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bow vs crossbow #5964053 10/06/15 06:29 PM
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Bigfoot Offline OP
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What are the pros and cons?

I like the idea of a crossbow personally but what say the hunting crowd?

Thinking about having one for next season


GO TRUMP!
Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964071 10/06/15 06:39 PM
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Seems like cheating to me, but its legal.

I personally like the challenge of bow hunting

Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964084 10/06/15 06:45 PM
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Crossbows are easy to use and setup, little practice needed, very hard to reload quickly.

Bows easy to move around with walking/hunting, quick reloads, practice is required

Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964108 10/06/15 06:56 PM
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I agree with Bill.

I dont like the idea of xguns during Archery season but they are legal so that's about it.
I will add to helms by saying they have scopes and the xgun is held at a full drawn position.
My $.02 is that a xgun is the easy way out for an able bodied hunter. I do not believe that someone who hunts with a xgun should EVER call themselves a bow hunter.

Now with this being said, I think they are great for kids, older hunters or disabled hunters who cant draw a bow so I think they have their place. Also, anything that gets folks out hunitng is a good thing.


Originally Posted By: Chief Joe
I avoid Dick's and hope they fold.
Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964114 10/06/15 06:58 PM
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It's legal. Do your best, still takes practice.

Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964125 10/06/15 07:09 PM
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I think its a joke that bow hunters get a head start.

I bow hunt... with a bow, not an x bow and I do hunt during bow season, but its all my choice, bow hunters just want to say x-bows are cheateing etc. to keep others out of the woods longer and keep them from shooting "their deer". Why on earth does using a bow entitle you to more season? I hunted a property for years that didn't allow people to hunt during bow season because most didn't bow hunt... they didn't allow youth season hunting either because most were not youth, I didn't have a problem with either. You want to challenge yourself by bowhunting well that's great do it, but if your going to make it easier then its not about challenging yourself now is it. Don't matter what your hunting with as long as your out there hunting. up


It's hell eatin em live
Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964135 10/06/15 07:16 PM
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I hunt with a crossbow... and I agree it is easier than bow hunting. During rifle season I hunt in a blind with a heater... and I also agree that it is easier than bow hunting. I also hunt the entire time with the assistance of a corn feeder... again, easier. Oh, and I use game cameras that let me know when animals frequently come by my feeder...


You should give some serious thought to thanking your lucky stars your from Texas.
Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964151 10/06/15 07:27 PM
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Being handicapped and 71 years old I have purchased a cross bow. However, when I purchased it the sales guy was pretty snobbish about using a crossbow. So, I asked him what he hunted with? He said a compound bow to keep the "primitive" in hunting as it should be. Hello, compound bows are just about as technically advanced as any weapon can get! If he had said Long Bow he may have had a point. Oh well, each to his own.


Don't talk the talk if you didn't walk the walk.
Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964158 10/06/15 07:31 PM
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The main difference between the two is that you have to draw a bow once the deer is in range or close to being in range. This requires significant motion, whereas you only have to raise a crossbow to a shooting position and that can be done sooner and with less motion and held for much longer. Deer see motion well and particularly well at bow ranges. Also, shooting a bow does require a lot of practice to be proficient, where much less is required with a crossbow. Both are limited to about the same range.

I don't really view a crossbow as cheating because A)It's legal and B)I've seen enough guys either in a 25-30ft tree stand or in a pop-up/blind with a screen that both hide you while you draw, thus negating the draw argument. Plus, as pointed out above, it's another way to get people hunting. I like the extra season for that as well; more hunters = up


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Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964165 10/06/15 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted By: Bigfoot
What are the pros and cons?

I like the idea of a crossbow personally but what say the hunting crowd?

Thinking about having one for next season


Both kill

One weighes a ton the other not as much. One isn't always fun to try to load quickly and shoot and unload.

Both take practice to be competent.

Pick one or both and have fun!!! Why we hunt anyway


Donate to TX Youth hunting program.... better to donate then to waste it in taxes

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Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964183 10/06/15 07:42 PM
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I like to use a crossbow but only in regular season. It is legal so go for it. For me I keep with my bow.


Good is the enemy of Great
Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964200 10/06/15 07:47 PM
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I had a compound bow, but had surgery on my neck so I will never be able to draw/hold one again
I plan to get a crossbow for next year

Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: LovinLakeLife] #5964209 10/06/15 07:50 PM
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Xbows have there place if a person wants to bow hunt and can't draw regular bow. How long ago was it the trad hunters were bent out of shape over compounds?


Brayden (Lazy L's Southern Comfort) you will be missed! You were more than a pet you were my reason to rise and return for many days! You were my rock!
12/26/03-10/25/13
Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bill Waldschmidt] #5964220 10/06/15 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted By: Bill Waldschmidt
Seems like cheating to me, but its legal.

I personally like the challenge of bow hunting


"cheating" implies there is some sort of competition going on...who are you competing with while hunting?


Originally Posted By: cameron00
If I send my neighbors a text and ask them to give me feedback on my lawn and plant rye into a giant dong pattern, I'm probably going to get some less than positive feedback. Same goes here.
Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964221 10/06/15 07:56 PM
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The hardest part to bow hunting is getting close enough to kill a deer. That still applies to cross bow hunting. I got to where I just wasn't practicing enough with my compound that I didn't feel confident using it on an animal. Switched to a cross bow and one or two shots to see if it's still accurate and I'm good to go.

My Barnett is crazy accurate, but so loud that I won't take a shot over 25 yds.

