{"id":363,"date":"2015-09-23T18:57:42","date_gmt":"2015-09-23T18:57:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.crosshairscommunity.com\/?p=363"},"modified":"2015-09-23T18:58:45","modified_gmt":"2015-09-23T18:58:45","slug":"tips-for-crossbow-success-as-popularity-skyrockets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.crosshairscommunity.com\/?p=363","title":{"rendered":"Tips for crossbow success as popularity skyrockets"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"crossbow2\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Met with opposition from many traditional archery hunters several years ago, the concept of crossbows becoming a regular part of the fall season seems to be here to stay.
\n\u201cThere definitely is more acceptance of crossbows now,\u201d said Judy Weaver of Weaver\u2019s Archery in Kreamer. \u201cSome people are still very anti-crossbow, but resistance seems to come every time there is change. We saw it when it went recurve to compound bow hunting and again when sights were allowed.\u201d
\nOne reason crossbows are becoming more mainstream in Pennsylvania hunting circles is because it extends the opportunity for both younger and older people to hunt archery.
\n\u201cI hear it from time to time in the shop. People that once came in saying they\u2019d never shoot a crossbow are now reconsidering as they get older and struggle to be able to pull a bow back,\u201d Weaver said. \u201cWe still sell a lot more compound bows than crossbows, but the interest is increasing, especially among those younger or older who can\u2019t handle the poundage necessary to ethically hunt with a compound bow.\u201d
\nFor those considering crossbows this archery season, Weaver has some points to ponder.
\n\u201cCrossbows are a short-yardage weapon. It is basically a bow mounted horizontally on a gun stock. It feels like a gun and it looks like a gun, but it is still a short-yardage weapon,\u201d she said.
\nStill, there are marked differences between compound bows and crossbows.
\n\u201cCrossbows greatly reduce the element of human error. There isn\u2019t as much of a need for practice which appeals to those who don\u2019t have as much time to devote to hunting preparation,\u201d Weaver said.
\nHowever, one of the keys to crossbow hunting success revolves around practice time.
\n\u201cYou definitely want to take the time to become familiar with your crossbow. Practice with it. Zero it in for accuracy,\u201d she said. \u201cDon\u2019t just practice on the close shots, but also far away, like around 50 yards. You wouldn\u2019t want to take an animal at 50 yards with a crossbow, but if you are hunting and one comes in at 20 yards, it will be a lot easier if you are comfortable with longer distance shots.\u201d
\nStealth is another key for crossbow success.
\n\u201cIt is always a good idea to make sure your equipment is in pristine shape and as quiet as possible,\u201d she said. \u201cAlso, for the hunter, scent elimination is such a huge deal. Archery is a close-range activity and a deer\u2019s sense of smell is really good. Good scent elimination is essential.\u201d
\nBecause of the popularity of crossbows, new accessories and better bows are becoming more available.
\n\u201cThere\u2019s always new equipment coming out. Crossbows are lighter in weight and easier to carry. They\u2019re making them smaller so they aren\u2019t as bulky. They\u2019re quieter,\u201d Weaver said. \u201cAs the crossbow market explodes, we are seeing so many more accessories and options. For example, there are better broadheads designed specifically for crossbows.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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