend there season. These are the people who hurt the sport.

Truth is, that the crossbows may have a scope and a trigger guard and what not, but anyone shooting a crossbow should spend as much time, if not more, practicing with that crossbow than a compound hunter. The bolt is a lot shorter than an arrow and is being propelled a lot faster, (although given today's compounds they are getting close) with a lot more energy....therefore it requires a lot more stabilization to make that bolt fly straight. And when you add a broadhead (fixed blade) onto the front of that bolt, it requires finer tuning and practice to make sure that it is still flying true. Also, crossbow hunters still have to aim for where they want the the arrow to exit, same as a compound hunter. which when you are waiting for a deer to turn broadside or quartering away to get that angle, can be a challenge to pull off. And you are still limiting yourself to a range of about 40 yards either with a compound or a crossbow (some folks shoot less, some folks shoot further).

It doesn't matter what you take to the woods between the two, getting a deer into 20-30 yards to make an ethical kill shot is no easy task and there it makes no difference in the amount of skill you have whether you are pulling back and holding a bow at full draw or taking the safety off. Barr creek says it well above.
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Bocephus_86
Nov 4 2013, 10:26 AM
hunterlexi
Nov 3 2013, 12:35 PM
Im not saying you dont have skill, but I am just saying that a compound bow takes way more practise and skill to be good at. Crossbows are fine but its like comparing apples and oranges when comparing the two. Thats just my take. I am sure most crossbow hunters would dissagree because they crossbow hunt. Crossbows have a trigger like a rifle, you hold it like a rifle, there is now draw wieght holding you down and you have a scope. see what I am getting at. Its just easier then a compund. ( So I believe I dont not shoot either bows, just always wondered this so I thought I would see what other people think)

Well I am a compound bow hunter and I am going to stick up for all the crossbow hunter faithful out there and tell you couldn't be more wrong with that statement. People may think that just because you hold the bow like a rifle and it has a trigger like a rifle than it is a rifle, but that is not the case. Now I do have a problem with people who go out and buy a crossbow with the mindset that "it is rifle b/c it looks like one" just to extend there season. These are the people who hurt the sport.

Truth is, that the crossbows may have a scope and a trigger guard and what not, but anyone shooting a crossbow should spend as much time, if not more, practicing with that crossbow than a compound hunter. The bolt is a lot shorter than an arrow and is being propelled a lot faster, (although given today's compounds they are getting close) with a lot more energy....therefore it requires a lot more stabilization to make that bolt fly straight. And when you add a broadhead (fixed blade) onto the front of that bolt, it requires finer tuning and practice to make sure that it is still flying true. Also, crossbow hunters still have to aim for where they want the the arrow to exit, same as a compound hunter. which when you are waiting for a deer to turn broadside or quartering away to get that angle, can be a challenge to pull off. And you are still limiting yourself to a range of about 40 yards either with a compound or a crossbow (some folks shoot less, some folks shoot further).

It doesn't matter what you take to the woods between the two, getting a deer into 20-30 yards to make an ethical kill shot is no easy task and there it makes no difference in the amount of skill you have whether you are pulling back and holding a bow at full draw or taking the safety off. Barr creek says it well above.

Very we'll said.
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Treestand
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Don't kid yourselves here. I have nothing against cross bows at all. Just crossbow mentality which I don't think you will find to many on this site. But, why do I here that you can shoot out to sixty yards on whitetail? Because they think they have a rifle with and arrow. Also why do I here that I chose to go to the cross bow cause I don't have time to practice. Cause they think they have to and have an easier weapon to use. Which we all know that is not the case

I don't know to many crossbow hunters that spend the time to tune their bow to there broad heads. This does not help with the companies selling total packages or telling the buyer on what brand to use so that the buyer does not take the time to learn about archery. They open the box, turn a couple bolts and head to the bush.

