Im not a fan of crossbows during archery season unless a person has an upper limb disability that prevents them from drawing a compound bow. The weapon has a rifle stock and in most cases an optic…it goes against what archery seasons were originally created for.

During general season, sure, by all means go for it. I’ll even support it and I do think they are a great weapon for kids to use. I feel the same about modern inline muzzle loaders with scope being allowed during muzzleloader season…some of these guns are shooting a sabot bullet 2700-2800 fps. You are using a single shot centerfire rifle for all intents and purposes at that point.

In my mind a crossbow is more in keeping with the tradition of archery than a modern compound bow.

Just to stir the pot, crossbows have been around for hundreds of years. Richard the Lionheart was killed by a crossbow in France. In my mind a crossbow is more in keeping with the tradition of archery than a modern compound bow is.

Don't blame hunters, blame the equipment manufacturers and state wildlife agencies who saw separate seasons as a way to generate more revenue. I can remember when you had to pay an extra license fee to hunt during bow season.

I think I've seen 2 people in 20 years on public land with cross bows, both past 70 years old, neither got more the 50 yards beyond the road, both hunting elk.

No way I’m carrying around that much weight. More power to you if you do.

I think the option is are great for everyone, as it allows extended seasons, and more opportunity from young to old.


Now as far as Texas on Public land, I do see a need for specific(general) weapons seasons as its an opportunity provider do to lower success rate. On private, If you have to stop killing deer at the xy number then it doesnt matter. Just one any weapon season from Oct-Feb season is good with me, be better if everyone was MLD but I get why some say no, and dont think anyone should be forced.

And you seriously teach hunters education? SMDH.

"Archery Endorsement

Required for the following:
•Hunt game animals during an Archery-Only open season
•Hunt deer at any time in Collin, Dallas, Grayson, or Rockwall counties

Archery Hunting Endorsement Texas resident and non-resident 135 $7"

Now that I think about it, MLD has kinda made it a moot point for deer season

I would say you would certainly qualify. I have no issues with a person such as yourself using a X-bow during archery season.

What I’m against is a Person who has never shot a bow, picking up a crossbow and going into the woods during archery season and hunting. We hunted in Argentina with two guys using a crossbow. One had been in a hunting accident as a youth and I don’t believe could draw a bow. The other guy was just not willing to put the time in. Shot a Raven crossbow that shot a bolt 400+fps and had a scope. 60 yard shots were nothing. Now here we are on a “ archery only” hunt but he had a definite advantage over the vertical bow guys, which went against the original archery only purpose to begin with. He might as well shot a suppressed rifle, it would have accomplished the same thing.


In Texas it’s not as big a concern but in other states with long archery season and limited Quota and more competition by hunters for game, it certainly is a concern as archers are having to share a special weapon season with folks who want a shortcut.

I use one because of two surgeries on my right shoulder that didn't completely fix the rotator cuff problems. I do miss using my compound bow as it was way quieter and I miss the chance on multiple shots on piglets after the sow goes down.

First I could care less about your "issues". Second a crossbow really doesn't extend range that much, is heavier than my old compound, not as handy to carry. In fact the only real advantage I see with my crossbow is I can be more effective hunting from a ground blind as I don't have to pull it back just before I shoot. It was also easier to get my grandson into archery hunting using that crossbow. What I feel you are saying is that you want fewer hunters in the field and because you don't want to use a crossbow you don't want anyone else to. Or possibly you are just trying to virtue signal somehow.

I was under the impression those within the bow hunting community had found peace with one another.

Ha! Archers are some of the most divisive of all the hunting groups.

For a hot moment, I thought we may be treading on HF vs LF territory with TxTrophy's perspective. Lol