bow or cross bow

[1stTimeHuntingGal]

I have a question, Hope someone can help me out, Im new to Hunting :(

I have a bad shoulder and im wanting to learn how to use a bow but do not think i can pull a reg bow , would a cross bow be ok? I found out you can hunt here with a cross bow:(

[fabsroman]

A crossbow will do just fine. Just make sure that the crossbow isn't too hard to draw. While you don't have to keep a crossbow drawn, you still need to pull that string up and lock it in place. Granted, they do make some devices (i.e., cranks) for crossbows that can help if you get something too hard to load.

I struggle with my crossbow and I also struggle trying to load bullets in my muzzleloader. However, over time I have figured out ways to compensate for my initial struggles. You will too.

[1stTimeHuntingGal]

here is the cross bow i was thinking about

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat21424&rid=&indexId=cat20024&navAction=push&navCount=2&parentType=index&parentId=cat20024&id=0004436

will that work and what arrows would i need?

Ill be using it on white tail :)

[Allen]

I read the ad twice and did not see anything about a cocking aid. 150# will be hard to pull, but if you can get the thing cocked it should do the thick. Practice as much as possible and know what distance you can make a clean kill every shot and never shoot beyond that distance.

Good luck

Allen

[1stTimeHuntingGal]

what should i look for then? Im going to Cabelas and they have a few cross bows on there web page

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/index/index-display.jsp?id=cat20024&navAction=jump&navCount=1&parentId=cat21424&parentType=category&cmCat=MainCatcat21424

[gd357]

First, welcome to the forum. If you're looking into getting a crossbow, I'd advise that you look at Horton's line of crossbows. My father used to own a Barnett as did one of my good friends. They both shoot Horton bows now. I'd also advise you to look at the carbon bolts (arrows) for the bow. I use the Carbon Strike bolts, and they work pretty well. You can also get a cocking aid for the hortons if you have trouble. Stick with the 150lb bows to start with and it'll be easier to get used to. Hope this helps.

gd

[1stTimeHuntingGal]

Thank yall for the warm welcome :)

[fabsroman]

I use a Horton too, but haven't had the chance to hunt with it yet. I've done plenty of practicing in my parents back yard and feel comfortable out to 40 yards with it. Shooting a crossbow is more like shooting a gun than shooting a bow.

I also use the Horton carbon bolts. Usually, the bolts are sitting right next to the crossbows. The thing about crossbows is that there isn't too much of a bolt selection like there is with arrows. Just as the pro staff at Cabelas for the right bolts because it will take them all of a second to point you to the aluminum and carbon bolts.

[papi]

i broke my back and have used a crossbow since 2000.i have a horton 175.with carbon express bolys i get about 305fps.i have hunted deer with it but have never taken one.i am a mad hog hunter. i have taken many nice hogs.i have one on display ay a local store here.i also use muzzy 3-blade 125 broadheads.the crank loader is not really easy to crank.the best way to do it is to let someone else do it

[papi]

sorry. be sure to check you local hunting laws about using a crossbow during archery season. many require a dr's permit or letter.nothing is needed to use it in gun season

[gd357]

I've taken two deer this fall with my crossbow, a young doe, and a buck. Shot the doe at 30 yards, quartering away. Went through a rib going in, hit the heart, exited the off shoulder. The buck was quartering away at 39 yards. same shot placement, broadhead went through the off shoulder before the arrow stopped. Both deer dropped within 60 yards. The only reason I used it this fall is because I've taken my deer with a compound the past couple of years, and I had yet to take a deer with my new crossbow (it had been collecting dust for 2+ years). I can't argue with the results though...;)

gd

[papi]

39 yards is about the limit for accuracy with a crossbow.i killed my hogs at between 20-25 yards.i love the think but they are still pretty heavy

[gd357]

papi,

I agree. Unless you've practiced quite a bit at longer ranges (over 25 yards) you shouldn't try to shoot that far. I shoot both my compound and crossbow out to 50 yards so that I feel more proficient at anything that's 40 yards or closer. Actually, the last 5 deer I've taken with my compound and crossbow have been 30 yards or farther (I started practicing at longer range because I got tired of seeing deer walk past at 40 yards).