Again I don't expect to here from somebody on a site like this doing that cause if you are willing to click a mouse on certain threads to learn about what is going on in the hunting world, I think you would have the interests to learn what any weapon you use is going to do.
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Posted Image monks
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Ah the Xbow vs bow debate. My issue is the decrease in tags to true archery hunters. I can walk into about any outdoor store, even walmart and walk out with a Xbow and go hunting. No understanding at all other than I have a scope and trigger. And yes you all know this is true. Pretty tough to grab a compound or recurve and start hunting.
Bit jaded on this because of an area I used to hunt that was primitive weapons which included muzzle loaders. Well they made a muzzle loader that is basically a rifle now. And the area went for a crap. Bunch of hunters who can now shoot out to 150-200 yards with a muzzle loader now.
Always a gray area, but when the “Intent” of a management area was to promote primitive style hunting. And as quoted before “ 30-50 yards” as a range distance rules need to change.
I for one am glad Alberta changed the rules on Xbows. I personally know I could pick up a Xbow or muzzle loader and go hunting out of the box.
There is NO way I could pick up a bow and do that, too many variables. Draw length, hand torque, broad head choice, arrow choice, release choice, and the list goes on and on, oh and practice all year round!??.
Now I think there should be tag quotas for primitive archery gear, compound bow archery gear and Xbow’s.
That would be a smart system and fair quota system and the true archery hunters would most likely get tags to hunt. I say true meaning a lot of rifle hunters switched to Xbows to get tags. It’s the fact and the tag allocation reflects it.
I know there are hunters with a disability and as such they should be in a XBow disability draw to increase their chances to hunt.
Unfortunately the Xbow is easier to shoot, it just is and many hunters went this root for tags. If you disagree, come try and shoot my 32” Draw Length Compound??? Point made, you won’t>>> anyone can shoot a Xbow out of the box.
I have no issues with Xbows, I have issues with how our MNR manages our tags and draw system. And thus that should be our focus as hunters, a hunting system that captures a broad spectrum. The Ontario Wildlife Management program is without a doubt the biggest joke I have ever seen.
The debate should not be how one chooses to hunt, but the opportunities afforded so that you can hunt with your chosen method.
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monks
Nov 9 2013, 10:18 PM
My issue is the decrease in tags to true archery hunters.

Now I think there should be tag quotas for primitive archery gear, compound bow archery gear and Xbow’s.


I have no issues with Xbows

The debate should not be how one chooses to hunt, but the opportunities afforded so that you can hunt with your chosen method.



So what is a “true archery hunter” in your mind?? You shoot a compound bow as you stated. Do you have a peep sight? Do you have a fancy drop away rest? Does your bow have yardage pins? The release you use does it have a trigger on it, I hope not? It would obviously have cam wheels on it which of course make it easier to draw and to hold at full draw for an extended time, no?? Does it have a stabilizer and string silencers? Hmmm.......

Crossbows were first developed around 6th century B.C.(before Christ). Compound bows were developed in 1966. So wouldn't that make a crossbow a more primitive weapon? Hmmm......

Yeah I think you do have an issue with crossbows, and you painted every person who uses a crossbow with the same brush stroke. In essence implying that every Xbow hunter is just an idiot who could only aspire to some day reach the same level of superiority that compound shooters have.

The only focus or debate among hunters should be how we can all come together despite the various hunting methods that we chose. We should be focussed on protecting our hunting rights as a COMMON VOICE. We should be focussed on protecting and enhancing hunting and fishing opportunities. We should be focussed on introducing the youth to the great outdoors and teaching them not only hunting ethics and morals but also to respect the environment, and for many of us hunters to respect the land that you are granted permission to hunt on by the landowner. We should be focussed on safety. We should be focussed on public education to help promote our sport. We should be focussed on those that destroy the environment and ruin or pollute the great outdoors. We should be focussing on those people (and I call them people not hunters) out there who trespass, poach, hunt unethically, unsafely, or have a permission to park attitude.

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Posted Image Crash
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I was tempted to chime in on this subject when it first started but passed on it… but I’m not going to bite my tongue anymore. Anyone who thinks that a crossbow is like a gun and should not be allowed during archery season is ignorant! Where does this elitist attitude come from???
I’ve bow hunted with a compound bow for over 20 years and taken all sorts of large and small game with it… more than most hunters would take in a lifetime. I have never felt that I was better than anyone because of the equipment I choose to shoot.
Let’s look at some facts here instead of opinions:

Compound bows and crossbows have the same effective range (slight advantage to compounds)

Both launch arrows from a string

Both projectiles are tipped with broadheads

I started shooting a crossbow this year due to a permanent shoulder injury and have found more disadvantages than advantages when it comes to hunting with a crossbow:

Much more difficult to hold steady for a freestanding shot, making longer shots much more difficult. With a compound, the tension of being at full draw steadies the shot.

