One common problem that a crossbow hunter may have is an arrow sliding off target slightly to the left or right. This can be a key indicator that your crossbow was not cocked properly and the string was off-center and was pulled more to one side. A cocking device will help avoid this problem by making sure that the string is pulled back smoothly and in proper position.
To test the alignment of your crossbow, start with your crossbow in an uncocked position. Take a permanent marker and draw a line on the serving, immediately outside the rail on both sides. Now, cock the string into position. Take a look to see if the string is centered. You will be able to tell this by the markings on the bow string. The markings should be evenly distributed on the latch. If they aren't, simply pull up on the string and move it so that the markings are centered on the latch.
Cocking your crossbow in the traditional method runs the risk of having your bow string off center. By following the technique above, you can quickly adjust the string and improve your chances of shooting a straight shot. Another option would be to use the aid of a cocking device, such as Horton's EZ Crank, that will allow the crossbow string to be pulled back smoothly and evenly.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Crossbow Shooting Tips
The hunting season is getting closer and closer. Are you ready? Now is the time to grab your hunting crossbow and fine-tune your shooting skills so that you are ready for the new season and ready to land a buck.
The key to being a good crossbow hunter is to not only practice frequently, but to practice under conditions that will be similar to hunting conditions. That way you will get the feel of the arrow and broadhead combination so that you will know how it will feel while hunting. Many people are good about getting out and practicing, but not doing so from ground blinds, elevated positions, or from the stalked position. Whatever method is your preferred style for hunting, this is how you should practice in the off-season. After all, if you constantly practice at the range from a standing position and you are a hunter who prefers a tree stand, you won't get the feel for how gravity can impact the trajectory of your arrow. In this example you would want to start practicing from an elevated position. If you do so, you should see some improvements in your accuracy this hunting season.
So get out there and inspect your hunting crossbow, see if you need to pick-up any new bow hunting equipment and get out there and start practicing.
The key to being a good crossbow hunter is to not only practice frequently, but to practice under conditions that will be similar to hunting conditions. That way you will get the feel of the arrow and broadhead combination so that you will know how it will feel while hunting. Many people are good about getting out and practicing, but not doing so from ground blinds, elevated positions, or from the stalked position. Whatever method is your preferred style for hunting, this is how you should practice in the off-season. After all, if you constantly practice at the range from a standing position and you are a hunter who prefers a tree stand, you won't get the feel for how gravity can impact the trajectory of your arrow. In this example you would want to start practicing from an elevated position. If you do so, you should see some improvements in your accuracy this hunting season.
So get out there and inspect your hunting crossbow, see if you need to pick-up any new bow hunting equipment and get out there and start practicing.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Pennsylvania Approves Crossbow Hunting
Great news for Pennsylvania hunters for the 2009-2010 hunting season. The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave final approval to a change in regulations that will expand the use of crossbows.
Crossbows are now legal for anyone to use during the archery deer and archery bear seasons. They are no longer restricted to hunters with a disabled person permit. Hunters will simply need to purchase a hunting license and archery stamp. Other licenses may be required, such as an anterless deer license or a bear license. A bear stamp is not required for the archery bear season. A hunter simply needs a general hunting license and a bear license.
As outlined on the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website, the requirements for crossbows and bolts is as follows:
Now that these regulations have changed, you may be ready to pick-up your first hunting crossbow. Or, to upgrade your existing crossbow. Some crossbows to consider would be:
Horton Summit HD 150 Crossbow Package. The Summit HD 150 Crossbow with Red Dot Package is one package that you "gotta have" if your are ready to start Bow hunting. It has a Summit HD Crossbow, a single dot Red Dot Sight, a Hunter Elite Quiver,3 practice arrows and 3 practice points.
Other options would include the Crosman Teton 175# Crossbow Package for the experienced hunter looking to upgrade; Excalibur Crossbow Packages or TenPoint Crossbow packages. All will provide lots of good options for you.
Crossbows are now legal for anyone to use during the archery deer and archery bear seasons. They are no longer restricted to hunters with a disabled person permit. Hunters will simply need to purchase a hunting license and archery stamp. Other licenses may be required, such as an anterless deer license or a bear license. A bear stamp is not required for the archery bear season. A hunter simply needs a general hunting license and a bear license.
As outlined on the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website, the requirements for crossbows and bolts is as follows:
- Crossbow must have a peak draw weight of at least 125 pounds. There is no maximum.
- A bolt must have a broadhead that has an outside diameter, or width, of at least 7/8 inches and have at least 2 cutting edges on the same plane throughout the length of the cutting surface.
- Broadhead shall not exceed 3 inches in length, measured from the tip of the broadhead to the point that fits against the bolt.
