There are articles I will decide not to write about because even though it’s strictly a person’s opinion, some subjects are too political and some of these topics can/will produce arguments that I believe DO NOT need to happen. That being said, keep reading, because of a recent exchange of dialogue that I witnessed I felt an urge to write about this subject.

While having what I thought was going to be a couple of relaxing cocktails, I overheard two men talking about deer hunting.  A short time later a third man sitting close, joined in that conversation. Within minutes voices started to elevate over a difference of said options.
What was the reason for this? The first two hunters use a compound bow, while the third gentleman that merged into their discussion uses a crossbow.

This whole dispute on compound bow vs crossbow has been ongoing as long as I can remember and no matter what I write, nothing will change this disagreement. But, because of what I witnessed, I have to throw in my two cents. Let me start with this. The first patent on compound bows was in 1966 but didn’t gain popularity until the late 70s into the 80s. At that time, the hunters that used longbows didn’t like people using compound bows as the compound bow hunters don’t like the use of crossbows today.

The longbow hunters felt not only has the mechanical (cables & pulleys) features taken away the expertise and accuracy that they had acquired from years of practice, but it also requires less physical strength.

Can you blame the hunters that used the new compound bows when they hit the stores? I mean, the compound bows were marketed with the benefits of precision and power that required less strength to draw and hold. So, I totally understand why hunters started using the new compound bows. Now, add different digital sights and even rangefinders that can measure exact distance and calculates aim and drop points.

Now, crossbows basically incorporate the same pulley and cam system as a compound bow but has a horizonal design with a trigger system. The bow string still has to be manually pulled back to engage the trigger mechanism on a crossbow. A Compound bow string also has to be pulled back manually but is held with fingers. Most hunters I would say use a thumb, wrist or finger trigger release because the shot can be a more and better controlled shot with a thumb, wrist or finger release.

For centuries archery has been used for hunting and competitively, so the bowhunting community has to look back in time to understand all bows shoot arrows and people are going to buy or at least try the newest bow on the market. No matter what bow is used, it still requires the archers to have considerable amount of skill that take many hours of practice.

So, the COMPOUND bowhunters that believe CROSSBOWS are the wrong bow to use, should talk to the archers that still hunt with LONGBOWS or RECURVE BOWS and see what they have to say. Just saying.

Here’s a little bow fact. Crossbows came first and it’s believed to originate in China. The Longbow came next and originate in Wales.