The crossbow is the modern and evolved form of the ancient wooden bow, used by our ancestors for hunting. Since ever, humanity started killing the animal, before the advent of agriculture, they were always in search of a better weapon to hunt down the animals to meet their food requirements. The bow was the part of one of their tools they preferred a lot.
Back to ancient times, it was the weapon they can hunt the dangerous animal far from without going their nearby, so they use it a lot and, those bows and the arrows have evolved efficiently down the time. Over the period, crossbow and arrow had not remained the only tool for their survival but a weapon for their imperialistic aspirations. They became one of their premium weapons in the field of wars against enemies.
From a tool for hunting to a warfare weapon, and today a part of sporting activities, the crossbow has come along the long way down the period. Today it is still used for hunting purposes as well as for the sporting activities to target the goal. Today the revolutionized crossbow has earned popularity.
Just similar to the ancient bows, it too has arrows and bow but, the whole mechanism of working has changed. It has not remained just a piece of flexible wood, thread, and iron arrow but as fast as rifle’s bullet. It is available in the market in various shapes, models, sizes, and configurations, etc.
This guide will give you a complete insight into modern crossbow hunting. If you have an interest in shooting and hunting and willing to purchase a crossbow but do not know from where to start and, what to choose, then you have landed at the best page on the internet. Just keep patience and go through the information you will feel confident while making any decision regarding the crossbow.
In the guide you will also come across crossbow hunting, why you should try crossbow hunting, how to properly cock and load a crossbow, how to use your crossbow, how to sight in a crossbow scope, arrow track, rail lube, draw weight, power stroke, and cocking mechanism. See also our recommendations on the best compound bow, best crossbow for hunting, crossbow safety tips, and different types of crossbows.
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The Basic Anatomy of Cross Bow:
Before starting hunting by crossbow and making a decision to buy a crossbow, it is essential to be aware of the basic anatomy and terms of the crossbow itself.
These are the primary parts of any bow; please look after this:
Stock- It is one of the main parts of a crossbow which connected to almost every part of the bow itself. The top of the stock strengthens the line of sight of an arrow track. The rear part of the bow is to put into place against the shoulder of the hunter. The trigger is positioned at the lowest part of the crossbow.
Stirrup- It is a ring of metal positioned at the top of the stock to secure the bow in position while cocking mechanism.
Riser- Riser is a part of a crossbow connected to the stock orthogonally and made up of machined or cast aluminum metal. The limb of the crossbow is joined to both of its side of the riser at the very center of the crossbow.
Limbs- It is one of the essential parts of any crossbow responsible for storing energy into the form of potential energy and propel it to the arrow instantaneously when the trigger is released in the form of kinetic energy.
Cams- Cams is the part of the compound crossbow, which helps to transmit energy when the trigger is released to the limbs.
Strings- String is positioned beside the arrow track at the top of the stock for loading the weapon and attached to each limb. It transmits kinetic energy to the arrow when the trigger is activated.
Trigger- If you activated the trigger, the string energy release and it propels the arrow forward. It is just like a protective gear in the crossbow weapon used while in sporting events to avoid any un-intended firing.
Arrow Track- It is a long narrow channel that paves the path of the arrow through which it gets slide and released form the bow.
Sight- It is situated at the top of the crossbow helps to aim the target; it usually is of the form of red dots or crosshairs like.
Rail Lube- It is a lubricant or greasing material that helps to stabilize the bow correctly and reduce friction.
Draw Weight- It is the pull need to stir the limb to a high potential position. Higher the draw weight faster will the arrow get projected.
Power Stroke- It is the distance the string gets stretched from its stationary position to the cocked position. It is generally measured in inches.
Cocking mechanism – It is the device used to cock the crossbow.
How to Select Arrows and Crossbow?
You can purchase your crossbow and arrows separately, or together, both options are available in the market. If you are buying a complete package, it will comprise of the following items, few arrows, the arrows tips, the scope sight, quiver, and cocking mechanism. You can also opt for draw weight depending upon your intended prey and your state’s law to regulate hunting. Individual states may permit draw weight of 200 pounds, and some may not, hence always research the concerned law before coming to any decision.
If you would like to purchase a fast and impactful crossbow, you should consider the model with a longer power stroke. Longer the power stroke more forcefully and faster, the arrow projected as the length of the power stroke is directly proportional to the arrow speed. Some of the crossbows can propel arrows as 500 feet per second, depending upon the extent of their power stroke.
You should prefer a big arrow made up of light carbon, aluminum, or a mixture of both. Since it, the arrow which is going to fulfill or target your goal hence must be strong enough. For hunting, always prefer carbon arrows or the hybrid of carbon and aluminum for the optimal result.
