Texas Hunting Forum

Compound or crossbow?

Posted By: jhenderson

Compound or crossbow? - 01/30/17 01:12 PM

Like the added range of the crossbow but st the same time kinda feel it's almost like cheating. Starting to have a little bit of a should problem so that also has me leaning towards the crossbow too. What's some good priced entry level stuff out there these days? Been probably4-5 years since I've had a bow now and it's time to get back into something.
Posted By: GLC

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/30/17 02:47 PM

Don't use the term "cheating" you will get a flurry of responses from cross bow to spear chunking as far as what is cheating or sportsman. I prefer a compound bow, personally. Have no desire to go to crossbow unless health reasons may have me rethink it. Just be prepared as to what direction this thread may take.
Posted By: jhenderson

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/30/17 02:53 PM

When I think bow hunting I don't think crossbow. I'm sure it's going south either way. I think my shoulder will still let me shoot a compound another couple years.
Posted By: QuitShootinYoungBucks

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/30/17 04:12 PM

Unless you have the time to practice a lot, I'd go crossbow. Compounds make me think of golf; to be really proficient you have to practice a ton. I do practice with my crossbow, but not nearly as much as I did when I was shooting compound. Our deer are very wary when they get inside of 30 yds. Raising a crossbow is much less likely to get you busted than raising and drawing a compound. And if you are shooting a bow from 20'+ up or from a blacked out pop-up, I don't even want to hear your criticize my crossbow. It's all still hunting and legal.
Posted By: jhenderson

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/30/17 04:28 PM

What are some good budget sub $500 set ups?
Posted By: rickym

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/30/17 05:19 PM

Jhenderson, there's a bunch. Go to your local shop, tell them your budget and hold/shoot a few. Pick the one that's most comfortable
Posted By: kmon11

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/30/17 06:45 PM

Crossbows, Parker, Centerpoint, PSE Fang, Carbon express are what I would be looking at for under 500 in a crossbow.

Vertical bows there are a lot of them Beat, Diamond, PSE. Mission all make several compounds in that price range. Some of the ones on sale now are great deals.
Posted By: passthru

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/30/17 07:57 PM

It's not cheating. But it's not as challenging as a compound which isn't as challenging as a traditional bow. Each person has the opportunity to chose. If you are good at it and enjoy it than who gives a rip what others think

I do have an issue with your idea of it having an extended range.
Posted By: Palehorse

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/30/17 08:05 PM

Here's a decent video on some sub $500 crossbows. As far as your question about compound or crossbow, I hunt with either/both depending on the setup. In my experience, you have a little more of an advantage with a crossbow, but not a lot. A modern compound will shoot arrows almost as fast and about the same kinetic energy as a crossbow. Even though the crossbow will have a higher draw weight, a compound has a longer draw length putting more energy into the arrow.

On either one, you are better limiting your shots to 40 yards or so. Even if you can hit a target at longer distances, the critter is likely to jump the string if you stretch your shot much further. Folks who say hunting with a crossbow is like hunting with a rifle, they probably have never hunted with a crossbow. It's certainly not cheating.

I say, go with whatever you like and don't worry about other folks think. cheers

Posted By: jhenderson

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/30/17 08:06 PM

By added range I don't mean drastic but compound I wouldn't shoot past 40 yards max crossbow maybe 60 max. Of course there are factors both ways.
Posted By: Palehorse

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/30/17 08:13 PM

No way I would shoot at a deer at 60 yards with a crossbow. By the time that the arrow gets there, that deer could move several feet. Not to say it's never been done, but I won't do it.
Posted By: jhenderson

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/30/17 08:26 PM

Kinda like a rifle. There's a comfortable range and then There's hog and coyote range. Deer I'd never shoot past 40 just not comfortable beyond that.
Posted By: bowbuilder1971

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/31/17 12:24 AM

If you go with a crossbow then check out the HHA Optimizer Speed Dial. You range it in, match the sight tape, use a range finder to get exact distance, turn the wheel to the yardage and you're dead on. there was a problem with the PSE Fang's limbs exploding when they first came out. You would also have to install a washer under one of the string dampeners because it doesn't sit center across the string on one side. I had two of them and they were junk. One had a huge gouge in the rails and the other had limbs that were cracking after shooting it 5 times. I was even using a heavier bolt than what PSE recommended to me on the phone. Firing my Mission MXB-360 crossbow from inside my blind, the deer don't even hear it but I still wouldn't take a shot over 40 yards on an deer with it. I would go 50 yards on a hog if I had a shot and everything was in my favor. But you really don't have to shoot that far if you set your feeder closer. I use the Primo's monopod to hold it steady and I picked up a Vortex camera to picatinny adapter so I can connect it right to the monopod. Crossbows are a lot of fun!!!! I am planning on putting a ladder stand 20 yards away in the tree line to be able to use my LX and recurve this year during archery season.
Posted By: Treinta-Treinta

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/31/17 04:24 AM

I'm always up for a good debate. I think you pick your poison and get your butt outside, thats most important.

