Cross Bows and Compound Bows

[thcri]

I have been thinking about getting a Bow to hunt deer with. I originally wanted a cross bow but was told I could not hunt deer with it in Minnesota. Now I am told that you can get a permit for a cross bow. But does anyone have any suggestions for the two styles of bows and recomendations.

Actually as many deer that come in my back yard at night I am sure I could get one pretty easy but still would rather hunt up north.


murph

 

[BB_TX]

Don't know about Minn., but in Tx I believe you can get a permit for a crossbow only if you can show proof of a physical disability that prevents you from being able to shoot a regular bow.
Compound bows are amazingly easy to become proficient shooting. They are very accurate out to 35-40 yards with peep sights similar to shooting a rifle. I limit myself to no more than 30 yards and try to keep it less. The let off lets you shoot a 65-70 pound bow but hold less than half that. Go to a good archery shop with an indoor shooting range and get professional help.

 

[MMM]

LA has same disabled law. A single cam compound is a good choice as they don't have 2 cams to get out of time.I got a nice 6pt first year I bought mine (after a summers worth of practice). I advise you to go to a bow shop and get fitted for your bow and don't get silly with the speed.

 

[JOELENAHAN]

Depending on the state you are in, there are different laws. In Pa they recently enacted a season where you can hunt antlerless deer with a crossbow. A friend of mine purchased a crossbow especially for this reason. All that I can tell you is that is maybe his crossbow is faster than my compound, I am more accurate with the compound than he is with the crossbow.
It all comes down to practice, If you practice enough with a compound bow, I think that you have just a good of a chance of bagging your quarry than those who use a crossbow.

 

[slydog]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Don't know about Minn., but in Tx I believe you can get a permit for a crossbow only if you can show proof of a physical disability that prevents you from being able to shoot a regular bow.)</font>

Mississippi is the same. I agree with going to bow shop and getting equiped. I really enjoyed just shooting my bow, even when I wasn't hunting. Sold mine about 20 years ago, but I have been seriously thinking about getting another one.

 

[thcri]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Don't know about Minn., but in Tx I believe you can get a permit for a crossbow only if you can show proof of a physical disability that prevents you from being able to shoot a regular bow.
)</font>


I guess that is what I am banking on. I did tear a rotator cuff three years ago and since I have done that I can not stretch my left arm very far. So there would be a chance that I could get one.

So if anyone has any ideas on brand or type I sure would appreciat it.

murph
murph

 

[thcri]

Ken,

Your story is touching. I am sorry to hear about your brother.

What you did was totally in the right. Unfortunately our government agencies have it all turned around. They are suppose to be working for us, not us working for them. Their rules are great but with all rules there is a time when they should be bent. This is what you did and I will back you up 110%. And the lady, no doubt she has no heart and am glad I don't know her.

Thanks for your tribute.


murph

 

[BB_TX]

murph - When it comes to brand of bows, that is kind of like our discussions of brand of tractor. There are numerous name brands now and a lot of lesser known brands. There are all sorts of different gimmicks each of which claim to be the best. I would suggest going to a good archery shop and talk to someone knowledgeable. More than one shop if there are several in your area to get different view points. You can get in for around $200 or so or you can go up to $1000 or more. Then you start adding on the accessories. Sights, quivers, arrows-aluminum or carbon, arrow heads, etc. That will add more than a few more dollars.

 

[MMM]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( So if anyone has any ideas on brand or type I sure would appreciat it. )</font>

Barnett has been around a long time. I think all they do is crossbows. I've heard of Horton and Bear (Fred) also, but couldn't comment to quality.

Best of luck.

 

[MMM]

Here's a l site I get a lot of hunting supplies from. Not sure about crosbow, but lots of camo and blinds etc at real good prices.
the man store

Just curious, I checked and they do cary them. You could get into an x0bow a whole lot cheaper than I got into a compound.

 

[BB_TX]

Here is <font color="blue"> Cabelas site </font> to give you an idea of what is available and price ranges. They also have a lot of compound bows if you want to look at them also.

 

[RobertN]

I have had work done on my compound bow, which I got from a friend, locally. In our larger regional area, there are two archery shops. Both have been really helpful.

I had a harder time finding a light recurve bow. I wanted the equivilant of a 22 rifle for plinking with my son, who has a 20lb youth recurve. It is light, but 64" tall(taller than him!). He wanted a long bow instead of compound, especially after Legolas and Lord of the Rings books(and movies...).

Anyways, the local guys didn't have a selection for what I wanted. They could order, but with this internet thing, I could too...

So, I used Lancaster Archery Supply. They have all types of archery stuff. I had some questions between a couple of bows; thier staff was very helpful over the phone.

Lancaster Archery

 

[fishman]

thcri,

I also recommend going to the local archery shop. Great fun and you'll learn a lot. Personally, I think PSE is a great value on a premium bow, and they've been around a while. However, there are lots of good brands out there, with Matthews arguably being the best.

I suggest a single cam as someone else has already said. So much easier to keep in tune.

Careful, you might get another hobby and forget about your tractor! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[fishman]

Slydog,

Those kinds of stories really get my dander up! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif I don't know what the H%*& that lady was thinking. You did the right thing talking to the local warden. The odds of running into two heartless SOB's in a row are pretty low, even in state government.