Well said. One thing I learned when I started hunting with a crossbow is that the string and cables on a brand new crossbow will stretch as you shoot it or leave it cocked for a long time. So, don't just sight in your brand new crossbow and go hunting with it. Shoot it about 10 times and get comfortable with and get used to the sound it makes and how it feels when you fire it and let the string and cables stretch some. If you don't and it stays cocked for hours, your shot will be way off. And always make sure the crossbow is level and not canted (tilted) to the right or left. This will throw your shot off too. They make bubble levels for crossbows that mount to the scope and/or scope rail. Good luck this season and be safe.
Well said. Very good information. I just had new strings put on my crossbow & I should probably make sure everything is level and shoot it more often. Thank you.
Bolt checks, blue loctite, range finder and a paint pen. Crossbows have far more vibration when fired than a vertical bow. Check bolts, they WILL vibrate loose. Blue loctite is your friend, it can be removed, DO NOT USE RED LOCTITE! Use a paint pen, I use yellow or white. Mark the eye relief dial on your scope in case it gets moved. Mark your scope speed dial (If you have one), they can get bumped and be off from your zero. Mark your cams with dots on either side of the string/cables. This way at a glance you can see if string/cable stretch has you out of time. Know your distances. Range trees, rocks, stumps, ect, in and around where you'll be taking shots. Crossbows are fast but deer will still drop and change impact sight. Oh, if you have an illuminated reticle, don't forget to turn it off, lol. Be safe and wear a harness. Happy hunting.
All EXCELLENT tips my friend! And yea, I have fell victim of having ot replace the batteries to often on my illuminated reticle because it is SOOO easy to forget to turn it off. Good luck this season!
Awesome! Best of luck to you this year! I am hoping to take a nice buck come opening as well! I have a target buck that has been in my area in the daylight so I have my hopes up.
@@DREAM_GUNS As we get in to mid October the bucks will start getting more active in the daytime and will eventually follow one of those does in to you.
New crossbow hunter here also.I have not hunted in years due to living in Florida taking care of grandparents. Moved to Ohio 2 years ago now, and finally Getting ready to get back in the woods after over a decade. I will be hunting public land in Ohio and taking my first crossbow kill,with my first crossbow...wicked ridge invader m1 390 ftps. I have been crossing the days off my calendar like a kid waiting on Christmas! So excited I here the deer can get to be monster's in the state of, Ohio muskigum county.
@@wrenmiller2561 So I am from Florida originally and I hunted there for 30 years. If FL was the Pacer, Oh is the Lamborghini for deer hunting. You are blessed to be able to hunt there each year now. I typically try to take a 5 day archery trip to Oh each year. I love hunting there. I have never taken one of the OH monsters but I have had some close encounters with them. Good luck to you this year!
if you take a small peace of cord and tie it on the back of your crossbows butt stock it makes the balance right and its alot safer i have six crossbows and ive been hunting for to long they call old man rick the deer slayer..hope this helps someone.. good hunting...
Hey Rick can you expand on that a little more? I'm not sure what the cord tied to your stock does? Is that for pulling it up so the stock is what is facing you? Is that what you are talking about? Thanks!
Wish I saw this 4 years ago. I not only had a small pine twig lodged in my cams but I got so close to the tree to shoot, the cable came off and my bolt shot 15 yards away from the broadside doe. I was devastated!! Nice Post, thank you.
uuggghhhh. Yea that's rough for sure. I guess the only shining light there is that you learned about that on a shot at a doe instead of a once in a lifetime kind of deer. Best of luck to you this season! My opener is tomorrow!
Good video. The only thing I'd add is folks should consider the effective kill range of a crossbow. My view on this is your target should be close. 100 yards, 75 yard's, 50 yard's you can nail the target, but it most likely won't kill a deer.
John that is an excellent point. The farther the arrow flies the less kinetic energy it has. Then couple that with an expandable and a low kinetic energy at entry and you no longer have a high percentage shot. Well said John!
I am a crossbow hunter. I could never hunt with a compound bow, due to the fact that I am a right handed with a left strong eye. Wish I had seen this video before and would had avoided all mistakes that you mentioned. Great video, sir.
Oh yea that would be really tough to shoot a compound bow that way. I guess your choice was crossbow or learn to shoot left handed. I don't blame you on your choice! Thanks for the comments. I hope you have a great season this year!
Eye dominance is nonsense I've been bow hunting right handed/left eye dominant for a decade. The problem with eye dominance is as soon as you obscure the vision (IE put a peep sight in front of it or a optic) from 1 eye, the brain automatically switches to the other eye. So for 2 decades I've just been winking when I shoot. Or you can simply train your brain to use the other eye by putting some clear tape over the left side of some safety glasses, and shooting both eyes open. The clear tape will fuzz the vision in your left eye making your brain switch back to the peep sight eye.
I just decided the other day to hunt crossbow for the first time and this video pops up in my feed. Talk about timing. I was gonna buy a Barnett wildcat crx for my first crossbow.
Thanks David. That is true. Especially if you are coming in this from hunting with a scoped rifle for sure. You always have to think in terms of how will that arrow pass through the body at the angle I am shooting at! Best of luck to you this season!
Well said, and thank you for the time spent putting this info out there! I have a couple questions/comments to add, if I may? Coming from a 54yo 5th year x-bow hunter in mid NC. Question - from a good friend of mine, and fellow x-bow hunter; “with a x-bow, don’t compensate for the deer jumping the string. The arrow is flying too fast…”. First time I’ve heard of this. Any thoughts? Using a Wicked Ridge 380-ish fps with a Vortex x-bow illuminated scope. Next, couple comments.. To help quiet the x-bow when raising from the ground, and while moving in the stand or blind - I put felt tape, similar to my camo pattern, on the limbs, butt stock, and any place that has a tendency to make contact with the tree stand ladder, tree limbs, or the stand itself. Changes the sound from a “clang” to a subtle/soft “thud”. I also use a rubber textured tape in the hand-grab area of the sock, and trigger grip areas. Really helps with gripping. About the limbs making contact with things while shooting, same goes for a ground blind. Stay far enough away from the window opening so you don’t smack the blind with the limbs. Ask me how I know…X2 because I’m a dipstick!
Great comments. Good tips on quieting the crossbow for sure. I personally do not account for a deer jumping the string with a crossbow. I typically make my setups so I would have at most a 30 yard shot. On the past 12 deer that I have shot, I have made a pass through on 11 of them. The farthest shot was 30 yards and the majority were 20 or less. Now having said that I shot an 8 pt 2 days ago at 16 yards with a pretty good down angle. When that hit, the deer went down immediately and started kicking on its side with the arrow sticking out as if I spined him. At the time I wasn't sure if I just made a bad shot or what. At the angle I was at, I picked a spot higher on the deer so that the arrow could angle through both lungs (it would enter top of right lung and exit bottom of left lung) If I picked a lower spot, I thought I might only get 1 lung and out the bottom of the deer. Given the higher spot I picked, at 16 yards, the buck dropped enough, that my arrow went in high and I think busted into the top of the shoulder bone. No pass through but it did go right to the vitals. Buck expired within 45 seconds. So they can drop, but I never compensate for it. If I was shooting out to 50 yards, which I don't recommend in the woods, then I think a deer can absolutely drop on you. I wasn't sure if I just made a bad shot at first, until I just now reviewed the video footage.
