Opinions and tips on crossbow hunting

[HDMotorCop]

I just picked a crossbow for what I considered a good deal. Barnett Ghost 360, a dozen bolts and a target cube for a buck and quarter. The bow is equipped with an illuminated "Cross" optic, not great but seems adequate for the ranges I'd expect to be using it for.

That said, I grew up in a shotgun county and over the past several years started rifle hunting. Never got involved in any traditional bow hunting. So now I've got this itch to give crossbow hunting a whack. Any tips, suggestions or sage advice would appreciated!

 

[Twogunwilly]

Keep your thumb tucked when shooting or the string will remove it.

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

I had planned on using mine last year but never did. They're stupid fast and accurate. Like a bow, they're distance sensitive so knowing range and drop is key. Your max range is also limited.

 

[Blimey]

I recommend a laser range finder. I hunt with a bow and a crossbow (a fairly quick one), and even with the high speed of a crossbow, once you start getting out past 20 yards you need to know how far you are. So keep all your shots close or get a range finder. Practice at unknown distances before you go out and try and hit a deer, so that you're confident in the distances. Misjudging 25 vs 30 yards is easy and can impact whether you hit vitals or not.

Also don't assume that because you're nailing the target tightly at 40 yards that in the field 40 yards is a responsible shot. These things are certainly more potent than compound bows but IMO you still want to try and keep shots within 20-30 yards if you can.

Otherwise, get this thing dialed in and then practice with broadheads of the same weight. For that you'll need a target that can tolerate broadheads (if yours can't). To minimize differences in point of impact you should probably get a rear-opening mechanical broadhead. Personally I find that the fixed broadheads I've tried don't fly the same out of my crossbow as the field tips, nor as consistently.

 

[Shoots100]

How loud is it when taking a shot ?
I thought my 10 pt was pretty quiet, until I shot a friends 10 Pt with a limb silencer kit.
I use mechanical Rage two blade broad heads, as I had some arrow flight deviation with fixed blade broad heads.
There's probably better suited/ Designed broad heads out there now, but I've had good success with the rage and I bought a lot of them.
Range finder is a +++.
If your shooting from a blind, make sure you practice shooting from it before going in the field.
Move around inside with it in the uncocked position to see what clearance you have.
I had a nice buck come into range and when I took the shot, the left limb hit the side of the blind, tearing it and breaking a pole.
Missed the buck, lost the arrow and messed up a good blind.
Most bow blinds are taller, not wider, as their made for traditional bows.
I went out and bought a two person blind and I position myself in the middle of the blind, with plenty of clearance.
Lesson learned.
Good Luck.

SJC