I've been hounded by long bow hunters then they show up during gun season with a Kimber bolt action instead of a flintlock. Folk like that put the joy in huntin for me because they can dish it out but cry like babies when you give it back.

A crossbow has a learning curve (shot placement and judging range and elevation effects) if you are a rifle hunter and its accuracy can get you into trouble. A sixty yard shot is very easy accuracy wise but things can start going wrong after 30 yards.

I like a recurve crossbow between 300-330fps, Nikon Crossbolt scope, and keep shots inside 35 yards cross lung.
If you like to shoot bones, I urge you to use this:

https://vparchery.com/product/vpa-3-blade-broadheads-125-grains-non-vented-1-18-width-3-pack-copy/

I urge you to use this too:

https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-214944-Reflective-10-Ounce-Spray/dp/B000LNVC1M

Do explore the benefits of a recurve crossbow if you like simple and don't be afraid to spend a little money.

Every weapon and hunt can present some challenge. Getting so close is where I challenge myself, dats how I get off. Tried the spear but it just ain't my thing but I do like hunting Hippos with a 410 Leveraction.

Goodluck to ya.
Posted By: bowbuilder1971

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/31/17 05:13 AM

^^^^^^ Spear is definitely on my list^^^^^^ Yeah Excaliber makes some fast recurve crossbows. I gave my buddy my old 1980 Barnett Wildcat 150# crossbow. It only goes 235fps but it's good enough for 30 yard shots out the blind window. If you need to get one on a payment plan then get on the Sportsman's Guide buyers club and you can get the crossbow on the first payment and then pay it off over 4 months. I ended up getting the HHA Optimizer crossbow speed dial that way and some other stuff. Look in to getting a Hawke Optics or similar crossbow scope with a lit reticle for it. Then you can get used to leveling the crossbow when taking a shot. A crank cocking device makes a huge difference and so does some arrow lube to help you pull the bolts out of the target. Arrow pullers are good to have too. There is nothing better than getting a close shot. Up north we couldn't shoot more than 20 to 30 yards from a 20' high tree stand or on a trail because the woods are so thick. It was pretty awesome hunting deer with a recurve from the ground. You can also pick up a 100# tree hugger feeder and move it around to see which area is good for you and then set up your stand from there. I absolutely love hunting in Texas! You can bait deer and get them in nice and close making it a lot easier for using a recurve. I would like to try a spear on a hog sometime. I am going after quail this winter with my recurve and some snaro points at Top Flight which should be fun. My wife bought me some aerial targets and I guess she trusts me enough to throw them for me to practice lmao. That's trust right there lol.
Posted By: Treinta-Treinta

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/31/17 05:25 AM

See, shooting flying birds would be a challenge most wouldn't accept. I'd think it easier to stick a piece of duct tape to a mountain lions butt.
Posted By: QuitShootinYoungBucks

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/31/17 02:42 PM

This is more than your budget but Excalibur makes a high-quality product, and it has everything you need to get started at a great price.

$650
Posted By: titan2232

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 01/31/17 02:50 PM

Go back to the compound bow sir up
Posted By: mattm

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 04/13/17 04:47 PM

I, like some on this thread, wouldn't call crossbow cheating, it's still a challenge. They go back centuries and have proven themselves. And like bows, there are traditional and compound crossbows and as much hot air in the debate. My recommendation is to find what is comfortable and get in the woods. You might find other challenges to impose on yourself in the future and I highly recommend exploring them, it will make you a better hunter and a more patient person. Here's to the hunt!
Posted By: Jason Wilson

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 05/28/17 04:35 PM

I prefer like compound bow
Posted By: dgilbert

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 05/28/17 11:59 PM

The only way I will own or shoot a cross bow, is the day I can't hold up a compound. But I don't mind if other do, hunting is hunting.
Posted By: JimBridger