Awesome review thanks very good review and tips for new hunters I bn hunting 31 years the one big one I've cn happen to people and have read about is one of your tips wile cocked and shooting the limbs will expand wider and people don't realize that and smack a limb or ground blind rods thanks very well put together
Thanks for the comments Brian. Thankfully I learned that lesson on a compound bow. I can't imagine what it would be like with a crossbow to smack a tree when you release. Yikes! Good luck to you this season!
I think crossbow hunting is awesome! Dudes who hate on crossbows, and shoot compounds. Congratulations you are shooting a mechanically driven vertical crossbow🎉. Shoot traditional if you want shit talking leverage.
Yea I enjoy the crossbow. I think as long as a weapon is legal it should be up the individual to shoot whatever they want. All hunters just need to get along and accept the fact that it is different strokes for different folks. Besides it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks if you are doing it legally and ethically.
I love my Hex suit just waiting for the weather,at 67 I just don't like hunting when it's 100°. Me and my Barnett Buck Commander crossbow an oldy but a good one.
Oh I get that for sure! I grew up hunting in Florida and it could be December and be hot. I moved to SC and shot an 11 pt on my first muzzleloader outing in cool weather with no mosquitos. I was like I am NEVER hunting in that heat again! EVER... But I did make an exception this week. The first two days of archery season unusually cool days with a lot of high wind so I hunted those two days because I had a target buck coming in to an area during daylight hours. Well he didn't show those 2 days, I think due to the wind. Had to run out of town for 4 days and when I got back he showed on my camera the day before in the afternoon. Well now its hot again, but I had to do it. I made the right call, I got him. But I do not like hunting in the heat. Good luck to you this season!
Been hunting for 54 years killed many animals, Been bow hunting for 40 years, killed many deer and hogs, along with a black bear. This will be my 1st year with crossbow. Which illuminated scope would you recommend for my Killer Instinct Vital X? Currently been practicing with the scope it came with but thinking of installing illuminated scope. Great points on making clean vital shoots. Keep the videos coming.
Sounds like you have had many awesome hunts over your lifetime. Keep it up! I have been using a CVLIFE scope. They sent me one early on to test out and since made a few slight changes (improvements) to it. I am still in fact using the original one they sent me and it has worked solid for me. Took 3 deer with it last year and one of those was at last light and those lit up reticles made all the difference. The one I would get now is basically the same model I have but this one that I will link has the zero at 20 yards instead of 50. amzn.to/4gsyZkm Wish you the best this season!
New hunter and planning on crossbow out of a blind. Where would yall recommend setting up? Is a clearing with game trail through it better than a thin copse of trees with acorns on the ground? I've scouted several locations, hoping to get into woods on Wednesday
@@spamusapan So with turkeys you can pop up a blind in the middle of a field the day before you hunt and turkeys won't care. For deer, you really need to setup a blind early and it helps a LOT if you brush it in real good. You want to make it blend in. I would personally prefer a thicker area where you can blend the blind in better and hunt over acorns. If you can find a game trail heading to the acorns position your blind accordingly.
GOOD ADVICE! GOOD VIDEO! THE SAFETY ASPECTS YOU MENTIONED ARE MOST IMPORTANT! ONLY YOU THE HUNTER CAN PREVENT ACCIDENTS! DON'T CLIMB TREES WITH COCKED CROSSBOW! ALWAYS USE A ROPE TO RAISE AND LOWER YOUR CROSSBOW!
How do you feel about neck shots? Im a ground hunter and have primarily used firearms for hunting. Here over the past several years ive been using 223, i pretty much always go for neck, chest or head shots, no matter the caliber and its always put them down. Im a meat hunter, not a trophy hunter but have been debating getting into crossbows to extend my hunting season some, plus just to have more of a challenge over a firearm. God bless bud from ole Carolina.
Not a fan. Bullets kill by mass trauma, blades kill by blood loss. The highest percentage shots with any blade would be double lung shots. An arrow doesn’t fly as flat or as fast as a bullet. There is time for the animal to move between the release and the hit. The lung shots being a much bigger target gives more room for that to occur and still make a quick and lethal shot. Not saying a neck shot can’t be done. But it would not be a high percentage shot opportunity by any means. I personally won’t take a neck shot with a blade.
I’ve nerded out on crossbows for a month and can’t make my mind up between the wicked ridge m370 and the Barnett xp390…. Any input to help me make my mind up? Thanks, love the videos.
Well I don't have any experience with the Barnett XP390, but this is my 5th year with my Wicked Ridge M370. I have taken 11 deer with this crossbow since I bought it. I have an initial review video and then a 4 year follow up review video on the M370 if you are interested. My understanding is that the M370 has been reduced in price to sell them off and that the model was replaced with the Commander M1 (I think.) But you can still get the M370 at a pretty good price right now. It has not failed me and we ended up getting my dad (78 yrs old) one last year as well and he took one with it last year.
@@BooneDownSouth I found your channel watching your reviews on the wicked ridge. I think the mounted acudraw systems is going to be the selling point for me on the wicked ridge. I only hunt my property, hunt light rarely take anything besides my bow or rifle I could see myself losing the detached one. Thanks for the reply. Watching from the mountains eastern Ky
@@jacobpuckett7893 Ok Awesome! Yea all I can say is I have been very happy with the crossbow. It has performed well with me. Keep in mind that I taken this crossbow on out of state hunts every year I had it as well, but I also have the benefit of being able to hunt from Sept 15 - Jan 1 in my area and I get to hunt 3-5 times a week. I guess what I am saying is for me, I have put this crossbow through a lot of use and it works just as good today as when I bought if 4.5 years ago. Eastern KY is beautiful country man!
Wicked Ridge 370 with the acudraw device is a great crossbow and it's light and very narrow which helps out a lot of your going to be shooting out of a tree. The narrow crossbow allows you to stay closer to the tree for the shot. I've had mine for a few years and never missed a deer yet
I find it as easier to discharge the crossbow with an old bolt, de-cocking can be dangerous especially when it is dark or you have cold hands or all the above!! that is my personal preference ,be safe
If you sight in using a rope stay with a rope if you use your hands it will cause arrow to fly different if you cock your bow with your hands to sight it in stay with your hands and not a rope for cocking
Would like to know your arrow setup. Grain weight and arrow brand. I just bought the commander m1 and I’m getting it setup to hunt. Im gonna use the swhacker 252 razor fixed blade broadhead.
This is exactly what I am using for the arrows. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BPN3G747/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I went to these last year. The prior 3 years, I used the same exact arrows without the lighted nock. I use a 2 blade Rage NC 100 grain expandable with these arrows. I have taken 11 deer with this setup and all were quick clean kills with massive holes.
Hey enjoyed the video, I wanted to ask if you personally cock your bow as soon as you get in stand and leave it coked the entire time you're there or if you use the engage to your advantage and cock when you're ready to shoot? I have the same Xbow you do for reference.. Thanks!
While I am hunting it is always cocked with the safety on. If a deer comes out all I need to do is turn the safety off and I am good to go. If you wait to cock when you are ready to shoot there will be too much movement and too much time involved and you will most likely miss your shot opportunity. Just treat it like any other firearm. Always use the safety, point in a safe direction, keep your fingers out of the string path, etc.. and you will be good.
