Crossbows

The modern hunting crossbow is fast becoming a broadly accepted means of hunting big game throughout much of North America. There is much fanfare about things like speed and accuracy but crossbows generally fall into one of two camps. Compound construction or recurve construction. The big argument from the compound camp is the ability to deliver the bolt at comparable speeds to the recurve but with much shorter limbs. The advantages of smaller diameter are obvious, particularly to those hunting from a treestand where you always need to be conscious of tree limbs and other obstacles getting in the way of the limbs of your bow as they move outwards when the bolt is fired.

But size aside, you just can’t beat the simplicity of the recurve crossbow. There are no cables, wheels, or cams to maintain. And tuning is a breeze. This may not seem like such a big deal if you do most of your hunting within easy access of a bow shop where you can get quick maintenance and repairs performed, but what if you’re hunting in a remote area where a broken limb, cable or cam may simply not be available. Your hunt is over!

With the recurve it is easy to carry spare parts with you and there is absolutely nothing that can’t be done in the field. Limbs, vibration pads, strings, etc. can all be replaced within minutes and your back on the hunt.

Whether your leanings are towards a recurve or a compound take the time to see just what kind of service the manufacturer offers. I personally know of situations where hunters have been told that it would take 4 weeks just to get parts from the manufacturer. I also know of situations where the manufacturer has shipped parts overnight to remote locations just to ensure that their customers don’t loose out on their hunt. Join some online forums, ask questions of other hunters, and then choose the bow that’s right for you.