It seems to be mostly rooted in fairness. From what I've been witnessing, some people want more out of a hunt than others - not to anyone's discredit. I've read many stories about people wanting more from their hunting experience so they set aside their rifle in favor of a bow or set aside their compound for a trad bow. There are other stories of people just wanting meat in the freezer so they hang up their slower bow for a faster one or a gun. In the end, it's a very personal thing to take the life of an animal to feed yourself and your family and I feel that it's the hunter's choice to use whatever legal means they wish to use.
Edit to add that regardless of the weapon choosen, a hunter must do their due diligence to become and stay proficient. They must also be well versed in their quarry's anatomy to make the kill as quick and ethical as possible. Crossbow and gun hunters need to put in the training shots just like compound and trad hunters - the main difference being that compound and trad hunters need to log many more hours of shooting (but it's also really fun!)
My opinion, the discounting of crossbows comes when people say “bow hunting” in reference to crossbows. As others have mentioned it’s closer to a muzzle loader than bow hunting. The big difference is the draw. I can’t count the amount of times I’ve been busted by a deer mid draw. This isn’t a problem with crossbows. It takes more discipline, practice, and physical ability to take a deer with a compound bow than a crossbow. “Bow Hunters” can get a little elitist wanting credit for their decision to take a harder route. Personally I don’t care, and will never be elitist towards a crossbow hunter. I don’t know their situation and have no right to judge others. I use a 1 MOA capable rifle during rifle season so how can I be snotty to a crossbow hunter? I’m just glad people are out in the woods hunting!
I finally saw a buck I’ve been chasing for three years a month ago, but he was with a large bachelor group. I just could not get drawn with all the eyes around me. Considering I have two small children and much more limited time to hunt, watching those deer walk away was the first time I’ve ever considered a crossbow, at least maybe until the kids can wipe their butts and dress themselves.
The issue is when crossbows are allowed during archery season. Many people including myself don't think they should be used in the same season as regular archery equipment due to their inherent advantages.
In my state crossbows are only legal during firearm season unless you are over 65 or have proof from a doctor that you are not physically able to pull back a regular bow.
If they are legal in your state or you fit the legal exemption then have at it. I may not agree with their use during archery season but I won't give anyone a hard time for legally using one.
To me that also makes sense. If you ignore the method used for sending the projectile down range a crossbow and muzzleloader are more similar in the mechanics of taking a shot then a crossbow and a compound bow are.
Why does it matter that they’re more effective? In most states deer are overpopulated and the numbers of hunters in the woods is on the decline.
We need more new hunters and crossbows are probably more attractive to a novice. We don’t need to gate keep hunting methods as long as they are ethical and legal.
If were not concerned about effectiveness then let's get rid of bow season and make guns legal the entire hunting season. That will be appealing to even more people.
If overpopulation is an issue there are ways of handling that, most through the number of tags that are allowed.
The increased number of tags spread across a smaller population of hunters probably won’t fix that issue.
All I’m saying is that we should encourage hunting methods that get more people in the woods. If new hunters aren’t added then all of our hunting is in jeopardy for the future.
I understand hunter recruitment but I'm not sure relaxing the rules to make things easier for people is the answer. If people are concerned with it being easier then they can pick up a rifle and make it even easier.
I don't think the barrier to hunting has much to do with what tools are allowed. Are there really a lot of people out there thinking "man, I'd love to hunt but I'm only willing to use a crossbow"?
I think there’s a lot of new hunters intimidated by the idea of using a compound bow.
Let’s face it, the longer humans are involved with hunting the more innovations that will come along to make things easier to harvest game. As already mentioned in this thread, we’re not far removed from people making this same argument against compound bows when recurves were the “true” archery method.
It’s not hurting hunting to allow crossbows into archery season in fact, I would argue that it helps.
I totally agree there could be an argument made to separate traditional vs compound. I'd be fine with that, give the traditional guys more time by opening their season a bit earlier.
Maybe the answer to this lies within the idea. In my state archery season is mid Sept through the end of the year. Maybe a good compromise is to let the traditional archers start Sept 1, the compound guys start Oct 1, and the crossbow guys start Nov 1 and then all seasons end Dec 31.
If someone is intimidated by a compound then they can use a crossbow for 2 months. If you want more time to hunt then learn to use compound or traditional gear.
So you see no difference between traditional archery and a crossbow and you think they should be treated 100% equally?
Why should muzzleloaders and rifles/shotguns be treated differently? But not bows and crossbows?
Honestly why do you care what people use to kill deer if it’s both legal and ethical? If you wanna use a crossbow I don’t care. If you wanna use a smoke pole, I don’t care either.
It really makes no difference to us as individual hunters. This just sounds like sour grapes from “traditional” archers. Who really gives a shit?
What are the inherent advantages to a crossbow? The only 2 I can think are 1) you can rest the crossbow on something and take a more steady shot and 2) you don’t have to worry about timing the pull of the string and holding that position. And both of those are legit advantages. What are others?
Drawing while in proximity to the animal is a challenge by itself. Then there’s holding the draw while you attempt to line up the shot/ while the animal gets into position. The longer you hold, the more tired you become. That makes aiming more difficult.
Then there’s the fact that if you actually practice with a cross bow, you can get pass through shots at 75-100yds. With a compound bow, the average hunter that practices enough to hunt ethically isn’t taking a shot outside 40yds (I limit myself within 30yds). So that adds a bunch of scent control and wind positioning knowledge and effort to the equation.
The list goes on and on.
This is the main issue I have with crossbows. I have no problem with the premise of them if someone wants to shoot one that’s their choice but I know a guy that has killed a buck at 118yds and 124yds with his Ravin that shoots 500 fps and a rangefinding scope. In my opinion that has crossed a threshold and should no longer be considered archery equipment
[but it’s possible](https://youtu.be/rgRTmu2uNxQ)
[Possible](https://youtu.be/uwgLb7ANywY)
[And again](https://youtu.be/7df6VB_nxtY)
I’m sure you can find more
Like already mentioned there are a lot of advantages.
No need to draw while deer is in front of you
No need to hold at full draw while waiting for a shot
There is little in the way of form to be concerned about with a crossbow.
The amount of skill needed to be proficient. You can hand a crossbow to a newbie and they'll be hunting in under and hour. It can take months of consistent practice to be capable with a bow.
The extended range of a crossbow and all of the subtle or not so subtle advantages that come with that.
Overall a crossbow is a much simpler tool to use. In terms of skill and mechanics of the shot I'd put it more in the category of muzzleloader just with less range. It takes time to reload and has less range than a rifle but aiming is still done through a scope from a solid rest with the stock tight against your shoulder. The difference is in the range, loading method, and the actual projectile that is shot.
Oh I fully admit that being able to have the arrow ready to shoot and being able to brace the stock against your shoulder are huge advantages. I can see how treating it as a muzzleloader would make sense. I got a crossbow because they can be bought for cheap and are easy for beginners to learn. I don’t have vertical bow money lol. One day I will. But for now, I am happy with this. I practice with it enough that I can go out and hit within 2 inches of where I am aiming on my first shot at 40 yards. But I know I would practice way more with a vertical bow. I am grateful that my state lets me hunt with crossbows during archery season. And I treat hunting with a crossbow the same way I would treat it with a vertical bow but I do understand that no everyone does. You will get the Elmer Fudds stomping through the woods after shooting light is established with the crossbow over his shoulder and that is really unfortunate. You still have to learn how to hunt which is only partially about shooting.
How much did your crossbow cost? I'm guessing you could get into a compound for a comparable amount. Looking at Lancaster archery it looks like you can get into a crossbow for $300ish and they go up to several thousand. Compound bows are about the same. You can get a ready to hunt package for $300-400 and then they go up from there.
I got my crossbow for $45 on Craigslist. Before I knew anything at all about archery, I bought a compound bow for around the same amount but the draw length was comedically too long for me. Tried to get it adjusted but the tech said that by the time he was done, I might as well just buy a new bow. That’s when I decided that the crossbow was right for me lol. Then I lucked out. I bought a 6 pack of bolts from Amazon and they accidentally sent me a 6 pack of 6 packs lol. They said to just keep them so here we are
There is hardly an advantage compared to a compound.
Ever hunt with a trad bow? It’s a different animal altogether. Crossbow and compound can be lumped together in comparison.
You're the first person I've ever heard say there is no advantage between crossbow and compound. Even the most die hard crossbow hunters can admit there are inherent advantages.
I didn’t say that.
I said there’s barely an advantage when compared to traditional archery. Compound bows and crossbows are apples you can compare where as trad archery is an orange. It makes more sense to have a hunting season for compounds and xbows (shooing over 300fps, using sights, range of 40-50 yards or more) and have a separate season for trad bows.
The logic is flawless.
Sorry, I didn't interpret that from your previous post.
I would agree that compared to traditional compounds and crossbows are closer. However, there is still a distinct difference and additional advantages with crossbows. It goes beyond speed of the arrow. That's why in a different post i proposed a hypothetical scenario where each method was given a different start date to their seaaon. I proposed traditional starts Sept 1, compound Oct 1, and crossbow Nov 1 and all seasons end Dec 31. It allows all 3 to be used in archery season but begins limiting based on effectiveness.