I am HUGE fan in Rage 2 bladed broadheads. I have used Rage broadheads for probably 20 years. I used them when I mainly shot a compound bow and when I went to the crossbow I started using them there as well. They bunch a massive hole and leave an excellent blood trail. I have taken 11 deer in the last 4 years with this crossbow/broadhead combination. That is what I would go with. Here is a link for you to check them out. amzn.to/3XPdAu9
Well I am still using my Wicked Ridge M370 which I got 5 years ago. I killed my 13th deer with it a few weeks ago. Right now Bass Pro has that model with the accudraw for $499. That is a good price point for what you get. Good luck to you.
Love them videos it’s my first time getting in to hunting I just bought one I just want to know what are the best arrow for hunting for the m370 thanks
I use the TenPoint Pro Elite 400 20" arrows with the M370. That is the factory match for this crossbow. There are two versions, one with alpha blaze lighted nocks and one without the lighted nocks. I prefer the lighted ones: amzn.to/3U5Tl9p
@@Marsuchi_77 Well the TenPoint Pro Elites are carbon arrows. They are the arrows that match the fixed line scope that comes with the M370. You can use aluminum arrows if you want to. The pros of aluminum is that they are cheaper, but they are heavier and can easily bend if it hits something hard. Carbon arrows are more expensive, but they are lighter and stronger and do not bend when they hit something hard. So if you get aluminum and you hit a tree or wood or something you need to really check the arrow over to make sure it is not bent. Either will kill deer but those are the pros and cons.
@@BooneDownSouth thank you very much today I should have read your comment yesterday someone recommended some arrow I missed my first deer I home I get it done tomorrow I went to Cabelas to get those arrows
Yea we all have those areas we learned the hard way!! When I first started in archery, I bought a kit from bass pro shops. Didn't fit me at all. I went to the archery store/range 3 times with the quiver upside and nobody said nothing man. I learned some things the hard way too! LOL. Best of luck to you this year.
Well I just got my HECS suit and that was my first time trying it on for size. I am going to be fully testing this HECS outfit this season. So at this point I am in the hopeful stage but can't offer a valid opinion yet. I will be hunting with this outfit starting on Sept 15th onward. I will be posting my thoughts on it as I go. I am also planning on wearing this on my wildlife photography excursions as well, but that won't be until near the end of hunting season.
So I would think the top 5 price friendly would be something along the lines of these: Wicked Ridge CenterPoint Killer Instinct Barnett Bear Out of those, I only have experience with Wicked Ridge and CenterPoint and this is just my opinion here.
I just picked up a wicked Ridge yesterday at Bass pro shop. I've never shot in crossbow but the guy behind the counter is the one who fixes him so I asked him which ones he fixes less and the wickedRidge M - 370 was his choice overall for what I was looking for as a beginner with the match 400 carbon arrows. I did research before that visit and this was also a top of the list before I got there so it matched up and I bought it
@@LifeSavingDefense Well that is good to hear. Mine has been good to me for 5 seasons now. It is a solid choice. It's hard to go wrong on that crossbow at that price point. Have fun getting it all set up and shot in!
Most modern crossbows are designed to be able to stay cocked for a full day of hunting. You really don't want to keep it cocked for longer than that because that can induce early stretching of the strings and cables which will affect the overall performance of the crossbow. Then there is always the safety factor. For me, I cock it when I am hunting and when I finish, I uncock it.
You purchase through their website. Here is my affiliant link to their website if you are interested: www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=5a9eee84-ba12-417a-8706-202ccdd1df7f&website_id=b178580f-1124-495f-b72b-9730adb62d06&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhecshunting.com%2F
So I am currently using a CVLIFE model that they sent me early on to test out. They have since made a few changes (improvements) to the model, however, I have been using that one ever since and it worked well for me all last season. They have 2 similar models, one with a zero at 50 yards and one with a zero at 20 yards. The one I have has the zero at 50 yards. If I were going to purchase one, I would prefer the model that has the zero at 20 yards. Here is a link to it on Amazon: amzn.to/4gsyZkm
I have to apologize, never heard of you before. But you come off as well spoken, obviously have some history backing you, care about a humane hunts. And seem to want to help other crossbow hunters. First impressions, I would say you probably have a future in this type of stuff. One of the biggest things I see with these faster / more powerful crossbows in people's hands, is they think they can take the 40 50 60 70 yard shot. And they probably can. I've been shooting for, let's just say a while, I could do the same. But, am I being realistic, in regards to being humane to the animal. I prefer to take the animal down as fast / quick /humane as possible. I still very seldom ever take a shot past 30 yards. Most are closer. What I love about bow hunting / crossbow hunting, is getting as close as we do, compared to gun hunting. For me, getting that close is special. Being as humane as possible, I owe that animal, to do just that. Unfortunately, over the last few years with these faster / more powerful crossbows, you see more people taken longer shots, and not recovering the animal. Pretty damn sad in my opinion. Wish people would educate themselves more on the vitals, as you spoke of, and being more humane, better sportsman. Like it or not, we're going to find out about us, as bow/ crossbow hunters, with all the latest and greatest equipment. And yeah, I have two crossbows. One shooting at 360 and the other at 420. Love them both. I use each for a different tactic or hunting style. That's just me. Anyways, appreciate your vid/content. Do think you have a future in this TH-cam stuff.😮😅
Thanks for the friendly comments Matthew! I think we are on the same page . Ensuring a quick clean kill is our responsibility to the animals we hunt. It is not only the humane thing to do, but it is also the most convenient thing to do. When you make a high percentage shot, the animal expires quickly and doesn't go far. Easier to track and less time tracking the animal. In all my years of hunting I can't say I have never lost a deer because I have and it leaves you feeling miserable. But I try to practice what I preach. My biggest deer opportunity to date I let walk because he was alerted to me and stepped just out of my range. It was in Ohio and the locals that had seen it guessed it would have scored around 170ish. Had like 17 points and drop tines. I wanted to take the shot so bad, but the animal deserved a clean shot and I didn't feel 100% confident that I could do it when he stepped a little too far out of range - especially since he was on alert. I agree that there is nothing like being up close to these animals while we are hunting. Thanks again for all the nice comments and thanks for watching!
Make sure you take a junk bolt / arrow with you to shoot the crossbow at the end of the hunt because most crossbow do not have a decocking capability WICKED RIDGE M370 is a killing machine
Yep good tip. I always have a arrow at the ready at my target when I get back to unload it with. The Wicked Ridge M370 has been awesome for me. Just got my 12th deer with it.
How come nobody is mentioning the FACT you have to practice lefty and righty. Also the angle your stand is KNOW you can’t shoot a deer at 4,5,6,7,8 o’clock s. U practice lefty also u gain 4,5,6.
That is true, if you plan to shoot lefty you need to practice and it will increase your shooting direction. I personally don't do this, because my setups are usually very tight with limited shot options so shooting 4,5,6 is typically not possible in my setups as the brush is too thick for a shot. But if you hunt in areas where your shot could be anywhere, being able to shoot lefty confidently definitely gives you a wider range of shooting angles as you mentioned. Good point!
