14.Feb.2010 Crossbows

Crossbow Education – Learn About Crossbows

There have been surveys conducted that suggest hunters are leaving the sport because the lack of free time among middle aged folks.  They are the majority of the hunter geographic and are spending less time hunting and have fewer reasons to go hunting.  But the Department of Natural Resources, State Hunting and Wildlife agencies see the crossbow as a means to keep hunters interested in hunting and a way to manage the reduction in the growing number of deer populations.  But as the popularity rises, so does the need to learn about what is best in choosing a crossbow.

Hunters should chose a high quality mechanical broadhead because it shoots more like a field point and a fixed blade broadhead is more likely to fly off course at longer range shots.  Not that the fixed blades will do just fine, you will just need more practice to see how they fair in various distances with accuracy.  Mechanical Broadheads more likely are to shoot like field point of equal weights.

How to Choose a Bolt?

How do I choose a bolt?  The best choices are carbon and aluminum shafts and they shoot similarly.  But carbon bolts are far more durable and can be shot repeatedly without any chance of bending or denting which is a common problem that aluminum shafts have.  If you want a cheaper arrow, select a metal arrow, but just because it offsets any current cost savings, doesn’t mean you’ll have to buy more metal Arrows later, which would mean, you should have just spent the money the first time and bought the aluminum or carbons.  Carbon bolts are built thicker and this makes them weigh the same as aluminum bolts.  Carbon bolts have thicker walls to fit the groves properly and can withstand the energy as they leave the Bow.

Do you need a sight for your Crossbow?

Some crossbow makers offer a premounted, bore sighted scope made for the bow packages and arrows that are bull’s-eye friendly.  Out of the box with a scope it makes these crossbows almost foolproof when it comes to accuracy.  Mount a scope on it and with less variables than a bow, makes it so you just can’t miss.  You just can’t take it out of the box or off the shelf and start shooting, it is necessary to fine tune the sights before you head into the field – a big misconception of many hunters.

Not only do you have to become familiar with the crossbow, you have to adjust to each distance.  You don’t take a rifle or Compound Bow out and shoot it out of the box and expect to hit your targets exactly where you aim.  You have to practice, not only does it improve your accuracy it will let you become familiar with your equipment so that you are more efficient.

Scopes are better for low lighted situations, but you will face a lot of these conditions as you hunt.  The prepackaged crossbows mostly often come with a 4x scope which is one of the three sight choices for a crossbow.  The cheapest crossbow site is a standard pin and peep site which gets the job done but requires a bit more practice and fine tuning.  The red dot scope lets you aim with both eyes open and will let you find your target more quickly.  Most tubular magnified scopes that are just for crossbows have up to 3 reticles set for different distances based on specific arrow speeds.  For instance, the scopes that come with the Ten Point bow packages have reticles of 20, 30 and 40 yards that lets you aim without having to estimate any holdover.

Are crossbows safe?

As intimidating as they look, manufacturers have taken several steps to ensure that the safety is at the highest level to ensure that they are as safe as any other hunting equipment.  Some crossbows have a dual safety which is a standard on off tab at the grip that is similar to a rife safety and then there is another safety at the fore grip with a push button.  The second safety is basically a reminder to keep your fingers below the deck.  Some manufacturers include finger grooves in the fore stock to help guide your hands and fingers below to keep them away from the string. 

Another misconception is that you will lose your fingers in the Bow Strings and they will get cut off, that is not true.  You might have black and blue fingers and have some bruises, but it’s not going to take your finger off.

Just remember proper safety with any Hunting Bow and the first rule of thumb is to keep you fingers below the string level.  It is just way to dangerous to walk around with a cocked crossbow, it’s just like having the safety off on a rifle.  You risk tripping or falling on an arrow.  It is also hazardous to raise or lower a loaded crossbow when entering a tree stand.  If entering a tree stand, you can cock the bow before climbing up, then lift it by pulling it up with a rope, then after your secure in the stand put the bolt in the receiver.  Same thing when climbing down, take the bolt out, then lower the bow by a rope – you can do the same with the rest of your gear as well.  If you haven’t shot your crossbow once your done hunting, you can shoot it into a soft target to relax the Bows limbs to relieve any tension – not necessary, just a matter of choice.

As a reminder practice good safety and to learn more about your state’s hunting regulations and Archery seasons, be sure to check with your state to find more details on the regulation of crossbows.

About the Author

SL Tate, Family, Outdoors, Hunting Enthusiasts – Bowhunter Store

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