Crossbow Facts and Accessories

Crossbows are a practical way for hunters to bridge the gap between hunting with a rifle and hunting with a compound bow. They are also proving to be a means of enhancing, or even creating, hunting opportunities for those with a variety of challenges that make the use of other types of firearms impractical or even impossible. And like it or not, as we all get a bit older it's not quite as easy to draw the string on that compound bow or, due to injury or illness, tolerate the recoil of a rifle.

Traditional bow hunters are likely all familiar with that aching that often turns to shaking when you're just ready to loose the arrow and your target walks behind a tree or turns the wrong way. You know that a flinch can mean the difference between meat on the table and a missed shot, or worse, a wounded animal. Unlike the compound bow, the crossbow shares many traits with the rifle such as sights and trigger mechanism, but develops little or no recoil and, once cocked, requires no additional strength to hold the draw.

It's an ideal firearm for those with limited upper body strength or for those who can't endure the recoil of a rifle.

Another real advantage of the hunting crossbow is the ability to hunt from a ground blind. Wary game can detect even the slightest movement, especially when you are on their level, and eliminating the need to draw the bow after you spot your quarry is indeed an advantage.

But what about the strength needed to cock the crossbow? With a draw weight of between 150 and 185 pounds, how do you get the bow cocked in the first place? Well, there's a solution for this too. There are a variety of cocking aids available on the market that range from a partial assist, like the Excalibur rope cocking aid that reduces the “pull” required to cock the bow by 50%, to a mechanical hand cranking mechanism like the “Crankaroo,” again from Excalibur. There are even battery powered devices available for extreme circumstances.

Today, hunters that would traditionally have been longing spectators are able to venture into the field and fully participate in the hunting experience. If you love to hunt and problems caused by traditional firearms or bows have you sidelined, it may be time to take a serious look at the hunting crossbow by Excalibur. Or, if you want to experience the adventure of bow hunting and just don't have the time to practice with a compound bow, or just like the familiar feel of the crossbow, this is a great way to enjoy an extended season in many parts of the country (see our links to various Provincial Regulations to ensure that the hunting crossbow is legal in your region).