Crossbow anyone?

**ryaninmichigan** · 06-14-2011, 03:55 PM

Don't know where to put this so I am putting in Guns and Ammo.

I am looking at buying a crossbow for deer hunting here. I want to spend $400 or less. So whats everyone shooting? What should I look for? What should I stay away from?

Thanks

**hunter63** · 06-14-2011, 07:04 PM

In Wisconsin a cross bow is illegal for deer hunting unless you have a Dr's letter and a special permit.
I do still have my FIL's Barnett circa about 1970's or so.

We all used to shoot it and practice with it, and the thing that stood out was how accurate it was up to about 25 yds....Then it started dropping off fast.
There are two bow's 90# and 150# (string breaker).

Seems that the bolts lose energy as the are shorter and weigh less than say a 21 in alum or graphite arrow.
That said.... it is fun to shoot, one like it was featured on "Pawn Stars" last season and went for big TV bucks....LOL

Yeah, I know not much help except check to see if legal in you area.

**Don** · 06-14-2011, 07:29 PM

I just got a cheap 150 lb crossbow for woodchucks and plinking. Tell you what, that cheap crossbow is well built, powerful and dead nuts accurate. I need to practice more or something cause I took 3 shots at woodchucks this afternoon and missed all three times. I tested the aim before I put it away for the evening and it was still dead on.

Don

**Don** · 06-14-2011, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by Don

I just got a cheap 150 lb crossbow for woodchucks and plinking. Tell you what, that cheap crossbow is well built, powerful and dead nuts accurate. I need to practice more or something cause I took 3 shots at woodchucks this afternoon and missed all three times. I tested the aim before I put it away for the evening and it was still dead on.

Don

Fourth times a charm! Got mama woodchuck with a bolt. Not an instant kill but surely fatal. Got away under my shed before the grim reaper arrived. Might have a stinky shed for awhile. Hope the rest move knowing the landlord is not welcoming them. If they don't get it they'll get it too.

Don

**LowKey** · 06-14-2011, 07:58 PM

Illegal here in MA for deer too. Unless a doctor gives you a handicap letter. Actually crossbows are pretty much illegal for all hunting here. But there are lots of shooting clubs that use them.

**glockcop** · 06-14-2011, 10:24 PM

A good buddy of mine, Lawrence, hunts with a ''Six Point" crossbow he bought as a package from Cabelas (I think....Maybe Bass Pro shops) and killed 2 deer w/ it last season. Seems to be of good enough quality but I don't know much about them. I'm a Mathews and Hoyt man. My Chief hunts with a Barnett and loves the thing. I know he spent an @zz load on it so it must be pretty good. I can tell you this much, Lawrence's burries those bolts DEEEEP in my CUBE target. That thing flat out thumps 'em.

**RealPreppersWearPurple** · 03-24-2012, 07:11 PM

I want one too, but they're illegal in Washington to hunt with. It'll be a great toy, once I have the money

**canid** · 03-25-2012, 12:28 AM

I was given a barnett wildcat c5 as a gift. they run about $300 retail (and can be had 2nd hand for around $200). It's pretty slick, and if I were buying one I would say it's worth it.

**RealPreppersWearPurple** · 03-25-2012, 04:17 AM

Are you allowed to hunt with em in Cali?

**randyt** · 03-25-2012, 07:47 AM

Here in michigan the last year or so the law changed. It was only legal for disabled folks to hunt with a crossbow, now it's legal for all. It's now legal to own a firearms silencer but not to use one hunting. I have a barnett, not sure of the model but it is a compound type. I gave it to a older fella that can't pull back a conventional bow. If he likes it I'll probably give it to him for keeps.

**natertot** · 03-25-2012, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by canid

I was given a barnett wildcat c5 as a gift. they run about $300 retail (and can be had 2nd hand for around $200). It's pretty slick, and if I were buying one I would say it's worth it.

Yep, and have a speed of 315fps. It is what I'm looking at getting later this summer!

**canid** · 03-25-2012, 09:05 AM

RealPrep: I don't, but As I understand you just can't use them during archery season unless you're certified disabled such that you can't hold a bow at draw.

**crashdive123** · 03-25-2012, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by RealPreppersWearPurple

I want one too, but they're illegal in Washington to hunt with. It'll be a great toy, once I have the money

They are legal to hunt with in Washington state. From page 73 of Washington's 2011 Big Game Hunting Seasons & Regulations Effective April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012

Modern firearm tag holders may hunt
during modern firearm seasons with bows
and arrows, crossbows, muzzleloaders,
revolver-type handguns meeting
equipment restrictions, or legal shotguns
firing slugs or buckshot.

Link http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01184/wdfw01184.pdf

**natertot** · 03-25-2012, 12:58 PM

In Ohio, you can use a crossbow during archery season as well. Heck, you can even use a recurve too! Although I am no where near that proficient!!!!!

**RealPreppersWearPurple** · 03-25-2012, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by crashdive123

They are legal to hunt with in Washington state. From page 73 of Washington's 2011 Big Game Hunting Seasons & Regulations Effective April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012

Link http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01184/wdfw01184.pdf

Thanks for looking into it for me. That would completely change my life. While you're correct, that some people can hunt with them, I don't qualify
On page 69 it says, "It is unlawful to hunt wildlife with a crossbow. However, disabled hunter permittees in possession of a crossbow special use permit may hunt with a crossbow in any season that allows archery equipment." It also says, "A crossbow special use permit is available to a person who meets the requirements for an archery special use permit and is unable to use adaptive archery equipment. Adaptive equipment includes, but is not limited to: Cocking devices that hold the bow at full draw; trigger mechanisms that may be released by mouth, or chin, or hand supporting the bow; and devices that assist in supporting the bow. Information describing types of adaptive equipment will be provided to physicians for their assessment of the applicant's ability to utilize adaptive archery equipment. Muscle weakness, impaired range of motion, or unilateral hand weakness disability, of both hands or both arms or both sides of the upper extremity, may result in an inability to use adaptive archery equipment. Standard tests approved by the American Medical Association may be conducted to assess a person's abilities."
Page 73 is firearm restrictions for areas that are illegal to hunt

If I'm missing something please tell me.

**crashdive123** · 03-25-2012, 05:04 PM

The section you are looking at excludes crossbows during archery season. On page 68 (left column) it tells you where to go for cross bow info, which is the section I quoted. If in doubt, call the fish and wildlife folks.