TOW
07-14-2008, 09:53 AM
This is a collection of crossbow tips from several sites on the net. There will be some repeats as numerous crossbowers gave their input.
First tip watch the video that comes with your bow and follow the directions.
2. Use common sense if your not sure dont do it.
3. Keep your fingers below the rail.
4. make sure you've loaded your bolt check before you pull the trigger.
5. use a different spot on your target for the second shot.
Check to make sure limbs are "clear" before pulling trigger
Bent/wrinkled plastic vanes on a bolt can sometimes be straightened by holding the end over a steaming kettle and then dunking the vanes in cold water.
When stringing your crossbow DO NOT be tempted to apply pressure on the stock for leverage.
Frequently check screws, scope mounts, etc. for tightness, since the vibration from crossbows can be tough on these.
Do not leave a crossbow strung in a hot car.
Never dry fire!
After cocking bow, always set safety.
Take hand shears to clear any limbs or other obstructions that may impede shooting lanes and area around blind or stand.
Always use a harness if using a tree or elevated stand.
1. Learn your shooting limits, and stay within them limits when shooting at live animals with any hunting tool that shoots an arrow.
2. A range finder is a very helpful tool when bow/crossbow hunting.
1. Read all operating and safety instructions and warnings that come with your new crossbow before attempting to shoot it.
2. Be certain of your target and be aware of what lies beyond before releasing an arrow.
At final assembly, clear fingernail polish (or some brand of loctite) on all screws to prevent loosening from vibration and shock.
Always remove your bolt from your crossbow when climbing in and out of your tree stand.
Put a scope or red dot with a field of view greater than 65 feet at 100 yards on your crossbow. No other single thing has improved my accuracy as much as this tip. I would get so excited shooting at a deer I would not bear down and line up the 2 parts of the sights on a x-bow.
2. Hunt around corn, picked or standing. I see way more deer around corn than any other crop here in northern Ohio.
3. Shoot the low profile accurate broadheads such and wasp and muzzy. They are much more accurate that high profile broadheads that cut holes in animals greater than an inch and a quarter.
4. As soon as you see a deer coming towards you get your crossbow on your shoulder and ready to shoot. If you wait till they get close they will see your movement.
I posted a note below the rear of my scope to (check the bolt). Take along a field tip to change on a bolt and unload your xbow.
Do some field testing and find out what bolt/broadhead/fletching offset combination shoots best for you out of your crossbow and stick with that/them combinations. What works for one guy may not work for you.
2. It's always good to practice with field points but be very sure to practice with the bolt/broadhead combination you're gonna hunt with. Even if the broadheads you choose are known to have the same POI as field points.
3. Spin test your hunting bolt/broadhead set-up to make sure your bolts/broadheads are straight.
4. Get to know your crossbow, shoot it, get the feel of it, shoot it and shoot it some more. No matter what is said and has been said about crossbows, they still shoot an arrow/bolt so you still need to shoot your crossbow to get to know it. Let it become a part of you.
5. Concentrate on your target and squeeze the trigger, don't pull/slap it as it will cause the bow to jerk. Follow through with your shots, try to watch your bolt's flight until you hear the bolt hit the target.
1.Learn as much as you can about the animal your hunting. Study their vitals and know where to shoot them .
2. " Aim small miss small " ; Pick a spot . Even if you have crosshairs . Dont aim at the entire animal , imagine a small target in the vital areas and smoothly squeeze the trigger.
3. Follow through ; Dont try to jerk your head up after the shot . Stay focused after the shot is made and view it through your sites or scope .
4. Learn to read the emotions of your animal and compensate for it. Some animals will react to the shot differently. A whitetail will drop at release . If he was nervous to begin with he will drop even more . On the flipside some animals will not .
5. Look for your shaft .Always inspect your arrow/bolt after a shot . Learn to read the blood & material on your shaft .
6. Watch your animal after the shot. Was he hunched , was he spinning his tail or did he just blind run. Was he headed uphill or down hill .
7. After the shot , give ample time before tracking ( at least 30 min.) relive the shot during this time . Take note of landmarks he went by .
8. Carry good lighting to track by and be prepared to spend as much time necessary to recover your animal .
9. Know your hunting area.
10. If your using a red dot scope .... carry extra batteries .
There is only one tip for Newbie x-bowers become a member of this forum and read all the postings. After that you will know everything that you need to become a x-bow hunter. Seriously I do mean that, it has helped me harvest 2 bucks in my first year of hunting, not that I didn't make mistakes but I feel I was way ahead of the game just by reading the experience posted here.Thanks guys.
obey all games laws and private Hunt Club rules
-share your experiences and your knowledge with others
-introduce young people to the sport and to the outdoors
-stay healthy and in good physical shape
-enjoy your hunt and the outdoors...do not hurry....relax
I may have missed it but all to important not to say again..I saw that clearin limbs and obsticles where in here but I will say it again....