Shorter arrows lose energy much quicker than the 30” arrows I’m used to shooting, making yardage even more critical the further down range you go.

When you take a crossbow off of the hook you have to get from a vertical to a horizontal position, which is a lot of movement when there is a whitetail in bow range…not to mention finding clearance for the limbs. With a compound you can be ready for the shot much quicker!

Crossbows are much heavier and cumbersome to get through the woods and into the stand.

You are not going to get a second shot with a crossbow, as they are noisy as hell and require a lot more movement to reload.

The only advantages I have found to hunting with a crossbow as opposed to compound:

I’m still able to bow hunt with a bad shoulder.

You do not need to draw the bow at the moment of truth…you are ready to shoot! Big advantage!! This advantage makes ground hunting much easier as well.

The light gathering abilities of the scope would probably allow me to make a shot a half hour before sunrise and a half hour after sunset. With my compound I was unable to shoot 15 minutes before the end of legal shooting.

I challenge anyone shooting a compound bow to borrow a crossbow and hunt with it. Then give your opinion… If you are proficient in shooting and hunting with both weapons, I don’t think you will find hunting with a crossbow any easier than a compound bow.

To all Compound bow hunters who think they are superior to crossbow hunters…GIVE YOUR HEAD A SHAKE! Give up your mechanical releases, 85% draw let-off, fiber optic sights, carbon arrows, 300 fps and mechanical broadheads. Go to the archery shop and get yourself a traditional recurve, shoot wooden shafts, and shoot instinctively. Then you will be an elite hunter!
:goodluck!:
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Monk I might agree with you except I worked in an archery pro shop for years. Far too many non-crossbow bowhunters showed up the week before hunting season to have us set up their bows for the hunt. The only time they took out their bows was for the hunt.

I just wish I could have got them onto crossbows. A lot less chance of wounding and loss deer!
canadagoosetaxidermy.ca

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Posted Image Archer Ontario
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I hunted with a compound from the time I was 15 im 41 now I have shot deer bear moose caribou turkey all with a compound a few yrs ago I hurt my shoulder and I find shooting a compound uncomfortable and feel a lot of pain.

my wife asked me your crazy why not go to a crossbow an arrow comes out of it just like any other bow .
I honestly told her I was worried if I was hunting with a xbow and an animal I wanted to harvest came out I wouldn't have the same level of excitement I would have with my compound boy was I wrong .
like anything there will be guys who show up a week before season buy a bow and are in the woods the next day but I know a lot of guys who are all out sighting in there rifles the day before gun season opens that still cant hit a pizza box at 100 yards as well .
Bowhunting you need to get close you need to make the shot within an ethical distance some will differ at this some feel comfortable at 30 and in some a little longer .
the only diference between the 2 is you have to move to draw with a compound that's it !!!!
I now shoot a xbow and I practice just as much as I did with my compound
so those of you who think your weapon is superior that anyone elses your missing the boat . leave the egos at the door and be happy we are allowed to pursue the sport we love .
SHOOT STRAIT OR SHOOT ALOT "SMACKDOWN"
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Hunting is hunting, enjoy the outdoors and use what ever is good for you. I have harvested animals with shotguns ( Hell I even shot a moose with my shotgun), rifles, muzleloaders, crossbows compounds and traditional bows and they all felt great. I would hunt with a club, spear, axe or anything that was legal :shoot: . Trying to understand another weapon/method is always better when you try it yourself, then choose the one that suits you and appreciate others for what they choose. Hey this is Canada great thing is the variety of options and choices available to us
OTB, 2013 Deer contest winner
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willy 9889
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Making an accurate kill shot with either a modern compound or a crossbow is the easy part. I have hunted with both and honestly don't see much of a difference. The most important skill learned while practice shooting is yardage estimation, a skill needed to hunt with either.
The difficult thing to do is to get a trophy buck in bow range. A skilled bowhunter with traditional equipment will be a far more effective hunter than a rookie with a crossbow who doesn't pay attention to detail.
My 2c

