Here where I hunt in florida we can only take 5 deer (3 bucks 2 does). The WMA I hunt bucks have to have 4pts on 1 side and 15" spread and even though the state has several doe days during gun season, the WMA doesnt allow does to be taken on those days. I use a crossbow because archery season is my meat gathering time and as such I am willing to use every advantage I am legally allowed to use.
Here in Indiana we've had these crossthingys in our archery season for a while now.. started out for "handicap only", ... then for all, but only in late season/gun season, then they crept their way into the whole archery season for ANYONE ... I hunt state lands/FW areas and they are packed with guys using the crossthingys, guys stumbling around with 'em, many are gun hunters who now can be in the earlier archery season ... it is stupid with the amount who now use these things, they have now surpassed the bow kills ... the archery season has been ruined, the pressure is overwhelming and the DNR dosnt care ...for 20 yrs I managed or worked in archery /gun shops and I sold dozens of these things, so I know how easy they are to use, I work my ass off to stay proficient with my VERTICLE bow, unlike the crossthingy users .... I have had more hunts ruined with these Elmer Fudds walking in on me than I ever did with BOWhunters doing so, 4 times this past 2021 season hunts were ruined by these guys and I walk in a mile or more to many of my locations backpacking in a stand/sticks, and then these guys come in and flop their asses down anyplace ...... the DNR should never have allowed them for all in archery, but kept them in with the rest of the shoulder fired seasons .... there was a new #2 B&C buck taken by a guy using a crossthingy, yea its a nice deer, but it would have meant so much more if he had use a bow which still has to be hand drawn and hand held in the prsence of game, unlike those other 'things' ..... smh
Yes, the Elmer Fudds don't even know how they effect the archery hunting experience most of them simply don't posses the same level of awareness. All ruined for money.
couple things i picked up from muzzleloading in Washington state, who i feel did this subject "right": force the muzzleloaders to remain fairly primitive, which in WA meant no 209 waterproof primers, action open to the elements, no scopes, no saboted projectiles, no modern/smokeless powder. in order to use a crossbow, you had to actually qualify under certain age/disability requirements, you couldn't just "choose" to. i totally get where you are coming from on this. i only hunted ONE TIME during a modern rifle/muzzleloader overlap period. the woods were PACKED, and i did NOT feel safe out there at all not being head-to-toe hunter orange.
I remember when I went from a stick and string Bear recurve to a compound with 70% letoff with sights and string release. I thought, this is so easy anyone can be an expert in a day. It takes no skill to shoot a modern compound bow.
My thing with the crossbow is that at least it’s still hunting. U still have to put urself in the right spot and get the deer close enough, u still have to understand range and arrow drop. Does it give you an advantage? Most certainly, but it’s still nowhere near the advantage of a rifle that can shoot 2-250 yards point of aim, and if u can see the deer u can kill it, don’t have to get close. Gun “hunting” should just be called live action target shooting. As far as crossbow speeds, even at 450-500fps, it’s not the advantage ppl think it is, u still have to get a deer inside 40 yards for an ethical shot in regards to a deers reaction time. As far as the double barrel crossbow, that’s the last think we need. I can only imagine all the deer running around with 2 arrows in it butt instead of 1
I actually started with a compound, got tendonitus from shooting too much and thought I trashed my shoulder for good, switched to crossbow to compensate, after a while got a Recurve and found out I can shoot it, so I crossed over from croossbow to Traditional and luv it!
No offense, and you do make a couple points worth noting, BUT somehow you harken back to the days I lived through where stick bow snobbery was rampant against any wheel bow or compound, And it was virulent hatred of compounds, I can tell you. It will all work out I am sure. Primitive firearms season in some states is just that, no scopes or inline, while other 'Muzzle Loader' seasons allow sabots, scopes, inline ignition and NOW Firestick ignition tubes. Time marches on as they say ? My muzzle loader is sighted in at 200 yards now. Did anyone mention heated clothing yet? That's a coming thing. You can't stop innovation unless you legislate it.
AJA, I really love your channel and the fact that you give back by sharing your knowledge in YT form. Please keep it up as you really do a great service to archery. I have never hunted with a crossbow. As for your argument about crossbows it don't hold water. If your arguing that xbows have an advantage over compounds bc they don't take a lot of effort to learn how to kill with them, then I could say the same about rifles or shotguns over compounds, or I could say the same for compound over traditional archery, or I could have the same argument for traditional archery verses chasing a herd of buffalo over a cliff (that takes guts and talent!). I have archery hunted for 42 years now and heard all the arguments about who's right or who's wrong with a persons "tool" choice of taken an animal. I choose to be in the outdoors and hunt so I can be in awe of the Creators miracles. What weapon I use to take home one of Gods blessings for consumption shouldn't matter to anyone.
@@ericwolbert3256 I have never shot a crossbow but recently picked up a compound and plan on hunting with that this year. I care more that people use what makes them effective and that there is less wounded loss. When making my decision I wanted to put in the time and learn a how to shoot a bow. I decided to go with a compound over a traditional stick bow because I thought I could be more effective. What matters to me is that people follow the rules and hunt ethically within their abilities. If you don't like the rules you should target your state government and not other hunters that are just following the rules and may have other things going on in the lives.
First: i'm not from the U.S. , but the last weeks i became a huge fan of your channel. I used to be a trad bow shooter for decades. Till my finger quit. Now back to compound, hopefully my pullfinger will be okay again. I'm also a hunter and owner of a Excalibur 440 and love shooting with whatever i can get in my hands. First i was not sure what your point is but i got it really fast. And can't totally understand your two main points. Hopefully. Nr.1 getting a bunch of people in a selected time in the same area creates total chaos. Totally agree with. Nr.2 getting people in this specific area and time which want to use the pros of the seasion without earning it and (sure not all) without be qualified. It's lika pay to win. And the losers are the woundshot animals. I can see similar "evolutions" growing in multiple other situations across my country and the whole world. And this sucks... Totally agree to you. But keep going and hoping one day it will get better. I'll stick with you. And today i gonna set up my nu APA and i will keep getting my advices and tips and tricks from you 😁
Unfortunately Wisconsin does not have a separate crossbow season. Archery is combined. When you purchase your license, you select vertical bow or crossbow. For $3 you can upgrade to use both.
I LOVE the Can of worms.. ... . I do have a shoulder issue...yet I never went X-bow. Until this yr., I've been using my Hoyt compound bow from the 90s. only by chance did I upgrade to a 2011 G5 Hammer... I do fall right straight into the "Don't Practice Enough". Yes, I'll admit it...Lazy, Club Volleyball, and Ministries have taken up some time. Personally, I don't consider Xbow as "Archery". I had many people tell me that I should have got my daughter an XBow....nope. AJA You should send this to your DNR.
ok i'll admit, I bought a ravin crossbow because it looked cool. it was my backup just in case i couldn't physically use my bow during my hunt because of a legitimate neck and shoulder surgery shortly before the hunt. but i manned up and stuck with my bow throughout the whole day and boy! was it exhilarating to land the kill with my bow!
Totally agree and have said all the same things myself which usually causes an uproar at the local hunting shop. All the special seasons burn my ass too when I finally have time to bow hunt only to find out it’s the early muzzleloader season. All the disadvantages of the original muzzleloader have been taken away just as has happened with the crossbow. Since crossbows and modern muzzleloaders are on the same plane as modern firearms they all ought to share the same modern firearm season and leave the archery season to real bow hunters!
69 years old, 70Lb vertical bow was my bow. Literally can't pull it any more and have not bow hunted for 5 years. JUST this year bought a higher end crossbow and will be tuning and training for the 2023 season. Crossbows were just allowed in my state recently, hence the purchase. I don't think of them as a rifle, or a good choice for 50 yard + shots or anything else. To me, they are a tool to get me back to chucking arrows again, simply that.
I live in Wisconsin and crossbow and compound bow are the same season you just have separate licenses. There was a big push to separate but never happened. Yet
i am 55 and disabled after 2 strokes left me virtually paralyzed on my left side. fought hard to be able to just walk again. i bought my first compound bow last summer as therapy to build strength and hand to eye coordination with left arm. my infinite edge pro is set to 35# and after shooting it every day all summer i've seen a vast improvement. looking forward to warmer weather here in new hampshire maybe bump it up to 40#. thanks for all the great videos keep them coming.
I definitely understand your frustration. A couple thoughts from another state perspective. So I deer hunt in both WV and Ohio. Crossbows have been legal in Ohio during the entire archery season for a long time (1976). In West Virginia, they became legal only a few years ago. Both these states have the advantage of only using archery equipment during the normal peak rut time. I started off as a kid only gun hunting. For a period of a couple years after college, I got a crossbow and started hunting that way. I killed a couple deer, but I got more into waterfowl hunting and sold my crossbow equipment. Fast forward about 10 years and I start getting back into deer hunting. I started shooting a Howard Hill style longbow just for fun. I practiced compulsively for a couple months and killed a small buck off the ground. The personal reward from that harvest was unlike anything I ever experienced in hunting. However, because I don’t want to shoot 50 arrows every day, and I would like to kill a deer further away than 15-20 yards, I bought a compound, and it’s awesome. I still shoot compulsively about every day, but I don’t need as much volume. So long back story to lead to my point. Enjoy what you can, be happy with what you can kill in the way you choose. Some folks just want to hunt. If the woods are crowded, I don’t think it’s the crossbow’s fault. We can’t be selfish with a state’s natural resources.
@@zzz7zzz9 I know very well what crossbows are... I'm just saying that they are shoot like guns, have a scope like guns, they require the same skill level as guns (not much)... but they are 50 yards and under in a hunting situation, so short range. Sorry you don't understand.
