crossbows

[DougW]

OK folks, hate to stir up any cans of worms, but what's your overall thoughts on these? I assume they're still legal in WY. Are there any ethical issues? What's the range limitations on an elk? Killing performance? Other comparisons to compounds? What are the best models on the market today for elk hunting?

thx

 

[BOHNTR]

DougW:

Crossbows are still legal to use in the archery season in Wyoming. Range lmitations vary on which weapon you buy and poundage used.

As far as comparisons to compounds or any other real bow, there is no comparison. Crossbows, in my opinion, are lethal weapons but should NOT be allowed in the bow-only season, as they are NOT a bow & arrow.

There are several manufacturers and models to choose from, but I really can't help you in which is the best.

Again, nothing against crossguns (I mean crossbows ) or those who hunt with them.......I just don't feel they are true bows and they should not be allowed in bow-only seasons. Good luck and have fun.

BOHNTR )))---------->

 

[BadAzzArcher]

in my opinion it is just like the issues with the traditional muzzeloaders and the inlines. some people like to use them and feel they are okay and some people think they shouldn't be allowed.

BadAzzArcher

 

[Warren]

In Mississippi, crossbows are legal if you are over 65(I think) or if you are disabled. My Wife's uncle showed me a video of how his crossbow works. It sure looked like a big pain. If you have no physical reason to shoot a crossbow, I can't imagine wanting to. The modern bow is easy to shoot with a little practice and is also a lot of fun to shoot. I don't believe that a crossbow will give a good archer much of an advantage.

 

[DougW]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Any estimates on killing range with a state-of-the-art, 300 fps model?

 

[DallanC]

IMO, I'd love to see crossbows become legal. I think LESS deer would be getting killed yearly if this were the case. Crossbows are easier and more accurate than normal bows and due to this, THERE WILL BE LESS HITTING OF MULTIPLE ANIMALS alot of archers currently wound and loose... they could probably hit and kill the first one and be done.

I detest what I hear from archers I know every year who hit a couple before finally killing one. I knew 22 people in 2004 who all hit at least 2 deer, one guy bragged he had hit 4 before he finally killed his 2pt ... simply disgusting.


-DallanC

 

[BOHNTR]

With that line of thinking, let's just allow rifle hunters in the archery season.......after all it's easier, right? Come on DallanC, think about what you're saying. More accurate? I can see you have not shot many of each. Although the crossgun is easier for folks to shoot and master (shoulders and fires like a rifle), I have found it is NOT more accurate than conventional bows.

Are there some archers who pick their bows up just before season and go hunt and wound critters.....YUP, I've seen it in Utah especially. But that holds true for ALL seasons and weapon choices, IMO.

BOHNTR )))---------->

 

[DallanC]

>With that line of thinking, let's
>just allow rifle hunters in
>the archery season.......after all it's
>easier, right? Come on

No, Stick & String seasons for the Stick & String weapons.

>DallanC, think about what you're
>saying. More accurate?
>I can see you have
>not shot many of each.
> Although the crossgun is
>easier for folks to shoot
>and master (shoulders and fires
>like a rifle), I have
>found it is NOT more
>accurate than conventional bows.

You just said it right there "the crossgun is easier for folks to shoot and master" ... does this not translate into better accuracy? Bows are hard to shoot accurately compared to other weapon types.

If not then we need to define semantics. I define accuracy as being able to hit your target. I think it would be hard to argue that a notice with a crossbow wont outshoot a novice with a bow.

>Are there some archers who pick
>their bows up just before
>season and go hunt and
>wound critters.....YUP, I've seen it
>in Utah especially. But
>that holds true for ALL
>seasons and weapon choices, IMO.

I have alot of distain for supposed "hunters" of any weapon type that grab their weapon the week before a hunt and begin practicing. Its something people should do as often as possible... they owe it to the critter to be able to make the best possible shot, or even mroe so to pass on a questionable shot.

I know there is alot of strong feelings between Traditional bows vs Crossbows but IMO, the difference bwteeen them is quickly fading when Modern Compounds are becoming so technically advanced. Heck I've seen on TV an ad for a thing that bolts on your traditional bow to hold the string and you just fire it... I am hardpressed to see a difference between that and a XBow.

/shrug


-DallanC

 

[BOHNTR]

Guess we'll have to agree to disagree, as you missed my point completely......yes they're (crossbows) easier to shoot, but not MORE accurate than a bow & arrow. Reason why they're easier.....it's not a bow.

Is your reason for wanting them in archery season because they are easier to shoot? Do you think that will solve the problems you've described? I don't think so. If you want it easier for folks, let's just allow a rifle, as it's easier yet, right?

Crossguns have their place....perhaps a primitive weapon season (flintlock, shotgun slug, etc.) but they are NOT a bow and should not be in the bow-only season, IMO.

You're right, the device you've described (Draw-lock) is nothing more than making a compoundbow into a modified crossgun. Again, I don't feel this should be allowed either, as do many other western state agencies. There's a BIG differecne between these devices/crossbows and a hand held bow. Shoot both and tell me what you think.

Keep it real...hand held & hand drawn. JMO



BOHNTR )))---------->

 

[Buckrub]

I've shot longbows, recurves and compounds for about 45 yrs., however, the last 8 yrs. I've had to use a crossbow due to shoulder problems.
I think that at 30 yds. and under, and with devoted practice, the crossbow will hold it's own against any bow. However, the key word is PRACTICE, just like with a vertical bow. Too many guys think they can just pick-up a crossbow and shoot it like a rifle.
Not so!! A crossbow generates alot of torque and launches a short, light bolt at tremendous speed, but, you better know your bow and have excellent form, as with any bow, or your accuracy will be piss poor!
Bad shooting is bad shooting, with ANY weapon. NO EXCUSE for it.
The legal use of crossbows has allowed me to continue the sport I love, BOWHUNTING!!
Let's stop all the fuss, and support all legal methods that allow us to pursue our passion for hunting.
United we prosper, divided we play into the hands of the anti's!!
It's your choice.
Just my 2 cents worth!!