Best Crossbow for elk?

[Addicting]

What did you need new heavier arrows for?

My old arrows were set up for light and fast. I didn’t want to risk using them on a heavier animal and hitting bone. I wanted something with some more umph if I clipped the shoulder.

Plus my set up is circa 2013, it has been around a bit.

 

[Sheltowee]

Well, figure it’s time to update this.

All the crossbows I looked at were no fun to hold and carry. I think if you were sitting in a blind then maybe. But at the end of the day they were not for me. I pulled the PSE out and started slinging arrows. I realized I needed new heavier arrows. I ended up getting 6 515 grain arrows that will be tipped with 100 grain Vipertricks. I’m good out to 40 or so yards.

Here was my 35 yard target tonight. View attachment 379803

That'll play.

 

[It’s Bucky]

My old arrows were set up for light and fast. I didn’t want to risk using them on a heavier animal and hitting bone. I wanted something with some more umph if I clipped the shoulder.

Plus my set up is circa 2013, it has been around a bit.

I think you’ll find that clipping the shoulder is clipping the shoulder, no matter how much umph you’ve got. Confidence is key though and if a heavier set-up provides that, that’s all that matters!

 

[Frequently Banned Troll]

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[Hammsolo]

There is a portion of me that is intrigued by this. I have a AZ Champ permit that allows me to use one. I have never exercised that permit but this year there is a place that kind of equipment could be utilized. A portion of the unit is Archery only. There is a significant trophy benefit to hunting that area.

I’ve never shot one nor even handled one. I’ve always had a compound. I quit bow hunting several years ago because it just wasn’t fun anymore. I did pull it out and it still worked 2 seasons ago to take a doe. Could I use it again on this hunt, probably. There is a definite risk that either my shoulder or the bow limbs explode. Either would likely end the hunt.

So what’s running thru my mind is what to upgrade to? This may be a once in a lifetime time tag to have, time will tell. A new bow would solve the limb issue, but not the shoulder. A new cross bow will solve both issues, but create tons of haters. Some who are already boiling at just reading this. Please feel free to save me from your personal thoughts on hunting purity. Your tax dollars paid for me to get hurt in uniform. A Dr recommended me for the permit, AZ Game and fish approved it, it is what it is.

So for those of you who dare to admit using one. What are the advantages and disadvantages to look at when looking a different models?

There’s nothing wrong with using a crossbow for health reasons. Thank you for your service, and screw anyone that feels different.

 

[T.R.]

My older Ten Point has downed many deer for me. TR

 

[Frequently Banned Troll]

 

[Wind Gypsy]

No negative feelings towards anyone that uses a crossbow from me, especially those with injuries/disabilities. The crossbow lobby can suck a big one though.

I do think they are much more convenient for eastern whitetail hunting than for western hunts where they must be carried a lot though.

 

[tillicant]

I bought a crossbow ten or so years ago and shot it but never used it hunting. Bought it due to shoulder injury. After retiring the business in 2024 I went to work as an estimator/project manager for another construction company. The agreement (in writing) is, vacation at any time when I want to hunt.
This year, after practicing, I took the crossbow out in the field for the first time during the crossbow season. Been so long, I forgot how much fun hunting the rut was. I actually upgraded the crossbow, been either shooting or hunting at least 3 days a week. I spoke with my surgeon recently and confirmed he would sign any application necessary for hunting where needed.
I don't really care what others think, but maybe someday they'll have the same injury, see what happens then.

 

[T.R.]

An unhealed elbow fracture ruined my traditional archery fun. But even drawing a compound bow was outside of my ability. So, I bought a second hand Ten Point model and was able to hunt during archery seasons again. TR