Willy :hick:
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next thing you know we will have people suggesting hunting bears in the spring when they are hungry is wrong, oh wait that happened, they did complain and look where that took us

if its within the legal parameters then its fine by me, I may not do things that I don't agree with, but if its legal then have at it I wont step in your way or complain and if push came to shove I might even stand beside you when its time to be heard as one voice
For every person that whines about tags, go buy them, don't invite crossbow hunters to your property so them deer are safe from them heathens

One more thing to add, for everyone who made the statement that anyone can go to the store and buy a crossbow/gun and out the box go hunting, takes no skill no time for set up etc, didn't they take the hunting course? and frankly there is nothing stopping some wanna be elitist spend a few bucks on a compound and go out and do the same thing. Case in point that schmuck on John Hunts TV show who while on camera mind you, took a shot at a bear, missed by a long shot and had to call it a day because he only brought one arrow with him, is this the how compound hunters want to be portrayed? must be, it was on TV = schmuck
condescending twat
Someone who looks down on other people and is beyond arrogant
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Friggs
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I can just see the tree huggers laughing at us arguing over this same lame argument. They like it when we argue amoung ourselves and I agree with Beamer, hunting is hunting and as long as its legal and ethical.
I started with a vertical bow many years ago and now in my late 50's I use a compound because of health reasons. Now enjoy using my shotgun, rifle, muzzle-loader and compound-bow.
Several years ago, I sat in many City of Kawartha Lakes meetings regarding Sunday hunting and I saw and heard many hunters arguing the yes and no to Sunday hunting. Today, in WMU-75 (Kawatha Lakes) we have the choice to hunt or not to hunt Sunday.
Bottom line, we should count our blessings that we have many option/choices to hunt, young or old, disabled, Sunday or no Sunday...hunting is hunting.

We should all stick together and argue and preserve our right to hunt and not what weapon of choice. Their are interest groups out there waiting.

Friggs
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Evolution905
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Friggs
Nov 11 2013, 08:05 AM
I can just see the tree huggers laughing at us arguing over this same lame argument.

I wouldn't be surprise if this thread was started by a tree hugger to get us going! :boxing: :petasux:
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Posted Image Brooke
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Beamer
Nov 10 2013, 07:28 PM
Hunting is hunting, enjoy the outdoors and use what ever is good for you. I have harvested animals with shotguns ( Hell I even shot a moose with my shotgun), rifles, muzleloaders, crossbows compounds and traditional bows and they all felt great. I would hunt with a club, spear, axe or anything that was legal :shoot: . Trying to understand another weapon/method is always better when you try it yourself, then choose the one that suits you and appreciate others for what they choose. Hey this is Canada great thing is the variety of options and choices available to us

Best post on the thread.

The only reason to start ths thread is to stir up crap. No REAL hunter would ever act so elitist or self righteous.

Hunt by whatever means you enjoy and let others do the same.
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Agreed. This is a lame topic. Similar to a fly fisherman calling out anyone who down rigs or uses spin casting equipment. It's all fishing......it's all legal by the book. Who gives a crap. Use what you like to as long as you stay within the rules and regs.

I hunt both Compound and X-bow. I just started into compound this past year. I love heading out with either. The X-bow has an advantage that the compound doesn't in my situation.........I can sit in my ground blind with my 8 year old son and use the X-bow alot easier than my compound. He doesn't care what I use, nor do I. He just likes to get out with dad.

Use what you like. :cheers:
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Brampton Mike
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hunterlexi
Nov 3 2013, 11:08 AM
Hi there I am just wondering what people think about hunting with crossbows?? Personally I dont consider it a bow, as you dont really need any skill like you do when you use a compound bow. I think Its more of a rifle then a bow I would say, with the scopes and things. I dont think they should be allowed in bow only hunt zones, just seems to easy to kill something with one. Anyone else agree??

