Everybody knows that a crossbow is little more than a conventional type bow turned horizontal.
Really? Hardly!
One look and the differences are obvious, and learning to handle one is the challenging part. Just because there is a rifle trigger-type mechanism should not imply a crossbow is a cinch to use.
Even so, crossbows are steadily gaining popularity and for obvious reasons. Years ago special crossbow hunting rules were put in place allowing deer hunters 65 or older plus hunters with medical issues to use crossbows in the place of traditional archery gear. Now, even younger hunters are taking a first look at using crossbows as well especially since the use rules now allow crossbows during archery seasons without any special permits.
A crossbow has two shorter limbs than a regular bow at the end of a stock or rail that is oriented horizontally. The arrow or bolt sits in the groove on the top of the rail. The crossbow is drawn or cocked with the use of a cocking rod, crank or cord. There is a locking safety device and the arrow is released by a trigger mechanism.
Some crossbows have conventional open sights, but many can mount a regular optical scope or a red-dot electronic sight.
Crossbows have the initial feeling of being heavy, too heavy. This simply takes some getting used to. Actually the weight helps balance the weapon and aids in its shooting accuracy. Many crossbow hunters, especially those using ground blinds, will adopt the aid of a shooting stick or pod to help stabilize the rig. Just like any sort of bow, the crossbow also demands shooting practice at appropriate ranges with correct hunting bolts and broadheads. Check the owner’s manual for recommendations on those.
The crossbow can be a good choice for a lot of deer hunters. It offers many of the same thrills of conventional archery hunting in a modified form. Be sure to double check all the regulations that pertain to crossbow use.
If interested in researching the use of a crossbow for hunting, there is a good book out there, a bit dated now, but the basic principles prevail. Crossbow Hunting by Hovey Smith, a seasoned hunter from Georgia can be found with an Amazon search.
Be the first to comment