KEEP THUMB AND FINGERS IN PROPER LOCATION..
Always do your best to practice and understand your equipment.
Understand your Quarry!
Be ethical and enjoy the hunt!
Spread the word, spread your knowledge, and embrace any new hunter, regardless of their choice of tool, used for hunting!
If your using a varizone, it's very easy to use the wrong reticle triangle for the yardage. Learn to cancentrate and be sure you are on the right one before you SQUEEZE the trigger. Sometimes you have to shoot quickly.
Cock the xbow before you climb in your stand.
Make sure of the brace height of the string "1" inch I belive.
Be sure of the target
While hunting periodically check to make sure your bolt is all the way back.
Read and understand your owner’s manual thoroughly before ever shooting your crossbow.
*Never carry a cocked crossbow with an arrow in it while walking.
*If hunting from a treestand, always cock the crossbow on the ground before climbing into stand.
*Never raise or lower a cocked crossbow from a treestand with an arrow in it.
*Always keep ALL fingers below the rail when shooting an arrow.
*Never dry-fire a crossbow.
*Always identify your target and area beyond it before shooting.
*Never use a cocking device to uncock a crossbow.
*To uncock a crossbow, shoot an arrow tipped with a field point into soft ground or a target.
*Make sure that the limb tips are free of obstructions before shooting.
Be patient! If the animal doesn't present you with a high percentage shot or if you have doubts don't shoot. There is going to be other opportunities. Better to live with the one that you let walk than the one that was only wounded.
Crossbows are archery equipment(don't let anyone tell you different!!!) and their effective range is no greater than a vert bow.
Don't just sight in your crossbow and then set it aside until fall. Practice, practice, practice all through the summer!
Go 3D shooting where you are forced to estimate distances. You will be surprised at how many times you will miss because you get the distance wrong! Optical illusions resulting from conditions such as uneven ground, animal size and position cause even the pros to misjudge distance.
Use surveyor's tape to mark distances around your tree stand.
get yourself a rangefinder and do it the easy way.
Watch how far you put your foot in the stirrup before cocking the crossbow, if it is not in deep enough ( or a bit muddy ) and it slips off your foot WHAM sore mouth or missing teeth.
This one has probably already been said. Watch the limb tips for obstructions, I have seen 1 person get a good wack in the face when the crossbow limb just clipped the side of a tree
Did you know that a sling on a crossbow is a benefit not just for carrying, but also to steady your bow while shooting? Wrap the sling around the forearm you use to hold the rail and push out, this will help tremendously!
Did you know that if you lightly tap your scope after you make an adjustment that you will have a more true setting when you shoot, as you will pre-set the reticle, and zero is less likely to change due to the jarring of a shot or transportation!
Did you know it is possible to use the maximum magnification on a varizone scope even if your bow will not shoot that fast? Simply crank it to the highest speed setting and calculate your yardage per pin by shooting each untill you know the yardage for zero! For example instead of your scope shooting 10,20,30,40+50 yds, in my case it is 25,30,37,44+51 yds. Odd numbers it may seem but this allows a more clear sight picture for me through the scope and I put a little sticker on the limb to remind me!
Did you know it is best to wax your string every 20-25 shots and to rub the wax in with a small piece of leather. It is also a benefit to keep your rail clear, scrape off excess wax with a credit card. A wax build up will create friction and have a minor effect on speed, a lot of guys swear by rail lube but the rail gets well lubricated by the string wax! IMO
Did you know that if you are blowing out servings, where the claws hook on an Excalibur, a really simple remedy is to take some really fine emery cloth and give all of the contact points and corners of the hooks a good going over. I couldn't get a hundred shots out of string before I did this and now I have had hundreds of shots out of the same string since!
Did you know that if you are setting up an Excalibur crossbow, when you attach the limbs, it is best to only slightly compress the rubber cushion under the hold down plates and to make the distance from the bow to the top of the plate equal on both sides of each plate on each limb!
A cocking device isn't just for those who are physically unable to cock a crossbow... They help ensure accurate string alignment every time the bow is cocked back-which makes for more accurate shooting. An Acudraw type cocking aide will allow you to cock your crossbow in a treestand safely as well.
Wrap a bit of duct tape (camo) around your stirrup. It makes an awful loud racket when moving through brush if you don't do this.
Never pull your cocked crossbow up to your stand by the stirrup. Pulling it up by the stock will prevent any small twigs from tripping the trigger if your safety fails. Another loud racket and a dry fire.
Be very careful when storing and carrying your bolts with broadheads. They are mighty sharp. Don't just toss the quiver on your front seat one of them sharp sticks could come loose while you are driving.