Wow i can't really belive you posted that...so are you telling me a crossbow hunter that you DO NOT use a release...hmmmmmmmm is that not a portable trigger vs a fixed trigger/release on my xbow...last time i check the regs said i could us my crossbow during bow season so that means there are those out there with more brains than you that consider a crossbow in the bow family otherwise it would be called a crossgun! :omg: :stirpot: :omg:
VEGITARIAN........................Indian word for lousy hunter!


If I can't hunt and fish in heaven then I don't want to go!!!!!!
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Brooke
Nov 11 2013, 09:19 PM
Beamer
Nov 10 2013, 07:28 PM
Hunting is hunting, enjoy the outdoors and use what ever is good for you. I have harvested animals with shotguns ( Hell I even shot a moose with my shotgun), rifles, muzleloaders, crossbows compounds and traditional bows and they all felt great. I would hunt with a club, spear, axe or anything that was legal  :shoot: . Trying to understand another weapon/method is always better when you try it yourself, then choose the one that suits you and appreciate others for what they choose. Hey this is Canada great thing is the variety of options and choices available to us

Best post on the thread.

The only reason to start ths thread is to stir up crap. No REAL hunter would ever act so elitist or self righteous.

Hunt by whatever means you enjoy and let others do the same.

amen

don't get sucked in to this garbage.

Standnapper said it best...Its the fly fishermen vs the world debate. Its all fishing at the end of the day.

Do what you want and enjoy doing it.
I didn't fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a vegetarian.
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spikehorn
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HUMMMMMMM A true archery hunter. I've shot them all god I love the sport. longbows, re-curve, compounds, crossbows, firearms. I've sat in
my tree stand when all the sudden the hounds started up. Man it sent shivers up my spine when all of the sudden a huge buck comes Flying by me at mach 1 then goes out of sight. POW I walk over and there is a fella standing over the deer. he says to me he came out i put my sights on it and dropped him. I remember saying in my mind there's no way I could have done what he did. I like my 20 yard double lung sure shot.
That's my goal and my limits I have on occasion stretched it to 30 yards. I'm now older and don't like tree stands as much anymore. So ground hunting with my X bow is what I like best.Time constraints physical limitations and priorities have all changed. Its all about your limitations and what you like to get to enjoy the things you do. Guess I'm not a true archery hunter but wait a minute that's how I got to be the hunter I am now. It all started with archery.But one thing I have learnt over the years is to never knock anyone for enjoying your sport Hunting with any means available. You would think that they would help you to promote the sport not try and divide it. I'd be asking myself if I'm a true hunter let alone a true archery hunter.

Just my 2 cents
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Scotty
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spikehorn
Nov 21 2013, 07:29 AM
HUMMMMMMM A true archery hunter. I've shot them all god I love the sport. longbows, re-curve, compounds, crossbows, firearms. I've sat in
my tree stand when all the sudden the hounds started up. Man it sent shivers up my spine when all of the sudden a huge buck comes Flying by me at mach 1 then goes out of sight. POW I walk over and there is a fella standing over the deer. he says to me he came out i put my sights on it and dropped him. I remember saying in my mind there's no way I could have done what he did. I like my 20 yard double lung sure shot.
That's my goal and my limits I have on occasion stretched it to 30 yards. I'm now older and don't like tree stands as much anymore. So ground hunting with my X bow is what I like best.Time constraints physical limitations and priorities have all changed. Its all about your limitations and what you like to get to enjoy the things you do. Guess I'm not a true archery hunter but wait a minute that's how I got to be the hunter I am now. It all started with archery.But one thing I have learnt over the years is to never knock anyone for enjoying your sport Hunting with any means available. You would think that they would help you to promote the sport not try and divide it. I'd be asking myself if I'm a true hunter let alone a true archery hunter.

Just my 2 cents

Well said Donnie!
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spikehorn spoken like a true sportsman my friend !!! :thumbsup:
SHOOT STRAIT OR SHOOT ALOT "SMACKDOWN"
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Scotty
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From a historical perspective, the crossbow has been around for thousands of years.

The ancient cultures such as the Romans made good use of it. The Swiss were masters with the crossbow. There are countless, well documented battles and engagements from the Middle Ages were there were not only longbow men who fired volley after volley from a distance into the ranks of the opposing army, but also crossbow men who fired into the heavily armoured ranks at a much closer range than their longbow counterparts.