Great video Boone and although it was meant for new crossbow hunters these tips apply to seasoned hunters like us as well. The safety tip rings true for me, as I managed to get my left thumb up above the rail with my old BARNETT JACKAL (no finger guard reminders), and I'll never forget that experience for sure! I even do a crossbow safety video on my channel most every year! Last year I took five deer from a ground blind with my M-370 and all but one died quickly. One buck with a heart & double lung never went 25 feet before he piled up on the rocks! That said, I made what still looks like a picture perfect heart shot, and I never found that doe! Thanks for sharing and keep up the great videos! th-cam.com/video/K2_P3TuS2S8/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Boomer! Man it looks so crazy where you hunt with all those homes right behind you. That is insane! Years ago when I lived in Florida I got access to some property that was near Tampa and it backed up to one of these fancy neighborhoods with million dollar homes and all that. I we hunted pigs back in those woods. It was interesting for sure. So what happened to your left thumb?
I wasn’t paying attention and got by thumb up above the flight deck. The old Barnett crossbows including my Jackal did not any safety protection (finger guard reminders)! Yale New Haven Hospital was able to reattach it as it was just hanging on by a thread!
@@boomerrangerron Oh man! That was an instant uh oh moment for sure. I did something similar when I was using a planer. I did have gloves on but my fingers got too low to the blades and the noise changed for a split second as it shaved the nail side of one of my fingers off and I knew what happened. I pulled my hand out of the glove and the nail was gone and it was just bloody raw flesh.
Well I once took the top of my right index finger aka shooting finger off using a mandolin to make escalloped potatoes! That’s why they call them accidents! But hey I’ve never repeated either accident again! Stay safe and hunt hard!
Crossbow hunter here.. but I dont hunt Deer I might go into the woods.. and drink me a beer then I jump in my pick up truck and steer and I drive to the city and I buy more Gear and while Im there I'll buy more beer A city slickers tried to shoot me last year so I loaded up a bolt and tried to end his career since his apology to me was not sincere My crossbow and scope is rated Top Tier so it really dont matter if you're far or near So have no fear.. real crossbow hunter here but I dont hunt Deer after I drink me a beer and I wont stick a French Fry in my ear 'cause if I do that then I cannot hear and I only talk to girls 'cause Im not Queer I am not like that actor Richard Gere I am not Gay.. let me make that clear and I'll be sittin' on the dock at the edge of the pier and things will get dark when I run out of beer and I might jump in and disappear and if I see a shark I will be frozen with fear I'll wish I had my crossbow and my Gear and when Im not here.. I guess some people will cheer I reckon some might laugh and some might sneer when my soul is floatin' in the atmosphere 'cause I got eaten by a shark when I jumped off the pier or some assh_le with a crossbow thought that I was a deer while I was sitting in the woods just havin' a beer
@@BooneDownSouth what i mean by that is i dont get the shakes like when i was a young hunter when first seeing them come in but after the kill i am pumped
@@troybizeau5979I’m tracking with ya man! I usually get the shakes after the shot myself. I did have a buck get me rattled last year though. Good luck this season!
1 don't try hard 2 get a gun for archery 3 don't have abilities or skills 4 don't practice 5 never challenge yourself 6 essentially cheat to be cool lol
Couldn't disagree more. I have been a bowhunter since I was 16 years old. When I was younger I used to think your way, but then I lived and learned and see things differently now. IMO that kind of thinking comes from a position of selfishness and pride. That's where I used to be. I spent time practicing, honing my archery skills, and quite frankly I was pretty darn good back then (pride) and frankly I wanted the public land I hunted all for myself, I didn't want people who didn't practice and all those things you say to interfere with MY perceived right to have exclusive access to public land (selfishness). You are in a time of life where you are fortunate to have the abilities and skill and time to practice. There may be a time when you don't possess any of those 3 items. For me, I had two shoulder surgeries that prevented me from practicing with a compound bow, for that reason I should no longer be allowed to hunt during archery season with a crossbow?? What about for those that are disabled? They shouldn't be allowed either? What about that hard working guy who is working two jobs and has no time to practice and very few days that he is able to hunt each year. Gonna say he can't have that extra day or two that archery season would allow him to have? What about smaller females and younger kids that can't pull a bow? They are now excluded too?? There are too many anti hunters out there to have fighting among our ranks. The reality is that crossbows have done more for the sport of hunting than anything else in the last 20 years. It allows for younger kids to get into the sport, woman who are unable to draw a bow, the people that have to work a ton and don't have a lot of free time to have a few more opportunities, etc.. As hunters we should be embracing that, not telling people that they basically suck and are lazy if they shoot a crossbow which is essentially what you are doing. It has nothing to do with not trying hard, or not challenging yourself, or cheating to be cool. People that like to hunt just want opportunities. I will concede that a crossbow is easier to shoot than a compound bow, but it is nothing like a gun other than how you hold it. You are still shooting a blade at close distances and just slightly better than today's compound bow speeds and a fraction of the speed of a bullet.
I agree with your statement on stop thinking a crossbow is a rifle. It is absolutely not - 100%, on the other hand, the crossbow allows people with health issues (i.e. shoulder/back problems), young kids and women who are unable to pull a bow back to participate in archery as well as those that can pull a bow back but just don't have a sufficient amount of time for practice that a bow takes.
Thank you Boone im only 32 but have physical limitations so a traditional bow isnt feasible for me to kill an animal ethically! But I hate when ignorant people start spewing word vomit when it's so obvious the person is either talking from inexperience and/or more importantly without making sure they are properly INFORMED and EDUCATED. WITH THAT SAID IM NOT BEING AN ASS, and just calling someone ignorant because its not to be mean with or saying it with malice. Its just the lack proprietary information of a topic is literally the definition of being ignorant 😮😮
@@Outdooroutlaw710 I am with you man. I'm thinking about doing a video just to discuss this topic. As hunters we should be embracing any legal ethical means of hunting no matter what a person's weapon choice is. Anything that can bring more people into the fold is what we need. We have enough antis out there that we don't need in fighting. There have been years during my compound bow days where I have taken a crossbow instead of my compound bow on an out of state archery hunt - not due to any physical limitations, but simply because I was too busy that year to put in adequate practice with my compound bow. And now due to my shoulders, I can't do that kind of practice with a compound bow anymore. You are 100% correct in that the majority of these people are ignorant of the facts. I think there is also a selfishness and pride factor involved in a lot of these folks too.
@BooneDownSouth exactly. Heck oklahoma as of last year legalized air bows to hunt deer with (there are some specific regulations for them tho) they are not allowed during reg archery season but rifle season they are so I got one and man Im still impressed with it. It allows the freedom, of movement with ease in tight spots the on small properties and the accuracy is incredible. As long as the kill is ethical , all laws are followed and most Importantly that the time spent in the woods was enjoyed if you can say that then ain't nobody's opinion stating otherwise matter a damn tbh. Lol don't get me wrong I'll glady accept any tips advice or constructive criticism. But if you go get ur panties twisted over what means of harvest I like Welll..... that ain't no different than a toddle getting pissy cause he don't like the toys the kids are playing as much as his own Literally it sounds just the same
@BooneDownSouth be cool to get couple different creators or channels together to have a live open air conversation of this topic on nere. that way different views or ideas can be shared also.
From someone that complains about crossbows, interesting you had to comment on 2 videos. As I said before, the guys that make that comment - nothing but selfish. No other way to look at it.