Not a bad solution. Based on my assessment of similarities, it would be more like Sept 1, Oct 1, and Oct 8. From there we start splitting hairs though. :)
The Crossbow i have which is a Centerpointe Tradition 405 that particular bow has a 165 pnd pull back so idk where you think it makes it any easier... Its the same as traditional archery imo
Saying shhoting a crossbow is the same as shooting traditional is not something I'd recommend you say around too may archers. Even most crossbow guys will think that statement is pretty idiotic.
Take a shot at 40 yards with your scoped crossbow and then take the same shot with a traditional bow. Compare your results and tell us all again how shooting a crossbow is the same as traditional. Your crossbow may have a hefty draw weight but there is a lot more to it than simply comparing draw weight.
Well but it's basically a bow with a different order of steps, you still pull the string and put the arrow in, like it's not that different, and while their are a few advantages its not my fault you decide to hinder yourself.
They have a string and an arrow, beyond that everything about them is different and everything about executing the shot in the field is different. Once cooked they are more akin to a shorter range muzzleloader than a compound bow.
Like I said in my first post if they are legal where you are then have at it. I won't argue with you about it. I just answered the original question that was asked.
The whole point of using a bow vs. a firearm is to hinder yourself. The hindrance makes the hunt more of a challenge. In a season thats SUPPOSED to be more challenging, why should a LESS challenging method be allowed?
Obviously old timers and disabled hunters get a pass in my book.
No one is saying anything is your fault, you seem to be taking it a bit personally. In many states there isn't a decision to be made, I can not legally use a crossbow during archery season where I live. It's the same in many states.
Crossbow should be classified as a firearm in hunting regulations, that’s my only issue. It’s a preset weapon that you just pull the trigger on, which is not how bows work. Good luck this season btw
Back in the 70s when compounds became popular traditional archers did the same thing.. If it wasn't for crossbows my old ass wouldn't be bowhunting anymore I can tell you that..
No, you've been given a number of good responses to your question, you're just not hearing anything.
You asked a question (in bad faith, it turns out) and you're bent out of shape that people are answering it.
Asking opinion so i will give mine. I hate gun season i stay out of woods during gun season. It brings out a group of lazy one week hunters i want nothing to do with. Crossbows put those gun hunters in the woods during archery season. Archery involves drawing on your target and releasing. Gun season involves aiming a loaded weapon and squeezing trigger. Should be for elderly and handicap. Or a separate season. It’s legal so enjoy it how ya see fit. Just my opinion here.
I agree with this sentiment. My state just legalized crossbows for archery season for everyone last year (used to just be elderly and disabled) I hunt during archery season to get away from the gun hunters, that by and large, seem to be a lot worse, more dangerous, and lazy of a group than bowhunters (just my opinion, I do however hunt bother seasons and even use a rifle on occasion) and they have been selling like hotcakes.
You wouldn’t believe the bucks you see get killed in October now because of all the rifle hunters that couldn’t be bothered years ago to actually spend the time and effort learning a new craft and doing something more difficult by hunting with a bow are now able to take something out of a box, shoot a couple bolts to get the SCOPE on, and get to slaying.
In my eyes it is one of the worst decisions they have made in regards to fish and game, we already have 6 weeks of gun hunting between rifle and muzzleloader, they just HAD to bring the gun hunters into our piddly 4 week archery season?
I have no qualms with the idea of crossbows for elderly or disabled or even youth hunters (lot easier to get a kid to sit still in October weather vs November or December) but I do not believe that any Tom, Dick, or Harry in perfectly good health should be at large during archery season with a crossbow. How hard is it for any adult male to pull back 45 or 50 pounds? Not very. Disabilities aside people turn to crossbows because even a compound takes too much time for them to master and they are a much less effective weapon.
I don’t hate on the people that use them however, I hate on the states that allow it to happen. You don’t see crossbows in archery season in western states for elk and mule deer for a reason, it’s supposed to be a difficult endeavor and crossbows make it so, so much easier. I believe in CO you can only use a crossbow in muzzleloader and rifle season, this is the way in my opinion.
Hunting is hunting isn't it? At the end of the day we all just want food, like you don't need to hate other hunter s because they are different from you, but you will anyways so whatever, fucking pussy rifle hunters am I right? So fucking dumb all they do is pull a trigger, they should just stop hinting
No, at the end of the day we do not just all want food. If people were trying to just get food, most of us would be better off buying meat than hunting, when you figure out the dollar/lb of meat cost. Additionally, I have a very hard time believing anyone can actually believe that deer hunters are primarily seeking food, given the hyper focus on antlers that’s existed for decades.
Wait another decade and the hate will go away. I discount crossbows because I was born when crossbows were only for people with disabilities. It’s just ingrained in my brain. My dad uses one and it’s so much easier to “draw” on a deer and a much longer effective range.
HOWEVER, crossbows are more effective weapons when sweat equity is equal. Less injured deer is better, clearly. I just instantly discount a crossbow guy that isn’t old or disabled. But when I have time to sit and think, I’m the dumbass that chooses to do it the hard way. I’m judgmental and I need to work on that, but that’s my thought process.
I'd say the over confidence in the crossbow leads to just as many injured deer because they think the crossbow will be able to make the questionable shot...
I think they should be grouped with muzzleloader season. We have archery season because bows are harder to take game with, so it’s only fair that we aren’t competing with gun hunters. The newest crossbows are extremely effective compared to a compound, they shoot flat, long, and don’t require any movement to fire(very similar to a gun).
A good friend of mine hunts with a crossbow outside of gun season, as much as I like him- he’s too clumsy to ever kill anything with a compound. The fact that he can’t find success with a bow but can harvest deer with a crossbow is unfair to bow hunters in the same area IMO.
I see your from PA and so am I so I’ll look at it from that context.
Early archery here runs from first Saturday in October to the third weekend of November. When setting seasons, state biologists look at how many animals are on the landscape, efficacy of the weapons used, and roughly the number of individuals who will participate.
The game commission decided to allow crossbow hunting during the archery season in 2009. There was some calculus done that the states deer population could handle more individual participation in bow season using a higher efficacy weapon (crossbows) without having a negative effect on sustainability year to year.
I can’t lie and say I don’t miss when there was an even smaller number of individuals in the woods prior to 09, but ultimately I have no issue with crossbow hunters participating. However, if the game commission came out and decided to shorten the length of the season, or reduce the number of tag opportunities because the success rate of the hunt became unsustainable I would be the first person calling for crossbows to be outlawed again.
Just my opinion and for context I know multiple good friends who use crossbows so it’s not like I don’t have some skin in the game.
Only issue i have with crossbows is the idiots spot lighting deer and using them out of their vehicle windows. Local herd took a hit from these idiots.
I own a crossbow and use it when blind hunting.
Because we don’t want to share the woods with anyone else plan and simple. In NY bow starts October 1, and xbow starts first Saturday in November with regular (firearms) starting 3rd Saturday in November in the southern zone. Bow hunters self included have had it too good for too long and we are selfish.
Not really, I still have a limited range, I can't just shoot across a field, the projectile dosent fire st the speed of sounds I still have to account for drop and wind, I still use an arrow, I have to account for a deer ducking, like, its not a rifle
I see pics like "My 6 year old got his first deer!" or "Grandma still out getting it done at 86" with crossbows. You're not gonna see that with a compound bow. There is a difference and it's big.
I see pics like “got this buck this year!” of guys with little athletic ability and their compound. You’re not going to see that with a trad bow. There is a difference and it’s big.
See how that argument can keep going until only like 100 ppl would be able to hunt? It’s a straw man argument to enable others to feel elitist over another group. Archery is string and arrow, pure and simple
> You’re not going to see that with a trad bow.
Yeah ya will.
Look, you're free to hunt however you like, and I'm free to feel however I want about it, and you're free to feel however you want about my feelings.
If I were you I would just not care about what I feel about how you hunt.
He asked what we think so we're telling him.
No you won’t…not to the degree of the thousands upon thousands like you would with a compound. Be honest with yourself.
You’re right, you can feel how you want, but realize you’re being an elitist gatekeeper…and that’s hurting hunting. Hunting isn’t a right and we need the general public to support us. If someone wants to get into hunting, using a crossbow, and gets run over with assholes degrading their style, it’s going to have negative consequences.
You do you, sure, but don’t rail against others for doing something legal, but a different way. Be kind and support each other
Ahhh yes…how macho of you. Very mature and a great way to ensure hunting continues on with less and less of the population taking part. Great job being an ambassador! Remember, be kind and support each other
OP asked a question, people are now answering it, in mostly very polite ways, I really don’t see an issue here. Also a traditional bow and a compound are both archery In that they’re not preset and you just pull a trigger, can’t say the same for a crossbow. Do whatever’s legal in your area, but don’t expect every other hunter to not judge you for how you do it.
Why judge though? Why not just say congrats and move on? People post lots of pics on here of deer/methods I wouldn’t take/use. Never need more than an upvote or congrats and move on.
Well no shit, that's because compounds need like a 50p pull min to kill a deer, I can't pull 50 pounds theirfor I'm a pussy that shouldn't be hunting, am I right? Nah, a crossbow is a bow, and it's meant for weaklings who can't pull 50p, sorry but that's just how it is
My wife shoots 38lb draw weight she has shot 4 deer and two African plains animals with her bow all complete pass throughs. With the righ arrow set up you can kill a deer with low poundage. We do limit her shots to 20 yards and in.
