Crossbow Hunting- A Sometime Alternative to Rifles

by Cliff Easton
cEast Outfitters, LLC

I have been hunting on and off for more than 50 years and mostly used the traditional rifle, shotgun and even the vertical bow. When I was introduced to the crossbow some time ago I found a new challenge and a new passion. Now I should state here that I still intend to hunt with muzzleloaders, rifles and shotguns during the appropriate hunting seasons BUT I also plan to increase my time and skill with the crossbow. You see, I'm not a purest in the sense of being a "Johnny one note" with regard to my hunting weaponry. Crossbow hunting adds a dimension to hunting quite different from the more traditional powder weapon approach. It requires the development of new skills in handling, cocking and shooting with consistency at different ranges. It also demands a more skilled approach to stalking and the use of stands and blinds. It is perhaps more important to know your game target's habits and habitat, since the range for crossbow hunting is significantly less in most cases.

There are a growing number of states that permit crossbow hunting during archery season and not just rifle season. This provides a great opportunity to extend your hunting season. Most states do require an additional permit to hunt with a crossbow but it's worth the cost to experience the excitement of matching your hunting skills against the sensitive instincts of wild game and at a closer range. For those of you that live in a state that only permits crossbow hunting during rifle seasons, why not add to the breadth of your hunting experience by using the crossbow during that time as well.

Not only has the growing use of the crossbow added a new dimension to the veteran hunter's life but it has extended the opportunity for the physically challenged and more elderly hunters to continue and to extend their years in the field. Perhaps that is the reason, as an aging hunter, I am so thrilled to be a part of the crossbow hunting "club".

For more information on crossbow hunting equipment or to look into the crossbow hunting laws in your state by checking out http://www.crossbowjunction.com/

Article submitted Wednesday, March 10, 2010 & read 115 times.

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» left by Marijo Phelps (2 years 56 days ago.)

We both hunt - Mick with bow for elk (not cross bow though) and rifle for deer (hunted Pinon Canyon this year and saves 13 years in preference points to go - I will go in 2 years) and I hunt rifle for all. Enjoyed the article! We have to be drawn now to hunt deer....
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» left by Anonymous (2 years 56 days ago.)

A nice slow painful death. Respond to this comment

» left by Robert Manack from Pittsburgh, PA (2 years 48 days ago.)

I was so thrilled to read this article and I am in full agreement with your thoughts. I am also an avid hunter with many forms of weaponry and agree that the crossbow is just a challenging opportunity not to be missed.
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