The length of arrows is also an essential factor to consider while purchasing a crossbow. It should be anywhere from 16 to 22 inches. You can also compromise with the length of the arrows depending upon your need.
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Why should we use a crossbow while hunting instead of other bows?
There is the various reason for preferring crossbow over another bow for hunting purpose. Hunting by the crossbow does not require any massive efforts or energy. It will propel the arrow at the lightning-fast speed just by releasing the trigger. It is as simple as firing a bullet by a gun just pull the trigger and boom, the bullet fired.
Crossbow is recommended where accuracy and precision are required while shooting down the target. Its telescopic sight attached to it provides better aiming at the target point.
One of the most significant advantages of the crossbow over the traditional other bows that it does not comprises of string, which is to be pulled for every shot by hand. It has cocking mechanism instead. So it is easy to use and yet practical and accurate than another bow.
How to use Your Crossbow?
Here are the steps regarding the use of a crossbow. Every crossbow has a similar structure and mechanism; hence it can be applied with whatever crossbow you have.
Step1. Position your foot the stirrup on the ground and put your foot in it to cock the crossbow inside it.
Step2. After positioning the crossbow on the ground, firmly restrain the strings on both ends of the limbs. Stretch the string gradually until got access to the cocking device and position the string on it correctly, it will produce click sound after successfully placing. Look for the all safety and precaution and activate all to avoid misfire.
Step3. After cocking the crossbow and ensuring safety, but the arrow along the track. Make sure the end of the arrow is touching the string, and there is no obstacle in the path of the arrow, if there are anyone or anything places, please displace them otherwise severe injury could happen.
Step4. Ensure there is ample space surrounding you and your crossbow because, as the arrow released, crossbow limbs also recoil once you are ready to trigger the arrow.
Why should you try crossbow hunting:
Advantages of crossbow hunting
Apart from the fact that crossbow has real fun to both hunting and shooting, several other compelling reasons are also there to prove the advantages of the crossbow while hunting.
1. It does not require much effort to set it up and practice consistently. Other conventional bow needs more hard work to learn how to fire arrow by them, but crossbow just required setting up and firing.
2. Compound and traditional bowhunters require their bow, arrows and other accessories fitted to them in their fist and as per their height. Each and everyone in a family member needed a unique bow for them. But modern crossbow is ready to use for everyone.
3. Third and perhaps the most essential reason, convention bow hunting is banned, and crossbow hunting is now legal during the archery-only season in the 29 states of the USA. Some state allows it during gun seasons. Hunting by crossbow is legal in many countries outside the USA, too, for example, South Africa.
4. Crossbow is not firearms but different from them. It is easy to purchase and not needed much approval.
5. Hunting form crossbow is useful as we can target our prey without being in close vicinity of cold-blooded animals. We can aim at them from a very distant place.
6. It gives hunting a new dimension and experience.
The disadvantage of Using crossbow:
1. Crossbows are heavy to carry and a little bit complex to use as compared to the traditional bow. Its mechanism of firing arrow much tedious. It comes with various accessories and other stuff that make it complex and increase its weight.
2. Due to this, it is quite irritating to manage your bow while hunting. It is also substantial, its accessories and material are heavy, which makes it tough to carry while hunting.
3. Its size and shape make it difficult to reload quickly again and again. Till then, you will be reloading your crossbow your prey might disappear.
4. Modern crossbows make significant noise than traditional bows. Crossbows are noisy. Sound of its triggering mechanism some time alerts the prey, and you lost your target.
How to properly cock and load a crossbow?
Do follow these steps to cock your crossbow:
. Look for the safety on the side of the rear side of the sight bridge and place it on the “fire.”
. While manually cocking the crossbow, put it down to the ground to prevent slippage.
. Pull the string back manually and bend over the stock by your hand.
. Stretch the string back along the barrel for latching and safety.
. Lean-to the side while cocking as it is not possible to bend the stock to reach the string.
. When you are using your hand to cock, you must be careful to align center the string in the same trigger-latch position. Use cocking aid to ensure proper string placement.
. Always keep the front end of cocked crossbow towards the ground or in a safe direction.
. Never release safety aid until the arrow is loaded in the crossbow in the shooting position, and you are entirely ready to take the shot.
How to sight in a crossbow Scope?
Better sight and positioning of scope is significant to hit your target. These are the eye of the crossbow, and how can you hit the target by blind or incompetent eye? Hence you must look after this if you want not to let your effort went into the vain.
There is some expert advice you should consider while sighting through your crossbow.
1. First of all, you should know your sight and crossbow thoroughly. It will take you further steps easy. For this purpose go through the manual that comes with your crossbow, because different crossbow has a different setting, you should be aware of that.
