Crossbow vs. Compound Bow
This is a question that is brought up all the time in conversation between hunters/huntresses. It is a love hate relationship between the two systems. The people that shoot crossbows love them, while the ones clinging to their compound bow, hate the thought of someone who is healthy using a crossbow. Arguments ensue over a crossbows legality issues in certain states, hit to kill ratio, user skill level and overall hardness to shoot. These arguments are generally an over exaggeration, fueled by passion, and often leave a bitter taste in hunter’s mouths. The truth about the issue is that it truly doesn’t matter what someone uses in the woods, or their methods of legally harvesting an animal.
Crossbows have opened a new market segment that allows for all people to become deadly in the woods. They are a great tool for those who are physically incapable of pulling back a bow, people who are new to hunting, others that are looking for a different way to harvest an animal, and even a great tool for the most experienced bow hunter. The argument between crossbows and compound bows is a moot point and the only argument between outdoor enthusiasts should be the best way to cook their harvest.
Crossbow hunting is just like compound bow hunting in many aspects. The animal needs to be in within range to successfully harvest. Shot placement is still the number one determining factor in kill ratios. Scouting and preseason prepping are treated the same. Stand placement and playing the wind remain equally important between the 2 hunting systems. Regardless of weapon choice the overall effort to harvest an animal, remain the same.
Now, before the argument of “it is easier to shoot a crossbow and therefore is not as big of a challenge to hit a deer in the vitals” is brought up let me touch on a few points. On what claims is the easier to shoot argument? If it is that the ease of learning the basic operating mechanics, I would have to agree with that argument.
Right off the shelf or out of the box, learning to shoot and sighting in a crossbow is easier. I think there would be few who disagree with that statement. However, crossbows are awkward to hold in a tree stand. They are heavy, and have horizontal limbs which means they take up more real estate in the tree. The front heaviness of the crossbow makes them harder to hold on a deer which generally leads to mare inaccurate shots. So, shooting a crossbow at game can be a very difficult task.
Both the crossbow and the compound bow have advantages and disadvantages. But, it truly does not matter if an animal is harvested with a crossbow or a compound bow. The memories that are made while pursuing their target animal is what matters. If a hunter/huntress wants to use a crossbow, it is their right to do so. Support them and support their harvest. Just get out and hunt, develop a passion for the outdoors and share this passion with others. This is how we grow and develop our hunting community.
Remember, having the desire to become successful in hunting, takes a mindset change and that is the hardest part in this endeavor. We can help you with changing this mindset, and once you have changed you will appreciate the hunt more, and start understanding what being a sportsman/woman is all about. Remember our mission is to redefine tradition. Challenge traditional thinking and push others to do the same. We must dedicate ourselves to hone in on our primal instincts and combine them with new methodologies and technologies to truly master evolution.
Tradition, Re-engineered