First tip watch the video that comes with your bow and follow the directions.
2. Use common sense if your not sure dont do it.
3. Keep your fingers below the rail.
4. make sure you've loaded your bolt check before you pull the trigger.
5. use a different spot on your target for the second shot.
Check to make sure limbs are "clear" before pulling trigger
Bent/wrinkled plastic vanes on a bolt can sometimes be straightened by holding the end over a steaming kettle and then dunking the vanes in cold water.
When stringing your crossbow DO NOT be tempted to apply pressure on the stock for leverage.
Frequently check screws, scope mounts, etc. for tightness, since the vibration from crossbows can be tough on these.
Do not leave a crossbow strung in a hot car.
Never dry fire!
After cocking bow, always set safety.
Take hand shears to clear any limbs or other obstructions that may impede shooting lanes and area around blind or stand.
Always use a harness if using a tree or elevated stand.
1. Learn your shooting limits, and stay within them limits when shooting at live animals with any hunting tool that shoots an arrow.
2. A range finder is a very helpful tool when bow/crossbow hunting.
1. Read all operating and safety instructions and warnings that come with your new crossbow before attempting to shoot it.
2. Be certain of your target and be aware of what lies beyond before releasing an arrow.
At final assembly, clear fingernail polish (or some brand of loctite) on all screws to prevent loosening from vibration and shock.
Always remove your bolt from your crossbow when climbing in and out of your tree stand.
Put a scope or red dot with a field of view greater than 65 feet at 100 yards on your crossbow. No other single thing has improved my accuracy as much as this tip. I would get so excited shooting at a deer I would not bear down and line up the 2 parts of the sights on a x-bow.
2. Hunt around corn, picked or standing. I see way more deer around corn than any other crop here in northern Ohio.
3. Shoot the low profile accurate broadheads such and wasp and muzzy. They are much more accurate that high profile broadheads that cut holes in animals greater than an inch and a quarter.
4. As soon as you see a deer coming towards you get your crossbow on your shoulder and ready to shoot. If you wait till they get close they will see your movement.
I posted a note below the rear of my scope to (check the bolt). Take along a field tip to change on a bolt and unload your xbow.
Do some field testing and find out what bolt/broadhead/fletching offset combination shoots best for you out of your crossbow and stick with that/them combinations. What works for one guy may not work for you.
2. It's always good to practice with field points but be very sure to practice with the bolt/broadhead combination you're gonna hunt with. Even if the broadheads you choose are known to have the same POI as field points.
3. Spin test your hunting bolt/broadhead set-up to make sure your bolts/broadheads are straight.
4. Get to know your crossbow, shoot it, get the feel of it, shoot it and shoot it some more. No matter what is said and has been said about crossbows, they still shoot an arrow/bolt so you still need to shoot your crossbow to get to know it. Let it become a part of you.
5. Concentrate on your target and squeeze the trigger, don't pull/slap it as it will cause the bow to jerk. Follow through with your shots, try to watch your bolt's flight until you hear the bolt hit the target.
1.Learn as much as you can about the animal your hunting. Study their vitals and know where to shoot them .
2. " Aim small miss small " ; Pick a spot . Even if you have crosshairs . Dont aim at the entire animal , imagine a small target in the vital areas and smoothly squeeze the trigger.
3. Follow through ; Dont try to jerk your head up after the shot . Stay focused after the shot is made and view it through your sites or scope .
4. Learn to read the emotions of your animal and compensate for it. Some animals will react to the shot differently. A whitetail will drop at release . If he was nervous to begin with he will drop even more . On the flipside some animals will not .
5. Look for your shaft .Always inspect your arrow/bolt after a shot . Learn to read the blood & material on your shaft .
6. Watch your animal after the shot. Was he hunched , was he spinning his tail or did he just blind run. Was he headed uphill or down hill .
7. After the shot , give ample time before tracking ( at least 30 min.) relive the shot during this time . Take note of landmarks he went by .
8. Carry good lighting to track by and be prepared to spend as much time necessary to recover your animal .
9. Know your hunting area.
10. If your using a red dot scope .... carry extra batteries .
There is only one tip for Newbie x-bowers become a member of this forum and read all the postings. After that you will know everything that you need to become a x-bow hunter. Seriously I do mean that, it has helped me harvest 2 bucks in my first year of hunting, not that I didn't make mistakes but I feel I was way ahead of the game just by reading the experience posted here.Thanks guys.
obey all games laws and private Hunt Club rules
-share your experiences and your knowledge with others
-introduce young people to the sport and to the outdoors
-stay healthy and in good physical shape
-enjoy your hunt and the outdoors...do not hurry....relax
I may have missed it but all to important not to say again..I saw that clearin limbs and obsticles where in here but I will say it again....