Anyone that would buy into hecs is someone you should run from when it comes to advice . You don't need to be that smart to know that hecs, is a gimmick , beyond that it can't work, very very very electrical basics that aren't met . Can't work. Doesn't work . Lol also a rege fan boy, I wish I could give more than 1 thumbs down .
HaHaHa.. Look up the science behind it. The human body definitely gives off an electrical signal, that is 100% fact. The suit can block that electrical signal - look up faraday cage, again this has been proven. The question is whether or not deer can detect that electrical field and use that as one of their senses. That is the question - and if you look this up you will find that there is plenty of scientific evidence of birds and certain mammals that have the ability to detect electromagnetic fields. So if you actually did a little research you could see that there could actually be some legitimacy to these claims, not to mention, that the only people that make these comments are those that have never tried it. On the flip side, there are tons of people that have actually tried it and they swear by it. But you are welcome to your own opinion. So far my uses of this suit, 4 times now, have shown me that there could definitely be something to this suit.
@BooneDownSouth lol , you need to look.i to the science, if you had and have half a brain the reason it can not work becomes obvious very quickly. Fucking retards are so hard to explain things to I'm not gonna bother replying anymore.
Well said. One thing I learned when I started hunting with a crossbow is that the string and cables on a brand new crossbow will stretch as you shoot it or leave it cocked for a long time. So, don't just sight in your brand new crossbow and go hunting with it. Shoot it about 10 times and get comfortable with and get used to the sound it makes and how it feels when you fire it and let the string and cables stretch some. If you don't and it stays cocked for hours, your shot will be way off. And always make sure the crossbow is level and not canted (tilted) to the right or left. This will throw your shot off too. They make bubble levels for crossbows that mount to the scope and/or scope rail. Good luck this season and be safe.
Michael - Good tips for sure. Always have to get it shot in to work that string in for sure. Best of luck to you this season as well!
Well said. Very good information.
I just had new strings put on my crossbow & I should probably make sure everything is level and shoot it more often. Thank you.
Bolt checks, blue loctite, range finder and a paint pen.
Crossbows have far more vibration when fired than a vertical bow. Check bolts, they WILL vibrate loose. Blue loctite is your friend, it can be removed, DO NOT USE RED LOCTITE!
Use a paint pen, I use yellow or white. Mark the eye relief dial on your scope in case it gets moved. Mark your scope speed dial (If you have one), they can get bumped and be off from your zero. Mark your cams with dots on either side of the string/cables. This way at a glance you can see if string/cable stretch has you out of time.
Know your distances. Range trees, rocks, stumps, ect, in and around where you'll be taking shots. Crossbows are fast but deer will still drop and change impact sight.
Oh, if you have an illuminated reticle, don't forget to turn it off, lol.
Be safe and wear a harness. Happy hunting.
All EXCELLENT tips my friend! And yea, I have fell victim of having ot replace the batteries to often on my illuminated reticle because it is SOOO easy to forget to turn it off.
Good luck this season!
Great info
Thanks buddy! It is so easy to forget!
New crossbow hunter here, and new hunter in general at 52 lol! Thanks for the tips, hoping to take my first deer next week on opening day.
Awesome! Best of luck to you this year! I am hoping to take a nice buck come opening as well! I have a target buck that has been in my area in the daylight so I have my hopes up.
@@BooneDownSouth yep you will get him. Only does showing up in the daytime for me so far.
@@DREAM_GUNS As we get in to mid October the bucks will start getting more active in the daytime and will eventually follow one of those does in to you.
New crossbow hunter here also.I have not hunted in years due to living in Florida taking care of grandparents. Moved to Ohio 2 years ago now, and finally Getting ready to get back in the woods after over a decade. I will be hunting public land in Ohio and taking my first crossbow kill,with my first crossbow...wicked ridge invader m1 390 ftps. I have been crossing the days off my calendar like a kid waiting on Christmas! So excited I here the deer can get to be monster's in the state of, Ohio muskigum county.
@@wrenmiller2561 So I am from Florida originally and I hunted there for 30 years. If FL was the Pacer, Oh is the Lamborghini for deer hunting. You are blessed to be able to hunt there each year now. I typically try to take a 5 day archery trip to Oh each year. I love hunting there. I have never taken one of the OH monsters but I have had some close encounters with them. Good luck to you this year!
if you take a small peace of cord and tie it on the back of your crossbows butt stock it makes the balance right and its alot safer i have six crossbows and ive been hunting for to long they call old man rick the deer slayer..hope this helps someone.. good hunting...
Hey Rick can you expand on that a little more? I'm not sure what the cord tied to your stock does? Is that for pulling it up so the stock is what is facing you? Is that what you are talking about? Thanks!
Wish I saw this 4 years ago. I not only had a small pine twig lodged in my cams but I got so close to the tree to shoot, the cable came off and my bolt shot 15 yards away from the broadside doe. I was devastated!!
Nice Post, thank you.
uuggghhhh. Yea that's rough for sure. I guess the only shining light there is that you learned about that on a shot at a doe instead of a once in a lifetime kind of deer.
Best of luck to you this season! My opener is tomorrow!
Good video. The only thing I'd add is folks should consider the effective kill range of a crossbow. My view on this is your target should be close. 100 yards, 75 yard's, 50 yard's you can nail the target, but it most likely won't kill a deer.
John that is an excellent point. The farther the arrow flies the less kinetic energy it has. Then couple that with an expandable and a low kinetic energy at entry and you no longer have a high percentage shot. Well said John!
And more time for them to jump the string and move.
I am a crossbow hunter. I could never hunt with a compound bow, due to the fact that I am a right handed with a left strong eye. Wish I had seen this video before and would had avoided all mistakes that you mentioned. Great video, sir.
Oh yea that would be really tough to shoot a compound bow that way. I guess your choice was crossbow or learn to shoot left handed. I don't blame you on your choice! Thanks for the comments. I hope you have a great season this year!
I'm cross dominant as well. Presents it's own set of problems..
Eye dominance is nonsense I've been bow hunting right handed/left eye dominant for a decade. The problem with eye dominance is as soon as you obscure the vision (IE put a peep sight in front of it or a optic) from 1 eye, the brain automatically switches to the other eye. So for 2 decades I've just been winking when I shoot. Or you can simply train your brain to use the other eye by putting some clear tape over the left side of some safety glasses, and shooting both eyes open. The clear tape will fuzz the vision in your left eye making your brain switch back to the peep sight eye.
I just decided the other day to hunt crossbow for the first time and this video pops up in my feed. Talk about timing. I was gonna buy a Barnett wildcat crx for my first crossbow.
That’s awesome man. I think you will enjoy it. Good luck this season!
Regular hunter from Michigan. I wear hecs.. It works.
Yes, that is my conclusion too after wearing it this whole season!
Good advice. Might’ve missed it but looking through the scope it’s easy to forget you’re shooting a Xbow and to aim at the lower 1/3rd of the deer.
Thanks David. That is true. Especially if you are coming in this from hunting with a scoped rifle for sure. You always have to think in terms of how will that arrow pass through the body at the angle I am shooting at! Best of luck to you this season!
Well said, and thank you for the time spent putting this info out there! I have a couple questions/comments to add, if I may? Coming from a 54yo 5th year x-bow hunter in mid NC.