Another Pa guy here.. you’re absolutely right. The gun seasons in the middle of archery season is ridiculous. The people who structure our seasons have their heads up their asses
I am in my late 70's. I started bow hunting my freshman year in college. I loved bow hunting and hunted small game as well as deer. I joined a club and target shot for a number of years during early adult years. Then I had a accident that damaged my shoulder to the point I couldn't shoot a bow. Years went by with no archery at all. When I retired I purchased a crossbow and shot a buck the first year. The crossbow has been in a case under the bed for years now, it didn't turn out to be the fun the old recurve was. On top of that, the crossbow is a pain to carry in the woods. It is heavy and only comfortable to carry on a sling upside down. I am tempted to buy a compound but all the tuning and adjustments needed is discouraging.
I got into archery about 6 months ago, and I love your show its helped me tremendously. And I remember looking at a crossbow that had like 550fps and the first thing I said was how in the f*ck is that allowed in archery season, that's a f*cking gun lol (sorry about the language but that just what I said at that time) I'm all for taking crossbows out of archery season beside kids and those that are disabled.i work with a bunch of people that all ask me why I did get a crossbow cause you only have to sight it in and don't need to practice, I tell them that's the reason I got a bow because that's what I want to do, I bought it to shoot, have fun, practice, and hunt.
Broken neck with 4 disk fusion, broken shoulder with 4 screws, surgery on both knees, nerve relocation in draw elbow. All this from an atv crash 6 years ago. Wish I could still pull back a bow, believe me. I have trouble rolling out of bed on a good day. Crossbows have given me an avenue back to archery hunting
I have a bad shoulder( granted not a rotator cuff tear) and I shoot a 70lb recurve. My physical therapist even suggested to shoot more often as it helps my rhomboid muscles stay loose. And given that you can get a compound with 90%let off in 40 lb...I don't think there's much room for the "sore shoulder" excuse. There's nothing wrong with crossbow hunting...as long as it's during modern rifle or muzzleloader season😜
In Mississippi during archery season you can shoot either one, and in private land during primitive weapon season I can hunt with my weapon of choice. However our primitive weapon legally allows a 35 whelen TC encore. It states breech loaded single shots of 35 caliber and larger. My view is as long as it keeps or increases people hunting legally and ethically I’m not complaining
Change to under 15 over 60 or veteran - or 300 FPS max for everyone else. That said I just got a bow recently and at 47 I am finding I am having difficulty after shooting 20 shots a day. Lots of pain , bad enough I am now worried about being able to keep up the practice to get comfortable enough to shoot at a deer. I like your point about effectiveness and safety. I have no issues walking about the woods during bow season, but cross bolts going 400fps and 100 yards is an issue in a crowded state like NJ.
I enjoy both bow and muzzleloader hunting here in SE Kansas. Notice I specify "hunting". My frustration is guys who put out feeders and wait until "Pavlov's" deer come to eat...they call that hunting. There is no summer scouting, reading sign, being aware of the wind, etc. Baiting like this is legal, but is it ethical? What they don't realize is that all the summer scouting and prep work is half the fun. Thanks for the vent......
I live in pa and I totally agree. I don't like the way they messed up archery season. Nothing more dangerous than being in your treestand with a bow and having shotguns and rifles going off close by. Used to be you needed a special permit to use a crossbow for disability only. I think license sales and the pressure from the industry have a lot to do with all of these things the pa game commission has done. But talk to a rifle hunter and he will say look at all the time you get for archery season. Maybe true but not the quality time we used to enjoy without rifles and spooky deer! Great video!
Just wondering what his opinion would have been when compounds came out. It was the same mumbo/jumbo back then. People were saying "this is going to ruin hunting".
I live in a "if its brown its down state" as I call it ( louisiana ) I'm pretty sure we might have the most relaxed hunting regulation in the country) and all I hear is if I get a crossbow i get to hunt a month earlier .
Here in NY they just added a week of shotgun doe season right before the archery season. One of the things I appreciate about bow hunting is the deer aren't running scared yet. This messes that all up!
I recently took a course learning to archery hunt. We used crossbows, and I cannot tell you how many times the instructors running the course said to treat them like a vertical bow, not a firearm... i.e. 20 yards or less. I think the biggest draw is people have less and less time to practice, and they still want the accuracy and power... and as long as they are ethically minded, I'm fine with it. That said, yeah, the crowd of people tromping around sniping deer at 60 yards, is absurd... that's not ethical. I could definitely see a crossbow exclusive season becoming standard.
This sounds a lot like the arguments we used against the compound bow and against the release aid when they came out. Our MI DNR says the DATA doesn’t show a big difference in the effectiveness of the crossbows over the other archers in harvesting deer. People generally don’t care what the DATA shows when they form opinions. I’m 72 and recently switched from conventional archery to compound bow. I started bow hunting when I was 12.
Crossbows make people who don't practice enough (probably most archery hunters) more accurate/ethical; so I generally support it. Also it gets more people hunting which is good. However I'd prefer a season breakdown such as 1 week trad bows, 2 weeks compound bows, remainder crossbows.
I think this is what people are missing. The guy shooting the crossbow would likely wound an animal and cause great suffering because he didn't have the time to practice as much. They made the decision that they are more effective with a crossbow. As long as they practice enough for that to be true (which is definitely less than any other type of archery) I don't have a problem with it. I also like the solution of having different seasons that would open from most skill needed to least and we should have these conversations instead of targeting other hunters following the laws.
Crossbows are great...during muzzle loader and rifle seasons. I am 73 and cannot properly employ my 55# traditional recurve bows (Rotator issues). My Scorpyd Deathstalker-LT has 115# limbs and launches a 401gr arrow at 365fps. Using a rope cocker I am lifting about 57# to cock my bow. This combination will work fine on all game...during the proper season.
I agree 100% with what your saying. Use to, here in Texas, you had to have an actually handicap permit to be allowed to use a crossbow during archery season. A few years ago they changed it to anyone can use a crossbow during archery season. I wasn’t happy either.
In Utah you have to have a doctors note submitted to the DNR in order to use a crossbow. Makes it fair for everyone in my opinion. And it’s only during the regular archery season.
Here the seasons all run together with couple weeks at front end and extra week on the end for bow and muzzleloader. And some people do not have as much time as others I go to work at 4:30 am till roughly 6:00 pm after which I take care of my own small business nights 7 days a week plus whatever needs to be taken care of around the house ( all this just to try not to lose my shirt off my back which I can feel the banks tugging on it 😂) so time could be an issue for some a lot of times I get part way through building arrows or tunning bow and have to give up for weeks sometimes months before I can get back to it
I started hunting with a crossbow because it was familiar to shooting. I still hunt with my crossbow but now also use my compound. My thing is, I know a crossbow IS NOT A GUN, so I never tried to hunt with it, like it was. I am deadly with both, but I am a little more accurate with my xbow because I can aim more accurately. I will not take a shot at a deer past 40 yards with either, even though I can hit a target out to 70 yds with both.
I think the cross bows should have to hunt with the muzzle loader crowd. The capability of a side lock hawken and a modern cross bow are almost exactly the same thing now. I hunt both hawken smoke poles and stick bows. I have a real hard time with an “archery season “ that allows equipment capable of lethal shots as far out as 150 yards. (And yes, if you put in the time, you could reliably make kill shots that far and farther with some of those.)
I say...who cares? As long as people are enjoying themselves and being safe, I couldn't care less what other people do. I can enjoy what I can enjoy. I don't want anyone else telling me how to enjoy what I enjoy, so who am I to tell anyone else? Btw, I'm 47 years and was an elite athlete in my teens. Yes, your body can be broken down at that age. My left shoulder is really bad. Multiple dislocations and separations. Bad hip. Bad knees. Bad back. Bad neck. But, I power through it and am super active. Shooting guns, rifles, and compound bows. Ski and skateboard. Some people aren't/can't. I'm not here to judge anyone, and have learned in my years on this Earth that you don't know that person across from you has lived through, or needs. I do understand the whole, "I've been tracking that buck for hours, and here's this guy who shows up at the right place, right time, with a crossbow and bagged MY buck". I get that, but sadly, that's just a life lesson. It's a tough pill to swallow, but there will be other days, and other bucks. If that's the worst thing to befall anyone in their lives, they have a charmed life. Take it easy. Life is grand.
HUGELY important - crossbow manufacturers, unlike compound manufacturers, don’t pay into the “Robertson Pittman Act” which is an 11% excise tax that goes back into conservation because they argued they use a “bolt” and therefore weren’t considered archery yet they want all the accoutrements that are associated with archery. Why does nobody talk about this?
Man did I ever catch flak for sharing this point of view. Recently WV released an article pertaining to crossbows and archery season in their state. It was stating some of the stats and how crossbows have taken over archery season. It was trying to figure out what % of the archery harvest was taken by xbow. I’m a believer that if you’re physically able to hunt with a traditional type of bow “including compounds” you should be required to do so. I posted all of this to a private Pa Hunting FB group and was called every name on the book. With the addition of crossbows being legalized to everyone, the first day of archery season is the new first day of rifle season. Xbows should have their own season, just like in-line muzzleloader season is separate from flintlock. I’m also mad that the xbow companies advertise shooting 100yds!!! I know that there are some serious inexperienced hunters taking 100yd shots at game because they saw those commercials on TV. It seems to me that with xbows, inline season , and the junior and senior October rifle hunt, that the Pa Game Commissions objective is to seriously thin the herd. It angers me and saddens me. I’ll hunt with a compound until I no longer can.
@@Trickydickysticky I dont disagree with you. My point was that with traditional bows and compound bows, you have to draw the bow, hold it then release the arrow. If someone is physically able to do this then in my opinion the law should be that you are required to do so. Xbows only for the physically unable or elderly. There’s no comparison the a vertical bow vs an xbow.