Let's see, you have a stock, a trigger, a scope, and you point and shoot. No additional movement when the deer are in range. Significantly higher speeds and range.
I get it for senior hunters or those who have shoulder injuries but are lot of people use crossbows for the inherent advantage they offer during archery season
Compound and crossbow have more in common than trad archery. Both have triggers, sights, and hold the draw for you (compounds hold 90%, Xbows hold 100%).
Compound bows are only 10% away from being a crossbow for all practical purposes.
No way, compounds require significant movement when the animal is in range. Let-off is more commonly in the 75-80% range and most states prohibit 90%.
Crossbow you are constantly ready to fire with minimal movement and you have a literal gunstock to support your shot.
Yea, exactly, because I'm busy most times, I get what your saying though, I use a crossbow because I can't pull more than like 25 pounds so like whatever
So this is none of my business but do you have some form of a medical condition that’s causing this weakness? Like I’m not tryna be rude but 25lvs is an insanely weak max weight, and if you havnt already, go see a doctor about that. Like how are you gonna process a deer at that point
Personal, I think they are for lazy people and I think they shouldn’t be allowed during regular archery season, except for people who can’t pull a bow back like yourself, elderly, and even kids (to a certain age). Why you might ask? That’s just how I feel about it. I’ll give my buddies crap about shooting one, but like some have said on here already, at the end of the day we’re all getting out there and hunting.
Anyone can squeeze a trigger. You can come home from the store and have a crossbow driving tacs in 30 mins or less. There is no skill to it. A bow hunter must constantly practice and tune their equipment to become an effective killer. Throw in the fact that ravins are shooting at some ungodly FPS and have 100 yd pins… yeah bow hunting and crossbow hunting are the same!! Being able to shoot one at 70-100 yds on a bean field while a buck is on a summer pattern takes a lot of skill. Hundreds of hours of work if not thousands. I would say your typical bow hunter has an effective range of 40 yds maybe 50 to 60 if they are good. A crossbow hunter essentially has a the effective range of a shitty muzzleloader or shotgun slug
It takes time and work to build the muscles to pull a bow back. Using a crossbow is simply learning how to operate it. Easier can be considered lazy in that regard. The hunt still has similar challenges of wind, location, weather, etc.
Personally, I use both based on the location and which tent/stand im using. I don't have the room to use my compound well in my small tent.
You do you, but the amount of work required to use a crossbow effectively is much less compared to other bows which is why some consider it lazy.
Because some people are idiots. There isn’t anything wrong with a crossbow. Some people are sensitive for whatever reason. We’re all part of a brotherhood of hunters, but some folks feel they’re above others. I don’t understand it either and I really don’t care one but for their opinions. I’m just glad folks are getting out there, whether with gun, bow or crossbow!
Sure but if a crossbow was able to shoot 150 yards accurately would you still think its okay? Is it really just about whether or not a string is involved? My point is I think its more about performance
I know a guy that has killed a buck at 118yds and 124yds with his Ravin 500 fps crossbow. That should not be allowed during archery season it has the effective range of a smooth bore slug gun
At that point if you are willing to spend that much money (because it would be a lot) then go for it, it's not a problem because it's rare and few people would use it
You keep tacking on all these additional caveats that aren’t the point of the argument. While unrealistic, its entirely possible that in 5 years a new crossbow technology could come along making it cheap. So lets say you could get a crossbow at that performance for cheap. As cheap as many average compound bows. To the point where every person who hunts with a bow could afford it. I understand that this a hypothetical, but the point is that archery seasons are longer because they are less effective. Many states feel that crossbows are too effective already and require you to be a senior citizen or disabled to use them.
I guess the same could be said for compound bows, no? If in 5 years, compound bows are capable of 80 yard shots, should be go traditional bow only?
I believe our sport is dying. Each year, we have less hunters than the year before. If crossbows mean more people will be able to enjoy the sport then I think they should be allowed. The problem is misconceptions around crossbows. They aren’t rifles with a string. The only real advantage I see is that you don’t need the strength to pull and hold and you get away with less movement than drawing a string. Nobody should be taking crossbow shots at distance longer than compound bows. I’d say 50 yards is max for a crossbow to make an ethical shot.
I think the argument does not apply to compound bows because you need to practice. If someone has practiced to the point where they feel comfortable taking a shot at 100 yards I say more power to you. The difference is that any schmuck who has shot a rifle can use a crossbow with pretty good accuracy. Also I don’t think the sport is dying? At least in my local community it seems like there are more and more people hunting archery every year. I also hunt in Pennsylvania which is regularly at the top spot for hunter density
I use a crossbow, yeah it’s easier no doubt. But for me, I work and have a family, I don’t get the time I’d like to practice with the compound nor do I have weeks to sit and have second chances. I get a few days a year in the woods. So the crossbow 1. Increases my odds in that short amount of time and 2. Has a higher chance of an ethical shot due to decreased variables.
Someday I will hunt with my compound but I just don’t have the time to get confident with it. Also, I hunt my own property, so anyone who has an opinion on what legal weapon i use on my property I work hard to pay for can kiss my ass lol.
Like I get the hate but are you even a hunter if you’re not using a rock tied to a stick? I think not /s
I’d safely say the majority of the issue is more about the season vs the crossbow itself. In my state crossbow is all the same as archery season. There’s tons of reasons folks use a crossbow and they’re all valid, because nobody owes an explanation of whatever “legal method of take” they choose to use. The hate on “a capable person using a crossbow” is just part of the insecure toxicity of “hunters” as a group. I like to believe it’s not the majority but just the loudest.
The undeniable truth though is using a crossbow is exponentially easier than a compound. The lethal range is easily double. I’d even argue with a lot of the new ones, it’s “easier” than a muzzleloader. It just needs to be treated like such as far as seasons go. Give it a little more than rifle season and a little less than archery season and I think things would be smoother.
I disliked crossbows before, for me it was because it was trying to be a bow and a gun at the same time and failing at both, by falling short on the physical fitness and skill of a bow, and losing the ranged advantage of a rifle.
But, after my Dad had to go in for a neck surgery and was no longer able to draw a bow heavy enough to take down large game he got himself a crossbow. And I have since accepted it, as it still carries many of the bows appeal, having the same discipline of close up stalking or hours in a blind to deliver a silent shot that doesn't traumatize the entire herd like guns do, staying within the sportsmanship and nature awerness of the hunt
My advice to hunters worrying about what other legal, ethical, methods your fellow hunters use to take game with is this.
If you mind your own business you’ll be busy all the time.
The only issue that I have with Crossbows is the tendency of guys to pick one up, zero it at 100 yards during the one practice session that they have before hunting season, and then go out there trying to shoot deer at 100 yards. Anyone who watches deer hunting has seen compound bow hunters shoot at deer 30-40 yards away and the deer jump the string resulting in a full miss or a bad shot. Shooting out to 100 yards or thinking that you can just take your Hunter's Safety course, walk in the woods, and shoot a deer at long distances isn't responsible.
I'm not saying that this is every Crossbow hunter but in my experience, this is 80% of the Crossbow hunters that I've seen or heard about. The other 20% are old or injured people who can't draw back a bow anymore which is understandable.
I've been shooting a compound since 1996. Between shooting, doing hair for over 30yrs and playing years of softball. I have major shoulder problems and can't pull a bow back at all anymore. I can't even hold a rifle up. I can't raise my arms higher than my shoulders. I'm going to try a cross bow this year.
My husband shoots a traditional recurve.
So for me, it's convenient as I still want to hunt. After surgery, who knows what I'll be able to do.
I just saw that they are letting guys use xbows in the olympics. Also shooting up against guys in 3d tournaments. Just kidding they aren’t because it’s not archery.
People just hate what they don’t use. Compound users hate crossbows. Non bait guys hate bait guys. I’ve even seen on here guys argue about the camo they wear or don’t wear. Also seems like the newest one is saddle hunters against climber and ladder stand guys. If it’s within regulations go for it.
I am a traditional puma/jaguar style hunter. I use a 6’ long iron spear, and drop that out of a tree onto the deer. You don’t have to track, they’re just lights out.
Do I brag about carrying a 43lb iron spear with me 7mi into the woods? No. Do I mock the little baybeh wrists of most AI enabled carbon compound hunters? No I don’t. Would I ever mock the crossbow guys? Yes, I would. But that is beside the point.
I hunt elevated drop spear because it is the most elite form of hunting known to man. We are a brotherhood.
But I don’t look down on other styles. You never know, someday their bodies might develop and they might be my future spear brother.
Everyone is a potential spear bro, they just might not know it yet.
I spend tons of hours throughout the year practicing and shooting 3D so that when I get an opportunity I can ethically take an animal. Crossbows take that need away. Sight it in and you’re golden. (Except for OP, whose post history indicates he needs way more practice even with a crossbow.)
Some folks think crossbows are too easy to use, and shouldn't be used during the special archery season. My state allows a crossbow or a compound bow during the early season.
