Does anybody have or use a crossbow? Do you hunt with them at all-deer mostly??? Found an ad for one for fairly cheap, thought about maybe picking it up. Would be fun to play with now and then-you can't hunt with them in Washington, but I know there are some states back east that do permit the use of crossbows to hunt with. Do you use normal broadheads like you do for a regular bow, or how does that work? They come with field points, but surely you wouldn't shoot a deer with those-or would you? Was just curious if regular broadheads work on a crossbow bolt, and if they'll fit in the firing line or path, or how that works.

Thanks in advance,

Mike

 

I use a Horton crossbow during the rut or in thick cover.And yes use normal broadheads,We use Buckblasters.We also use red dot Propoints for sights.They are great for fast shots,like when the bucks are chasing does.Good luck hunting if You decide to get it.Daryl

 

Truck-
Thanks for the great advice! What kind of Horton do you shoot? That one was sold already, so I got to looking around last night through Cabelas and a few other online sources, was looking at a few different Horton models, as well as a couple Barnett's and a PSE. If I do end up buying one, I will get one for hunting purposes, just target practice with it till I have the chance to go back east for some real crossbow hunting-I'd love to go back there and bag a nice big whitetail! Anyway, is there a particular brand you would recommend over the others? What made you go with Horton? Is there a certain speed or draw weight I should stay above? The restrictions on compound bows have minimum weight limits and grain weights for arrow/broadhead combinations, so I'm sure there is hunting restrictions for crossbows too-do you know what they are?

Sorry for all the questions, just if I buy one, I want to make sure I get the right tool for the job, and buy something of quality that will last, rather than end up with an inferior product or something "not big enough" for legal hunting.

Thanks again, I really appreciate the help!

Mike

 

Cowboy I use a Horton Hunter Supreme,speed is either 270 to 300 fps.Min draw weight in Ohio is 150lbs,I use Horton LS2 lite's With 125gr Buckblaster broadheads they have a 2 3/4 cutting dia.My son & I have killed alot of deer & turkey with this setup,hope it works for You.We usely get 8 to 10 deer each year between us both.I went with Horton over the others because they just feal better in my hands,that means alot to Me.Daryl

 

Truck-
Thanks again man, that was one of the ones from Horton I was looking at. Man, you guys are very lucky to be able to harvest so many deer-out here, we get ONE per year! Looks like most of them are above the 150lb. draw weight, so I should be OK sticking with that as a minimum.

Thanks again for all the help! Best of Luck with the upcoming hunting season too!

Mike

 

I would like to hunt with a crossbow but my state doesn't allow it. Sounds like fun. I don't own one but I have shot one a few times-I think it was a Barnett? Good luck guys. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Do they have urban permits in the States you live in?We are allowed 4 does around Cincinnati.This year we can get 1 buck tag 1 doe 4 urban & 2 landowners permits.That is 7 does & 1 buck,I think We should be able to get more bucks.Oh I also use a propoint for sights on My crossbow,I think that is the best one thing you can do for your crossbow.We were putting up our climbers the other night & 3 bucks came up behind My son just watching Him hook it to the tree.

 

Truck-
Damn you guys are lucky! No, we get ONE over the counter tag for deer, which is a 3 point minimum on one side to be a "legal" buck. We have the option to put in for "special" tags, which are tags for a buck for certain areas otherwise off limits to the general public, or we can put in for a doe tag. If drawn, you have the option to go out during regular season and shoot a buck. If you do, you have harvested your deer for the year, and you are done-no more deer hunting allowed. If however you do not get your buck, and you have the doe tag, you can go out during the "doe season" and have the option to take only one doe. There are a lot of doe out here running around all over the place, so I've never put in for a doe tag just because that would be too easy. I don't need meat in the freezer bad enough to take a doe, so I don't even apply. I guess that's really not very good practice though in the big picture, as proper doe management should really be considered. Maybe I better start applying for doe tags, just to do "my part" as a good ethical hunter???
Anyway, no, that is it-we don't have any "urban" permits, or anything like you guys have-we are allowed one deer per year, that is it. Our season is very short too-we are allowed to hunt from Oct. 13 thru Nov. 26 and that is it. They have a special "late" hunt for whitetail 3 point minimum one side, in a couple areas in November from the 11th to the 18th, but usually there is no deer in those areas. I did find one spot where I took my buck last year, which is where I'll be hunting muleys tomorrow actually. If I don't have a buck during general season, I'll go there again for the late hunt and attempt to take another whitetail. I've never shot a muley before, so I want to try that this time around first.

As for your "propoint" sights, what are those? You don't use a scope? I found a package in Cabelas for the Barnett Quad 300 that comes with scope, quiver, 6 bolts with field tips, scope and something else for $300. Looks like minimum draw is 150 or better-I don't think it says, but it shoots over 300 fps. I do like the looks of the Horton Hunter supreme though (or maybe the LS model-I don't remember now), but it looks like a rifle with a thumbhole stock, in camo-looks pretty sweet for around $400-is there that much difference in quality?

Hillhound-
No, hunting is not allowed with crossbow in Washington state, but you can in other neighboring states. I would like to purchase one for playing around with, target practice etc., then take a trip on a big hunt someday for deer back east and use it, I just think that would be fun. Besides, it never hurts to add another weapon to my arsenal anyway! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Best of Luck,

mike

 

Cowboy some people call a Propoint a red dot,where ever the dot is that is where the arrow hits.And yes there is that much diffenence in qualty between a Horton and other crossbows.I know some people will dissagree but to each his own.I am going out all weekend if the weather holds out,maybe I'll get lucky!Good luck to all.Daryl

 

Be aware that some of those states that allow them, do so only with a permit. The permit is obtained by a letter from a doctor stating you have a disability that prevents you from using a typical bow. You then have to see a game warden and have him validate the note to obtain the permit! Thats how Vermont works.