New archer....

[gumboot]

Hope this forum is friendly to crossbowers? My rational/defence is that I want to work on my skills on being able to get in close range, and once I have that figured out, I'll work on getting a bow to work for me (and I got a cross bow for a great deal?)

My question for you experienced guys is: On close range, what is the likelihood of getting a pass through shot on a white tail doe or buck with a 150lb bow?
Second question: if you do get pass through or miss with a broadhead, and can't recover the arrow/bolt, what is the danger of the stainless broadhead for the unsuspecting passer-by months later? Could it cut their foot etc?

I am hunting an orchard and a tree nursery, where there is dog walkers etc

[willyqbc]

Hi, and welcome gumboot!

As to your questions, as long as you are using a good quality broadhead and are working within the range limitations of your personal skill and the crossbows capabilities there should be no reason you won't get pass through. Given the relatively lower weight of crossbow bolts and therefore lower KE, I would reccomend a good cut-on contact head such as the Montec G5, Magnus stingers etc.

As far as lost arrows go, there is always the possibility of someone getting "stuck" by an arrow that was not able to be retreived. Generally any arrows that I have found after a shot, whether pass-through or miss will be stuck in something, either a tree or the ground. Use the brightest fletches you can, this will help you both track the arrow in flight and also help you retreive it after the shot.

Good Luck, and once again, welcome.

Chris

[Canuck2]

Hello gumboot; welcome.

Chris has covered your concerns very well. The only thing I would add is, if you can think of it during the excitement of shooting a deer, try to mark the shot direction as carefully as you can so you have a point of reference later.

As you know, crossbows are legal here in B.C., whereas other jurisdictions may only allow them for disabled hunters. I start to get all fussed up when one hunting philosophy is touted as the only way to hunt, or another type is criticized because it doesn't match someone's personal agenda. It's the same type of debate as baiting, using dogs, long distance marksmanship, etc.

The critical factor, of course, is to use whatever legal method you choose, keeping totally within personal limits and aiming to dispatch whatever game you are shooting at as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Having said that, I do hope you get a bow - trad or compound - and discover the enjoyment of target shooting. The social aspects of 3D or field competitions make these events immensely enjoyable, whether you're a top competitor or relatively new and working at improving your skills. Hope to see you jump in.

[3kills]

i m not a bowhunter...but iwould love to get into it but i gotta second what canuck2 said about the 3d shoots...last year i went to ours here and walked around and checked it out and a few guys let us walk the trail with them...there was a great bunch of guys at that shoot and i will be there next even if i m not shooting...

[gumboot]

Thanks guys. I've got that reference thing down pat from previous experience at the range and trying to find downed duck (given up on that until I have a trained dog)

I'll be doing a little more practice, then getting out for the late archery doe in region 8.

My uncle took a buck by bow last year, he lost his arrow after a pass through shot - a magpie was interested in the blood and fat on the arrow and took off with it!

I'll keep you posted.

Welcome to the form gumboot. Though I have never used a crossbow I am sure the excitement and anticipation is as great as with me using my compound.
I don't know if you are aware that crossbows are not allowed on most 3D courses for the simple reason they beat up the targets. I stronlgy urge you to pick up a compound and give it a try and discover the enjoyment of a 3D shoot. It is a good way to meet new people and develope friendships and very one is willing to give you the benefit of their wisdom whether you want it or not.
I will be the first to give you the benefit of my wisdom.
If you decide to go to a compound seek out the experience of a certified instructor as they will show the correct form, because bad habits are hard to get rid of, and once you have that down the rest is practice,practice, practice.
There is a good one I know of in Grand Forks.