JR

Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964229 10/06/15 08:01 PM
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These two methods of hunting are night and day different IMO. It is very difficult for me personally to feel accomplished killing a deer with a rifle and I think I'd feel the same way with a crossbow. There's nothing like bow hunting and I do it throughout the season unless my wife or son wants to go on a hunt.



Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: winner] #5964230 10/06/15 08:01 PM
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Originally Posted By: winner
I hunt with a crossbow... and I agree it is easier than bow hunting. During rifle season I hunt in a blind with a heater... and I also agree that it is easier than bow hunting. I also hunt the entire time with the assistance of a corn feeder... again, easier. Oh, and I use game cameras that let me know when animals frequently come by my feeder...


Pure Greatness!!! Is it legal? YES!! Does it get more people into our great tradition of hunting?? YES!! Should it be looked down upon. NO! All Hunters should be united... OH and thanks to getting MS I'm hunting with a crossbow now.. Love every minute of it.

Last edited by Armalite260; 10/06/15 08:02 PM.
Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bill Waldschmidt] #5964260 10/06/15 08:15 PM
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I took a ladder fall unto my shoulder and pulling a bow wasn't happening anymore. So I got a crossbow, then my wife got involved in bows. Now she has a crossbow too. We have a blast this time of year.


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Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964267 10/06/15 08:19 PM
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Does anyone else hut because they like it?

I don't hunt because its hard, I don't hunt to feel accomplished I don't hunt for some kind of gratification or to compete with others on how big a buck I shot, I hunt because I was raised doing it with my father and grandfather and it was fun. I hunt with a bow, muzzle loader, shotgun slugs, rifle, and pistol because its fun. Is there a difference between a long bow and a scoped hi powered rifle? You bet but I still just have fun hunting.


It's hell eatin em live
Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: titan2232] #5964297 10/06/15 08:30 PM
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Originally Posted By: titan2232
These two methods of hunting are night and day different IMO. It is very difficult for me personally to feel accomplished killing a deer with a rifle and I think I'd feel the same way with a crossbow. There's nothing like bow hunting and I do it throughout the season unless my wife or son wants to go on a hunt.



I hunt with a bow occasionally, used to regularly, but time keeps me from feeling like I am accurate enough. Bow hunter mentality is what makes me laugh. I can't shoot a trophy with a gun so I will shoot a younger smaller deer with a bow and call it a trophy.

I am all for anyone who wants to be in the woods but it only takes a small look in the deer hunting section on this site to see how a compound bow could be lumped into the ethical vs morale debate. Too many threads with lost deer and poor shot placement. Not to mention the ones who would never post on here about losing a deer due to poor shot placement.

With that being said I think crossbows are fine, legal, and easier to shoot which should equate to a higher kill ratio.

Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964316 10/06/15 08:42 PM
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I shot a good sized doe with my bow yesterday, it was my first white tail with a bow. To me it is a huge trophy. I think the assessment of a trophy is in the eye of the beholder. I hunt with a bow because I love bow hunting. Shoot whatever you want. All that really matters is if you enjoy doing it.

Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Bigfoot] #5964360 10/06/15 09:04 PM
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I bought a crossbow because I have no interest or time to learn another skill/hobby. I just want to kill some deer/pigs etc. and have options and more time. I dont consider myself a "bowhunter" anymore than I consider myself a "rifle hunter". I just like to hunt.


"If the Truth becomes Outlawed, then Outlaws we must become..."
Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: Slicktricked] #5964361 10/06/15 09:04 PM
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Originally Posted By: Slicktricked
I shot a good sized doe with my bow yesterday, it was my first white tail with a bow. To me it is a huge trophy. I think the assessment of a trophy is in the eye of the beholder. I hunt with a bow because I love bow hunting. Shoot whatever you want. All that really matters is if you enjoy doing it.



Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: redchevy] #5964364 10/06/15 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted By: redchevy
Does anyone else hut because they like it?

I don't hunt because its hard, I don't hunt to feel accomplished I don't hunt for some kind of gratification or to compete with others on how big a buck I shot, I hunt because I was raised doing it with my father and grandfather and it was fun. I hunt with a bow, muzzle loader, shotgun slugs, rifle, and pistol because its fun. Is there a difference between a long bow and a scoped hi powered rifle? You bet but I still just have fun hunting.


Feeling the "buck fever" is why I bow hunt. I've hunted all my life and I've never had that feeling while rifle hunting. confused2



Re: bow vs crossbow [Re: redchevy] #5964365 10/06/15 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted By: redchevy
Does anyone else hut because they like it?

I don't hunt because its hard, I don't hunt to feel accomplished I don't hunt for some kind of gratification or to compete with others on how big a buck I shot, I hunt because I was raised doing it with my father and grandfather and it was fun. I hunt with a bow, muzzle loader, shotgun slugs, rifle, and pistol because its fun. Is there a difference between a long bow and a scoped hi powered rifle? You bet but I still just have fun hunting.


I've sat in the woods with a video camera and at times with just binos just to watch what walks up. I'll hunt hogs, coyotes or whatever and I've taken plenty of deer with a compound bow and before that with a recurve in my younger days.
A crossbow, which is what I use now is just a tool, and it still takes getting within 20 to 30 yards of a deer. It's true that you don't need to draw on the deer but what about the guys sitting in a pop up blind with shoot through mesh windows?
Yep, there are those who think they are real archers but until you kill deer consistently with a longbow without sights, you really don't have much of an arguement when it comes to being a real archer.

Last edited by Jimbo; 10/06/15 09:13 PM.


Thursday at 12:45 PM
#33
Once i learned that i didn't "NEED" to kill something, and that if i did kill something all the fun stopped and work began, i was a much better hunter.
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