Now that these regulations have changed, you may be ready to pick-up your first hunting crossbow. Or, to upgrade your existing crossbow. Some crossbows to consider would be:
Horton Summit HD 150 Crossbow Package. The Summit HD 150 Crossbow with Red Dot Package is one package that you "gotta have" if your are ready to start Bow hunting. It has a Summit HD Crossbow, a single dot Red Dot Sight, a Hunter Elite Quiver,3 practice arrows and 3 practice points.
Other options would include the Crosman Teton 175# Crossbow Package for the experienced hunter looking to upgrade; Excalibur Crossbow Packages or TenPoint Crossbow packages. All will provide lots of good options for you.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Highlights of the Excalibur Crossbow 200# Vortex
The Excalibur Crossbow 200lb. Vortex, Realtree Hardwoods All Purpose RTAP Kolorfusion offers shooting up to 330 FPS. It is a superb combination of cutting edge design and peak performance all in a compact package. The Vortex Crossbow utilizes Excalibur's comfortable and stable new thumbhole stock. The Vortex has ample power for the largest game. It's accuracy is without peer and it’s rugged enough to tackle your toughest hunts without ever letting you down. Decorated using the Kolorfusion process for maximum detail and realism with the new Realtree AP HD camouflage, the Vortex comes with quick detach swivels, our fiber optic sight, and is drilled and tapped to accept Excalibur’s scope and quiver mounts. If you are a hunter who appreciates blazing speed and flat trajectories in a smaller package, then the Vortex Crossbow is the right choice for you!
Specifications:
- Realtree "AP"Kolorfusion Finish -NEW THUMBHOLE STOCK
- 200 lb. Draw weight
- 15.5" Power Stroke
- 330-FPS
- Manual Safety
- Excel String
- Dissipator Bars Sound & Recoil Suppression System
- Fiber optic front sight & Rear Peep Sight
Friday, July 31, 2009
Horizontal vs. Vertical Bows
When considering a hunting bow there are two types of bows to consider. A vertical bow or a horizontal bow. A vertical bow is a category of bows that includes compound bows, recurve bows and traditional bows. A hunting crossbow is considered a horizontal bow. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of bows.
Vertical bows offer the benefit of being easier to carry and are therefore an option if you plan on stalking your prey. The design of a horizontal bow makes it too cumbersome and heavy to use for stalking. Instead, you will want to use a tree stand or ground blind when hunting with a crossbow.
A horizontal bow can be used more effectively with less time and energy. Because you don't have to hold the bow in position as you do with a vertical bow, you have more time to focus on your target. The downside of the crossbow is that the cycle time is greater than it is with a vertical bow. With a vertical bow you may be able to get a second shot off. But with a crossbow there is virtually no chance of you being able to re-cock the bow, load an arrow and get off a 2nd shot. The deer would be long gone before your second shot would be released.
You really can't go wrong with either type of bow you choose. It all comes down to personal preference. Whether choosing a hunting crossbow or compound bow, don't forget that preparation and practice will be critical to your success.
Vertical bows offer the benefit of being easier to carry and are therefore an option if you plan on stalking your prey. The design of a horizontal bow makes it too cumbersome and heavy to use for stalking. Instead, you will want to use a tree stand or ground blind when hunting with a crossbow.
A horizontal bow can be used more effectively with less time and energy. Because you don't have to hold the bow in position as you do with a vertical bow, you have more time to focus on your target. The downside of the crossbow is that the cycle time is greater than it is with a vertical bow. With a vertical bow you may be able to get a second shot off. But with a crossbow there is virtually no chance of you being able to re-cock the bow, load an arrow and get off a 2nd shot. The deer would be long gone before your second shot would be released.
You really can't go wrong with either type of bow you choose. It all comes down to personal preference. Whether choosing a hunting crossbow or compound bow, don't forget that preparation and practice will be critical to your success.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
How To Buy A Hunting Bow: Step Three
For the 3rd step in buying a bow, you need to determine how many pounds you'd like to be able to shoot. If you will primarily be using your bow for target practice, you will want to buy a bow that has fewer pounds. That way you will have the ability to shoot more arrows in a shorter period of time. If you are planning on using the bow for bow hunting, you will want to go with a higher poundage bow. This will give you the ability to achieve good penetration by generating a faster, flatter arrow. Now that you've figured out exactly what type of bow you need, you can start shopping. A bow hunting package is typically a good place to start as it will give you the bow, arrows and quiver.
Monday, July 27, 2009
How To Buy A Hunting Bow: Step Two
When purchasing a hunting bow, you will need to determine the proper draw length. A general rule of thumb is that a person who is 6 feet tall will typically use a 29” bow. Every inch of height affects draw length by about ½ inch. That would mean that if you were 5’10” tall then you would use a 28” bow. The proper bow size is critical to your success as a bow hunter. If it is too small you won't be able to pull the bow back far enough. If the draw length is longer than what you should be using, you will end-up overextending your bent arm (i.e. the arm that will be pulling the bow) and you will tend to miss to the left. Proper fitting for your bow hunting equipment will help you get off on the right foot and to have a more successful hunting season.
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