Crossbows for hunting?????

[hutchman]

Here is a link with current crossbow info:
Best Hunting Crossbow For The Money - 2015 - Reviews & Ratings

 

[HCJtractor]

If your budget allows, the best crossbow in my opinion is the Scorpyd Ventilator 150. It's awesome. Fast, light, balanced, and deadly accurate.

But whatever you choose, check out Wyvern Creations, which sells many brands. They are a mail order shop. They are very knowledgable, super nice, willing to talk crossbows, honest, and just great customer service. They, along with Scorpyd, have a great website.

 

[HCJtractor]

Here's a picture.

 

[gwstang]

Heh! Crossbows are for sissys. They approved hunting with a spear down here! Just kidding about the crossbows...lol. I think several did take deer with the spear though. I can barely kill one with a gun much less a crossbow/spear/bow. :ashamed: I have killed quite a few...but also had some get away after getting shot. They head for the creek and then stop bleeding out and makes tracking very hard in the heavy brush. A long time ago, I had a lower disc removed from my back. I wasn't supposed to be doing anything but walking some. You guys know how the itch starts at deer season, so I walked out the front door and eased into the woods. Sure enough several does ran by and one good sized spike. I couldn't resist...bam! He dropped in a pile and I unloaded the shotgun and leaned it by a tree to send one of the kids to get it later. I shuffled over to him and poked in the eye with a stick and no movement, no breathing or twitching. His tongue was hanging out and bloody. Great, I couldn't bend over well from the operation, so I slipped my belt off and used it to drag him the 100 yards or so to the house. I would drag some, then lean against a tree about give out. Did that about 5 times and got halfway to the barn to dress him. While "resting", I suddenly felt a jerk on the end of the belt. Sort of reminded me of a catfish on the line. I'm thinking oh lordy. I looked around and he was struggling to get up. I quickly knelt on his neck, him and me were both in a bad way by this time, and slipped my trusty lock blade out of it's sheath. I poked him in the heart a couple of times and he struggled a moment and expired. I got to looking really close and only a few pellets of 00 buck had got him in the vitals. I usually use a rifle and have no problem, but this was closer to the road from my house and I don't use a rifle up there. I finally got him drug to the barn and called my neighbor to drive over ( quite a ways to my nearest neighbor as I live in the woods on my own property) and help me dress and butcher. I sure didn't do any more hunting for several months. I would like to try a crossbow though.

 

[Code54]

Thanks for all the information!
I been looking at the cocking devices and like the idea a lot. When I buy one I plan on sharing it with my son (little two pricy to buy two of them) so I want something that he can also use easily. We are very lucky to have a LOT of hunting land very close buy so I don't care about just going along to help him and not hunting as I can pretty much just walk out and go anytime after work.
It seems there are a LOT of brands out there and most of them are pretty well regarded. Is there a minimum speed or FP that is recommended for deer (I was thinking around 300 fps maybe). Whatever we get I want to make sure it is more than up to the job - I figure we have enough other factors involved in making a good clean kill I don't need the Crossbow adding anything!
I also like the idea of a M4, or other adjustable stock since my son and I will be using it. We are close in size now but in another year I somehow don't think that maybe the case so some adjustability would be nice. Didn't really think about that until Hutchman mentioned that.
That is why I like these forums and discussions, other members mention things I did not consider and allow me make a better decision - THANKS to everyone!

 

[The Deerslayer]

If you like the Ten Point line, as I do....check out Wicked Ridge as they are made by Ten Point, but cost quite a bit less. I bought a Wicked Ridge and am very impressed with the quality and accuracy. They legalized crossbow hunting in CT a few years back and have just added Sunday archery hunting on private land for next season.

The cocking device on the Wicked Ridge was a must for me as it is extremely convenient and simple to use. The cords are contained right in the stock so there is no hassle carrying them in your pack or pocket. Always there when you need it. Good luck!!

 

[bullbreaker]

I tend to stay away from models with built in rope cockers . They weigh way more , and more that could break internally(etc).
I find my crossbows somewhat loud when fired . However usually by the time they hear that loud thump , the bolt (term for crossbow arrow) is flew through em .
Got a scope on one (VORTEX ,200 lb pull) and my other one (EXOCET 175 has a ring site) , once again for less carry weight . If when target practicing to site in crossbows I don't have a steady bench rest I use a shooting stick to keep me steady .

 

[hutchman]

Thanks for all the information!
I been looking at the cocking devices and like the idea a lot. When I buy one I plan on sharing it with my son (little two pricy to buy two of them) so I want something that he can also use easily. We are very lucky to have a LOT of hunting land very close buy so I don't care about just going along to help him and not hunting as I can pretty much just walk out and go anytime after work.
It seems there are a LOT of brands out there and most of them are pretty well regarded. Is there a minimum speed or FP that is recommended for deer (I was thinking around 300 fps maybe). Whatever we get I want to make sure it is more than up to the job - I figure we have enough other factors involved in making a good clean kill I don't need the Crossbow adding anything!
I also like the idea of a M4, or other adjustable stock since my son and I will be using it. We are close in size now but in another year I somehow don't think that maybe the case so some adjustability would be nice. Didn't really think about that until Hutchman mentioned that.
That is why I like these forums and discussions, other members mention things I did not consider and allow me make a better decision - THANKS to everyone!

If you look at that Parker link, they have a video on the Gail Force which is very similar to mine (but a newer, nicer model). It shows the stock and the adjustable hand guard. I'm sure other brands have similar features. Its about impossible to hold mine in a way that your fingers could get in the way of the string. Some I looked at weren't that way and I'd like to keep my fingers.

Regarding speed ... High end compound bows usually taper off around 300fps and thats where crossbows usually start. The fastest crossbows that I've seen are in the 350-375 range (unless someone came out with some new wiz bang model I've not seen yet).

The features that mattered to me were weight, width (I hunt from tree stands), adjustability then price. I'd say all crossbows are more than capable of taking a deer because all are typically faster then the fastest regular compound bows. I have a friend that picked up a super old one at a flea market and it probably wasn't super fast (a big clunky thing) but all modern ones today are more than up to the task.

 

[hutchman]

I hadn't seen this one before but it's pretty cool (pun intended) ... CO2 cocking and unclocking with the push of a button! Not the fastest thing out there but hey, if you have limited mobility ... this might just be the ticket!

Parker Bows - Concorde Auto-Cocking Crossbow

 

[JMER817]

Trying before hand is a good idea. I think our Cabelas has a range where you can test them out, I will check on that. I was looking at some Hortons on line with the reverse limbs - interesting concept, and looks pretty cool! I am a little concerned about the string life that you mentioned - I don't care if I need to replace it yearly or every thousand or so rounds but 150 seems a little much. What cocking system do you all recommend?

Keep in mind that you don't need to shoot a hundred times a season to get accurate. I take my crossbow out every season and shoot maximum 5 shots. It's just like shooting a gun. Just make sure the scope didn't get bumped and your good. The Excalibur is a very accurate and reliable crossbow.