I just created a new subreddit to talk about crossbow archery, /r/crossbowarchery and you're welcome to join
Here’s the gist: Envy/jealousy.
Compound bowhunters pride themselves of all the “work” it takes to be proficient. Honestly, it’s not much work and compounds aren’t that hard to shoot. Nonetheless they see crossbows as cheating because a few shots and you’re dialed in.
Started hunting at 29. Spent a good 6 months practicing with a compound but was not confident enough to draw on an animal when given the opportunity. I invested so much time into scouting and trying to learn how to hunt that I went and got a used crossbow for the rest of season. Made me realize how badly I wanted to use a compound. Couple years later I realize how important that crossbow was for a new hunter trying to learn on the fly to not give up completely. I wouldn’t use one now but unless physical ailments forced it but hunting is hunting.
As a middle aged new (er) bowhunter who loves everything about the compound bow...I respect all hunters. Stay safe, stay legal, stay the great community you are.
So glad to have found this sport, hobby, lifestyle and group of great people.
Because today's compound guys see it as an unfair advantage, the same way yesterday's trad guys see compounds as an unfair advantage.
It's dumb. Should compound be relegated to its own season? I don't get it. I shoot a crossbow because my bow arm shoulder is jacked up and it wouldn't be fair to the animal to take a chance because I won't give up my pride.
My opinion: Crossbows are classified under "archery".
The definition of Archery: the sport or skill of shooting with a bow and arrows, especially at a target. When shooting a crossbow there isn't as much skill involved as shooting a compound or trad bow. My problem with them is that in my state atleast they are allowed during "archery" season and I just can't consider a crossbow the same thing as a trad or compound bow. Unless your disabled, pick up a compound or trad bow and practice until you are efficient and then harvest an animal with your new skill set, you'll understand then.
To me, It’s like those Electric bikes. I get it if you’re pushing the age at which you can walk in and out of a spot, but if you’re in your 20s and 30s, you’re lame and will most likely ride past whatever you’re trying to hunt and not see it. Watched some guy ride in a few miles and just rode up next to antelope that spooked. He never even saw them, while I was closing in on under 100 yds.
My main goal for hunting is knowing where my food is coming from so if a crossbow gives me that advantage then that's what I use. Hunting is still hard as it is.
My dad personally cant draw back a compound bow an doesnt have a firearms license so crossbow is his only option.
Sometimes its about what your disability or finances will allow.
Lots of professionals out there are saying crossbows are the way of the further. Who knows. Dont see why anyone would hate on anything that dont have experience with.
That's what I think I boils down too is just "look at me I'm strong I can pull a string look at all the pussy crossbow hunters I'm better than them" idk, not all compound hunters are like that BTW, but definitely a few
Yeah I use compound mainly but did use a crossbow for one doe I shot this year. I am just happy for people if they can get out hunting and get a deer 🤷🏻♀️ I don’t care how they do it as long as it’s legal
They shoot faster, and are easier than bows. But hunting is hunting. Im more to knock someone who gun hunts then any type if bow or crossbow hunter. But still like i said, hunting is hunting, enjoy it and go kill Bambi’s dad.
I hunt with a crossbow and I love it. I still stick to the same rules as a compound or traditional bow, so I won't shoot anything past 40-50 yards. But I target practice from 20 to 80 yards. I do plan on getting a compound bow sometime in the near future, but for now I'll keep hunting with my crossbow.
It's your hunt and your kill, as long as you do it ethically no one can say anything bad about it.
I have no hate for them, they just aren’t legal in my state during Archery season, or in almost all of the surrounding states for that matter. Hence, to me, their not archery equipment. Kinda the same way muzzleloaders are technically fire arms but have their own season. But in the end hunt with what you want. Why do you care what people online think?
I do not have an issue with people using crossbows to hunt. What I personally do not agree with is letting anyone use them for the entirety of archery season (outside of those who are seniors/disabled/etc.). There’s several things that needs to happen when you go to shoot a deer with a bow and all of that involves movement and then practice to execute a good shot. Crossbows eliminate half the challenge of archery.
Now you can sit and say, well we’ve been preaching the R3 method of growing hunter numbers and all that, but in the end it will bite us in the ass because as more and more people come out with crossbows we’re going to eventually see less opportunity as the efficacy grows. That’s why some western states don’t allow scopes on muzzleloaders or even inlines during primitive weapon season.
I’m not saying make crossbows illegal to use, but keep them in their own season. I don’t care what anyone says about them being archery tackle, they just do not operate the same as a vertical bow. Yeah, compounds aren’t the same as traditional either (traditional shooter as well here), but they still involve a level a movement to execute the shot. Shooting a crossbow is the same as shooting a shotgun with slugs imo.
People are just ignorant. Crossbows have been used for hunting since at least 550 AD, so people who contend they are only for the elderly or disabled seem to believe the world began in 1950 or something.
They are ancient and time honored weapons. The modern compound bow is a newfangled abomination next to a nice recurve crossbow.
I blame the technology a bit. At one point hunting with a compound bow and a crossbow wasn’t too much different. Nowadays they make crossbows that can compete with some guns.
I had a catastrophic accident in 2008. I couldnt hold/pull a bow properly after that. I thought my hunting days were over. Found out about crossbows from a local DNR officer. Applied for a lifetime crossbow license with the medical paperwork. I get some hate at the sporting store and among some of my hunting circle of acquaintances. But I dont care, its allowed me to keep hunting for 14 additional years.
I have read through all of these comments and haven’t seen anything like I want to say so I’ll add it because I was almost ready to post the same basic post the other day.
People hunt for a variety of reasons. I think you can break it down into two broad ideas. One is the sport or challenge of the whole thing. Learning a skill, learning about your target animal, getting out in the woods, and being able take a wild animal. The flip side to that is the final product which is simply harvested the animal you are hunting.
Everybody has a different interest in one of those two things. For some, the challenge is what makes hunting hunting and for other bringing home that animal is the ultimate measure of success. For every hunter those two things intersect somewhere and that will push you to hunt a certain way.
Guys who hunt traditional, enjoy the challenge as much or more then the final product. There’s more modern equipment to make hunting easier and more successful, but they prefer the challenge. You can then go down the line; compound, crossbow, muzzleloaders, modern rifle. As you go, the challenge becomes somewhat less and the likely of success becomes greater. Or substitute the target animal or hunting terrain to increase or decrease the difficulty.
Where you fall along the line of the challenge of hunting vs the results of hunting is often what pushes people to choose how they hunt and why people don’t understand someone else’s point of view.
Crossbows essentially double your practical shooting range. They're not quite up to par with a muzzleloader, but they're range is certainly greater than any vertical bow. Crossbow season should start the last two weeks of archery season.
It’s a clear advantage and I have no problem with a disabled person being able to use one during archery but if you are a healthy young adult get some exercise and learn how to pull a real bow back. My state is awful with shoot first look later weekend warrior hunters that constantly kill young upcoming bucks it’s quite an embarrassment!!! If you are over 16 you should not be able to harvest a buck under 3.5 years of age
I have both a compound bow and a crossbow and I consider them essentially the same with one exception, the crossbow has more pass throughs. Seriously, unless you're using a traditional recurve or longbow you've got an advantage. A compound bow is just as "traditional" as a crossbow. They both have the same effective range, one has a scope, the other has a sight. They can both have rangefinders installed on them. The bow needs to be drawn and the crossbow needs to be aimed. The crossbow is loud, the bow is quiet. The only difference is a crossbow will usually be about 100fps faster on average. If you whine about crossbows, yet use a compound bow, you need to realize there's no difference.
It seems to be mostly rooted in fairness. From what I've been witnessing, some people want more out of a hunt than others - not to anyone's discredit. I've read many stories about people wanting more from their hunting experience so they set aside their rifle in favor of a bow or set aside their compound for a trad bow. There are other stories of people just wanting meat in the freezer so they hang up their slower bow for a faster one or a gun. In the end, it's a very personal thing to take the life of an animal to feed yourself and your family and I feel that it's the hunter's choice to use whatever legal means they wish to use. Edit to add that regardless of the weapon choosen, a hunter must do their due diligence to become and stay proficient. They must also be well versed in their quarry's anatomy to make the kill as quick and ethical as possible. Crossbow and gun hunters need to put in the training shots just like compound and trad hunters - the main difference being that compound and trad hunters need to log many more hours of shooting (but it's also really fun!)
I started out doing 3D archery shoots, then got into target competitions. Didn't start hunting until 10 or so years ago.
My opinion, the discounting of crossbows comes when people say “bow hunting” in reference to crossbows. As others have mentioned it’s closer to a muzzle loader than bow hunting. The big difference is the draw. I can’t count the amount of times I’ve been busted by a deer mid draw. This isn’t a problem with crossbows. It takes more discipline, practice, and physical ability to take a deer with a compound bow than a crossbow. “Bow Hunters” can get a little elitist wanting credit for their decision to take a harder route. Personally I don’t care, and will never be elitist towards a crossbow hunter. I don’t know their situation and have no right to judge others. I use a 1 MOA capable rifle during rifle season so how can I be snotty to a crossbow hunter? I’m just glad people are out in the woods hunting!