gd

[icequeen]

hiya 1stTimeHuntingGal :)

I use an Excalibur Vixen. It's a little smaller than the Excalibur's on the Cabela's page you posted (doesn't seem to be listed on the site) but it's also lighter than most xbows. It flys at 285 f/s and it's very very accurate, and gets the job done very well. It's also a tad cheaper than some, but the quality is second to none. :)

Excalibur Vixen Link (http://www.excaliburcrossbow.com/vixen.htm)

See my av <---, took him with my Vixen this year. :)

The draw on mine is 150lbs but I use a cocking aid, a rope. It's quiet, light and easy to stash in a pocket. It cuts the draw in half and I have no problem at all cockin my bow.

Rope cocking aid Link (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=search&id=0026217416401a&navCount=5&podId=0026217&parentId=cat600281&navAction=push&catalogCode=IF&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat600281&hasJS=true)

I have to admit that I'm bias since Excalibur is a Canadian made bow. But, I've talked to lots of folks that have used other brands of bow and many of them are gettin rid of thier others and switchin to an Excalibur.

[goin4smallies]

Does anyone use mechanical broadheads on their cross bow and if so what brand ?

I have a Horton Cross bow 150lb draw,and I am having alot of trouble tuning it for my Muzzy 100 grain 4 baldes to fly right ... it is really being a pain in my you know what..
I am concidering exspandables.

Thanks guys for the info

[papi]

if you read up on crossbows it is not reccommended to use 4 blades.it is also not good to use mechanical broadheads. some people will use them.i use a muzzy 125 gr 3 blade and have never had a single problem

[goin4smallies]

Thanks Papi

I will have to give them a try !

[DaMadman]

Originally posted by goin4smallies
Does anyone use mechanical broadheads on their cross bow and if so what brand ?

I have a Horton Cross bow 150lb draw,and I am having alot of trouble tuning it for my Muzzy 100 grain 4 baldes to fly right ... it is really being a pain in my you know what..
I am concidering exspandables.

Thanks guys for the info

I use mechanicals, because that is what I used when I hunted with a compound and they fly very well out of my crossbow so I stuck with them.

[DaMadman]

Originally posted by 1stTimeHuntingGal
I have a question, Hope someone can help me out, Im new to Hunting :(

I have a bad shoulder and im wanting to learn how to use a bow but do not think i can pull a reg bow , would a cross bow be ok? I found out you can hunt here with a cross bow:(

I learned my lesson in a bad way about Barnetts. While I think they were a good thing in their day and as something to fiddle with I don't think they have what it takes to be a hunting Crossbow. The one I had the trigger was so tight it would leave a mark on your finger if you shot it more than a couple times.

Have heard others say same and had other complaints as well.

The one I had wasn't the bottom of the line but it wasn't the top of the barnett line either. mabey their more expensive bows are ok but I now have a Ten Point (?) by jennings that is a great crossbow, purchase from Cabelas Bargain Cave

http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?rid=&indexId=cat20024&navAction=push&navCount=1&cmCat=MainCatcat21424&parentType=index&parentId=cat20024&id=0032843

[DaMadman]

well goodness gracious that first link I posted had to be the most expensive thing in the book

This is more like the one I have

http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/standard-pod-wrapped.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat21424&rid=&indexId=cat20024&navAction=push&navCount=5&parentType=index&parentId=cat20024&id=0032838

Mine was a lot cheaper because it came out of the bargain cave and I bought it about 5 years ago

[papi]

they do use mechanical with crossbows but all brands warn against them.thhey have a prob with the heads not working properly due to all the pressure.i have a 175lb crossbow and i had problems also

[DaMadman]

Originally posted by papi
they do use mechanical with crossbows but all brands warn against them.thhey have a prob with the heads not working properly due to all the pressure.i have a 175lb crossbow and i had problems also

never heard any warning against it. in fact my crossbow recommends them

[papi]

due to the force when they are shot they have been found to open too soon and it had caused them to lose accuracy.i have seen that written in many testings