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 05/29/17 12:38 AM

I own both. I have hunted with a bow for more than 50yrs. Started off with a recurve, switched to a compound in the mid 1970's . Went back to a recurve in the early 90's then back to a compound after my first shoulder surgery in 1997.
Two years ago while bow hunting Elk in Colorado I was unable to draw on a mature bull at 20yds. The bull stopped broadside at 5 yds and I could only watch as it fed in front of me for 15 minutes. I finally yanked the bow back when he offered a shot while rubbing a tree at 15yds. I got the bow back but my shoulder collapsed before the bull walked off. By the time I hiked down the mountain I could barely lift my arm.
When I got home I went to a shoulder specialist who said I needed a full replacement, however he was an avid bow hunter and suggested that I reduce my draw weight and try a vigorous physical therapy program before I elected to have surgery again. At the time I was drawing 70 lbs.
In the mean time I purchased an Excalibur Crossbow to get me through the season. I had it sighted in and ready to hunt a week later. Shot a nice doe with it at 20yds.
I don't believe that they are any more efficient than a vertical bow but they are certainly require a lot less practice to be proficient.
I don't find them as satisfying as hunting with a vertical bow but they definitely have their place.
I practiced daily with my compound and was very proficient in harvesting both Whitetails and Elk.
I bought new 60 lb.limbs for my Matthews CreedXS and after therapy have been able to shoot my vertical bow proficiently once again.
Doing whatever it takes to get out hunting effectively should be your only concern.

Posted By: Nogalus Prairie

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 05/29/17 12:49 PM

I wouldn't use a weapon that feels " almost like cheating" (your words). I happen to agree, so I will never use a crossbow during bow season.
Posted By: QuitShootinYoungBucks

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 05/29/17 04:00 PM

Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
I wouldn't use a weapon that feels " almost like cheating" (your words). I happen to agree, so I will never use a crossbow during bow season.


No more cheating than being 25' up or buried in the shade of a popup with a net or screen on top of a pile of corn. Hunting is hunting.
Posted By: Nogalus Prairie

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 05/29/17 04:46 PM

Originally Posted By: QuitShootinYoungBucks
Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
I wouldn't use a weapon that feels " almost like cheating" (your words). I happen to agree, so I will never use a crossbow during bow season.


No more cheating than being 25' up or buried in the shade of a popup with a net or screen on top of a pile of corn. Hunting is hunting.


When you don't have to draw that makes it "more like cheating" to me. More like a short range rifle. You have your opinion, I have mine.
Posted By: wtjim

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 05/29/17 07:21 PM

Use whatever you want. I love it all. Each tool has it own pros and cons. Check out the Excalibur GRZ 2 with msrp $549. Or watch Cabela's as they sell refurbished excaliburs. Excalibur lifetime warranty comes with the refurbished ones. I have several crossbows and have come to completely trust Excalibur. I shoot the micro 335 and 355 now.
Posted By: TFF Caribou

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 06/10/17 02:03 AM

Picked up a centerpoint sniper 370 today. Cabelas had them on sale for $249. Cheapest I could find online was $232 but it wasn't assembled. They have a cheaper Barnett jackal on sale for $209 right now, which is what I went to get, and the archery manager, who surprisingly, seemed very knowledgeable for a cabelas employee talked me into the centerpoint. I read literally hundreds of reviews today since I bought it to make sure I didn't want to take it back, and every single review was positive.
Posted By: kmon11

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 06/10/17 03:00 AM

Good choice on the Sniper 370, IMO a much better bow than the Jackal
Posted By: Alfonso Smith

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 07/02/17 09:23 AM

What are some good budget sub $200 set ups?
Posted By: TFF Caribou

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 07/03/17 12:43 AM

Originally Posted By: Alfonso Smith
What are some good budget sub $200 set ups?


Based on a ton of research I did, there isn't one. Unless you find a $300 used bow for sale for $200.
Posted By: Choctaw

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 07/06/17 02:26 PM

Originally Posted By: Alfonso Smith
What are some good budget sub $200 set ups?


The Barnett Recruit gets good reviews and it is under $200.
Posted By: Bownhead

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 08/18/17 05:33 AM

Crossbow hunting is not bowhunting. It can still be very fun but it's NOT bowhunting or archery. And yep I'm old school
Posted By: ZenArchery

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 08/18/17 10:59 AM

Actually recurves and longbows Is real bowhunting all them wheelie bows is cheating!
Just kidding. Enjoy what you shoot! As far as extended ranges. Meh...
Posted By: kmon11

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 08/18/17 01:19 PM

Originally Posted By: ZenArchery
Actually recurves and longbows Is real bowhunting all them wheelie bows is cheating!
Just kidding. Enjoy what you shoot! As far as extended ranges. Meh...