@@craigmcmullen231 a compound bow weighs 3-4lbs and you only have to hold back 10% of the draw weight due to letoff sooo... not really valid. Sounds about as difficult as trying to hold some 12lbs crazy heavy crossbow steady from the shoulder to me. At best its slightly harder. Both systems have triggers, sights (pins AND magnfied/rangefinder/gps/angle calculagion), center shot arrows, crazy high fps) and every attempt to manufacture human error out of the equation. The line you are drawing is hair thin. Calling the other side lazy is silly- whats easier? A compound shooter hunting high pressure public land? Or a spear throwing 10 feet above a pile of apples? A 50lb longbow is exponentially harder to draw and hold than a standard 70lb compound. And the inherent inaccuracies of bendy wooden projectiles magnify all the other problems like finger shooting issues 10 fold. Mechanically speaking- lets say one guy is trying to shoot a wooden arrow (bolt w.e) out of a chinese recurve crossbow with iron sights and another guy has a state of the art compound bow finely tuned by a professional complete with a garmin GPS whatever bowsight. Who has more accuracy and effective range at the end of the day? Archery is all about compensating for the "arch" of the arrow. In that extreme case id argue that the crossbow was a harder tool to kill with than the wizbang compound. Sure if you look at the same tech applied to a crossbow its not so different from a rifle at that point- but to the barebow shooter its all blasphemy. Saying that shooting a crossbow is all about making up for a "disability" is silly. You cant regulate a rifle shooter that wants to take a 1000yard shot on game during rifle season that same as you cant stop someone with an arrow launcher trying to hit game at 100. Id argue 1000y with a rifle is safer (because of sound) for the animal. Luckily the crossbow and compound bow ultimately shoot arrows with about the same speed cap so their range is linear. The crossbow is generally disadvantaged to the bow on a follow up shot btw- but you dont see them complaining. Compound shooters in my experience are the biggest whiners of the hunting world. And if you want to tak about lazy- again yur gonna get smoked by the trad crowd.
@@Trickydickysticky my issue isn’t with the traditional bows or compound bows. It’s with xbows. There’s absolutely no comparing a crossbow to a traditional bow or compound. It has about as much in common with them as it does with a single shot gun or inline muzzleloader. The one common link is the projectile and even they aren’t very similar. Hell it’s not even called an arrow for crying out load. The simple fact is, if you can’t draw a 45lb bow, put in the work and learn how to shoot a vertical bow, OF ANY KIND! Then in my opinion you shouldn’t be hunting in what was always traditionally called archery season. Anyone that can get in a tree stand, sit on the ground, whatever, and rest there weapon on a rest, look through a scope, put their hand around a pistol grip, and pull a trigger isn’t an archery hunter or shooter for that matter. I’ve hunted with traditional long bows, and compounds. There is no comparing a crossbow to either. Again this is my opinion. You’re entitled to yours as well. But for me the Pa game commissions biggest mistake was the day the opened up crossbows to anyone who wanted one. If you were disabled or elderly and had no other choice but a crossbow, that was great. But they changed that and I think it was stupid. It was all about $$ and license sales.
@@craigmcmullen231 well, no doubt we are all entitled to our opinions- there is nothing traditional about compound equipment. If you really want to play that game people were hunting with crossbows way before compound tech hit the market- i mean since the 11th century or so if you wanna talk "traditional" or whatever. Of course this argument applies to compound crossbows aswell. You can teach someone compound bow proficiency in a day. Literally, ive seen it. Its not work. A trad bow is work sure- so thats not much of an argument. As far as pistol grips go- which hand? Most bows have them now- that being said what about triggers? Compound bows and crossbows bow have them respectively. Trad bows would be the exception- especially longbows for that matter. All the same tech applies- there are magnfied sights/scopes (including THERMAL) for compound bows AND rests/shooting sticks AND triggers AND pistol grips. So i really dont see your point. There are also various draw locks for "verticle bows" on the market now that are all legal. where you try to draw the line is absolutely arbitrary. You be better off limiting archery season to projectile material like wooden arrows then type of bow. Im not personally a big fan of the new tech myself- perhaps the middle ground is to regulate sighting methods- allowing magnfication to people with poor eyesight and regulate cocking aids to the handicapped. This would force people to accurately hand span crossbows making it less popular/accurate instantly- manufacturers would have a harder time peddling shit because of warranties and people would have to try harder to pull off a shot during archery season. Or perhaps to force people to shoot wooden projectiles- furthur reducing the amount of power/range you can effectively pump out of archery equipment across the board... I appreciate the discourse btw- there are ZERO hard feelings here. I dont mind debating the merits of different equipments or even establishing rankings of some sort to give people credit for their proficiency, but i think we cross into dangerous territory when we start trying to kick people out of the woods over which axis their bow sits on.
For me, I love my compound bow. I feel more connected to the whole experience of sending arrows down range. Maybe it's the Cherokee in me, idk but it just feels right and more personal Imo. I practice about an hour at a time, sometimes twice a day, 2-3 days a week when I can.
One point you have to consider is also cost. For me I have a 34" draw length so a bow for me is going to cost around $1k or more. Finding a used bow is next to impossible for me (I've looked for 2 years). I was able to purchase a killer instinct hero 380, Pse fang Lt 330, and a centerpoint tyro all for around $230 brand new thanks to clearance deals....that cost is a lot more feasible for me.
Disagree. Using any bow you still have to physically draw the bow aim and release an arrow....maybe people thought that way back in the day....but it's definitely not the same
Here in Texas Archery Season is just from the end of Sept to the first week of Nov so we have 5-6weeks about around. They do allow crossbows and when I went last year to a public area in west texas I think I was the only one with a Bow. They do not allow any type of firearm during those weeks that I know of. Also, the way our public lands work a lot of places are near homes so they have some that are archery only the whole season and the place I go to does break a week off during the middle of November to have only archery so gives quite a bit of opportunity to hunt the way I want year round.
I'm in Ontario, Canada. Here, we aren't allowed to shoot any firearm in our back yard, including bows, unless you have a large property and live outside city limits. I have a membership at an archery club that is a 1/2 hour drive, so I don't have oodles of time to practice every day. I started archery hunting with a compound and I have harvested deer and black bear with it. I purchased a crossbow so that my kids could join me hunting for deer and moose, because they couldn't draw a heavy enough bow to be legal. I have an old shoulder injury (I dislocated my shoulder 30 years ago), that has flared up in recent years, and when it does, it is extremely painful for me to draw my bow. The only solution for the pain is to let it rest, so I have been hunting with my crossbow and it has allowed me to continue to enjoy the archery season. I still like shooting my compound, but I'm cautious with my shoulder, so I don't shoot nearly as much as I used to. I also have a longbow and recurve which I enjoy shooting, but have yet to hunt with them. Personally, I believe crossbows should be allowed in the archery season.
You should shoot the traditional bows that you have. I've had a rotator cuff problem and could not pull my compound back so I started using a recurve. That was 10 years ago and have loved the traditional bows. I also now have a compound that I only pull 55 lbs on. I had my son use a crossbow for 2 years but it's now been put up and probably will stay there. They are just not as much fun to shoot. Anyway there are lots of ways to do archery but I don't think crossbows should be allowed in the archery season unless handicapped or a child. Just doesn't seem like archery.
@@garytomas1757 Since I got into traditional archery, I've seen the same "that's not real archery" sentiment towards compound bows in traditional bow hunting circles. Hunting overall is dying, and I believe that unless we stick together, fully support each other, and encourage people to join the sport no matter what legal method they want to use, I fear we will see hunting eventually being banned.
How about bows only during bow season, with an exemption for under 18 and over 55, and medical conditions (with a dr note, listed with your state)? Then crossbow during muzzleloader and open seasons?
Shoulder issues are a real issue for a lot of men and women in their forties and fifties and it only gets worse as we get older. Please don’t judge to harshly they may have a history of rotator cuff tear or some other issue. I like cross bows for that very real issue and frankly we need more hunters here of any type.
I agree with you. Used to be that you got a crossbow if you had shoulder surgery. Or 1 arm. But now I have people who never hunted bragging about how far they can shoot and not even practicing the shot
Fortunately Montana has not followed this trend (yet). The newest regs are still pretty explicit that a crossbow does not constitute archery equipment. Yeah, you can use them in weapons restrictions areas, and during the rifle seasons, but you can’t in the archery specific seasons.
Amen brother! Crossbows of today with the modern technology should not be allowed in the archery season. I live in Michigan and much of what you discussed about PA hunting seasons over lapping and such is the same here. It’s irritating. I think crossbows should ONLY be allowed for anyone under the age of 16 and above 60. It irritates me seeing 20 something year olds that are perfectly capable of drawing a bow shooting crossbows because “well I’m no good with a compound bow. I’m not accurate enough”. Well neither was I when I first got a compound in my youth. It took shooting a compound for about 5-6 years before I was comfortable with shooting past 25 yards. I only take 30 and in shots on whitetails but I’ll smack paper out to 90 yards. But it took a lot of time and dedication and practice to get to where I am with my archery today. No one wants to put forth an effort anymore. They just wanna go kill a deer so they can look good for social media like the television hunters.
I’ve seen the 10 point crossbow that has x1 farm in digital sight that you don’t even have to learn t sight in just input data and the sight will do it for you. The crossbow reverse draw shoots 450 fps with 5 inch width. Hand crack cocking decocking mechanism. Might as well be a rifle.
Your young now so put out another video when your 20 or 30 years older and then see if your anger towards X Bows change. I've hunted hard with compound bows my entire younger years of my life and have taken a lot of game with a compound. I love shooting compounds but time will affect each and every one of us and after having 3 major back surgeries I did take the plunge and got a X Bow. Is it something I wanted to do absolutely not but it kept me in the hunt. I will never put anyone down for the type of weapon they are using and if I ever do then I know I need to quit hunting because I lost the true reason we go hunting and it's because we love the sport!
Not a crossbow fan, no practice needed, any one can shoot right out of the box. I'm 75 broken, shoulder (twice) major heart attack April. Pull my bow just fine, shot my Utah buck in August and packed it to my truck. MAN UP ALL YOU OLD TIMERS !
