HUNTING
WHAT’S THE DRAW? “What I like about crossbow hunting is that it gives you the accuracy of a rifle with the close-in hunting of archery,” says Mike Luckie, owner of Archery Country in Austin. “A proficient rifle shooter can pick up a crossbow and shoot well enough to hunt in no time.” The crossbow isn’t for everyone. But if the following information sounds good, it may be for you.
Outfitting for a Crossbow Hunt Here’s a look at what you’ll need to get started:
A CROSSBOW IS:
88 HUNT & FISH | SUMMER/FALL 2015
RANGEFINDER
Crossbows come in countless variations of weight, size, draw weight, manner of cocking mechanism and price. The best you can get is the one that suits you, your hunting scenario and your budget.
A good rangefinder is crucial to crossbow success. A misread distance could mean an animal gets wounded or missed altogether.
“When looking for a crossbow, consider two things: Make sure the manufacturer guarantees its product — moving parts can break,” says Mike Luckie of the Archery Country shop. “And, shoot them. Just because your buddy likes his crossbow doesn’t mean it’s the one for you.” The TenPoint Titan Xtreme Crossbow is versatile and suitable for new and experienced hunters. A package offered through Cabela’s features a crossbow (with a 180-pound draw weight) and a 3x Pro-View 2 Scope. $599.99, cabelas.com
The Nikon Aculon AL11 Rangefinder is rainproof, compact and measures distances from 6 yards to 550 yards. $169.99, dickssportinggoods. com
COURTESY OF THE COMPANIES
CROSSBOW
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Quieter than a gun, though louder than many bows. » Hyper-accurate at short ranges — when wind and distance are judged precisely. » Great for still-hunting, though a challenge for stalking due to its wide, front-heavy design. » Easy to draw with a cranking mechanism, but sacrifices a quick follow-up shot. » A means to hunting in seasons and on properties where firearms are not allowed. Ethical bowhunting demands time many of us don’t care to spend away from family. So, the crossbow is an opportunity to extend your season and be challenged in a new way. Will it make you invisible to big deer and guarantee you a big kill? No. But it will help you get a little closer and give you a new way to enjoy our hunting tradition. Remember to check with your state wildlife agency about regulations, and please be an ambassador for our tradition and a steward to our natural resources.
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