Very true, Compound bows when they were introduced got the same complaints as crossbows do these days.

If it is legal and gets more out hunting all is good. Crossbows predate compounds by about 2000 years.
Posted By: Jimbo

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 08/18/17 03:44 PM

Originally Posted By: kmon1
Originally Posted By: ZenArchery
Actually recurves and longbows Is real bowhunting all them wheelie bows is cheating!
Just kidding. Enjoy what you shoot! As far as extended ranges. Meh...


Very true, Compound bows when they were introduced got the same complaints as crossbows do these days.

If it is legal and gets more out hunting all is good. Crossbows predate compounds by about 2000 years.


Whats funny is most of those that talk down crossbows shoot a compound bow.
Most recurve archers I've known couldn't care less what anyone shoots...They just love the sport.
Posted By: kmon11

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 08/18/17 11:31 PM

Was in a shop and heard one guy saying don't get a crossbow it is cheating. I ask the young guy why he considered it cheating and he went into the usual spill, then I ask what bow he uses and ofcourse he said Mathews. I walked over and picked up a recurve and handed it to him and said do not call it cheating unless you shoot a mans bow to which hhe said nobody uses those things. When I said I do his Dad burst out laughing at him son's stuttering
Posted By: Jimbo

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 08/19/17 12:48 AM

The main difference that was always argued was that the crossbow was cheating because you don't have to draw and be detected by the game, but that argument doesn't quite hold up anymore with the modern compounds that are out there now.
With a super light weight compound that lets off at 80% you can draw before the deer enters your shooting lane, and if the buck freezes you can just brace the bow at full draw against your knee and take the weight off your arms until he decides to move.....Been there, done it, with the older style heavier compounds.
I started bowhunting traditional in my teens, before compounds came onto the scene, and yes I'm that old, and jumped onto the compound bandwagon for several decades, and as shoulder problems and old age took over, I went to the crossbow.
I've now come full circle, and back to where it started with the recurve, having taken game with all three of them too numerous to count.
Posted By: Tactical Cowboy

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 08/19/17 04:08 AM

Compounds and crossbows are both cheating. Using a compound is cheating less, though.
Posted By: DFWPI

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 09/11/17 12:02 AM

Originally Posted By: Bownhead
Crossbow hunting is not bowhunting. It can still be very fun but it's NOT bowhunting or archery. And yep I'm old school


How old school? Hmm
Posted By: dogcatcher

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 09/11/17 05:32 AM

Originally Posted By: Bownhead
Crossbow hunting is not bowhunting. It can still be very fun but it's NOT bowhunting or archery. And yep I'm old school


There is written history about the crossbow dating back to the 4th Century BC. I would consider that pretty old school.
Posted By: Hoss163

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 09/15/17 02:01 PM

Crossbow is not bow hunting you don't have to draw it and it has a scope on it just prop it up on some shooting sticks aim and pull the trigger no different then a rifle except they have to be closer !
Posted By: kmon11

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 09/15/17 02:46 PM

Originally Posted By: Hoss163
Crossbow is not bow hunting you don't have to draw it and it has a scope on it just prop it up on some shooting sticks aim and pull the trigger no different then a rifle except they have to be closer !


Do you use a compound or Traditional bow?
Posted By: Dalroo

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 09/15/17 05:31 PM

I have both. A couple of years ago I was going to invest in a new bow, but then decided to use that money and buy a nice compound setup.

Back several years ago I spent time every evening practicing with my bow, most evenings shooting 30+ arrows from different positions and stations. With work and kids I just can't devote that time to practice right now. Yeah, there are times I feel that I am cheating by not devoting as much time to practice, but I still want to be in the field on October 1 as opposed to November 1, so I use the compound where I can be proficient and more ethical. Shooting a deer with my compound without adequate+ practice is not a good option for me.