The current designs of recurve xbows have really not changed much from their ancestors of old. The design has changed very little - the same basic components are there - cocking aids, string, the bow limbs, a trigger release, stock and butt. What has changed are the materials and the efficiency and accuracy.

So, with that being said I would say that the traditional long bow is at the top, followed by the recurve crossbow, followed by their much later compound cousins.

One can even argue that the nature and design of the traditional crossbow contributed greatly to the evolution and design of the shouldered gun. Just sayin'....

Cheers,

Scotty
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hunterlexi
Nov 3 2013, 12:08 PM
Hi there I am just wondering what people think about hunting with crossbows?? Personally I dont consider it a bow, as you dont really need any skill like you do when you use a compound bow. I think Its more of a rifle then a bow I would say, with the scopes and things. I dont think they should be allowed in bow only hunt zones, just seems to easy to kill something with one. Anyone else agree??

I DISAGREE!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't have a compound bow and never have had one. Once a year when I visit a friend (turkey season) I shoot his compound bow half a dozen shots in his back yard.

EVERY TIME I can hit a 4" circle at 40 yards. WHERE IS THE SKILL - the bow is dialed in and the skill is taken out and it is just as easy to hit a 4" circle with the compound, as it is with my cross bow.

Now if you would have said traditional wooden bow and arrow - re-curve

THATS SKILL!!!!!!!

As far as I am concerned it takes the exact same skill to shoot the new compounds as it does the new crossbows. The major skill component is judging distance the rest has been made simple.

so it sounds to me that you don't know what your talking about and just blowing smoke.


MC
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JBen
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Quote:
 
A cross bow takes no skill, it has a scope, a trigger, a widget and a gidget


Im pretty sure, somewhere, sometime, an apprentice carpenter told the master carpenter using a skill saw, rather than a hand saw while crafting some fantastic peice of X,Y,Z took no or less skill.

An Oven is an Oven is an Oven depsite coming in many shapes and sizes.
Its in the ingredients and not the ovens that separates the wheat from the chaffe.


They are all tools, whether you use CMPs, X-Bows or shotguns, Ovens or power tools.

I shoot all 3. Dont think I'd ever try using my LB at something live and that takes a level of commitment I just dont have. Each has their strengths and advantages.
Like scopes and fibre optics, like stabalizers and cams and shoulder stocks and triggers.

In the end, all your choosing is your tool. Its the ingredients that determine whether or not you bake something to savor or something bitter.
Just so happens I have pics My Website

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Havelock

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Nov 26 2013, 12:39 PM
hunterlexi
Nov 3 2013, 12:08 PM
Hi there I am just wondering what people think about hunting with crossbows?? Personally I dont consider it a bow, as you dont really need any skill like you do when you use a compound bow. I think Its more of a rifle then a bow I would say, with the scopes and things. I dont think they should be allowed in bow only hunt zones, just seems to easy to kill something with one. Anyone else agree??

I DISAGREE!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't have a compound bow and never have had one. Once a year when I visit a friend (turkey season) I shoot his compound bow half a dozen shots in his back yard.

EVERY TIME I can hit a 4" circle at 40 yards. WHERE IS THE SKILL - the bow is dialed in and the skill is taken out and it is just as easy to hit a 4" circle with the compound, as it is with my cross bow.

Now if you would have said traditional wooden bow and arrow - re-curve

THATS SKILL!!!!!!!

As far as I am concerned it takes the exact same skill to shoot the new compounds as it does the new crossbows. The major skill component is judging distance the rest has been made simple.

so it sounds to me that you don't know what your talking about and just blowing smoke.


