There is this attitude among hunters that prefer compound archery tackle that they are superior beyond comparison to crossbow hunters, and this is patently unfair.
It would be akin to the trad archers looking down on the compound archers, and though doubtless some of them do, it is not a mainstream view.
And, ironically, the bowhunters don’t all look with scorn on the firearm hunters, yet the crossbow hunters inexplicably and quite unreasonably draw their ire.
This is not only hypocritical but wrong, and makes our beloved sport appear as though it’s populated by vicious, unprincipled zealots, not individuals that have a deep love for the bounty and beauty of creation, and what it has to offer.
In a word: crossbow hunters don’t deserve the discredit. In fact, there are numerous reasons why crossbow hunting can be seen as superior to hunting with compound archery tackle. Here are some of the best of them.
Crossbows Are Great for New Hunters, Including Youth and Women Hunters
Not everyone can draw a recurve or longbow, let alone a compound bow with a draw weight set at 70 pounds. This is especially true of novice, youth, and women hunters, as well as the disabled.
It also makes crossbows an excellent entry point, and a more accessible option, to these individuals. It’s also a great and far less intimidating avenue for getting into archery anyway.
There’s a Shorter Learning Curve
It takes a lifetime of dedication to become proficient with traditional archery tackle, and though it’s easier to become accurate with a compound, it still takes serious dedication and a massive commitment in time at the range.
While it is not “easy” to become accurate with a crossbow, it is much easier to shoot accurately with one than it is with a vertical bow. In a half hour at the range, most shooters can shoot fairly tight groups with a scoped crossbow.
More Liberal Seasons, Less Restrictions on You
Though this is not true in all states, many have very liberal archery seasons that span many months (dependent of course on target species and zone, or however else your state regulates).
This means you can potentially extend your season and spend more time in the field. Also, since there are fewer regulations in general on archery tackle, purchasing and possessing a crossbow is less onerous in most areas of the country.
An Ethical Kill Is an Ethical Kill
Ultimately, what we as hunters should be focused on collectively is the experience of the hunt, and though just what constitutes that experience will vary from hunter to hunter, part of that experience is an ethical kill.
This should be paramount for any hunter, regardless of target species or tackle chosen, shotgun, rifle, muzzleloader, handgun, bow, crossbow, or otherwise. All that matters to the animal is an ethical dispatch, and a good shot with a crossbow is worth 1000 sloppy, poor shots with a compound.
Final Notes
All in all, hunting with a crossbow can offer you numerous benefits, not the least of which are potentially expanded seasons and better accessibility. If you’re one of the archery guys that looks down on crossbow hunting, by all means, keep your current outfit, but consider changing that perspective.
Where Can I Get My First Crossbow?
In the market for a new crossbow so you can get into the world of archery, but don’t want to utterly break the bank?
A good crossbow can easily breach $1000, but you don’t need to do that. Check out BudK. They carry a variety of shockingly affordable but surprisingly capable crossbows, including both recurve and compound crossbows as well as pistol crossbows. Many of their models are suitable for hunting, too. Visit their website to learn more.