It is a shortcut, I agree, but legal and ethical, so I choose to use for now. When time allows, I will probably go buy a new compound and restart my practice regiment.
Posted By: passthru

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 09/15/17 05:37 PM

I'm not against any of them. That said I agree with P&Y on the cross bow. If you choose to go that way then I think it's great you're in the woods hunting. I would rather you shoot a cross bow accurately than a compound or traditional bow inaccurately. But just like my rifle kills don't mean the same to me as my compound kills my traditional kills mean more to me than the compound kills. I just have to be better and work harder to do it right. But it doesn't make anyone less of a hunter or a human than I am just because I choose a different tool to hunt with.
Posted By: Hunter Daddy

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 09/19/17 03:41 PM

When I first started bowhunting back in the mid 1980's, I hunted with a Bear whitetail eccentric wheeled bow. I would climb up a mesquite tree in my treebark camo to hide. I had no sights and shot my deer by "gun barreling" the arrow at the deer at less than 20 yards. I killed many deer in my first 10 years hunting like this. NOW, hunters have the BEST bows with the best sites hiding in the best pop up ground blinds. Wouldn't this be considered cheating? Crossbows, to me, make it easier to lift and shoot. Also, you can hunt earlier and later during low light hours because of a good cross hair scope. I now hunt with a crossbow and prefer to sit in a tree or ladder stand. I like to sit up high and be out in the open and not in a ground pop-up blind.
Posted By: Dien

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 09/19/17 03:49 PM

Just ordered my first bow of any sort and it's a crossbow. I was leaning towards a Compound bow because of the string breakage issue on crossbows. But with the Ravin having great reviews and some slight tissue damage on my left arm the decision was made for me.

I may still pick up a compound to fart around at the lease but can't seriously practice. I used to be a once a week golfer and have given that up to.

Quit judging so much. Need to be more inclusive in this community as we have enough people trying to shut us down. Sure I judge people too but I try to nurture everyone I meet when they're learning the sport.
Posted By: J.Monaghan

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 09/27/17 10:00 PM

im a bow guy... not a crossbow guy...
Posted By: Las Colinas Hunter

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 09/28/17 07:06 PM

I purchased a crossbow when it was finally legal to use a few years ago. But I still went with my compound bow, with the exception of last year. When I decided to leave the bow at home and just hunt with the crossbow. Even though I practiced with xbow, I still messed up a 30 yard shot on my target buck. Ended up sticking him high and to the rear in the backstrap. I was disgusted as I know that 99.9% of the time I would have nailed him with my bow. This year, I'm leaving the xbow just for guests and hunting with the compound.

I love the novelty of the crossbow, but the bow is now my go to. Good luck!
Posted By: Las Colinas Hunter

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 09/28/17 07:08 PM

I purchased a crossbow when it was finally legal to use a few years ago. But I still went with my compound bow, with the exception of last year. When I decided to leave the bow at home and just hunt with the crossbow. Even though I practiced with xbow, I still messed up a 30 yard shot on my target buck. Ended up sticking him high and to the rear in the backstrap. I was disgusted as I know that 99.9% of the time I would have nailed him with my bow. This year, I'm leaving the xbow just for guests and hunting with the compound.

I love the novelty of the crossbow, but the bow is now my go to. Good luck!
Posted By: hook_n_line

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 09/28/17 07:18 PM

I have a compound bow and crossbow. I can use my compound bow til it gets cold then its time for the crossbow due to my rebuilt shoulder. I cant do much with my shoulder when it gets below 50 for extended periods of time.
Posted By: whitewing maniac

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 09/29/17 09:38 PM

I'm pretty uneducated when it came to bow shooting. Decided I really wanted to give it a try. After telling the sales guy that I have carpal tunnel and a little arthritis in my hands he told me go with crossbow for sure. So that's the reason I have a crossbow. All I got on that subject.
Posted By: Freeman

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 10/02/17 12:55 PM

After a broken collar bone that never healed in 2010 I elected to go with a crossbow. Still have to get close but at least I'm hunting.
Posted By: Palehorse

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 10/02/17 04:06 PM

I'll be using both this year. I'll be using my recurve on whitetails but I have an opportunity to chase nilgai in November. I'm breaking out the crossbow on those bad boys.
Posted By: Mako1970

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 10/03/17 05:41 AM

Just another perspective. I chased snow geese for 25 years. Seven years ago I had an eye stroke and lost all my vision in my right eye. I am right handed and I had to learn to shoot left handed. It wasn't as bad as I expected. It was awkward for a long time, still is to some extent but my shooting accuracy didn't change much. I actually started dove hunting with a 410 after this happened. I retired from goose hunting and got into deer/hog hunting. The place I hunt doesn't allow does to be shot during gun season and I have plenty of them so I opted to hunt during bow season just to shoot does. I am not a bow hunter at all and the thought of having to try and learn to shoot one left handed didn't sound good for the animals sake. So, I opted for the crossbow. I got an Excalibur package deal and it was great for us beginners. Easy to sight in, accurate and lethal. I shot two does in one week on two shots. My stepson shot a buck the following year with it (he was 14). For me the crossbow allows me to shoot does when otherwise I would not be able to and I can reduce the does numbers slightly and have good venison to feed the family.
Posted By: DeadRooster

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 10/04/17 02:35 PM

I hunt with the Excaliber Axiom, which is just a bit north of $500. But it's a damned fine and accurate recurve crossbow, with 200lb draw weight.