Question - from a good friend of mine, and fellow x-bow hunter; “with a x-bow, don’t compensate for the deer jumping the string. The arrow is flying too fast…”. First time I’ve heard of this. Any thoughts? Using a Wicked Ridge 380-ish fps with a Vortex x-bow illuminated scope.
Next, couple comments..
To help quiet the x-bow when raising from the ground, and while moving in the stand or blind - I put felt tape, similar to my camo pattern, on the limbs, butt stock, and any place that has a tendency to make contact with the tree stand ladder, tree limbs, or the stand itself. Changes the sound from a “clang” to a subtle/soft “thud”. I also use a rubber textured tape in the hand-grab area of the sock, and trigger grip areas. Really helps with gripping.
About the limbs making contact with things while shooting, same goes for a ground blind. Stay far enough away from the window opening so you don’t smack the blind with the limbs. Ask me how I know…X2 because I’m a dipstick!
Great comments. Good tips on quieting the crossbow for sure.
I personally do not account for a deer jumping the string with a crossbow. I typically make my setups so I would have at most a 30 yard shot. On the past 12 deer that I have shot, I have made a pass through on 11 of them. The farthest shot was 30 yards and the majority were 20 or less.
Now having said that I shot an 8 pt 2 days ago at 16 yards with a pretty good down angle. When that hit, the deer went down immediately and started kicking on its side with the arrow sticking out as if I spined him. At the time I wasn't sure if I just made a bad shot or what. At the angle I was at, I picked a spot higher on the deer so that the arrow could angle through both lungs (it would enter top of right lung and exit bottom of left lung) If I picked a lower spot, I thought I might only get 1 lung and out the bottom of the deer. Given the higher spot I picked, at 16 yards, the buck dropped enough, that my arrow went in high and I think busted into the top of the shoulder bone. No pass through but it did go right to the vitals. Buck expired within 45 seconds. So they can drop, but I never compensate for it. If I was shooting out to 50 yards, which I don't recommend in the woods, then I think a deer can absolutely drop on you.
I wasn't sure if I just made a bad shot at first, until I just now reviewed the video footage.
Good job. I’ve only hunted with a rifle, but I’m going to hunt with a crossbow for the first time this year.
That’s awesome. I think you will enjoy it. Good luck this season!
Awesome review thanks very good review and tips for new hunters I bn hunting 31 years the one big one I've cn happen to people and have read about is one of your tips wile cocked and shooting the limbs will expand wider and people don't realize that and smack a limb or ground blind rods thanks very well put together
Thanks for the comments Brian. Thankfully I learned that lesson on a compound bow. I can't imagine what it would be like with a crossbow to smack a tree when you release. Yikes! Good luck to you this season!
Awesome Advice!! 1st year for me using Ravin Crossbow due to Shoulder Injury.
Ravin makes a solid crossbow. I wish you the best of luck this season! I can't wait for it to start.
@@BooneDownSouth You as Well! Thank You!
I think crossbow hunting is awesome! Dudes who hate on crossbows, and shoot compounds. Congratulations you are shooting a mechanically driven vertical crossbow🎉. Shoot traditional if you want shit talking leverage.
Yea I enjoy the crossbow. I think as long as a weapon is legal it should be up the individual to shoot whatever they want. All hunters just need to get along and accept the fact that it is different strokes for different folks. Besides it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks if you are doing it legally and ethically.
very good guide for things a novice like me could overlook
Thanks man. Appreciate it!
Trying to always learn . I did. Thanks.
Yep, you can never stop learning! Thanks for watching and good luck this season.
I love my Hex suit just waiting for the weather,at 67 I just don't like hunting when it's 100°. Me and my Barnett Buck Commander crossbow an oldy but a good one.
Oh I get that for sure! I grew up hunting in Florida and it could be December and be hot. I moved to SC and shot an 11 pt on my first muzzleloader outing in cool weather with no mosquitos. I was like I am NEVER hunting in that heat again! EVER... But I did make an exception this week. The first two days of archery season unusually cool days with a lot of high wind so I hunted those two days because I had a target buck coming in to an area during daylight hours. Well he didn't show those 2 days, I think due to the wind. Had to run out of town for 4 days and when I got back he showed on my camera the day before in the afternoon. Well now its hot again, but I had to do it. I made the right call, I got him. But I do not like hunting in the heat. Good luck to you this season!
Awesome video I recently missed a nice 8 but I’m feeling great after this🦌💪
Awesome. Get back out there and get him! Good luck to you.
These are helpful tips. Thank you.
You are most welcome! Glad I could help
One of the best tip videos that I ever see awesome 👌🏼 thank you
Thank you so much! I appreciate. Good luck this season!
Awesome and informative video absolutely love it
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing!
You bet!
Good advice!
Thanks Robert!
Good video. Solid points
Appreciate it!
Been hunting for 54 years killed many animals, Been bow hunting for 40 years, killed many deer and hogs, along with a black bear. This will be my 1st year with crossbow. Which illuminated scope would you recommend for my Killer Instinct Vital X? Currently been practicing with the scope it came with but thinking of installing illuminated scope. Great points on making clean vital shoots. Keep the videos coming.
Sounds like you have had many awesome hunts over your lifetime. Keep it up! I have been using a CVLIFE scope. They sent me one early on to test out and since made a few slight changes (improvements) to it. I am still in fact using the original one they sent me and it has worked solid for me. Took 3 deer with it last year and one of those was at last light and those lit up reticles made all the difference. The one I would get now is basically the same model I have but this one that I will link has the zero at 20 yards instead of 50.
amzn.to/4gsyZkm
Wish you the best this season!
@@BooneDownSouth thank you.
I crossbow hunt out of blinds for many of the reason you spoke of.
Yep, my dad does the same. Very effective.
New hunter and planning on crossbow out of a blind. Where would yall recommend setting up? Is a clearing with game trail through it better than a thin copse of trees with acorns on the ground? I've scouted several locations, hoping to get into woods on Wednesday
@@spamusapan So with turkeys you can pop up a blind in the middle of a field the day before you hunt and turkeys won't care. For deer, you really need to setup a blind early and it helps a LOT if you brush it in real good. You want to make it blend in. I would personally prefer a thicker area where you can blend the blind in better and hunt over acorns. If you can find a game trail heading to the acorns position your blind accordingly.
Great chat and information
Thanks for watching John! Good luck this season.
Hey man . I love my summit, you should get you some third hand archery stabilizer straps !
Thanks Ryan. I'll have to check that out.
GOOD ADVICE! GOOD VIDEO! THE SAFETY ASPECTS YOU MENTIONED ARE MOST IMPORTANT! ONLY YOU THE HUNTER CAN PREVENT ACCIDENTS! DON'T CLIMB TREES WITH COCKED CROSSBOW! ALWAYS USE A ROPE TO RAISE AND LOWER YOUR CROSSBOW!
Thank you.. and I would also add to always wear your harness and use a lifeline when you are using treestands.
Can you make video about the Arrows thanks
Thanks!
You bet!
Hey Good videos Great tips Brother! I hunt with a Barnett Crossbow shoots 330fps
Appreciate it man! Good luck this season!
Excellent info, thank you.
Thank you and you are most welcome!
How do you feel about neck shots? Im a ground hunter and have primarily used firearms for hunting. Here over the past several years ive been using 223, i pretty much always go for neck, chest or head shots, no matter the caliber and its always put them down. Im a meat hunter, not a trophy hunter but have been debating getting into crossbows to extend my hunting season some, plus just to have more of a challenge over a firearm. God bless bud from ole Carolina.