It's all about resolve. Most ppl in America have am entitled mentality and they will quickly take the most paved road that's available. Good for your for getting back on the horse instead of laying there, crying for favor and concessions
Two months ago I took my first traditional whitetail, after seven years of practicing with traditional bows. I had shot seven deer in five seasons (5 with a compound bow, 2 with a shotgun) but the sense of reward after the time and effort that went into a successful longbow harvest was just unparalleled... it was actually a profoundly spiritual experience that crystalized my identity as a hunter. I agree that there are exceptions for who can justify using a crossbow, but I can't imagine feeling quite as accomplished. Maybe that's just me. But I have seen a huge uptick in crossbow hunting on social media in recent years, and I'm just not convinced that a lot of those folks don't have time or strength to practice with and use a vertical bow. It does seem pretty lazy, especially since hunting is considered a sport.
@@caninphx Massachusetts. No hunting whitetails with long rifles; population density. Where I live, if I missed with a 30-06 it could spell serious trouble. 12ga sabot slugs mitigate that issue since gravity gets the best of them relatively quickly
Hunt with what you like. Ive always hunted with a bow because it is a challenge. This year I used a crossbow while still hunting. Next year I will use one again and a bow while in a blind. The whole disadvantage argument is silly. The advantage climbing 20 feet in the air is huge over those hunting on their feet...hunt how you want to hunt.
Yes!!!! Not only do crossbow hunters not care about archery they don't even care about crossbows. If we changed the law to say you can only use your crossbow in rifle season most those people would never pick up a crossbow again. We need to stop being polite about this, and start shaming people as cheaters. You don't bring flippers to a swim race, a motorcycle to a bike race, or a crossbow to archery season.
Aloha from Hawaii good video and loved topic yes crossbow too me is just like gun. Even in Hawaii people are taking advantage I feel. I love my archery hunting still at age of 67 keep doing great job in archery world. Mahalo thank you David
I'd be upset about firearms entering the archery hunting season, but don't blame crossbows. How do you think barebow shooters feel about compound bows? The differences are equivalent.
I agree with you,Maine started allowing cross bows during archery season. I started bow hunting cuz it's more of a challenge,it takes more skill,time, effort,and the separate season,not as many people in the woods. Alot of people are using them being unskilled in Maine just for the extra season and taking poor unskilled, unethical shots,cuz they think it's like a gun.
Here in Oklahoma we have everyday from October 1st to January 15 to bow hunt. There is a one weekend long youth rifle season, one week long muzzleloader season, a 2 week rifle season, and a week long antlerless rifle season around Christmas all sprinkled in through that time. We can carry archery equipment and the firearms during the different seasons. Crossbows are also allowed for everyone, 2 years ago they were only allowed if you were disabled.
I have been calling them String Rifles for a long time now. I remember over 6 years ago WV required a Y license (had to have a doctor's note stating disability), but now it is open for all. My Dad who is now 63, but has had a legit elbow injury for a couple decades now where he it hurts to draw a bow back is finally going to get a crossbow to extend his hunting season. He use to be a pretty good recurve archer. I hope that he does so before turkey season. I agree with you, these weapons are great for youth or the older crowd. There are some folks who work in a high intensity labor job or have been in a wreck and sustained a disabling long term injury that are in their 30s to 50s, but many people take advantage of the system and are lazy. My cousin asked me if I wanted to use his crossbow that he has for his kids since I missed 3 does. I just couldn't bring myself to doing so. The only time that I can see myself using a crossbow is winter time when it's really cold and difficult to draw. Since I never practiced with a heavy coat on I didn't go out with a bow after our rifle and muzzleloader seasons. We have an early doe rifle season during the 3rd week of October. I saw the biggest buck of the year while holding a rifle during early antlerless season.
I totally agree with you. I think crossbows should be in the same category as muzzle loaders. Just wanted to let you know, Wisconsin crossbow season is the same time as archery season. I live in Wisconsin, and I have the same arguments with our season as you do. Also, people that say this is the same argument as the traditional bow hunters had with compound bow hunters are wrong in so many way I can’t state them all here.
here in ga. its all legal..if its legal dont buck it..there are people that would like to get hunters to argue about whats right or legal..once they get the crossbow gone..then they will get the compound.. then trad bows..and soon as a hunter you wont be able to even post on youtube..be very careful as a sportsman..state gov. loves easy work..Penn. might give each weapon and age group one week each and your season will be over..im sure your state would love to help you with that..remember lic. sales will stay the same..game wardens make same pay, just easier work..let um know they will be glad to help ya i am sure...
I have used compound bows, crossbows, rifles and muzzleloaders to harvest deer. I enjoy any and all of them. Each has its purpose or tactical advantage, which is the whole purpose. If youre looking for disadvantage maybe you should back your let off down from 80 or 90 percent and hold the whole 60 pounds back with no let off. A compound is compound is compound? I think Fred Bear would disagree. Is your 80 percent let off the same as zero? Is a 340 FPS arrow the same as 240? Where do you draw the line? Should we say compound bows should stop advancing at 300, 350 FPS to keep max effective range to 40-50 yards? At what point is it no longer a disadvantage to a crossbow? Because you have to draw the string back you are some how at more of a disadvantage. Is your $2500 compound and $800 fiber optic sights a disadvantage to your fellow hunter who though may be just as capable as you but decides to use a $250 crossbow. I am mostly a compound hunter because that is what i enjoy the most but there are times or applications in which I choose to use a crossbow. I shoot both with comparible consistency. I personally feel there are pros and cons to each. Im certainly not looking to cause myself disadvantage with the tool in which I use to harvest an animal. If thats the point youre making, I honestly find it ridiculous. I can think of 100 other ways you can bring yourself to disadvantage and with that being said, some people do go back to the longbow for the challenge of the hunt. Maybe you should try the compound with no sights and shoot it instinctively? Im just giving you some options. Give up the treestand? The list could continue. While I do see where you wanted to go with this video, it seemed to take a turn. And like many other people who claim to have no problem with crossbows, in the end I believe you convicted yourself of false testimony. Feathers definitely ruffled a tad but no feelings hurt. I would love to have a friendly debate you. Interested?
I get both sides as i have done both. I got into bowhunting via a crossbow. It offered a cheaper way to getting hunting now, but it was also the easiest way as i did not have to learn to shoot a bow because it isnt easy, it was intimidating. Finally i was tired of feeling like i wasn't getting the full experience of being a bow hunter with a compound in hand and i set off on this journey that has turned into more than bowhunting or archery for me. Learning how to shoot with proper form, how to set up a bow and tune it for perfect arrow flight, always working to stay sharp. For me theres no comparison, archers with a compound bow in hand are 100 percent more challenged to fill a tag than someone with a crossbow in hand. I dont know what the answer is in terms of having separate seasons or maybe requiring that they are throttled down to achieve the same arrow speeds the average bowhunter with a compound gets to level the playing field. We all know a compound shooting anything faster than 280 fps is pretty dang fast using a reasonably adequate heavy arrow. It does seem odd that the guys willing to spend the time, money, and effort to become efficient with a compound bow can have a guy next to them in the woods that bought a tag, crossbow, some bolts and broadheads only an hour or so after purchase.
You hit the nail right on the head...people will come up with every excuse they can to make it easier to hunt because they don’t want to practice. 2 years ago I scheduled a shoulder surgery (torn labrum, 4 anchors) in early May and I did that because of the recovery time it would take me to recover for me to shoot my compound. Used rubber bands to get stronger, worked out hard and was able to pull back the 60 Lbs I lowered it to. Pennsylvania has ruined the archery season, just like you said because the kill has tripled from when it used to be back in the day, hence why you don’t see a lot of rifle hunters anymore. They switched to the crossbow for the easiest hunt and better weather. 👍🙏🦌🏹
One thing I like about crossbows is how accurate they are. As a bow hunter I worry about anti hunters finding out about the seldom talk about non lethal kills in archery hunting. We all know it happens.
I agree totally. I tried a crossbow one year. Bought brand new top of the line crossbow. Shot a nice buck first day and sold it week later. No challenge at all !!
Ageee!!!
Here where I hunt in florida we can only take 5 deer (3 bucks 2 does). The WMA I hunt bucks have to have 4pts on 1 side and 15" spread and even though the state has several doe days during gun season, the WMA doesnt allow does to be taken on those days. I use a crossbow because archery season is my meat gathering time and as such I am willing to use every advantage I am legally allowed to use.
cant agree more!
Amen!
Here in Indiana we've had these crossthingys in our archery season for a while now.. started out for "handicap only", ... then for all, but only in late season/gun season, then they crept their way into the whole archery season for ANYONE ... I hunt state lands/FW areas and they are packed with guys using the crossthingys, guys stumbling around with 'em, many are gun hunters who now can be in the earlier archery season ... it is stupid with the amount who now use these things, they have now surpassed the bow kills ... the archery season has been ruined, the pressure is overwhelming and the DNR dosnt care ...for 20 yrs I managed or worked in archery /gun shops and I sold dozens of these things, so I know how easy they are to use, I work my ass off to stay proficient with my VERTICLE bow, unlike the crossthingy users .... I have had more hunts ruined with these Elmer Fudds walking in on me than I ever did with BOWhunters doing so, 4 times this past 2021 season hunts were ruined by these guys and I walk in a mile or more to many of my locations backpacking in a stand/sticks, and then these guys come in and flop their asses down anyplace ...... the DNR should never have allowed them for all in archery, but kept them in with the rest of the shoulder fired seasons .... there was a new #2 B&C buck taken by a guy using a crossthingy, yea its a nice deer, but it would have meant so much more if he had use a bow which still has to be hand drawn and hand held in the prsence of game, unlike those other 'things' ..... smh
Yes, the Elmer Fudds don't even know how they effect the archery hunting experience most of them simply don't posses the same level of awareness. All ruined for money.
I could not agree more with you Nate this is so true
I agree.
couple things i picked up from muzzleloading in Washington state, who i feel did this subject "right": force the muzzleloaders to remain fairly primitive, which in WA meant no 209 waterproof primers, action open to the elements, no scopes, no saboted projectiles, no modern/smokeless powder. in order to use a crossbow, you had to actually qualify under certain age/disability requirements, you couldn't just "choose" to.
i totally get where you are coming from on this. i only hunted ONE TIME during a modern rifle/muzzleloader overlap period. the woods were PACKED, and i did NOT feel safe out there at all not being head-to-toe hunter orange.
