Crossbow Controversies
Controversies over what types of firearms are used while hunting are common and very prominent, but they aren’t the only ones in the hunting world. The controversy over the use of crossbows for hunting is just as common, just not usually as prominent as it’s firearm counterparts. Just like any other bias, it is largely based on inaccurate and/or misleading information provided and promoted by those against it.
While it’s true that there are certain advantages of using a crossbow over a compound bow, they are no different than the differences of using a compound bow instead of a recurve. When the compound bow was becoming popular, it received the same kind of negative attention, but here we are today, where the majority of archery hunters use it. I see the resistance of using crossbows as the very same thing.
There are many myths about the crossbow that fosters the negative connotations hunters have of them. Many people think they are too easy to shoot, but while it is true that they can be held at draw by mechanical means, they are no easier to hit a deer with than a typical compound bow. All the skills necessary to be successful hunting with a compound bow are necessary to be successful with the crossbow.
There is also the belief that a crossbow is much more efficient than a compound bow, which isn’t the case at all. A typical 150# draw weight crossbow is no more efficient than a 65-70# compound bow. The greater draw weight is due to the shortened draw length of the crossbow compared to the compound bow. Shooting the same weight arrow from both, it will travel at the same speed with basically the same amount of effectiveness from either weapon.
There are numerous other arguments against the crossbow, but just like the above, they are founded on misconceptions. So before you condemn a weapon that you have no idea about the truth of, do your research before you make up your mind. Just take a look at what is happening in the gun hunting world if you want to see what happens when you don’t.
hunting, archery, compound bows, crossbows, recurves, controversies, rights
February 20th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Misconceptions my butt. They are EXTREMELY easier to use and are a lazy mans crutch. Nothing else.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:04 am
[...] above comment was left on my Crossbow Controversies post I made nearly a year ago. It is a perfect example of the internal strife I mentioned above. [...]