First time post. Crossbow question?

[tdickens58]

First, I have really enjoyed reading these Forums! Thanks!

Second, I recently bought a used crossbow (Older Horton Stag) off of Ebay (cheap). I sent it to Horton for some TLC. They replaced the Recurve Front end with a compound front end (150 lb front end). They replaced the trigger and added a new three dot sight.

All in all they provided excellant customer service. The bow shoots great and I am very pleased!

The one issue that I have is that this crossbow is louder than my PSE Compound. I have tried using Horton's "silencing kit" but it did not seem to help much. My worry is that it will spook the deer when I am hunting. this Fall.

Any thought on the matter? I think my first deer that I try to take with it will be as close as I can let it get. We will see how it goes.

[BT]

I have done alot of testing on the matter of string jumping and I can tell you that if you are 15yrds or closer , aiming at the bottom 1/3rd. of the lung , the deer will not be able to duck out on you with that rig

At 18 yards it is going to be pretty doubtful of even a single lung

Where you will get in less trouble will be at the longer distances where the noise is not a signal of emanate danger.
Once you are at 30 yards the noise of the bow will only act to alert a calm deer.

When you are in the 20yrd. neighborhood , the noise is much louder and closer and can cause even a calm deer to react.

All of that being said. .... I would check the mood of the animal as it comes in and not shoot if there is any sign of a cautious approach unless the animal was less than the 12yard mark.

Although you have 150# on that crossbow , the effective energy produced is going to resemble the average 65# compound with about 2/3rds. of the effective range of said compound.
Effective range of the compound meaning 50 yards and the crossbow 35 yards.

These are some pretty good rules of thumb for your rig.

Hope this helps and if you score with it PLEASE!....post the story and a Pic with you and that crossbow because we really need the representation in our hall of fame

[tdickens58]

Thanks for the good words of wisdom!

A couple years ago I made the mistake of releasing an arrow on a doe that had been watching me in my stand. At the time I released the doe was standing broadside. By the time the arrow got there the doe had ducked and turned at such an angle that I struck it at the base of the skull..
The doe was down instantly, but I was not proud of the shot. I have passed on similar shots since then. It is too risky.

Thanks again on the advice!

[BT]

By the way....welcome to the board.

Hope to see you again