Potential crossbow hunter needs help

[Dimitri]

Hi everyone

With calcific tendonitis in my left shoulder and a damaged suprasprinatus tendon in my right shoulder I, very sadly, have decided to sell my compound bow and accessories as I cannot see when - if ever - I will be able to accurately shoot a compound bow again.

However, I loved the extra challenge that bowhunting gave me. There is a difference between walking and stalking to within 100m of an animal and getting to within 30m of an animal and this was a great challenge for me. Why not just get to within 30m with my rifle and take the shot? Not sure as I often take shots at that distance when hunting with my rifles. Perhaps the added challenge of having to wait for a perfect broadside or quartering away shot which is required when shooting with an arrow. I can't quite explain it properly but bowhunting gives me a different hunting experience to rifle hunting. I enjoy both but walk and stalk bowhunting is more of a challenge in my opinion.

The bottom line is simply that I want to continue enjoying the bowhunting experience and was thinking of buying a crossbow. I want to hunt animals up to the size of kudu bulls. I know nothing about crossbows or crossbow hunting and was hoping to get some information about it before I approach a few dealers to hear what they have to say.

1. In terms of legalities is there a distinction between hunting with a crossbow vs a compound bow i.e. can I hunt whatever and wherever I used to hunt with my compound or are there different permits / licenses that I need?

2. How have you crossbow hunters out there been received by the game farming community? Do game farms generally welcome crossbow hunters as they would compound bow hunters or are they skeptical about crossbows or even against them?

3. Those that have hunted with both compound bows and crossbows ...... are the two experiences similar or vastly different?

4. Mathews is one of the most well known brands of compound bows and make some of the best bows in the world. When I bought my Drenalin it was amongst the top bows available in the Mathews range. What is the crossbow equivalent of say a Mathews Drenalin i.e. what is a premium-quality bow made by an established, well-known company that also offers great after-sales service and guarantees?

5. Which dealer would you recommend in the greater JHB area for good honest advice, competitive prices and quality crossbows?

Looking forward to hearing your advice.

Regards

Dimitri

[reggie]

Hi try this site http://www.sacrossbowhunter.co.za/

[Dimitri]

Hi reggie

Thanks for taking the time to join the forum and refer me to that website. I found the SA Crossbowhunter website late last week when I was doing a bit of research on xbows. Their FAQs section was very helpful.

I'm looking at buying the Barnett Vengeance xbow which I saw and shot on Saturday. I must say that the xbow is going to take some getting used to. It feels awkward and unbalanced (although the Vengeance is the latest reverse draw technology and comparatively very well balanced). It's going to be interesting w&s ing with an xbow. When I got my compound bow I also felt that it was awkward. Rifles are so much easier all-round.

I must admit that I feel a bit guilty at the moment. Firstly for parting with my Mathews Drenalin (although it seems to be going to a good home) and secondly that instead of taking up the longbow (which would have increased the hunting challenge) I have been forced to "regress" to a xbow which I suspect will be easier than hunting with a compound. 80% of the times when I have been 30m or less from an animal and have been bust it was in the act of trying to get into a kneeling or standing position to draw the bow or in the act of actually drawing the bow. With the xbow you just flex your finger like a rifle. I suppose, if I find I am missing my compound too much, I could always force myself to simulate a drawing movement before taking the shot  which will guarantee that the majority of my time-consuming stalks will result in a front-seat view of the rear of the departing animals.

Anyway, thanks again for your post.

Just one thing, please pop over to the "Introductions" section and introduce yourself (forum protocol).

All the best

Dimitri