2. Always keep some essential tools and types of equipment like screwdriver and holder etc. together to mount your scope on the crossbow. You may also carry your binoculars to sight for distant targets and analysis. It is going to save you a lot of time on the same hand, increase your chances of proper shooting.
3. Always keep some of that arrow with which you have done practice, and you are familiar with it. You will not be able to target without any practiced arrow. Having familiarity with the bow will increase your chances of getting the perfect shot.
4. Before handling your crossbow, you need to calibrate the crossbow and scope.
5. Use those scope that comes with marking like ‘+’ or ‘red dot’ to target better. Maintain proper distance and the angle between you and your target.
6. You can make a specific adjustment if necessary, with the knobs. Knobs allow you to adjust the positioning of your arrow to the left, to the right, or depending upon how you want to set it.
7. Make sure that plastic cover for your knobs attached with it all the time and all protective gear at their place to prevent any unwanted accident. Now it looks like you are ready; enjoy your crossbow experience.
So here are the tips which might be helpful to the hunters who want to sight a crossbow scope.
Whether you are experienced or novice, you must look these point to sight a crossbow scope better and improve your crossbow experience.
Essential dos and don’t about shoot a crossbow
Dos
. Always read the crossbow manual thoroughly.
. Place your foot actively on the stirrup while cocking your crossbow.
. Always use Cocking device of some sort for safety.
. Make sure there is always safety gears in-tact when you cock the crossbow.
. Inspect your arrows before using them for shooting purposes.
. Keep your fingers below the string when shooting.
. Always keep the trigger safety engaged till then you are not about to take the shot.
. Use the haul line to move your crossbow up and down to the tree stand.
Don’ts
. Never try to cock your crossbow by hand. Always use cocking mechanism.
. Never hang the rope cocking device around your neck.
. Do not pull your foot while stirrup, until sure about the correctly cocked.
. Never point your crossbow towards you do not want to kill or target.
. Never hold crossbow by the finger.
. Never fire crossbow without an arrow.
. Never shoot crossbow it someone is standing behind you or in front of the bow.
. Never used a damaged arrow. It may miss targeted.
. Never climb on the tree or platform crossbow hanging on your back.
. Never remove the safety gear until you are ready to fire.
. Never attach haul line to the trigger, limbs, or string.
How to find an ideal crossbow?
If you are thinking of buying a new crossbow, and this is your first time, choose your crossbow by assessing your hunting goals and needs.
Always ask yourself some of these questions before setting for a crossbow:
What would be your frequency of hunting and the use of that bow during the season?
Will, there anyone else is using your crossbow for hunting?
For what purpose are you purchasing this crossbow? Whether it is for hunting or some sporting activities?
What would be your budget?
What about local legal regulations about the crossbow?
Does anyone else will go to use your crossbow regularly? If they have any health complications?
These questions will certainly help you narrow down your crossbow options, and you will be in a better position to choose one crossbow which meets most of your requirements. After this, you can make a better decision about the purchase of a bow and scope.
Important Crossbow Hunting Regulations
Every state in the US has its rules and regulations regarding the crossbow, and if you are not aware of it and not following, you are putting yourself into trouble.
Therefore you must look for your own States’ regulations about the crossbow and keep yourself updated.
There are some of the regulations regarding crossbow typical to all States in the United States of America:
.You should be of a minimum of 14 years and have licensed crossbow to use.
. If you are under 16 and hunt with a crossbow, then you must have a valid junior license in your possession.
. You should never travel with a crossbow in cocked position I a vehicle.
. You should never bring the crossbow where it is prohibited strictly.
. You should not carry your crossbow in the regions where deer and beer used to live, unless and until it is packed in a bag.
. Always use a crossbow with a minimum limb of 17 inches and a minimum weight of 100 pounds.
. You should use a crossbow only during the hunting seasons.
Crossbow hunting safety rules:
. Always inform your family before going out for hunting.
. Always keep an emergency contact number and address with yourself while hunting.
. Never carry a cocked crossbow in your vehicle; it will be treated like a loaded gun.
. Always place quivers of bolts instead of holding them.
. Never run dry firing, that is firing without an arrow.
. Always place your finger below the trigger of cocked crossbow.
. Never keep your crossbow in cocked position for a long time.
. Always be aware of your surrounding while shooting the crossbow.
Final Thought:
Now we have reached the last part of our guide, and this is the time of some suggestion and personal parting opinion about crossbow hunting. So, whenever you are going for hunting with a crossbow, never forget to respect nature and natural resources.
It is always suggested to be aware of the latest happenings and rules regulation about crossbow in your states. Never hunt for revenge, still hunt for the sake of enjoyment and make your hunting experience fulfilling.