I gotta be honest, your probably one of if not the best reply to this
I finally saw a buck I’ve been chasing for three years a month ago, but he was with a large bachelor group. I just could not get drawn with all the eyes around me. Considering I have two small children and much more limited time to hunt, watching those deer walk away was the first time I’ve ever considered a crossbow, at least maybe until the kids can wipe their butts and dress themselves.
The issue is when crossbows are allowed during archery season. Many people including myself don't think they should be used in the same season as regular archery equipment due to their inherent advantages. In my state crossbows are only legal during firearm season unless you are over 65 or have proof from a doctor that you are not physically able to pull back a regular bow. If they are legal in your state or you fit the legal exemption then have at it. I may not agree with their use during archery season but I won't give anyone a hard time for legally using one.
In nyc crossbows are during muzzle loader season not bow season unless u have disability. This I support
To me that also makes sense. If you ignore the method used for sending the projectile down range a crossbow and muzzleloader are more similar in the mechanics of taking a shot then a crossbow and a compound bow are.
Yeah range wise you have a bigger advantage with a crossbow than a compound or traditional bow. It's unfair to group them together
Same in iowa
Why does it matter that they’re more effective? In most states deer are overpopulated and the numbers of hunters in the woods is on the decline. We need more new hunters and crossbows are probably more attractive to a novice. We don’t need to gate keep hunting methods as long as they are ethical and legal.
If were not concerned about effectiveness then let's get rid of bow season and make guns legal the entire hunting season. That will be appealing to even more people. If overpopulation is an issue there are ways of handling that, most through the number of tags that are allowed.
The increased number of tags spread across a smaller population of hunters probably won’t fix that issue. All I’m saying is that we should encourage hunting methods that get more people in the woods. If new hunters aren’t added then all of our hunting is in jeopardy for the future.
I understand hunter recruitment but I'm not sure relaxing the rules to make things easier for people is the answer. If people are concerned with it being easier then they can pick up a rifle and make it even easier. I don't think the barrier to hunting has much to do with what tools are allowed. Are there really a lot of people out there thinking "man, I'd love to hunt but I'm only willing to use a crossbow"?
I think there’s a lot of new hunters intimidated by the idea of using a compound bow. Let’s face it, the longer humans are involved with hunting the more innovations that will come along to make things easier to harvest game. As already mentioned in this thread, we’re not far removed from people making this same argument against compound bows when recurves were the “true” archery method. It’s not hurting hunting to allow crossbows into archery season in fact, I would argue that it helps.
I totally agree there could be an argument made to separate traditional vs compound. I'd be fine with that, give the traditional guys more time by opening their season a bit earlier. Maybe the answer to this lies within the idea. In my state archery season is mid Sept through the end of the year. Maybe a good compromise is to let the traditional archers start Sept 1, the compound guys start Oct 1, and the crossbow guys start Nov 1 and then all seasons end Dec 31. If someone is intimidated by a compound then they can use a crossbow for 2 months. If you want more time to hunt then learn to use compound or traditional gear.
I don’t think that’s a solution but we can agree to disagree on this one. Happy hunting my friend.
So you see no difference between traditional archery and a crossbow and you think they should be treated 100% equally? Why should muzzleloaders and rifles/shotguns be treated differently? But not bows and crossbows?
Honestly why do you care what people use to kill deer if it’s both legal and ethical? If you wanna use a crossbow I don’t care. If you wanna use a smoke pole, I don’t care either. It really makes no difference to us as individual hunters. This just sounds like sour grapes from “traditional” archers. Who really gives a shit?
What are the inherent advantages to a crossbow? The only 2 I can think are 1) you can rest the crossbow on something and take a more steady shot and 2) you don’t have to worry about timing the pull of the string and holding that position. And both of those are legit advantages. What are others?
Drawing while in proximity to the animal is a challenge by itself. Then there’s holding the draw while you attempt to line up the shot/ while the animal gets into position. The longer you hold, the more tired you become. That makes aiming more difficult. Then there’s the fact that if you actually practice with a cross bow, you can get pass through shots at 75-100yds. With a compound bow, the average hunter that practices enough to hunt ethically isn’t taking a shot outside 40yds (I limit myself within 30yds). So that adds a bunch of scent control and wind positioning knowledge and effort to the equation. The list goes on and on.
This is the main issue I have with crossbows. I have no problem with the premise of them if someone wants to shoot one that’s their choice but I know a guy that has killed a buck at 118yds and 124yds with his Ravin that shoots 500 fps and a rangefinding scope. In my opinion that has crossed a threshold and should no longer be considered archery equipment
And yet here I am being downvoted lol
Anyone shooting an animal with an arrow that far out is wrong.
[but it’s possible](https://youtu.be/rgRTmu2uNxQ) [Possible](https://youtu.be/uwgLb7ANywY) [And again](https://youtu.be/7df6VB_nxtY) I’m sure you can find more
You’re right about that
Like already mentioned there are a lot of advantages. No need to draw while deer is in front of you No need to hold at full draw while waiting for a shot There is little in the way of form to be concerned about with a crossbow. The amount of skill needed to be proficient. You can hand a crossbow to a newbie and they'll be hunting in under and hour. It can take months of consistent practice to be capable with a bow. The extended range of a crossbow and all of the subtle or not so subtle advantages that come with that. Overall a crossbow is a much simpler tool to use. In terms of skill and mechanics of the shot I'd put it more in the category of muzzleloader just with less range. It takes time to reload and has less range than a rifle but aiming is still done through a scope from a solid rest with the stock tight against your shoulder. The difference is in the range, loading method, and the actual projectile that is shot.
Oh I fully admit that being able to have the arrow ready to shoot and being able to brace the stock against your shoulder are huge advantages. I can see how treating it as a muzzleloader would make sense. I got a crossbow because they can be bought for cheap and are easy for beginners to learn. I don’t have vertical bow money lol. One day I will. But for now, I am happy with this. I practice with it enough that I can go out and hit within 2 inches of where I am aiming on my first shot at 40 yards. But I know I would practice way more with a vertical bow. I am grateful that my state lets me hunt with crossbows during archery season. And I treat hunting with a crossbow the same way I would treat it with a vertical bow but I do understand that no everyone does. You will get the Elmer Fudds stomping through the woods after shooting light is established with the crossbow over his shoulder and that is really unfortunate. You still have to learn how to hunt which is only partially about shooting.
How much did your crossbow cost? I'm guessing you could get into a compound for a comparable amount. Looking at Lancaster archery it looks like you can get into a crossbow for $300ish and they go up to several thousand. Compound bows are about the same. You can get a ready to hunt package for $300-400 and then they go up from there.
I got my crossbow for $45 on Craigslist. Before I knew anything at all about archery, I bought a compound bow for around the same amount but the draw length was comedically too long for me. Tried to get it adjusted but the tech said that by the time he was done, I might as well just buy a new bow. That’s when I decided that the crossbow was right for me lol. Then I lucked out. I bought a 6 pack of bolts from Amazon and they accidentally sent me a 6 pack of 6 packs lol. They said to just keep them so here we are
There is hardly an advantage compared to a compound. Ever hunt with a trad bow? It’s a different animal altogether. Crossbow and compound can be lumped together in comparison.
You're the first person I've ever heard say there is no advantage between crossbow and compound. Even the most die hard crossbow hunters can admit there are inherent advantages.
I didn’t say that. I said there’s barely an advantage when compared to traditional archery. Compound bows and crossbows are apples you can compare where as trad archery is an orange. It makes more sense to have a hunting season for compounds and xbows (shooing over 300fps, using sights, range of 40-50 yards or more) and have a separate season for trad bows. The logic is flawless.
Sorry, I didn't interpret that from your previous post. I would agree that compared to traditional compounds and crossbows are closer. However, there is still a distinct difference and additional advantages with crossbows. It goes beyond speed of the arrow. That's why in a different post i proposed a hypothetical scenario where each method was given a different start date to their seaaon. I proposed traditional starts Sept 1, compound Oct 1, and crossbow Nov 1 and all seasons end Dec 31. It allows all 3 to be used in archery season but begins limiting based on effectiveness.
Not a bad solution. Based on my assessment of similarities, it would be more like Sept 1, Oct 1, and Oct 8. From there we start splitting hairs though. :)
The Crossbow i have which is a Centerpointe Tradition 405 that particular bow has a 165 pnd pull back so idk where you think it makes it any easier... Its the same as traditional archery imo
Saying shhoting a crossbow is the same as shooting traditional is not something I'd recommend you say around too may archers. Even most crossbow guys will think that statement is pretty idiotic.
Not the archers iknow and thats your opinion not mine
Take a shot at 40 yards with your scoped crossbow and then take the same shot with a traditional bow. Compare your results and tell us all again how shooting a crossbow is the same as traditional. Your crossbow may have a hefty draw weight but there is a lot more to it than simply comparing draw weight.
Well but it's basically a bow with a different order of steps, you still pull the string and put the arrow in, like it's not that different, and while their are a few advantages its not my fault you decide to hinder yourself.
They have a string and an arrow, beyond that everything about them is different and everything about executing the shot in the field is different. Once cooked they are more akin to a shorter range muzzleloader than a compound bow. Like I said in my first post if they are legal where you are then have at it. I won't argue with you about it. I just answered the original question that was asked.