I wonder if people made these same arguments when a lot of people started switching from traditional bows to compound.
Probably, and rightly so.
Oh yeah. Took awhile for every state to allow compound bows.
100% people always gonna bitch.
I remember when I went from a stick and string Bear recurve to a compound with 70% letoff with sights and string release. I thought, this is so easy anyone can be an expert in a day. It takes no skill to shoot a modern compound bow.
My thing with the crossbow is that at least it’s still hunting. U still have to put urself in the right spot and get the deer close enough, u still have to understand range and arrow drop. Does it give you an advantage? Most certainly, but it’s still nowhere near the advantage of a rifle that can shoot 2-250 yards point of aim, and if u can see the deer u can kill it, don’t have to get close. Gun “hunting” should just be called live action target shooting. As far as crossbow speeds, even at 450-500fps, it’s not the advantage ppl think it is, u still have to get a deer inside 40 yards for an ethical shot in regards to a deers reaction time. As far as the double barrel crossbow, that’s the last think we need. I can only imagine all the deer running around with 2 arrows in it butt instead of 1
I actually started with a compound, got tendonitus from shooting too much and thought I trashed my shoulder for good, switched to crossbow to compensate, after a while got a Recurve and found out I can shoot it, so I crossed over from croossbow to Traditional and luv it!
Sounds like the argument that recurve target archers have about compound target archers equipment.
Speaking the truth on This one.
No offense, and you do make a couple points worth noting, BUT somehow you harken back to the days I lived through where stick bow snobbery was rampant against any wheel bow or compound, And it was virulent hatred of compounds, I can tell you. It will all work out I am sure. Primitive firearms season in some states is just that, no scopes or inline, while other 'Muzzle Loader' seasons allow sabots, scopes, inline ignition and NOW Firestick ignition tubes. Time marches on as they say ? My muzzle loader is sighted in at 200 yards now. Did anyone mention heated clothing yet? That's a coming thing. You can't stop innovation unless you legislate it.
I agree completely,but that's the same thing trad archers said about compounds when I was a kid.
AJA, I really love your channel and the fact that you give back by sharing your knowledge in YT form. Please keep it up as you really do a great service to archery. I have never hunted with a crossbow. As for your argument about crossbows it don't hold water. If your arguing that xbows have an advantage over compounds bc they don't take a lot of effort to learn how to kill with them, then I could say the same about rifles or shotguns over compounds, or I could say the same for compound over traditional archery, or I could have the same argument for traditional archery verses chasing a herd of buffalo over a cliff (that takes guts and talent!). I have archery hunted for 42 years now and heard all the arguments about who's right or who's wrong with a persons "tool" choice of taken an animal. I choose to be in the outdoors and hunt so I can be in awe of the Creators miracles. What weapon I use to take home one of Gods blessings for consumption shouldn't matter to anyone.
Spoken like a true crossbow owner trying to justify why they’re lazy!
@@ericwolbert3256 I have never shot a crossbow but recently picked up a compound and plan on hunting with that this year. I care more that people use what makes them effective and that there is less wounded loss. When making my decision I wanted to put in the time and learn a how to shoot a bow. I decided to go with a compound over a traditional stick bow because I thought I could be more effective. What matters to me is that people follow the rules and hunt ethically within their abilities. If you don't like the rules you should target your state government and not other hunters that are just following the rules and may have other things going on in the lives.
First: i'm not from the U.S. , but the last weeks i became a huge fan of your channel.
I used to be a trad bow shooter for decades. Till my finger quit. Now back to compound, hopefully my pullfinger will be okay again.
I'm also a hunter and owner of a Excalibur 440 and love shooting with whatever i can get in my hands.
First i was not sure what your point is but i got it really fast. And can't totally understand your two main points. Hopefully.
Nr.1 getting a bunch of people in a selected time in the same area creates total chaos. Totally agree with.
Nr.2 getting people in this specific area and time which want to use the pros of the seasion without earning it and (sure not all) without be qualified. It's lika pay to win. And the losers are the woundshot animals.
I can see similar "evolutions" growing in multiple other situations across my country and the whole world.
And this sucks... Totally agree to you.
But keep going and hoping one day it will get better. I'll stick with you. And today i gonna set up my nu APA and i will keep getting my advices and tips and tricks from you 😁
its hard bow hunting in central alberta in nov its brrrrr cold
Preach brother!!
Couldn't agree more! Crossbows were allowed for the handicapped and elderly. Now they are pretty much muzzle loaders during archery season.
Unfortunately Wisconsin does not have a separate crossbow season. Archery is combined. When you purchase your license, you select vertical bow or crossbow. For $3 you can upgrade to use both.
crossbows are the JET SKI of bow hunting
I LOVE the Can of worms.. ... . I do have a shoulder issue...yet I never went X-bow. Until this yr., I've been using my Hoyt compound bow from the 90s. only by chance did I upgrade to a 2011 G5 Hammer... I do fall right straight into the "Don't Practice Enough". Yes, I'll admit it...Lazy, Club Volleyball, and Ministries have taken up some time. Personally, I don't consider Xbow as "Archery". I had many people tell me that I should have got my daughter an XBow....nope. AJA You should send this to your DNR.
The nice thing about a bow is the light weight and a crossbow is pretty heavy
ok i'll admit, I bought a ravin crossbow because it looked cool. it was my backup just in case i couldn't physically use my bow during my hunt because of a legitimate neck and shoulder surgery shortly before the hunt. but i manned up and stuck with my bow throughout the whole day and boy! was it exhilarating to land the kill with my bow!
Totally agree and have said all the same things myself which usually causes an uproar at the local hunting shop. All the special seasons burn my ass too when I finally have time to bow hunt only to find out it’s the early muzzleloader season. All the disadvantages of the original muzzleloader have been taken away just as has happened with the crossbow. Since crossbows and modern muzzleloaders are on the same plane as modern firearms they all ought to share the same modern firearm season and leave the archery season to real bow hunters!
69 years old, 70Lb vertical bow was my bow. Literally can't pull it any more and have not bow hunted for 5 years. JUST this year bought a higher end crossbow and will be tuning and training for the 2023 season. Crossbows were just allowed in my state recently, hence the purchase. I don't think of them as a rifle, or a good choice for 50 yard + shots or anything else. To me, they are a tool to get me back to chucking arrows again, simply that.
Same problem in IN. State DNR is heavily influenced by Big AG. Pretty sure they hate deer 🤔
I live in Wisconsin and crossbow and compound bow are the same season you just have separate licenses. There was a big push to separate but never happened. Yet
i am 55 and disabled after 2 strokes left me virtually paralyzed on my left side. fought hard to be able to just walk again. i bought my first compound bow last summer as therapy to build strength and hand to eye coordination with left arm. my infinite edge pro is set to 35# and after shooting it every day all summer i've seen a vast improvement. looking forward to warmer weather here in new hampshire maybe bump it up to 40#. thanks for all the great videos keep them coming.
I'm glad you are getting better. Good luck this season!
I definitely understand your frustration. A couple thoughts from another state perspective. So I deer hunt in both WV and Ohio. Crossbows have been legal in Ohio during the entire archery season for a long time (1976). In West Virginia, they became legal only a few years ago. Both these states have the advantage of only using archery equipment during the normal peak rut time. I started off as a kid only gun hunting. For a period of a couple years after college, I got a crossbow and started hunting that way. I killed a couple deer, but I got more into waterfowl hunting and sold my crossbow equipment. Fast forward about 10 years and I start getting back into deer hunting. I started shooting a Howard Hill style longbow just for fun. I practiced compulsively for a couple months and killed a small buck off the ground. The personal reward from that harvest was unlike anything I ever experienced in hunting. However, because I don’t want to shoot 50 arrows every day, and I would like to kill a deer further away than 15-20 yards, I bought a compound, and it’s awesome. I still shoot compulsively about every day, but I don’t need as much volume. So long back story to lead to my point. Enjoy what you can, be happy with what you can kill in the way you choose. Some folks just want to hunt. If the woods are crowded, I don’t think it’s the crossbow’s fault. We can’t be selfish with a state’s natural resources.
Crossbows are basically just guns with short range.
No they aren't. Wow are you uneducated.
@@zzz7zzz9 I know very well what crossbows are... I'm just saying that they are shoot like guns, have a scope like guns, they require the same skill level as guns (not much)... but they are 50 yards and under in a hunting situation, so short range. Sorry you don't understand.
@@pythonithon5916 You can explain it to him but you cant understand it for him. Your comment was obviously true and accurate.
Another Pa guy here.. you’re absolutely right. The gun seasons in the middle of archery season is ridiculous. The people who structure our seasons have their heads up their asses
I am in my late 70's. I started bow hunting my freshman year in college. I loved bow hunting and hunted small game as well as deer. I joined a club and target shot for a number of years during early adult years. Then I had a accident that damaged my shoulder to the point I couldn't shoot a bow. Years went by with no archery at all. When I retired I purchased a crossbow and shot a buck the first year. The crossbow has been in a case under the bed for years now, it didn't turn out to be the fun the old recurve was. On top of that, the crossbow is a pain to carry in the woods. It is heavy and only comfortable to carry on a sling upside down. I am tempted to buy a compound but all the tuning and adjustments needed is discouraging.
I got into archery about 6 months ago, and I love your show its helped me tremendously. And I remember looking at a crossbow that had like 550fps and the first thing I said was how in the f*ck is that allowed in archery season, that's a f*cking gun lol (sorry about the language but that just what I said at that time)
I'm all for taking crossbows out of archery season beside kids and those that are disabled.i work with a bunch of people that all ask me why I did get a crossbow cause you only have to sight it in and don't need to practice, I tell them that's the reason I got a bow because that's what I want to do, I bought it to shoot, have fun, practice, and hunt.
