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Opinions on crossbow hunting

JRBASSER

Junior Member
7
0
I've had both a Compound bow and a crossbow growing up. I'm now thinking of getting rid of my compound bow for a much nicer Ten Point crossbow, but I have a feeling in the back of my head that I'll miss the additional challenge and skill when using a compound. It also seems to have more of a rewarding feeling to Harvest a deer with a compound bow rather than a crossbow. What's everyone's opinion?
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
39,721
248
Ohio
If I injured myself or physically get to the point I can't draw a compound. . . I won't hesitate. My 12yr old has one. I like it. I've considered using one to hunt from the ground. If I didn't have time to practice enough to be confident in my compound bow shooting. . . Again, I wouldn't hesitate. I'd want to ensure a clean kill. If I couldn't do that with a compound I'd drop the compound. Let's face it, even with practice I have had some tracking jobs I wish were better.
 

Jackalope

Dignitary Member
Staff member
38,841
260
To each their own. Compound, crossbow, trad bow. I don't think weapon takes away from anything. The main point is you're hunting.
 

Gordo

Senior Member
5,515
121
Athens County
I started first hunting with an xbow as a kid. It taught me how to kill them with an arrow. An arrow is an arrow. That being said, trad bows/xbows/compounds along with arrow 'science' has come a long f'n way


 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
Who cares, as long as it's a legal implement. Take what you are most confident in and go have fun. Hunting is challenging enough for me, I take what takes the most equations out and puts things in my favor. Life brings enough challenges, I don't need to make things harder on myself.
 

Dannmann801

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
10,640
191
Springboro
Crossbow was my gateway drug into archery. I think it should be legal everywhere, and the folks who don't like it need to get over their prejudice. As Gordo so eloquently stated, "An arrow is an arrow.". Thanks Gordo, I'm gonna use that. :smiley_coolpeace:
 

NAC1989

Junior Member
447
75
Clark county
Lost my confidence with compound two years ago and went to crossbow. Harvested a deer with it last year and it was just as rewarding to me. And what Giles said.
 

GoetsTalon

Senior Member
Supporting Member
4,294
128
Walbridge oh
Bought one about five years ago when i pinched a nerve in my shoulder so i could hunt. Well the pinched nerve has since healed but i'm still using the crossbow. When i kill a deer i am happy be it a bow or crossbow or slug gun.
 

xbowguy

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
29,633
234
Licking Co. Ohio
It really is a personal thing. Biggest draw for me is my bow is always ready....and so am I. I was infatuated with them at a very young age (about 12 yrs old) and owned one before they were legal to hunt with in Ohio. To say they came a long way is an understatement for sure.

Disston_01.jpg Disston_03.jpg

Here is some pics of my first crossbow. Metal frame with wood grain hollow composite stock. Made by Hank Roberts USA in Colorado.
Anyhow, my advice is borrow a good crossbow and use it to harvest a deer. Many people waste money buying all into compounds or crossbows and then sell it at a reduced cost.
 
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Bigcountry40

Member
4,555
127
I own both and use both, this year using the crossbow not enough time to practice with my compound and I like to make sure I put an ethical shot on an animal. Personally I would like to see a law made in Ohio that a hunter has to used a compound for so many years before switching to a crossbow and hunter have to be able to pass a accuracy test (3 shots at 10,20 and yards). I don't want to hijack this topic, but cross bows have basically allowed any jack wagon the opportunity to walk into the woods and bow hunt (which is y everybody is a bow hunter now). But until I am made king of Ohio and with current laws hunt with whatever you like as long as you make good ethical kills.
 

LonewolfNopack

Junior Member
1,503
127
The woods
I dont have a problem with either. I used an xbow as a kid, use a compound now. A lot of unethical hunters with both xbow and compound. One thing i will say is that its 3 times easier to kill one with the xbow. I hate to think the deer i would hve killed past 8 years if i didnt have to draw on them.
 

Dannmann801

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
10,640
191
Springboro
@ JRBasser - I wouldn't get rid of your compound. Keep it and use both as it tickles your fancy.
And listen to what Rick said about borrowing one and using it, try different ones.
Good luck!
 

Mike

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
15,840
223
Up Nort
I have a crossbow, but I made the switch to traditional longbow last season. I may not get a deer with archery equipment again this year, but that's the game I choose to play. I support ALL legal methods of harvest.
 

Gordo

Senior Member
5,515
121
Athens County
XbowGuy Rick lead me in the right direction a couple years back when me and my sisters bought a new xbow for my dad. He hasn't missed since. Major major advancements from the early 90's Horton hunter he was using.

My dad brought you up when talking about it rick. "That guy knows his shit". That ten point is a killing machine