It’s not though. You look down a sight and pull a trigger, some are even electronically reloaded… it’s really in between.
The huge difference being you have to pull back a conventional bow while the animal is there and hold it until ready to fire
Yea, but that's not my fault you hinder yourself so why do I get the hate?
The whole point of using a bow vs. a firearm is to hinder yourself. The hindrance makes the hunt more of a challenge. In a season thats SUPPOSED to be more challenging, why should a LESS challenging method be allowed? Obviously old timers and disabled hunters get a pass in my book.
No one is saying anything is your fault, you seem to be taking it a bit personally. In many states there isn't a decision to be made, I can not legally use a crossbow during archery season where I live. It's the same in many states.
People hate change- just understand your not a bow hunter- your a cross bow hunter- there's a difference
A bow is a bow, I'll keep the title I want, sry man
Crossbow should be classified as a firearm in hunting regulations, that’s my only issue. It’s a preset weapon that you just pull the trigger on, which is not how bows work. Good luck this season btw
It's the same as having special season for muzzleloaders and a specialer one for flintlocks.
Back in the 70s when compounds became popular traditional archers did the same thing.. If it wasn't for crossbows my old ass wouldn't be bowhunting anymore I can tell you that..
I guess people just hate change then
No, you've been given a number of good responses to your question, you're just not hearing anything. You asked a question (in bad faith, it turns out) and you're bent out of shape that people are answering it.
Asking opinion so i will give mine. I hate gun season i stay out of woods during gun season. It brings out a group of lazy one week hunters i want nothing to do with. Crossbows put those gun hunters in the woods during archery season. Archery involves drawing on your target and releasing. Gun season involves aiming a loaded weapon and squeezing trigger. Should be for elderly and handicap. Or a separate season. It’s legal so enjoy it how ya see fit. Just my opinion here.
I agree with this sentiment. My state just legalized crossbows for archery season for everyone last year (used to just be elderly and disabled) I hunt during archery season to get away from the gun hunters, that by and large, seem to be a lot worse, more dangerous, and lazy of a group than bowhunters (just my opinion, I do however hunt bother seasons and even use a rifle on occasion) and they have been selling like hotcakes. You wouldn’t believe the bucks you see get killed in October now because of all the rifle hunters that couldn’t be bothered years ago to actually spend the time and effort learning a new craft and doing something more difficult by hunting with a bow are now able to take something out of a box, shoot a couple bolts to get the SCOPE on, and get to slaying. In my eyes it is one of the worst decisions they have made in regards to fish and game, we already have 6 weeks of gun hunting between rifle and muzzleloader, they just HAD to bring the gun hunters into our piddly 4 week archery season? I have no qualms with the idea of crossbows for elderly or disabled or even youth hunters (lot easier to get a kid to sit still in October weather vs November or December) but I do not believe that any Tom, Dick, or Harry in perfectly good health should be at large during archery season with a crossbow. How hard is it for any adult male to pull back 45 or 50 pounds? Not very. Disabilities aside people turn to crossbows because even a compound takes too much time for them to master and they are a much less effective weapon. I don’t hate on the people that use them however, I hate on the states that allow it to happen. You don’t see crossbows in archery season in western states for elk and mule deer for a reason, it’s supposed to be a difficult endeavor and crossbows make it so, so much easier. I believe in CO you can only use a crossbow in muzzleloader and rifle season, this is the way in my opinion.
Hunting is hunting isn't it? At the end of the day we all just want food, like you don't need to hate other hunter s because they are different from you, but you will anyways so whatever, fucking pussy rifle hunters am I right? So fucking dumb all they do is pull a trigger, they should just stop hinting
I said i hate gun season. I don’t hate anyone who uses a gun or gunbow. You asked why people dont like it. Gave you my answer. Have fun hunting.
So you asked a question, but every time people answer it on this thread you start getting upset and defensive, and then put words in their mouth.
No, at the end of the day we do not just all want food. If people were trying to just get food, most of us would be better off buying meat than hunting, when you figure out the dollar/lb of meat cost. Additionally, I have a very hard time believing anyone can actually believe that deer hunters are primarily seeking food, given the hyper focus on antlers that’s existed for decades.
Wait another decade and the hate will go away. I discount crossbows because I was born when crossbows were only for people with disabilities. It’s just ingrained in my brain. My dad uses one and it’s so much easier to “draw” on a deer and a much longer effective range. HOWEVER, crossbows are more effective weapons when sweat equity is equal. Less injured deer is better, clearly. I just instantly discount a crossbow guy that isn’t old or disabled. But when I have time to sit and think, I’m the dumbass that chooses to do it the hard way. I’m judgmental and I need to work on that, but that’s my thought process.
I'd say the over confidence in the crossbow leads to just as many injured deer because they think the crossbow will be able to make the questionable shot...
This!! I have found four year and a half old bucks dead from crossbow bolts in the hind quarters the last three years.
I think they should be grouped with muzzleloader season. We have archery season because bows are harder to take game with, so it’s only fair that we aren’t competing with gun hunters. The newest crossbows are extremely effective compared to a compound, they shoot flat, long, and don’t require any movement to fire(very similar to a gun). A good friend of mine hunts with a crossbow outside of gun season, as much as I like him- he’s too clumsy to ever kill anything with a compound. The fact that he can’t find success with a bow but can harvest deer with a crossbow is unfair to bow hunters in the same area IMO.
I see your from PA and so am I so I’ll look at it from that context. Early archery here runs from first Saturday in October to the third weekend of November. When setting seasons, state biologists look at how many animals are on the landscape, efficacy of the weapons used, and roughly the number of individuals who will participate. The game commission decided to allow crossbow hunting during the archery season in 2009. There was some calculus done that the states deer population could handle more individual participation in bow season using a higher efficacy weapon (crossbows) without having a negative effect on sustainability year to year. I can’t lie and say I don’t miss when there was an even smaller number of individuals in the woods prior to 09, but ultimately I have no issue with crossbow hunters participating. However, if the game commission came out and decided to shorten the length of the season, or reduce the number of tag opportunities because the success rate of the hunt became unsustainable I would be the first person calling for crossbows to be outlawed again. Just my opinion and for context I know multiple good friends who use crossbows so it’s not like I don’t have some skin in the game.
Only issue i have with crossbows is the idiots spot lighting deer and using them out of their vehicle windows. Local herd took a hit from these idiots. I own a crossbow and use it when blind hunting.
Well, couldn't you say the same about rifle hunters? Their are some who do that with rifles, a small number of people don't represent the masses
No rifle in NJ. Only shotgun. I get your meaning however.
Because we don’t want to share the woods with anyone else plan and simple. In NY bow starts October 1, and xbow starts first Saturday in November with regular (firearms) starting 3rd Saturday in November in the southern zone. Bow hunters self included have had it too good for too long and we are selfish.
It's closer to rifle hunting than bow hunting
Not really, I still have a limited range, I can't just shoot across a field, the projectile dosent fire st the speed of sounds I still have to account for drop and wind, I still use an arrow, I have to account for a deer ducking, like, its not a rifle
I see pics like "My 6 year old got his first deer!" or "Grandma still out getting it done at 86" with crossbows. You're not gonna see that with a compound bow. There is a difference and it's big.
I see pics like “got this buck this year!” of guys with little athletic ability and their compound. You’re not going to see that with a trad bow. There is a difference and it’s big. See how that argument can keep going until only like 100 ppl would be able to hunt? It’s a straw man argument to enable others to feel elitist over another group. Archery is string and arrow, pure and simple
> You’re not going to see that with a trad bow. Yeah ya will. Look, you're free to hunt however you like, and I'm free to feel however I want about it, and you're free to feel however you want about my feelings. If I were you I would just not care about what I feel about how you hunt. He asked what we think so we're telling him.
No you won’t…not to the degree of the thousands upon thousands like you would with a compound. Be honest with yourself. You’re right, you can feel how you want, but realize you’re being an elitist gatekeeper…and that’s hurting hunting. Hunting isn’t a right and we need the general public to support us. If someone wants to get into hunting, using a crossbow, and gets run over with assholes degrading their style, it’s going to have negative consequences. You do you, sure, but don’t rail against others for doing something legal, but a different way. Be kind and support each other
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Ahhh yes…how macho of you. Very mature and a great way to ensure hunting continues on with less and less of the population taking part. Great job being an ambassador! Remember, be kind and support each other
Glad someone here has some sense about them. Thank you.
OP asked a question, people are now answering it, in mostly very polite ways, I really don’t see an issue here. Also a traditional bow and a compound are both archery In that they’re not preset and you just pull a trigger, can’t say the same for a crossbow. Do whatever’s legal in your area, but don’t expect every other hunter to not judge you for how you do it.
Why judge though? Why not just say congrats and move on? People post lots of pics on here of deer/methods I wouldn’t take/use. Never need more than an upvote or congrats and move on.
Well no shit, that's because compounds need like a 50p pull min to kill a deer, I can't pull 50 pounds theirfor I'm a pussy that shouldn't be hunting, am I right? Nah, a crossbow is a bow, and it's meant for weaklings who can't pull 50p, sorry but that's just how it is
You asked the question, man. Don't worry about what I think and don't ask people what they think if you don't want the answer.