Broken neck with 4 disk fusion, broken shoulder with 4 screws, surgery on both knees, nerve relocation in draw elbow. All this from an atv crash 6 years ago. Wish I could still pull back a bow, believe me. I have trouble rolling out of bed on a good day. Crossbows have given me an avenue back to archery hunting
You're exactly the right case for it too!!! Kudos to you for getting into the woods, brother.
I have a bad shoulder( granted not a rotator cuff tear) and I shoot a 70lb recurve. My physical therapist even suggested to shoot more often as it helps my rhomboid muscles stay loose. And given that you can get a compound with 90%let off in 40 lb...I don't think there's much room for the "sore shoulder" excuse.
There's nothing wrong with crossbow hunting...as long as it's during modern rifle or muzzleloader season😜
In Mississippi during archery season you can shoot either one, and in private land during primitive weapon season I can hunt with my weapon of choice. However our primitive weapon legally allows a 35 whelen TC encore. It states breech loaded single shots of 35 caliber and larger. My view is as long as it keeps or increases people hunting legally and ethically I’m not complaining
Change to under 15 over 60 or veteran - or 300 FPS max for everyone else. That said I just got a bow recently and at 47 I am finding I am having difficulty after shooting 20 shots a day. Lots of pain , bad enough I am now worried about being able to keep up the practice to get comfortable enough to shoot at a deer. I like your point about effectiveness and safety. I have no issues walking about the woods during bow season, but cross bolts going 400fps and 100 yards is an issue in a crowded state like NJ.
Meanwhile us trad guys look at compounds the same way.
I enjoy both bow and muzzleloader hunting here in SE Kansas. Notice I specify "hunting". My frustration is guys who put out feeders and wait until "Pavlov's" deer come to eat...they call that hunting. There is no summer scouting, reading sign, being aware of the wind, etc. Baiting like this is legal, but is it ethical? What they don't realize is that all the summer scouting and prep work is half the fun. Thanks for the vent......
I live in pa and I totally agree. I don't like the way they messed up archery season. Nothing more dangerous than being in your treestand with a bow and having shotguns and rifles going off close by. Used to be you needed a special permit to use a crossbow for disability only. I think license sales and the pressure from the industry have a lot to do with all of these things the pa game commission has done. But talk to a rifle hunter and he will say look at all the time you get for archery season. Maybe true but not the quality time we used to enjoy without rifles and spooky deer! Great video!
Pa boy here my self. Westmoreland county to be exact. Where about in PA?
Clearfield County.
@@averagejackarchery cool not to far away. Couldn't agree more with ya on the crossbows. Its like they've taken archery out of archery. Lol
I am the only person I know who hunts with compound. Everyone else I know uses crossbow. I am from southwestern Ontario, Canada.
Just wondering what his opinion would have been when compounds came out. It was the same mumbo/jumbo back then. People were saying "this is going to ruin hunting".
No they didnt.
I live in a "if its brown its down state" as I call it ( louisiana ) I'm pretty sure we might have the most relaxed hunting regulation in the country) and all I hear is if I get a crossbow i get to hunt a month earlier .
Here in NY they just added a week of shotgun doe season right before the archery season. One of the things I appreciate about bow hunting is the deer aren't running scared yet. This messes that all up!
I recently took a course learning to archery hunt. We used crossbows, and I cannot tell you how many times the instructors running the course said to treat them like a vertical bow, not a firearm... i.e. 20 yards or less.
I think the biggest draw is people have less and less time to practice, and they still want the accuracy and power... and as long as they are ethically minded, I'm fine with it.
That said, yeah, the crowd of people tromping around sniping deer at 60 yards, is absurd... that's not ethical.
I could definitely see a crossbow exclusive season becoming standard.
I crossbow hunt just out of hobby, I always try to get one tag with my crossbow, and one tag with my compound.
This sounds a lot like the arguments we used against the compound bow and against the release aid when they came out. Our MI DNR says the DATA doesn’t show a big difference in the effectiveness of the crossbows over the other archers in harvesting deer. People generally don’t care what the DATA shows when they form opinions. I’m 72 and recently switched from conventional archery to compound bow. I started bow hunting when I was 12.
Crossbows make people who don't practice enough (probably most archery hunters) more accurate/ethical; so I generally support it. Also it gets more people hunting which is good. However I'd prefer a season breakdown such as 1 week trad bows, 2 weeks compound bows, remainder crossbows.
I think this is what people are missing. The guy shooting the crossbow would likely wound an animal and cause great suffering because he didn't have the time to practice as much. They made the decision that they are more effective with a crossbow. As long as they practice enough for that to be true (which is definitely less than any other type of archery) I don't have a problem with it. I also like the solution of having different seasons that would open from most skill needed to least and we should have these conversations instead of targeting other hunters following the laws.
I agree
Crossbows are great...during muzzle loader and rifle seasons. I am 73 and cannot properly employ my 55# traditional recurve bows (Rotator issues). My Scorpyd Deathstalker-LT has 115# limbs and launches a 401gr arrow at 365fps. Using a rope cocker I am lifting about 57# to cock my bow. This combination will work fine on all game...during the proper season.
THE BEARDDD 👋🏼
😭😭😭
@@averagejackarchery did you like the beard or not? Currently in young teenage years so I don't know what beards are like lol
Yeah some people, including myself, should stop at the scruff level.
Totally agree bud I have 2 bad shoulders and hunt compound till it’s cold then I go crossbow for late season
I agree 100% with what your saying. Use to, here in Texas, you had to have an actually handicap permit to be allowed to use a crossbow during archery season. A few years ago they changed it to anyone can use a crossbow during archery season. I wasn’t happy either.
In the state I live, you can only use crossbows during rifle season....
Your state sucks
That’s a good thing
That’s your opinion.
@@2cthetruth somebody’s feelings are hurt... go back to rifle season..your prolly over weight and hunt from the road.
Your state Rocks!
REALLY ROCKS!!!!!!!
In Mexico we dont even have a bow season... It's just open for all...
In Utah you have to have a doctors note submitted to the DNR in order to use a crossbow. Makes it fair for everyone in my opinion. And it’s only during the regular archery season.
Question... how is using a crossbow "unfair" as compared to using a compound bow? Not sure how "fairness" plays into it
Here the seasons all run together with couple weeks at front end and extra week on the end for bow and muzzleloader. And some people do not have as much time as others I go to work at 4:30 am till roughly 6:00 pm after which I take care of my own small business nights 7 days a week plus whatever needs to be taken care of around the house ( all this just to try not to lose my shirt off my back which I can feel the banks tugging on it 😂) so time could be an issue for some a lot of times I get part way through building arrows or tunning bow and have to give up for weeks sometimes months before I can get back to it
All about priorities brotha.
I started hunting with a crossbow because it was familiar to shooting. I still hunt with my crossbow but now also use my compound. My thing is, I know a crossbow IS NOT A GUN, so I never tried to hunt with it, like it was. I am deadly with both, but I am a little more accurate with my xbow because I can aim more accurately. I will not take a shot at a deer past 40 yards with either, even though I can hit a target out to 70 yds with both.
I think the cross bows should have to hunt with the muzzle loader crowd. The capability of a side lock hawken and a modern cross bow are almost exactly the same thing now. I hunt both hawken smoke poles and stick bows. I have a real hard time with an “archery season “ that allows equipment capable of lethal shots as far out as 150 yards. (And yes, if you put in the time, you could reliably make kill shots that far and farther with some of those.)
I say...who cares? As long as people are enjoying themselves and being safe, I couldn't care less what other people do. I can enjoy what I can enjoy. I don't want anyone else telling me how to enjoy what I enjoy, so who am I to tell anyone else? Btw, I'm 47 years and was an elite athlete in my teens. Yes, your body can be broken down at that age. My left shoulder is really bad. Multiple dislocations and separations. Bad hip. Bad knees. Bad back. Bad neck. But, I power through it and am super active. Shooting guns, rifles, and compound bows. Ski and skateboard. Some people aren't/can't. I'm not here to judge anyone, and have learned in my years on this Earth that you don't know that person across from you has lived through, or needs. I do understand the whole, "I've been tracking that buck for hours, and here's this guy who shows up at the right place, right time, with a crossbow and bagged MY buck". I get that, but sadly, that's just a life lesson. It's a tough pill to swallow, but there will be other days, and other bucks. If that's the worst thing to befall anyone in their lives, they have a charmed life. Take it easy. Life is grand.
HUGELY important - crossbow manufacturers, unlike compound manufacturers, don’t pay into the “Robertson Pittman Act” which is an 11% excise tax that goes back into conservation because they argued they use a “bolt” and therefore weren’t considered archery yet they want all the accoutrements that are associated with archery.
Why does nobody talk about this?
When crossbows are fully legalized for all archery seasons i think they should ABSOLUTELY pay the tax.
I've had surgery on both of my shoulders and still shot 60-50 lbs.
Man did I ever catch flak for sharing this point of view.
Recently WV released an article pertaining to crossbows and archery season in their state. It was stating some of the stats and how crossbows have taken over archery season. It was trying to figure out what % of the archery harvest was taken by xbow. I’m a believer that if you’re physically able to hunt with a traditional type of bow “including compounds” you should be required to do so. I posted all of this to a private Pa Hunting FB group and was called every name on the book.
With the addition of crossbows being legalized to everyone, the first day of archery season is the new first day of rifle season. Xbows should have their own season, just like in-line muzzleloader season is separate from flintlock. I’m also mad that the xbow companies advertise shooting 100yds!!! I know that there are some serious inexperienced hunters taking 100yd shots at game because they saw those commercials on TV.
It seems to me that with xbows, inline season , and the junior and senior October rifle hunt, that the Pa Game Commissions objective is to seriously thin the herd. It angers me and saddens me. I’ll hunt with a compound until I no longer can.
Theres nothing traditional about compound bows.
@@Trickydickysticky I dont disagree with you. My point was that with traditional bows and compound bows, you have to draw the bow, hold it then release the arrow. If someone is physically able to do this then in my opinion the law should be that you are required to do so. Xbows only for the physically unable or elderly. There’s no comparison the a vertical bow vs an xbow.