Not a fan. Bullets kill by mass trauma, blades kill by blood loss. The highest percentage shots with any blade would be double lung shots. An arrow doesn’t fly as flat or as fast as a bullet. There is time for the animal to move between the release and the hit. The lung shots being a much bigger target gives more room for that to occur and still make a quick and lethal shot.
Not saying a neck shot can’t be done. But it would not be a high percentage shot opportunity by any means. I personally won’t take a neck shot with a blade.
@BooneDownSouth preciate the info brotha, god bless from ole Carolina 🤙
I’ve nerded out on crossbows for a month and can’t make my mind up between the wicked ridge m370 and the Barnett xp390…. Any input to help me make my mind up? Thanks, love the videos.
Well I don't have any experience with the Barnett XP390, but this is my 5th year with my Wicked Ridge M370. I have taken 11 deer with this crossbow since I bought it. I have an initial review video and then a 4 year follow up review video on the M370 if you are interested. My understanding is that the M370 has been reduced in price to sell them off and that the model was replaced with the Commander M1 (I think.) But you can still get the M370 at a pretty good price right now. It has not failed me and we ended up getting my dad (78 yrs old) one last year as well and he took one with it last year.
@@BooneDownSouth I found your channel watching your reviews on the wicked ridge. I think the mounted acudraw systems is going to be the selling point for me on the wicked ridge. I only hunt my property, hunt light rarely take anything besides my bow or rifle I could see myself losing the detached one. Thanks for the reply. Watching from the mountains eastern Ky
@@jacobpuckett7893 Ok Awesome! Yea all I can say is I have been very happy with the crossbow. It has performed well with me. Keep in mind that I taken this crossbow on out of state hunts every year I had it as well, but I also have the benefit of being able to hunt from Sept 15 - Jan 1 in my area and I get to hunt 3-5 times a week. I guess what I am saying is for me, I have put this crossbow through a lot of use and it works just as good today as when I bought if 4.5 years ago. Eastern KY is beautiful country man!
Wicked Ridge 370 with the acudraw device is a great crossbow and it's light and very narrow which helps out a lot of your going to be shooting out of a tree. The narrow crossbow allows you to stay closer to the tree for the shot. I've had mine for a few years and never missed a deer yet
@@chuckparson6712I bought one, love it so far but haven’t got to try it out on any game yet.
Very helpful
Glad you think so!
Some very good points for new and experienced crossbow hunters. I’m new or just a few years into crossbow hunting and love it
Thanks for the comments. I really enjoy it as well. Opening day is tomorrow for me! yeah! Good luck this season!
@@BooneDownSouth same here brotha! Good luck🏹
Good video be nice to do one from ground blind
Good video sir!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video!! Thank you
Thank you and your are welcome! Good luck to you this season!
Great video.
Thank you!
Great info
Thanks Jerry!
I find it as easier to discharge the crossbow with an old bolt, de-cocking can be dangerous especially when it is dark or you have cold hands or all the above!! that is my personal preference ,be safe
I understand. You have to do what you feel safe doing. Good point about de-cocking in the dark!
If you sight in using a rope stay with a rope if you use your hands it will cause arrow to fly different if you cock your bow with your hands to sight it in stay with your hands and not a rope for cocking
That's a really good point. Just like with shooting a recurve bow, you have to have the same routine, to make consistent shots.
Would like to know your arrow setup. Grain weight and arrow brand. I just bought the commander m1 and I’m getting it setup to hunt. Im gonna use the swhacker 252 razor fixed blade broadhead.
This is exactly what I am using for the arrows.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BPN3G747/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I went to these last year. The prior 3 years, I used the same exact arrows without the lighted nock.
I use a 2 blade Rage NC 100 grain expandable with these arrows.
I have taken 11 deer with this setup and all were quick clean kills with massive holes.
Hey enjoyed the video, I wanted to ask if you personally cock your bow as soon as you get in stand and leave it coked the entire time you're there or if you use the engage to your advantage and cock when you're ready to shoot? I have the same Xbow you do for reference.. Thanks!
While I am hunting it is always cocked with the safety on. If a deer comes out all I need to do is turn the safety off and I am good to go. If you wait to cock when you are ready to shoot there will be too much movement and too much time involved and you will most likely miss your shot opportunity. Just treat it like any other firearm. Always use the safety, point in a safe direction, keep your fingers out of the string path, etc.. and you will be good.
@@BooneDownSouth Cool, I was thinking this but just wondered what everyone else did. Love the channel man!
@@colescott3415 You bet man. Thanks for watching!
So you dont need special broadheads for an X bow?
Yes I use Rage NC Crossbow 2 bladed broadheads specifically for a crossbow.
This is my first year using a crossbow. Do you have any recommendations for broad/mechanical heads? I just bought a Killer Instinct 405.
I am HUGE fan in Rage 2 bladed broadheads. I have used Rage broadheads for probably 20 years. I used them when I mainly shot a compound bow and when I went to the crossbow I started using them there as well. They bunch a massive hole and leave an excellent blood trail. I have taken 11 deer in the last 4 years with this crossbow/broadhead combination. That is what I would go with. Here is a link for you to check them out.
amzn.to/3XPdAu9
@@BooneDownSouthThanks!!
@@joelsantos2959 You bet!
Swacker
Ive gun hunted all my life, this season in NC I'm gonna try crossbow hunting. What crossbow do you recommend?
Well I am still using my Wicked Ridge M370 which I got 5 years ago. I killed my 13th deer with it a few weeks ago. Right now Bass Pro has that model with the accudraw for $499. That is a good price point for what you get. Good luck to you.
@@BooneDownSouth thnaks
Love them videos it’s my first time getting in to hunting I just bought one I just want to know what are the best arrow for hunting for the m370 thanks
I use the TenPoint Pro Elite 400 20" arrows with the M370. That is the factory match for this crossbow. There are two versions, one with alpha blaze lighted nocks and one without the lighted nocks. I prefer the lighted ones:
amzn.to/3U5Tl9p
Thanks a lot so it doesn’t matter if it’s aluminum or carbon arrows?
@@Marsuchi_77 Well the TenPoint Pro Elites are carbon arrows. They are the arrows that match the fixed line scope that comes with the M370. You can use aluminum arrows if you want to. The pros of aluminum is that they are cheaper, but they are heavier and can easily bend if it hits something hard. Carbon arrows are more expensive, but they are lighter and stronger and do not bend when they hit something hard. So if you get aluminum and you hit a tree or wood or something you need to really check the arrow over to make sure it is not bent. Either will kill deer but those are the pros and cons.
@@BooneDownSouth thank you very much today I should have read your comment yesterday someone recommended some arrow I missed my first deer I home I get it done tomorrow I went to Cabelas to get those arrows
@@Marsuchi_77 You will get it done. Good luck man!
Now you tell me LOL Yes I learned the hard way.
Yea we all have those areas we learned the hard way!! When I first started in archery, I bought a kit from bass pro shops. Didn't fit me at all. I went to the archery store/range 3 times with the quiver upside and nobody said nothing man. I learned some things the hard way too! LOL. Best of luck to you this year.