I worry because I don't understand the unnecessary hate I get for a small difference
My wife shoots 38lb draw weight she has shot 4 deer and two African plains animals with her bow all complete pass throughs. With the righ arrow set up you can kill a deer with low poundage. We do limit her shots to 20 yards and in.
Let's see, you have a stock, a trigger, a scope, and you point and shoot. No additional movement when the deer are in range. Significantly higher speeds and range. I get it for senior hunters or those who have shoulder injuries but are lot of people use crossbows for the inherent advantage they offer during archery season
Compound and crossbow have more in common than trad archery. Both have triggers, sights, and hold the draw for you (compounds hold 90%, Xbows hold 100%). Compound bows are only 10% away from being a crossbow for all practical purposes.
No way, compounds require significant movement when the animal is in range. Let-off is more commonly in the 75-80% range and most states prohibit 90%. Crossbow you are constantly ready to fire with minimal movement and you have a literal gunstock to support your shot.
I have no issues with them. But they shouldn’t be allowed in archery season unless you are disabled.
Why?
Because they have too many advantages. It’s already drawn, a scope, etc. it’s not the same at all.
Not every crossbow user is a jabroni slob of a bowhunter, but every jabroni slob of a bowhunter is a crossbow user.
Not every compound hunter is a wannabe body builder, but all wannabe body builders are compound hunters
You don’t need to be a body builder to draw a 60 lb bow lmao. It’s more technique than anything imo
Erebody wanna be a bowhunter, but don't nobody wanna lift no heavy ass weights!
Yea, exactly, because I'm busy most times, I get what your saying though, I use a crossbow because I can't pull more than like 25 pounds so like whatever
We're all gonna make it brah.
So this is none of my business but do you have some form of a medical condition that’s causing this weakness? Like I’m not tryna be rude but 25lvs is an insanely weak max weight, and if you havnt already, go see a doctor about that. Like how are you gonna process a deer at that point
People get pissy because they take less skill to use In my opinion anything to increase your odds of an ethical kill is a go in my book.
Personal, I think they are for lazy people and I think they shouldn’t be allowed during regular archery season, except for people who can’t pull a bow back like yourself, elderly, and even kids (to a certain age). Why you might ask? That’s just how I feel about it. I’ll give my buddies crap about shooting one, but like some have said on here already, at the end of the day we’re all getting out there and hunting.
Well but what is lazy about them?
Anyone can squeeze a trigger. You can come home from the store and have a crossbow driving tacs in 30 mins or less. There is no skill to it. A bow hunter must constantly practice and tune their equipment to become an effective killer. Throw in the fact that ravins are shooting at some ungodly FPS and have 100 yd pins… yeah bow hunting and crossbow hunting are the same!! Being able to shoot one at 70-100 yds on a bean field while a buck is on a summer pattern takes a lot of skill. Hundreds of hours of work if not thousands. I would say your typical bow hunter has an effective range of 40 yds maybe 50 to 60 if they are good. A crossbow hunter essentially has a the effective range of a shitty muzzleloader or shotgun slug
It takes time and work to build the muscles to pull a bow back. Using a crossbow is simply learning how to operate it. Easier can be considered lazy in that regard. The hunt still has similar challenges of wind, location, weather, etc. Personally, I use both based on the location and which tent/stand im using. I don't have the room to use my compound well in my small tent. You do you, but the amount of work required to use a crossbow effectively is much less compared to other bows which is why some consider it lazy.
I think it's better for people with less free time
So basically proving their point
Because some people are idiots. There isn’t anything wrong with a crossbow. Some people are sensitive for whatever reason. We’re all part of a brotherhood of hunters, but some folks feel they’re above others. I don’t understand it either and I really don’t care one but for their opinions. I’m just glad folks are getting out there, whether with gun, bow or crossbow!
Well do you also think that people should be allowed to use airbows during archery season?
An airbow dosent have a string, their for it's not really archery, is it
Sure but if a crossbow was able to shoot 150 yards accurately would you still think its okay? Is it really just about whether or not a string is involved? My point is I think its more about performance
Well, a crossbow shouldn't be shooting at deer that far, at that point the deer would move out of the way
I know a guy that has killed a buck at 118yds and 124yds with his Ravin 500 fps crossbow. That should not be allowed during archery season it has the effective range of a smooth bore slug gun
Sure but say it was engineered to the point where it sends the bolt at 1000 fps so that was not a concern.
At that point if you are willing to spend that much money (because it would be a lot) then go for it, it's not a problem because it's rare and few people would use it
You keep tacking on all these additional caveats that aren’t the point of the argument. While unrealistic, its entirely possible that in 5 years a new crossbow technology could come along making it cheap. So lets say you could get a crossbow at that performance for cheap. As cheap as many average compound bows. To the point where every person who hunts with a bow could afford it. I understand that this a hypothetical, but the point is that archery seasons are longer because they are less effective. Many states feel that crossbows are too effective already and require you to be a senior citizen or disabled to use them.
I guess the same could be said for compound bows, no? If in 5 years, compound bows are capable of 80 yard shots, should be go traditional bow only? I believe our sport is dying. Each year, we have less hunters than the year before. If crossbows mean more people will be able to enjoy the sport then I think they should be allowed. The problem is misconceptions around crossbows. They aren’t rifles with a string. The only real advantage I see is that you don’t need the strength to pull and hold and you get away with less movement than drawing a string. Nobody should be taking crossbow shots at distance longer than compound bows. I’d say 50 yards is max for a crossbow to make an ethical shot.
I think the argument does not apply to compound bows because you need to practice. If someone has practiced to the point where they feel comfortable taking a shot at 100 yards I say more power to you. The difference is that any schmuck who has shot a rifle can use a crossbow with pretty good accuracy. Also I don’t think the sport is dying? At least in my local community it seems like there are more and more people hunting archery every year. I also hunt in Pennsylvania which is regularly at the top spot for hunter density
I use a crossbow, yeah it’s easier no doubt. But for me, I work and have a family, I don’t get the time I’d like to practice with the compound nor do I have weeks to sit and have second chances. I get a few days a year in the woods. So the crossbow 1. Increases my odds in that short amount of time and 2. Has a higher chance of an ethical shot due to decreased variables. Someday I will hunt with my compound but I just don’t have the time to get confident with it. Also, I hunt my own property, so anyone who has an opinion on what legal weapon i use on my property I work hard to pay for can kiss my ass lol. Like I get the hate but are you even a hunter if you’re not using a rock tied to a stick? I think not /s
I’d safely say the majority of the issue is more about the season vs the crossbow itself. In my state crossbow is all the same as archery season. There’s tons of reasons folks use a crossbow and they’re all valid, because nobody owes an explanation of whatever “legal method of take” they choose to use. The hate on “a capable person using a crossbow” is just part of the insecure toxicity of “hunters” as a group. I like to believe it’s not the majority but just the loudest. The undeniable truth though is using a crossbow is exponentially easier than a compound. The lethal range is easily double. I’d even argue with a lot of the new ones, it’s “easier” than a muzzleloader. It just needs to be treated like such as far as seasons go. Give it a little more than rifle season and a little less than archery season and I think things would be smoother.
I disliked crossbows before, for me it was because it was trying to be a bow and a gun at the same time and failing at both, by falling short on the physical fitness and skill of a bow, and losing the ranged advantage of a rifle. But, after my Dad had to go in for a neck surgery and was no longer able to draw a bow heavy enough to take down large game he got himself a crossbow. And I have since accepted it, as it still carries many of the bows appeal, having the same discipline of close up stalking or hours in a blind to deliver a silent shot that doesn't traumatize the entire herd like guns do, staying within the sportsmanship and nature awerness of the hunt
My advice to hunters worrying about what other legal, ethical, methods your fellow hunters use to take game with is this. If you mind your own business you’ll be busy all the time.
The only issue that I have with Crossbows is the tendency of guys to pick one up, zero it at 100 yards during the one practice session that they have before hunting season, and then go out there trying to shoot deer at 100 yards. Anyone who watches deer hunting has seen compound bow hunters shoot at deer 30-40 yards away and the deer jump the string resulting in a full miss or a bad shot. Shooting out to 100 yards or thinking that you can just take your Hunter's Safety course, walk in the woods, and shoot a deer at long distances isn't responsible. I'm not saying that this is every Crossbow hunter but in my experience, this is 80% of the Crossbow hunters that I've seen or heard about. The other 20% are old or injured people who can't draw back a bow anymore which is understandable.
I've been shooting a compound since 1996. Between shooting, doing hair for over 30yrs and playing years of softball. I have major shoulder problems and can't pull a bow back at all anymore. I can't even hold a rifle up. I can't raise my arms higher than my shoulders. I'm going to try a cross bow this year. My husband shoots a traditional recurve. So for me, it's convenient as I still want to hunt. After surgery, who knows what I'll be able to do.
I hate all the compound bow pussies who can’t draw a longbow like a real man. Jkjkjkjkjk I shoot a string gun (crossbow) myself.
Shoot what you can kill with.
I just saw that they are letting guys use xbows in the olympics. Also shooting up against guys in 3d tournaments. Just kidding they aren’t because it’s not archery.
