I am considering purchasing a crossbow for an up coming Elk hunt. I live in NY where we cannot hunt during archery season with a crossbow so I have really never researched them. I have archery hunted all of my life but I am currently without a bow. Is a crossbow as good as a quality coumpound bow for large animals? Any brands or models that stand out in the crowd? Any advice would be appreciated!
Crossbow for Elk hunting
- Thread starter Tony S
- Start date
Don K
Very Active Member
Have you actually held one or shot one? My father had to switch over to a crossbow due to health issues and I have messed with it a bit. They are definitely as good as a quality of a compound bow. IMO though If you can still shoot a regular bow I would stick with that. I personally would not want to haul one of those around the mountains elk hunting. If I had no choice I would do it but If I could hunt with a regular bow that would be in my hands. (just my personal opinion a crossbow is more cumbersome than a regular bow)
Nope, I have never held nor shot one before. I see some do weight more than my Weatherby mark V though. I have no problem with a conventional bow. I got rid of my last Hoyt because I was just never comfortable with the way it fit me. I may just buy another model. Thanks for the input Don K.
Don K
Very Active Member
Maybe take a drive to the local pro shop or somewhere close that sells them. Handle one and see what you think for yourself this would help with your decision.
Musket Man
Veteran member
I dont know where you are going hunting but I dont think a cross bow would be legal on very many if any archery hunts out west.
Don K
Very Active Member
Yup Wyoming... Unfortunately none of the archery shops here carry them since we can't use them. There is a Gander Mountain not too far from me, maybe I will take a ride and see what they have.
squirrelduster
Active Member
A friend owns an archery shop and sells the Mission crossbows. Pretty cumbersome and heavy but very fast and accurate.
I too would recommend a regular compound. I think the weight and how slow they are to load would be a deterrent.
I too would recommend a regular compound. I think the weight and how slow they are to load would be a deterrent.
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
In all the elk hunting videos floating around, the fact that the ratio of elk shot with a compound compared to a crossbow is probably 10,000 to 1, should say something. 
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Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
Musket Man
Veteran member
It may be legal in some places but it seems comparable to using a single shot rifle in Muzzle loader season to me....
Don K
Very Active Member
I wonder how long until a "double asterisk" shows up like the single one did for compound letoff
Eberle
Veteran member
I had a bronc break my elbow 3 years ago, had surgery ended up with a screw in it. Dr. advised me not to shoot my bow for a year. I purchased a Parker Enforcer. It was the lightest weight crossbow at the time & it is awesome. I've killed several deer with it out to 50 yards. Clean pass through on everyone so far. I would look at the Parker line. Stay away from the horton's, they are good crossbows but went bankrupt. Got a buddy that can't find parts for his right now.
Good Luck
Good Luck
robsev
Member
I have a Barnett Ghost 350. I haven't killed an elk with it yet but I hope to soon. Very fast and accurate. I can hit a 2 inch bull at 60 yards consistently. .not sure of the exact weight but it's way lighter than my rifle. I carry my bipod along also - works great to steady it. I like it.
CrimsonArrow
Very Active Member
The only advantage a crossbow has over a compound is that with the use of shooting sticks or a rest, you can achieve a greater maximum range with less practice. My stepmother got a crossbow as a retirement present from her co-workers, and the first time I shot it, freehand at 20 yards, I broke the first bolt's nock with the second bolt. Not much of a learning curve, nor much skill required.
Robbya
New Member
Crossbow for Elk hunting is one of the beneficial part for the hunters who want to hunt accurately.
Caribou Creek
New Member
- Sep 8, 2012
- 6
- 0
I have an Excaliber exomax, it has regular recurve limbs so no issues with getting it back and running in the mountains if a string breaks, or get sliced with a broad head, best of all it is extremely accurate, they also come with a great warranty and excellent customer service.