MC

There is a big difference when doing so on game and the bow really does need to be set for the specific shooter. There is a huge difference in shooting a compound and a crossbow there is absolutely no argument there. Lets face it if compounds were the same everyone would use them rather then crossbows. And I'm a big advocate for crossbows. They are a short range archery weapon just like a compound. The beauty of a crossbow is it allows more people to hunt and not have to sacrifice the time and dedication into a compound (because it does take a lot to be ethically able to hunt with them ). That being said it all comes down to being able to put yourself in the place to make the shot and pull the shot off. I know lotsa people who get so rattled by game a crossbow, compound heck an RPG and they still miss .lol. I say to each their own, we need to support eachother.
I don't always chase tail, but when I do; its whitetail. Stay camo my friends.
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Havelock

JBen
Nov 26 2013, 05:30 PM
Quote:
 
A cross bow takes no skill, it has a scope, a trigger, a widget and a gidget


Im pretty sure, somewhere, sometime, an apprentice carpenter told the master carpenter using a skill saw, rather than a hand saw while crafting some fantastic peice of X,Y,Z took no or less skill.

An Oven is an Oven is an Oven depsite coming in many shapes and sizes.
Its in the ingredients and not the ovens that separates the wheat from the chaffe.


They are all tools, whether you use CMPs, X-Bows or shotguns, Ovens or power tools.

I shoot all 3. Dont think I'd ever try using my LB at something live and that takes a level of commitment I just dont have. Each has their strengths and advantages.
Like scopes and fibre optics, like stabalizers and cams and shoulder stocks and triggers.

In the end, all your choosing is your tool. Its the ingredients that determine whether or not you bake something to savor or something bitter.

Very well said. :cheers:
I don't always chase tail, but when I do; its whitetail. Stay camo my friends.
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ONbuckhunter
Nov 26 2013, 05:37 PM
MasterCaster
Nov 26 2013, 12:39 PM
hunterlexi
Nov 3 2013, 12:08 PM
Hi there I am just wondering what people think about hunting with crossbows?? Personally I dont consider it a bow, as you dont really need any skill like you do when you use a compound bow. I think Its more of a rifle then a bow I would say, with the scopes and things. I dont think they should be allowed in bow only hunt zones, just seems to easy to kill something with one. Anyone else agree??

I DISAGREE!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't have a compound bow and never have had one. Once a year when I visit a friend (turkey season) I shoot his compound bow half a dozen shots in his back yard.

EVERY TIME I can hit a 4" circle at 40 yards. WHERE IS THE SKILL - the bow is dialed in and the skill is taken out and it is just as easy to hit a 4" circle with the compound, as it is with my cross bow.

Now if you would have said traditional wooden bow and arrow - re-curve

THATS SKILL!!!!!!!

As far as I am concerned it takes the exact same skill to shoot the new compounds as it does the new crossbows. The major skill component is judging distance the rest has been made simple.

so it sounds to me that you don't know what your talking about and just blowing smoke.


MC

There is a big difference when doing so on game and the bow really does need to be set for the specific shooter. There is a huge difference in shooting a compound and a crossbow there is absolutely no argument there. Lets face it if compounds were the same everyone would use them rather then crossbows. And I'm a big advocate for crossbows. They are a short range archery weapon just like a compound. The beauty of a crossbow is it allows more people to hunt and not have to sacrifice the time and dedication into a compound (because it does take a lot to be ethically able to hunt with them ). That being said it all comes down to being able to put yourself in the place to make the shot and pull the shot off. I know lotsa people who get so rattled by game a crossbow, compound heck an RPG and they still miss .lol. I say to each their own, we need to support eachother.

Agreed - we do need to support each other

I get your point of course the compound takes much more effort to dial in- But I was referring to a bow that obviously fits me and is already dialed in. Once that is complete I really don't think that they require any more skill to accurately shoot versus the other.

I hear people say practice practice practice for compounds, more so than crossbows. As far as I am concerned I believe they both take the same amout of practice to be proficient. But a long bow or recurve - that's takes practice practice practice x 100 and than some more practice.

MC

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gunner
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Some really good posts guys. I do believe that we MUST as hunters support all individuals hunting by any legal mean. We have enough people already against our sport. I personally hunt with a cross bow, I have three kids, all younder the age of 5, I help run a family business and I just don't have that amount of practice time that I feel I would require to be proficient with a compound. Before I shoot at any deer, I must feel that I can make the shot 100% of the time. I owe it to the deer. I believe that or sport would be well served if all hunters were more concerned with clean ethical kills instead of what type of equipment was used. Just my 3 cents worth. :cheers:
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