KEEP THUMB AND FINGERS IN PROPER LOCATION..
Always do your best to practice and understand your equipment.
Understand your Quarry!
Be ethical and enjoy the hunt!
Spread the word, spread your knowledge, and embrace any new hunter, regardless of their choice of tool, used for hunting!
If your using a varizone, it's very easy to use the wrong reticle triangle for the yardage. Learn to cancentrate and be sure you are on the right one before you SQUEEZE the trigger. Sometimes you have to shoot quickly.
Cock the xbow before you climb in your stand.
Make sure of the brace height of the string "1" inch I belive.
Be sure of the target
While hunting periodically check to make sure your bolt is all the way back.
Read and understand your owner’s manual thoroughly before ever shooting your crossbow.
*Never carry a cocked crossbow with an arrow in it while walking.
*If hunting from a treestand, always cock the crossbow on the ground before climbing into stand.
*Never raise or lower a cocked crossbow from a treestand with an arrow in it.
*Always keep ALL fingers below the rail when shooting an arrow.
*Never dry-fire a crossbow.
*Always identify your target and area beyond it before shooting.
*Never use a cocking device to uncock a crossbow.
*To uncock a crossbow, shoot an arrow tipped with a field point into soft ground or a target.
*Make sure that the limb tips are free of obstructions before shooting.
Be patient! If the animal doesn't present you with a high percentage shot or if you have doubts don't shoot. There is going to be other opportunities. Better to live with the one that you let walk than the one that was only wounded.
Crossbows are archery equipment(don't let anyone tell you different!!!) and their effective range is no greater than a vert bow.
Don't just sight in your crossbow and then set it aside until fall. Practice, practice, practice all through the summer!
Go 3D shooting where you are forced to estimate distances. You will be surprised at how many times you will miss because you get the distance wrong! Optical illusions resulting from conditions such as uneven ground, animal size and position cause even the pros to misjudge distance.
Use surveyor's tape to mark distances around your tree stand.
get yourself a rangefinder and do it the easy way.
Watch how far you put your foot in the stirrup before cocking the crossbow, if it is not in deep enough ( or a bit muddy ) and it slips off your foot WHAM sore mouth or missing teeth.
This one has probably already been said. Watch the limb tips for obstructions, I have seen 1 person get a good wack in the face when the crossbow limb just clipped the side of a tree
Did you know that a sling on a crossbow is a benefit not just for carrying, but also to steady your bow while shooting? Wrap the sling around the forearm you use to hold the rail and push out, this will help tremendously!
Did you know that if you lightly tap your scope after you make an adjustment that you will have a more true setting when you shoot, as you will pre-set the reticle, and zero is less likely to change due to the jarring of a shot or transportation!
Did you know it is possible to use the maximum magnification on a varizone scope even if your bow will not shoot that fast? Simply crank it to the highest speed setting and calculate your yardage per pin by shooting each untill you know the yardage for zero! For example instead of your scope shooting 10,20,30,40+50 yds, in my case it is 25,30,37,44+51 yds. Odd numbers it may seem but this allows a more clear sight picture for me through the scope and I put a little sticker on the limb to remind me!
Did you know it is best to wax your string every 20-25 shots and to rub the wax in with a small piece of leather. It is also a benefit to keep your rail clear, scrape off excess wax with a credit card. A wax build up will create friction and have a minor effect on speed, a lot of guys swear by rail lube but the rail gets well lubricated by the string wax! IMO
Did you know that if you are blowing out servings, where the claws hook on an Excalibur, a really simple remedy is to take some really fine emery cloth and give all of the contact points and corners of the hooks a good going over. I couldn't get a hundred shots out of string before I did this and now I have had hundreds of shots out of the same string since!
Did you know that if you are setting up an Excalibur crossbow, when you attach the limbs, it is best to only slightly compress the rubber cushion under the hold down plates and to make the distance from the bow to the top of the plate equal on both sides of each plate on each limb!
A cocking device isn't just for those who are physically unable to cock a crossbow... They help ensure accurate string alignment every time the bow is cocked back-which makes for more accurate shooting. An Acudraw type cocking aide will allow you to cock your crossbow in a treestand safely as well.
Wrap a bit of duct tape (camo) around your stirrup. It makes an awful loud racket when moving through brush if you don't do this.
Never pull your cocked crossbow up to your stand by the stirrup. Pulling it up by the stock will prevent any small twigs from tripping the trigger if your safety fails. Another loud racket and a dry fire.
Be very careful when storing and carrying your bolts with broadheads. They are mighty sharp. Don't just toss the quiver on your front seat one of them sharp sticks could come loose while you are driving.