@@craigmcmullen231 a compound bow weighs 3-4lbs and you only have to hold back 10% of the draw weight due to letoff sooo... not really valid. Sounds about as difficult as trying to hold some 12lbs crazy heavy crossbow steady from the shoulder to me. At best its slightly harder. Both systems have triggers, sights (pins AND magnfied/rangefinder/gps/angle calculagion), center shot arrows, crazy high fps) and every attempt to manufacture human error out of the equation. The line you are drawing is hair thin. Calling the other side lazy is silly- whats easier? A compound shooter hunting high pressure public land? Or a spear throwing 10 feet above a pile of apples?
A 50lb longbow is exponentially harder to draw and hold than a standard 70lb compound. And the inherent inaccuracies of bendy wooden projectiles magnify all the other problems like finger shooting issues 10 fold.
Mechanically speaking- lets say one guy is trying to shoot a wooden arrow (bolt w.e) out of a chinese recurve crossbow with iron sights and another guy has a state of the art compound bow finely tuned by a professional complete with a garmin GPS whatever bowsight. Who has more accuracy and effective range at the end of the day? Archery is all about compensating for the "arch" of the arrow. In that extreme case id argue that the crossbow was a harder tool to kill with than the wizbang compound. Sure if you look at the same tech applied to a crossbow its not so different from a rifle at that point- but to the barebow shooter its all blasphemy.
Saying that shooting a crossbow is all about making up for a "disability" is silly. You cant regulate a rifle shooter that wants to take a 1000yard shot on game during rifle season that same as you cant stop someone with an arrow launcher trying to hit game at 100. Id argue 1000y with a rifle is safer (because of sound) for the animal.
Luckily the crossbow and compound bow ultimately shoot arrows with about the same speed cap so their range is linear. The crossbow is generally disadvantaged to the bow on a follow up shot btw- but you dont see them complaining.
Compound shooters in my experience are the biggest whiners of the hunting world. And if you want to tak about lazy- again yur gonna get smoked by the trad crowd.
@@Trickydickysticky my issue isn’t with the traditional bows or compound bows. It’s with xbows. There’s absolutely no comparing a crossbow to a traditional bow or compound. It has about as much in common with them as it does with a single shot gun or inline muzzleloader. The one common link is the projectile and even they aren’t very similar. Hell it’s not even called an arrow for crying out load.
The simple fact is, if you can’t draw a 45lb bow, put in the work and learn how to shoot a vertical bow, OF ANY KIND! Then in my opinion you shouldn’t be hunting in what was always traditionally called archery season.
Anyone that can get in a tree stand, sit on the ground, whatever, and rest there weapon on a rest, look through a scope, put their hand around a pistol grip, and pull a trigger isn’t an archery hunter or shooter for that matter.
I’ve hunted with traditional long bows, and compounds. There is no comparing a crossbow to either.
Again this is my opinion. You’re entitled to yours as well. But for me the Pa game commissions biggest mistake was the day the opened up crossbows to anyone who wanted one. If you were disabled or elderly and had no other choice but a crossbow, that was great. But they changed that and I think it was stupid. It was all about $$ and license sales.
@@craigmcmullen231 well, no doubt we are all entitled to our opinions- there is nothing traditional about compound equipment. If you really want to play that game people were hunting with crossbows way before compound tech hit the market- i mean since the 11th century or so if you wanna talk "traditional" or whatever. Of course this argument applies to compound crossbows aswell.
You can teach someone compound bow proficiency in a day. Literally, ive seen it. Its not work. A trad bow is work sure- so thats not much of an argument.
As far as pistol grips go- which hand? Most bows have them now- that being said what about triggers? Compound bows and crossbows bow have them respectively. Trad bows would be the exception- especially longbows for that matter.
All the same tech applies- there are magnfied sights/scopes (including THERMAL) for compound bows AND rests/shooting sticks AND triggers AND pistol grips. So i really dont see your point. There are also various draw locks for "verticle bows" on the market now that are all legal. where you try to draw the line is absolutely arbitrary. You be better off limiting archery season to projectile material like wooden arrows then type of bow.
Im not personally a big fan of the new tech myself- perhaps the middle ground is to regulate sighting methods- allowing magnfication to people with poor eyesight and regulate cocking aids to the handicapped. This would force people to accurately hand span crossbows making it less popular/accurate instantly- manufacturers would have a harder time peddling shit because of warranties and people would have to try harder to pull off a shot during archery season. Or perhaps to force people to shoot wooden projectiles- furthur reducing the amount of power/range you can effectively pump out of archery equipment across the board...
I appreciate the discourse btw- there are ZERO hard feelings here. I dont mind debating the merits of different equipments or even establishing rankings of some sort to give people credit for their proficiency, but i think we cross into dangerous territory when we start trying to kick people out of the woods over which axis their bow sits on.
For me, I love my compound bow. I feel more connected to the whole experience of sending arrows down range. Maybe it's the Cherokee in me, idk but it just feels right and more personal Imo. I practice about an hour at a time, sometimes twice a day, 2-3 days a week when I can.
One point you have to consider is also cost. For me I have a 34" draw length so a bow for me is going to cost around $1k or more. Finding a used bow is next to impossible for me (I've looked for 2 years). I was able to purchase a killer instinct hero 380, Pse fang Lt 330, and a centerpoint tyro all for around $230 brand new thanks to clearance deals....that cost is a lot more feasible for me.
I will say though, I feel like the leap between traditional archery and compound is probably similar to the leap between compound and crossbows.
Disagree. Using any bow you still have to physically draw the bow aim and release an arrow....maybe people thought that way back in the day....but it's definitely not the same
No, the leap between compound and crossbow is SIGNIFICANTLY smaller than trad bow to compound.
I saw this this year and talked to the guy and his reason was its easier to do. I almost lost my mind when he said it.
Isn’t that something the same conversation happened to me
Crossbows = Dusche bags
@@chavezv.c.7249 same guy gutted a doe less then 20 yards from the parking area on public land
Here in Texas Archery Season is just from the end of Sept to the first week of Nov so we have 5-6weeks about around. They do allow crossbows and when I went last year to a public area in west texas I think I was the only one with a Bow. They do not allow any type of firearm during those weeks that I know of. Also, the way our public lands work a lot of places are near homes so they have some that are archery only the whole season and the place I go to does break a week off during the middle of November to have only archery so gives quite a bit of opportunity to hunt the way I want year round.
I'm in Ontario, Canada. Here, we aren't allowed to shoot any firearm in our back yard, including bows, unless you have a large property and live outside city limits. I have a membership at an archery club that is a 1/2 hour drive, so I don't have oodles of time to practice every day. I started archery hunting with a compound and I have harvested deer and black bear with it. I purchased a crossbow so that my kids could join me hunting for deer and moose, because they couldn't draw a heavy enough bow to be legal. I have an old shoulder injury (I dislocated my shoulder 30 years ago), that has flared up in recent years, and when it does, it is extremely painful for me to draw my bow. The only solution for the pain is to let it rest, so I have been hunting with my crossbow and it has allowed me to continue to enjoy the archery season. I still like shooting my compound, but I'm cautious with my shoulder, so I don't shoot nearly as much as I used to. I also have a longbow and recurve which I enjoy shooting, but have yet to hunt with them. Personally, I believe crossbows should be allowed in the archery season.
You should shoot the traditional bows that you have. I've had a rotator cuff problem and could not pull my compound back so I started using a recurve. That was 10 years ago and have loved the traditional bows. I also now have a compound that I only pull 55 lbs on.
I had my son use a crossbow for 2 years but it's now been put up and probably will stay there. They are just not as much fun to shoot.
Anyway there are lots of ways to do archery but I don't think crossbows should be allowed in the archery season unless handicapped or a child. Just doesn't seem like archery.
@@garytomas1757 Since I got into traditional archery, I've seen the same "that's not real archery" sentiment towards compound bows in traditional bow hunting circles. Hunting overall is dying, and I believe that unless we stick together, fully support each other, and encourage people to join the sport no matter what legal method they want to use, I fear we will see hunting eventually being banned.
Most successful weapon during deer season 2020 in Ohio was the crossbow ... think about that...
How about bows only during bow season, with an exemption for under 18 and over 55, and medical conditions (with a dr note, listed with your state)? Then crossbow during muzzleloader and open seasons?
Shoulder issues are a real issue for a lot of men and women in their forties and fifties and it only gets worse as we get older. Please don’t judge to harshly they may have a history of rotator cuff tear or some other issue. I like cross bows for that very real issue and frankly we need more hunters here of any type.
I agree with you. Used to be that you got a crossbow if you had shoulder surgery. Or 1 arm. But now I have people who never hunted bragging about how far they can shoot and not even practicing the shot
Fortunately Montana has not followed this trend (yet). The newest regs are still pretty explicit that a crossbow does not constitute archery equipment. Yeah, you can use them in weapons restrictions areas, and during the rifle seasons, but you can’t in the archery specific seasons.
Amen brother! Crossbows of today with the modern technology should not be allowed in the archery season. I live in Michigan and much of what you discussed about PA hunting seasons over lapping and such is the same here. It’s irritating. I think crossbows should ONLY be allowed for anyone under the age of 16 and above 60. It irritates me seeing 20 something year olds that are perfectly capable of drawing a bow shooting crossbows because “well I’m no good with a compound bow. I’m not accurate enough”. Well neither was I when I first got a compound in my youth. It took shooting a compound for about 5-6 years before I was comfortable with shooting past 25 yards. I only take 30 and in shots on whitetails but I’ll smack paper out to 90 yards. But it took a lot of time and dedication and practice to get to where I am with my archery today. No one wants to put forth an effort anymore. They just wanna go kill a deer so they can look good for social media like the television hunters.
I’ve seen the 10 point crossbow that has x1 farm in digital sight that you don’t even have to learn t sight in just input data and the sight will do it for you. The crossbow reverse draw shoots 450 fps with 5 inch width. Hand crack cocking decocking mechanism. Might as well be a rifle.
