The advantage of the crossbow

[Greg Krause]

I hear what you are saying BT and if it will help the sport than that's great. As I said just because I have an initial feeling about something dosen't make it right. Face it we do need new hunters in our ranks and there is no denying the fact that crossbows are coming to stay. I just hope that in fact we draw NEW hunters, not just old hunters from other weapons.

[BT]

Well with kids today wanting everything easy the Crossbow may be the only way to get them into it.

Fact of the matter is that if you can hook them with a crossbow the natural urge to take it to the next level is going to come at some point...it always does.

[Greg Krause]

I agree with you on that

[michihunter]

Besides, crossbows have been around a heckuva lot longer than compounds anyway!

[BT]

Thats a good point

[deadeye]

Posted by bowtech on Yesterday at 11:51pm
Well with kids today wanting everything easy the Crossbow may be the only way to get them into it.

Fact of the matter is that if you can hook them with a crossbow the natural urge to take it to the next level is going to come at some point...it always does.

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That is part of the problem. There many adults that want everything easy. The crossbow, baiting etc. Many just don't want to put the time into it. They want to walk into the woods, sit down and shoot a deer. I don't see many taking it to the next level. I know many of the gun hunters in my state would love to see the crossbow allowed in the general archery season. I know some of the compound shooters would switch as well.

As for the argument on let off.... how many own one of the 99% let off bows? You have to remember...the average Joe lunch bucket hunter only shoots his bow a week or so (if that) prior to hunting. They will not have the ability to hold a 70 % or 80% bow back for long periods of time waiting for the shot. The crossbow allows has the edge in that dept. Once it is drawn, it remains that way until fired.

I haven't looked at or handled all of the crossbows on the market but some are quite light. Once you get to your stand or blind there is no weight issue. I would steady a crossbow as I do a firearm. As far as carry, I would imagine they can be fitted with a sling like a rifle for carry.

Those of use that frequent these forums and keep up with changing regulations and current events are the minority. The average guy knows nothing about the issues we face on a state and national level. They don't know/ care about the heritage of bowhunting. I can't see throwing that away so some kids can shoot a deer with a crossbow.

I work at a few events each year with kids. I have seen the smile and excitement on their face face when they break a balloon with an arrow they shot from a bow. We need to get more of them shooting so they can feel the satisfaction of hitting the spot they are aiming at. The archery in the schools program is an excellent start.

I don't have all the answers but I don't see the crossbow as one of them.

[BT]

I can see your point but I do feel that a percentage would continue through it if introduced to the crossbow .

The problem of 0 exposure is that you get 0%....so the crossbow does offer a chance at those who you do not feel have the desire to work hard.

As far as the let off....80% is still alot and holding 5 Mins is not a problem with that kind of let off either.

But I really digress at this point by arguing the %age

In fact there are advantages for both and I don't think either should be singled out for extinction in the field because of those diffrences.

JMHO

[deadeye]

I don't know many that can hold an 80% let off compound at full draw for 5 minutes. MOST don't know about the bent elbow technique.

More and more people want the easy way for things these days. They don't want to be bothered finding the best arrow broadhead combo, the best way to sight in etc. They want everything done for them. It isn't that hard to learn to shoot a compound these days but does take some time and practice to become proficient. The crossbow eliminates much of that.

In MI, the crossbow is legal for use by anyone during the firearm season and by those that have physical disabilities by permit in the archery season. I believe that is where it should stay.

I guess we will just have to agree to disagree on this subject.

[michihunter]

deadeye said:

More and more people want the easy way for things these days. They don't want to be bothered finding the best arrow broadhead combo, the best way to sight in etc. They want everything done for them. It isn't that hard to learn to shoot a compound these days but does take some time and practice to become proficient. The crossbow eliminates much of that.

Deadeye- With all due respect, that's the way with everyone for a reason. I take it you drive a car instead of a horse and buggy. I bet you have a TV, electricity, gas heating, and a refrigerator, too. Those are the easy ways out too. Just because a crossbow may appear easier it doesn't necessarily make it better or worse and for that matter, any guarantee at success. Having shot a crossbow, I can say that there is only a slight difference as far as being easier. It can be argued that a gun is easy too, but we all know that it still takes practice to become proficient. I pewrsonally shoot only compound but I am in favor of ALL legal hunting resources and that includes the use of a crossbow if deemed legal. I can guarantee that it will not effect the opportunities you will see as a compund or traditional bowhunter. It's been proven in states that allow for them.

[BT]

I respect you deadeye although I disagree with your view to some extent but that does not mean that you are 100% wrong in my opinion.

You state some good points of view to be considered in the big picture and they will be considered as each game department is asked to do research by the state department that they work for.

We are unfortunately or fortunately (depending on who you are) not going to figure this out correctly based on opinion but rather real life experience.

Michi. points out a very real experience in that .... states which do now have legal crossbow seasons have seen nothing more than positive effects.

Maybe what needs to be done in a discussion is to address the facts rather than the opinion that you and I share on the subject.

My reason for doing this thread was to open some minds as to the disadvantages rather than to speak only of the advantages as most opponents of the crossbow generally do.

I don't mind at all that anyone points out the advantages but certainly there are the same advantages with the compound when compared to the longbow and after the dust settled on that debate it turned out to be a big empty fear of nothing but fear.