Excaliber Axiom Crossbow

Without the crossbow, I'd be sitting at home waiting for Nov 1 to roll around. With it, I bagged a nice buck on opening day this year.
Posted By: Choctaw

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 10/06/17 01:16 PM

I hunt with a crossbow and couldn't care less about what "bow" hunters think.
Posted By: Gemlin

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 10/11/17 02:33 AM

Hunt with what you are comfortable with. I rather see someone kill a deer with a crossbow than someone just wounding a deer with a compound bow.

I personally like compound bows but I have used a crossbow too. Each has an advantage. Compound bows are lighter and much quieter, while a crossbow is heavier and louder. Crossbows take a lot less time to be get good with, while a compound bow takes a lot of practice. This year Ive already replaced 2 D loops because they got worn. All my efforts were rewarded on opening day when I got a nice 8pt. For some reason I cant bring myself to use a recurve.
Posted By: kmon11

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 10/11/17 02:57 AM

Originally Posted By: Gemlin
Hunt with what you are comfortable with. I rather see someone kill a deer with a crossbow than someone just wounding a deer with a compound bow.

I personally like compound bows but I have used a crossbow too. Each has an advantage. Compound bows are lighter and much quieter, while a crossbow is heavier and louder. Crossbows take a lot less time to be get good with, while a compound bow takes a lot of practice. This year Ive already replaced 2 D loops because they got worn. All my efforts were rewarded on opening day when I got a nice 8pt. For some reason I cant bring myself to use a recurve.


If you think the compound takes a lot of practice to get good with then a recurve is probably not for you. It takes a kit more practice than a compound for consistent accuracy,
Posted By: txcornhusker

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 10/14/17 10:45 PM

Originally Posted By: dgilbert
The only way I will own or shoot a cross bow, is the day I can't hold up a compound. But I don't mind if other do, hunting is hunting.


What this Jackwagon said!!!!!
Posted By: Flashprism

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 10/20/17 04:27 PM

3 years ago at 66 I fell and damaged my shoulder to the extent that I was unable to draw my compound and hold it without terrible pain. This when I have been bow hunting ( recurve / Compound)since I was 16. Do the math. I also was a critic of the use of cross bows as I thought it lessened the purity of the sport and gave an unfair advantage to the user. Well I am first and foremost a hunter who tries to be afield as much as possible and now that I am retired it means I have way more time to do what I love. Needless to say my principles are not as set in concrete and I am now a cross bow user. There is a hell of an advantage in range as I never shot my compound hunting beyond 20 yards. With the cross bow a 40 yd shot is not beyond consideration.
Posted By: Concho

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 10/22/17 01:56 PM

I love traditional bows and compound bows, but several years ago I injured my left shoulder and can no longer draw either without extreme pain. I shoot a crossbow because it is the only option I have left and at my age I don't see it improving. By-the-way, I also hunt with a crossbow during the regular rifle season, none of that sissy rifle hunting for me. grin
Posted By: brokenpole

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 10/31/17 12:15 AM

I shoot compound gives a little more excitement to the hunt but I am getting older so I see a crossbow in 5 years or so
Posted By: JCB

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 11/01/17 11:33 AM

I have heard people say that hunting with a crossbow aint a "challenge". Funny thing is when rifle season rolls around they never hesitate to pick up a rifle. hammer
Posted By: bossbowman

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 11/08/17 05:23 PM

Originally Posted By: dgilbert
The only way I will own or shoot a cross bow, is the day I can't hold up a compound. But I don't mind if other do, hunting is hunting.
Amen.
Posted By: Concho

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 11/10/17 03:47 PM

UPDATE: Now back to shooting compound bow for the first time in about 4-5 years, shoulder seems to have improved a bunch, shooting without pain......crossbow retired.
Posted By: kmon11

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 11/11/17 06:17 AM

Concho, I still pull out the crossbow sometimes when a bad wind for my normal stands blows on a day I can hunt. With the crossbow I can sit against a tree in an improvised stand and still be effective. Otherwise it is the recurve or compound
Posted By: Concho

Re: Compound or crossbow? - 11/11/17 10:21 AM

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