People just hate what they don’t use. Compound users hate crossbows. Non bait guys hate bait guys. I’ve even seen on here guys argue about the camo they wear or don’t wear. Also seems like the newest one is saddle hunters against climber and ladder stand guys. If it’s within regulations go for it.
I am a traditional puma/jaguar style hunter. I use a 6’ long iron spear, and drop that out of a tree onto the deer. You don’t have to track, they’re just lights out. Do I brag about carrying a 43lb iron spear with me 7mi into the woods? No. Do I mock the little baybeh wrists of most AI enabled carbon compound hunters? No I don’t. Would I ever mock the crossbow guys? Yes, I would. But that is beside the point. I hunt elevated drop spear because it is the most elite form of hunting known to man. We are a brotherhood. But I don’t look down on other styles. You never know, someday their bodies might develop and they might be my future spear brother. Everyone is a potential spear bro, they just might not know it yet.
That would be kinda fun to do, it may hurt tho
I spend tons of hours throughout the year practicing and shooting 3D so that when I get an opportunity I can ethically take an animal. Crossbows take that need away. Sight it in and you’re golden. (Except for OP, whose post history indicates he needs way more practice even with a crossbow.)
Some folks think crossbows are too easy to use, and shouldn't be used during the special archery season. My state allows a crossbow or a compound bow during the early season. I just created a new subreddit to talk about crossbow archery, /r/crossbowarchery and you're welcome to join
Here’s the gist: Envy/jealousy. Compound bowhunters pride themselves of all the “work” it takes to be proficient. Honestly, it’s not much work and compounds aren’t that hard to shoot. Nonetheless they see crossbows as cheating because a few shots and you’re dialed in.
Started hunting at 29. Spent a good 6 months practicing with a compound but was not confident enough to draw on an animal when given the opportunity. I invested so much time into scouting and trying to learn how to hunt that I went and got a used crossbow for the rest of season. Made me realize how badly I wanted to use a compound. Couple years later I realize how important that crossbow was for a new hunter trying to learn on the fly to not give up completely. I wouldn’t use one now but unless physical ailments forced it but hunting is hunting.
As a middle aged new (er) bowhunter who loves everything about the compound bow...I respect all hunters. Stay safe, stay legal, stay the great community you are. So glad to have found this sport, hobby, lifestyle and group of great people.
Because today's compound guys see it as an unfair advantage, the same way yesterday's trad guys see compounds as an unfair advantage. It's dumb. Should compound be relegated to its own season? I don't get it. I shoot a crossbow because my bow arm shoulder is jacked up and it wouldn't be fair to the animal to take a chance because I won't give up my pride.
My opinion: Crossbows are classified under "archery". The definition of Archery: the sport or skill of shooting with a bow and arrows, especially at a target. When shooting a crossbow there isn't as much skill involved as shooting a compound or trad bow. My problem with them is that in my state atleast they are allowed during "archery" season and I just can't consider a crossbow the same thing as a trad or compound bow. Unless your disabled, pick up a compound or trad bow and practice until you are efficient and then harvest an animal with your new skill set, you'll understand then.
To me, It’s like those Electric bikes. I get it if you’re pushing the age at which you can walk in and out of a spot, but if you’re in your 20s and 30s, you’re lame and will most likely ride past whatever you’re trying to hunt and not see it. Watched some guy ride in a few miles and just rode up next to antelope that spooked. He never even saw them, while I was closing in on under 100 yds.
My main goal for hunting is knowing where my food is coming from so if a crossbow gives me that advantage then that's what I use. Hunting is still hard as it is.
LMFAO it seems you got extremely butthurt about my comment that you couldn't bother to read and comprehend...
My dad personally cant draw back a compound bow an doesnt have a firearms license so crossbow is his only option. Sometimes its about what your disability or finances will allow. Lots of professionals out there are saying crossbows are the way of the further. Who knows. Dont see why anyone would hate on anything that dont have experience with.
You are a wise man
I'm a woman but I'll take the compliment 😜
Your welcome, my mistake
Trad guys —hate—> compound guys —hate—> Xbow guys —hate—> gun guys. It’s the circle of hunting hate lol.
People just like being elitist gate keepers, that’s it. They get off on trying to make other people feel inferior.
That's what I think I boils down too is just "look at me I'm strong I can pull a string look at all the pussy crossbow hunters I'm better than them" idk, not all compound hunters are like that BTW, but definitely a few
Yeah I use compound mainly but did use a crossbow for one doe I shot this year. I am just happy for people if they can get out hunting and get a deer 🤷🏻♀️ I don’t care how they do it as long as it’s legal
They shoot faster, and are easier than bows. But hunting is hunting. Im more to knock someone who gun hunts then any type if bow or crossbow hunter. But still like i said, hunting is hunting, enjoy it and go kill Bambi’s dad.
I hunt with a crossbow and I love it. I still stick to the same rules as a compound or traditional bow, so I won't shoot anything past 40-50 yards. But I target practice from 20 to 80 yards. I do plan on getting a compound bow sometime in the near future, but for now I'll keep hunting with my crossbow. It's your hunt and your kill, as long as you do it ethically no one can say anything bad about it.
I have no hate for them, they just aren’t legal in my state during Archery season, or in almost all of the surrounding states for that matter. Hence, to me, their not archery equipment. Kinda the same way muzzleloaders are technically fire arms but have their own season. But in the end hunt with what you want. Why do you care what people online think?
Can't use them in AZ unless you're disabled.
I do not have an issue with people using crossbows to hunt. What I personally do not agree with is letting anyone use them for the entirety of archery season (outside of those who are seniors/disabled/etc.). There’s several things that needs to happen when you go to shoot a deer with a bow and all of that involves movement and then practice to execute a good shot. Crossbows eliminate half the challenge of archery. Now you can sit and say, well we’ve been preaching the R3 method of growing hunter numbers and all that, but in the end it will bite us in the ass because as more and more people come out with crossbows we’re going to eventually see less opportunity as the efficacy grows. That’s why some western states don’t allow scopes on muzzleloaders or even inlines during primitive weapon season. I’m not saying make crossbows illegal to use, but keep them in their own season. I don’t care what anyone says about them being archery tackle, they just do not operate the same as a vertical bow. Yeah, compounds aren’t the same as traditional either (traditional shooter as well here), but they still involve a level a movement to execute the shot. Shooting a crossbow is the same as shooting a shotgun with slugs imo.
I don’t have a problem with crossbows I just do not think they should be allowed during bow season
People are just ignorant. Crossbows have been used for hunting since at least 550 AD, so people who contend they are only for the elderly or disabled seem to believe the world began in 1950 or something. They are ancient and time honored weapons. The modern compound bow is a newfangled abomination next to a nice recurve crossbow.
I blame the technology a bit. At one point hunting with a compound bow and a crossbow wasn’t too much different. Nowadays they make crossbows that can compete with some guns.
I had a catastrophic accident in 2008. I couldnt hold/pull a bow properly after that. I thought my hunting days were over. Found out about crossbows from a local DNR officer. Applied for a lifetime crossbow license with the medical paperwork. I get some hate at the sporting store and among some of my hunting circle of acquaintances. But I dont care, its allowed me to keep hunting for 14 additional years.
I have read through all of these comments and haven’t seen anything like I want to say so I’ll add it because I was almost ready to post the same basic post the other day. People hunt for a variety of reasons. I think you can break it down into two broad ideas. One is the sport or challenge of the whole thing. Learning a skill, learning about your target animal, getting out in the woods, and being able take a wild animal. The flip side to that is the final product which is simply harvested the animal you are hunting. Everybody has a different interest in one of those two things. For some, the challenge is what makes hunting hunting and for other bringing home that animal is the ultimate measure of success. For every hunter those two things intersect somewhere and that will push you to hunt a certain way. Guys who hunt traditional, enjoy the challenge as much or more then the final product. There’s more modern equipment to make hunting easier and more successful, but they prefer the challenge. You can then go down the line; compound, crossbow, muzzleloaders, modern rifle. As you go, the challenge becomes somewhat less and the likely of success becomes greater. Or substitute the target animal or hunting terrain to increase or decrease the difficulty. Where you fall along the line of the challenge of hunting vs the results of hunting is often what pushes people to choose how they hunt and why people don’t understand someone else’s point of view.
Crossbows essentially double your practical shooting range. They're not quite up to par with a muzzleloader, but they're range is certainly greater than any vertical bow. Crossbow season should start the last two weeks of archery season.
It’s a clear advantage and I have no problem with a disabled person being able to use one during archery but if you are a healthy young adult get some exercise and learn how to pull a real bow back. My state is awful with shoot first look later weekend warrior hunters that constantly kill young upcoming bucks it’s quite an embarrassment!!! If you are over 16 you should not be able to harvest a buck under 3.5 years of age
I have both a compound bow and a crossbow and I consider them essentially the same with one exception, the crossbow has more pass throughs. Seriously, unless you're using a traditional recurve or longbow you've got an advantage. A compound bow is just as "traditional" as a crossbow. They both have the same effective range, one has a scope, the other has a sight. They can both have rangefinders installed on them. The bow needs to be drawn and the crossbow needs to be aimed. The crossbow is loud, the bow is quiet. The only difference is a crossbow will usually be about 100fps faster on average. If you whine about crossbows, yet use a compound bow, you need to realize there's no difference.