RobertGate009
New member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2019
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Hey guys, I just published this article about "crossbow deer hunting", but wanted to share a short and sweet version here.
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Chapter 1: Why Deer Hunt with a Crossbow?
1.1 - Weight Distribution
A rifle puts most of the weight at the point of the rifle making it hard to get a solid bead on a target. A vertical bow does the same thing, but also requires you to strain your dominant shoulder pulling and holding the bow string.
A crossbow eliminates both of these issues. The primary advantage is that you can secure a crossbow at your shoulder and then support the weight with both hands.
The weight is more evenly balanced so you will have less trouble holding crosshairs on a target.
In addition, a crossbow weighs less than a rifle making it a more stable weapon. This means you will typically be more accurate with a crossbow versus a rifle or vertical bow.
1.2 - Scopes
One of the biggest advantages of using a crossbow for deer hunting is a scope. Vertical bows must use either pin sights or crosshair sights.
1.3 - Limited Movement
The action of standing up and drawing the string of a vertical bow is enough to spook a deer. However, a drawn crossbow can be pulled up and aimed with minimal movement
I actually have made every crossbow kill I have made with a seated shot.
1.4 - Accuracy
The crossbow will more accurately kill any deer. The added arrow speed also means more killing power. The arrow will penetrate deeper to create a more lethal wound.
1.5 - Maneuverability
A crossbow is smaller and lighter than a vertical bow. This means it will be easier to move in and out of brush.
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Chapter 2: Which Crossbow Should You Use?
2.1 - Recurve Crossbows
Recurve crossbows are light and efficient, but they do make some noise when fired.
2.2 - Compound Crossbows
Typically, compound crossbows are going to shoot bolts at a higher arrow speed with more killing power.
They have a smoother release, so string noise is not a huge issue. They also allow you to draw back the string easier to lock it in place.
2.3 - Reverse Crossbows
Reverse crossbows are more expensive, but they provide more power and more overall balance. This means a more accurate shot and a more powerful kill shot.
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Chapter 3: Bolts and Tips for a Good Kill
3.1 - Wooden Bolts
These bolts are flexible and strong but are more likely to break when faced with impact.
3.2 - Aluminum Bolts
These bolts are strong and lightweight, but they have the tendency to permanently bend when they hit a hard target. This could happen when a bolt hits bone in a deer.
3.3 - Fiberglass Bolts
These bolts are lighter offering more accuracy due to higher arrow speed. They can also take a beating and keep going. Fiberglass arrows will flex with impact making them much more durable than other types of bolts.
3.4 - Fixed Tips
Fixed tip points are the most common type for vertical bow hunters.
3.5 - Mechanical Tips
The ones I use are drawn in to the shaft with flares sticking out to catch the hide of the deer. This will then create a gash about three inches across so the animal dies quickly.
Chapter 1: Why Deer Hunt with a Crossbow?
A rifle puts most of the weight at the point of the rifle making it hard to get a solid bead on a target. A vertical bow does the same thing, but also requires you to strain your dominant shoulder pulling and holding the bow string.
A crossbow eliminates both of these issues. The primary advantage is that you can secure a crossbow at your shoulder and then support the weight with both hands.
The weight is more evenly balanced so you will have less trouble holding crosshairs on a target.
In addition, a crossbow weighs less than a rifle making it a more stable weapon. This means you will typically be more accurate with a crossbow versus a rifle or vertical bow.
1.2 - Scopes
One of the biggest advantages of using a crossbow for deer hunting is a scope. Vertical bows must use either pin sights or crosshair sights.
1.3 - Limited Movement
The action of standing up and drawing the string of a vertical bow is enough to spook a deer. However, a drawn crossbow can be pulled up and aimed with minimal movement
I actually have made every crossbow kill I have made with a seated shot.
1.4 - Accuracy
The crossbow will more accurately kill any deer. The added arrow speed also means more killing power. The arrow will penetrate deeper to create a more lethal wound.
1.5 - Maneuverability
A crossbow is smaller and lighter than a vertical bow. This means it will be easier to move in and out of brush.
------------------------------------
Chapter 2: Which Crossbow Should You Use?
Recurve crossbows are light and efficient, but they do make some noise when fired.
2.2 - Compound Crossbows
Typically, compound crossbows are going to shoot bolts at a higher arrow speed with more killing power.
They have a smoother release, so string noise is not a huge issue. They also allow you to draw back the string easier to lock it in place.
2.3 - Reverse Crossbows
Reverse crossbows are more expensive, but they provide more power and more overall balance. This means a more accurate shot and a more powerful kill shot.
------------------------------------
Chapter 3: Bolts and Tips for a Good Kill
These bolts are flexible and strong but are more likely to break when faced with impact.
3.2 - Aluminum Bolts
These bolts are strong and lightweight, but they have the tendency to permanently bend when they hit a hard target. This could happen when a bolt hits bone in a deer.
3.3 - Fiberglass Bolts
These bolts are lighter offering more accuracy due to higher arrow speed. They can also take a beating and keep going. Fiberglass arrows will flex with impact making them much more durable than other types of bolts.
3.4 - Fixed Tips
Fixed tip points are the most common type for vertical bow hunters.
3.5 - Mechanical Tips
The ones I use are drawn in to the shaft with flares sticking out to catch the hide of the deer. This will then create a gash about three inches across so the animal dies quickly.