Your young now so put out another video when your 20 or 30 years older and then see if your anger towards X Bows change. I've hunted hard with compound bows my entire younger years of my life and have taken a lot of game with a compound. I love shooting compounds but time will affect each and every one of us and after having 3 major back surgeries I did take the plunge and got a X Bow. Is it something I wanted to do absolutely not but it kept me in the hunt. I will never put anyone down for the type of weapon they are using and if I ever do then I know I need to quit hunting because I lost the true reason we go hunting and it's because we love the sport!
Not a crossbow fan, no practice needed, any one can shoot right out of the box. I'm 75 broken, shoulder (twice) major heart attack April. Pull my bow just fine, shot my Utah buck in August and packed it to my truck. MAN UP ALL YOU OLD TIMERS !
I have had open heart surgery and my chest sawed open... yet I still shoot a #60 vertical bow- so people are full of it!
You should be pulling more..prove your a man dammit
It's all about resolve. Most ppl in America have am entitled mentality and they will quickly take the most paved road that's available. Good for your for getting back on the horse instead of laying there, crying for favor and concessions
@@2cthetruth lol I can pull #70 but i shoot around 100 arrows a days so i stay at #60.
If I was going after something bigger than whitetail I would crank it up for the hunt- actually I keep a 60 and a 70 pound bow.
Something tells me you’re from my generation, where we didn’t whine about pain and just got the daggum job done
Two months ago I took my first traditional whitetail, after seven years of practicing with traditional bows. I had shot seven deer in five seasons (5 with a compound bow, 2 with a shotgun) but the sense of reward after the time and effort that went into a successful longbow harvest was just unparalleled... it was actually a profoundly spiritual experience that crystalized my identity as a hunter.
I agree that there are exceptions for who can justify using a crossbow, but I can't imagine feeling quite as accomplished. Maybe that's just me. But I have seen a huge uptick in crossbow hunting on social media in recent years, and I'm just not convinced that a lot of those folks don't have time or strength to practice with and use a vertical bow. It does seem pretty lazy, especially since hunting is considered a sport.
Traditional isnt good enough! Got to use a dam rock and sling shot to be a man! You get em tiger!
A shotgun for a whitetail? I've only heard of guys using shotguns on moose. Interesting.
@@caninphx on a moose ? Never heard of that you get them to sniff barrel first ?😂
@@caninphx Massachusetts. No hunting whitetails with long rifles; population density. Where I live, if I missed with a 30-06 it could spell serious trouble. 12ga sabot slugs mitigate that issue since gravity gets the best of them relatively quickly
@@2cthetruth fuck the slingshot man! I'm gonna run those deer to exhaustion and eat them raw :p
Hunt with what you like. Ive always hunted with a bow because it is a challenge. This year I used a crossbow while still hunting. Next year I will use one again and a bow while in a blind.
The whole disadvantage argument is silly. The advantage climbing 20 feet in the air is huge over those hunting on their feet...hunt how you want to hunt.
Yes!!!! Not only do crossbow hunters not care about archery they don't even care about crossbows. If we changed the law to say you can only use your crossbow in rifle season most those people would never pick up a crossbow again. We need to stop being polite about this, and start shaming people as cheaters. You don't bring flippers to a swim race, a motorcycle to a bike race, or a crossbow to archery season.
Aloha from Hawaii good video and loved topic yes crossbow too me is just like gun. Even in Hawaii people are taking advantage I feel. I love my archery hunting still at age of 67 keep doing great job in archery world. Mahalo thank you David
I'd be upset about firearms entering the archery hunting season, but don't blame crossbows. How do you think barebow shooters feel about compound bows? The differences are equivalent.
Should go back to the old way in Pa with the only way you can use a crossbow is if u need disabled person permit.
WI is still crossbow and archery in the same season. They are not seperate.
I agree with you,Maine started allowing cross bows during archery season. I started bow hunting cuz it's more of a challenge,it takes more skill,time, effort,and the separate season,not as many people in the woods. Alot of people are using them being unskilled in Maine just for the extra season and taking poor unskilled, unethical shots,cuz they think it's like a gun.
Here in Oklahoma we have everyday from October 1st to January 15 to bow hunt. There is a one weekend long youth rifle season, one week long muzzleloader season, a 2 week rifle season, and a week long antlerless rifle season around Christmas all sprinkled in through that time. We can carry archery equipment and the firearms during the different seasons. Crossbows are also allowed for everyone, 2 years ago they were only allowed if you were disabled.
I have been calling them String Rifles for a long time now. I remember over 6 years ago WV required a Y license (had to have a doctor's note stating disability), but now it is open for all.
My Dad who is now 63, but has had a legit elbow injury for a couple decades now where he it hurts to draw a bow back is finally going to get a crossbow to extend his hunting season. He use to be a pretty good recurve archer. I hope that he does so before turkey season.
I agree with you, these weapons are great for youth or the older crowd. There are some folks who work in a high intensity labor job or have been in a wreck and sustained a disabling long term injury that are in their 30s to 50s, but many people take advantage of the system and are lazy.
My cousin asked me if I wanted to use his crossbow that he has for his kids since I missed 3 does. I just couldn't bring myself to doing so. The only time that I can see myself using a crossbow is winter time when it's really cold and difficult to draw. Since I never practiced with a heavy coat on I didn't go out with a bow after our rifle and muzzleloader seasons.
We have an early doe rifle season during the 3rd week of October. I saw the biggest buck of the year while holding a rifle during early antlerless season.
I totally agree with you. I think crossbows should be in the same category as muzzle loaders. Just wanted to let you know, Wisconsin crossbow season is the same time as archery season. I live in Wisconsin, and I have the same arguments with our season as you do. Also, people that say this is the same argument as the traditional bow hunters had with compound bow hunters are wrong in so many way I can’t state them all here.
here in ga. its all legal..if its legal dont buck it..there are people that would like to get hunters to argue about whats right or legal..once they get the crossbow gone..then they will get the compound.. then trad bows..and soon as a hunter you wont be able to even post on youtube..be very careful as a sportsman..state gov. loves easy work..Penn. might give each weapon and age group one week each and your season will be over..im sure your state would love to help you with that..remember lic. sales will stay the same..game wardens make same pay, just easier work..let um know they will be glad to help ya i am sure...
I have used compound bows, crossbows, rifles and muzzleloaders to harvest deer. I enjoy any and all of them. Each has its purpose or tactical advantage, which is the whole purpose. If youre looking for disadvantage maybe you should back your let off down from 80 or 90 percent and hold the whole 60 pounds back with no let off. A compound is compound is compound? I think Fred Bear would disagree. Is your 80 percent let off the same as zero? Is a 340 FPS arrow the same as 240? Where do you draw the line? Should we say compound bows should stop advancing at 300, 350 FPS to keep max effective range to 40-50 yards? At what point is it no longer a disadvantage to a crossbow? Because you have to draw the string back you are some how at more of a disadvantage. Is your $2500 compound and $800 fiber optic sights a disadvantage to your fellow hunter who though may be just as capable as you but decides to use a $250 crossbow. I am mostly a compound hunter because that is what i enjoy the most but there are times or applications in which I choose to use a crossbow. I shoot both with comparible consistency. I personally feel there are pros and cons to each. Im certainly not looking to cause myself disadvantage with the tool in which I use to harvest an animal. If thats the point youre making, I honestly find it ridiculous. I can think of 100 other ways you can bring yourself to disadvantage and with that being said, some people do go back to the longbow for the challenge of the hunt. Maybe you should try the compound with no sights and shoot it instinctively? Im just giving you some options. Give up the treestand? The list could continue. While I do see where you wanted to go with this video, it seemed to take a turn. And like many other people who claim to have no problem with crossbows, in the end I believe you convicted yourself of false testimony. Feathers definitely ruffled a tad but no feelings hurt. I would love to have a friendly debate you. Interested?
You said what I have been thinking and you said it very eloquently!
I get both sides as i have done both. I got into bowhunting via a crossbow. It offered a cheaper way to getting hunting now, but it was also the easiest way as i did not have to learn to shoot a bow because it isnt easy, it was intimidating. Finally i was tired of feeling like i wasn't getting the full experience of being a bow hunter with a compound in hand and i set off on this journey that has turned into more than bowhunting or archery for me. Learning how to shoot with proper form, how to set up a bow and tune it for perfect arrow flight, always working to stay sharp. For me theres no comparison, archers with a compound bow in hand are 100 percent more challenged to fill a tag than someone with a crossbow in hand. I dont know what the answer is in terms of having separate seasons or maybe requiring that they are throttled down to achieve the same arrow speeds the average bowhunter with a compound gets to level the playing field. We all know a compound shooting anything faster than 280 fps is pretty dang fast using a reasonably adequate heavy arrow. It does seem odd that the guys willing to spend the time, money, and effort to become efficient with a compound bow can have a guy next to them in the woods that bought a tag, crossbow, some bolts and broadheads only an hour or so after purchase.
You hit the nail right on the head...people will come up with every excuse they can to make it easier to hunt because they don’t want to practice. 2 years ago I scheduled a shoulder surgery (torn labrum, 4 anchors) in early May and I did that because of the recovery time it would take me to recover for me to shoot my compound. Used rubber bands to get stronger, worked out hard and was able to pull back the 60 Lbs I lowered it to. Pennsylvania has ruined the archery season, just like you said because the kill has tripled from when it used to be back in the day, hence why you don’t see a lot of rifle hunters anymore. They switched to the crossbow for the easiest hunt and better weather. 👍🙏🦌🏹
One thing I like about crossbows is how accurate they are. As a bow hunter I worry about anti hunters finding out about the seldom talk about non lethal kills in archery hunting. We all know it happens.
Most the Compound shooters I know are way more accurate than a Crossbow user. Its seldom talked about because it seldom happens
I agree totally. I tried a crossbow one year. Bought brand new top of the line crossbow. Shot a nice buck first day and sold it week later. No challenge at all !!