Good info sir 🎯, I noticed your wearing HECS, curious what do you think about it? -W. Liggett
Well I just got my HECS suit and that was my first time trying it on for size. I am going to be fully testing this HECS outfit this season. So at this point I am in the hopeful stage but can't offer a valid opinion yet. I will be hunting with this outfit starting on Sept 15th onward. I will be posting my thoughts on it as I go. I am also planning on wearing this on my wildlife photography excursions as well, but that won't be until near the end of hunting season.
Thanks I've heard some say it actually does seem to help some, any edge could be good, we hunt a very wary game.
@@liggett3982 Yes I am hopeful it will work. I hunt a good bit every year so I don’t think it will take too long for me to see what this does.
Ty
You bet!
Good Info
Thanks Richard!
Top 5 crossbow brands. Price friendly
So I would think the top 5 price friendly would be something along the lines of these:
Wicked Ridge
CenterPoint
Killer Instinct
Barnett
Bear
Out of those, I only have experience with Wicked Ridge and CenterPoint and this is just my opinion here.
@ the ones you tried, they were good ?
I just picked up a wicked Ridge yesterday at Bass pro shop.
I've never shot in crossbow but the guy behind the counter is the one who fixes him so I asked him which ones he fixes less and the wickedRidge M - 370 was his choice overall for what I was looking for as a beginner with the match 400 carbon arrows. I did research before that visit and this was also a top of the list before I got there so it matched up and I bought it
@@LifeSavingDefense Well that is good to hear. Mine has been good to me for 5 seasons now. It is a solid choice. It's hard to go wrong on that crossbow at that price point. Have fun getting it all set up and shot in!
Hi, for how long can you keep your crossbow cocked without any problem? Txs
Most modern crossbows are designed to be able to stay cocked for a full day of hunting. You really don't want to keep it cocked for longer than that because that can induce early stretching of the strings and cables which will affect the overall performance of the crossbow. Then there is always the safety factor. For me, I cock it when I am hunting and when I finish, I uncock it.
@BooneDownSouth thank you so much for your answer. It helped.
@@kamilkhan9317 You bet!
Grate video
Thanks Kenny!
Where did u purchase the hex hunting clothing
You purchase through their website. Here is my affiliant link to their website if you are interested:
www.avantlink.com/click.php?tool_type=cl&merchant_id=5a9eee84-ba12-417a-8706-202ccdd1df7f&website_id=b178580f-1124-495f-b72b-9730adb62d06&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhecshunting.com%2F
What is the new lighted scope you use
So I am currently using a CVLIFE model that they sent me early on to test out. They have since made a few changes (improvements) to the model, however, I have been using that one ever since and it worked well for me all last season. They have 2 similar models, one with a zero at 50 yards and one with a zero at 20 yards. The one I have has the zero at 50 yards. If I were going to purchase one, I would prefer the model that has the zero at 20 yards. Here is a link to it on Amazon:
amzn.to/4gsyZkm
👍🏻
I spent the first 30 years of my life mainly hunting in Florida. That is a tough place to hunt for sure!
I have to apologize, never heard of you before. But you come off as well spoken, obviously have some history backing you, care about a humane hunts. And seem to want to help other crossbow hunters. First impressions, I would say you probably have a future in this type of stuff. One of the biggest things I see with these faster / more powerful crossbows in people's hands, is they think they can take the 40 50 60 70 yard shot. And they probably can. I've been shooting for, let's just say a while, I could do the same. But, am I being realistic, in regards to being humane to the animal. I prefer to take the animal down as fast / quick /humane as possible. I still very seldom ever take a shot past 30 yards. Most are closer. What I love about bow hunting / crossbow hunting, is getting as close as we do, compared to gun hunting. For me, getting that close is special. Being as humane as possible, I owe that animal, to do just that. Unfortunately, over the last few years with these faster / more powerful crossbows, you see more people taken longer shots, and not recovering the animal. Pretty damn sad in my opinion. Wish people would educate themselves more on the vitals, as you spoke of, and being more humane, better sportsman. Like it or not, we're going to find out about us, as bow/ crossbow hunters, with all the latest and greatest equipment. And yeah, I have two crossbows. One shooting at 360 and the other at 420. Love them both. I use each for a different tactic or hunting style. That's just me.
Anyways, appreciate your vid/content. Do think you have a future in this TH-cam stuff.😮😅
Thanks for the friendly comments Matthew! I think we are on the same page . Ensuring a quick clean kill is our responsibility to the animals we hunt. It is not only the humane thing to do, but it is also the most convenient thing to do. When you make a high percentage shot, the animal expires quickly and doesn't go far. Easier to track and less time tracking the animal.
In all my years of hunting I can't say I have never lost a deer because I have and it leaves you feeling miserable. But I try to practice what I preach. My biggest deer opportunity to date I let walk because he was alerted to me and stepped just out of my range. It was in Ohio and the locals that had seen it guessed it would have scored around 170ish. Had like 17 points and drop tines. I wanted to take the shot so bad, but the animal deserved a clean shot and I didn't feel 100% confident that I could do it when he stepped a little too far out of range - especially since he was on alert.
I agree that there is nothing like being up close to these animals while we are hunting.
Thanks again for all the nice comments and thanks for watching!
Make sure you take a junk bolt / arrow with you to shoot the crossbow at the end of the hunt because most crossbow do not have a decocking capability
WICKED RIDGE M370 is a killing machine
Yep good tip. I always have a arrow at the ready at my target when I get back to unload it with. The Wicked Ridge M370 has been awesome for me. Just got my 12th deer with it.
I can confirm you do not want to get your fingers in the way 😂.
Uh oh, that doesn't sound good...
@@BooneDownSouth open fracture of left thumb, no it wasn't good. Probably should have watched this first 😂
@@christopherdriskell9655 Ow! Man I bet you will never do that again! lol
@@PeacefulCabinRentals no, once was good enough 😂
I can agree once is all it takes!!! Lol
How come nobody is mentioning the FACT you have to practice lefty and righty. Also the angle your stand is KNOW you can’t shoot a deer at 4,5,6,7,8 o’clock s. U practice lefty also u gain 4,5,6.
U can draw a bow and be sleak enough.
That is true, if you plan to shoot lefty you need to practice and it will increase your shooting direction. I personally don't do this, because my setups are usually very tight with limited shot options so shooting 4,5,6 is typically not possible in my setups as the brush is too thick for a shot. But if you hunt in areas where your shot could be anywhere, being able to shoot lefty confidently definitely gives you a wider range of shooting angles as you mentioned. Good point!
Great video Boone and although it was meant for new crossbow hunters these tips apply to seasoned hunters like us as well. The safety tip rings true for me, as I managed to get my left thumb up above the rail with my old BARNETT JACKAL (no finger guard reminders), and I'll never forget that experience for sure! I even do a crossbow safety video on my channel most every year! Last year I took five deer from a ground blind with my M-370 and all but one died quickly. One buck with a heart & double lung never went 25 feet before he piled up on the rocks! That said, I made what still looks like a picture perfect heart shot, and I never found that doe! Thanks for sharing and keep up the great videos! th-cam.com/video/K2_P3TuS2S8/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Boomer! Man it looks so crazy where you hunt with all those homes right behind you. That is insane! Years ago when I lived in Florida I got access to some property that was near Tampa and it backed up to one of these fancy neighborhoods with million dollar homes and all that. I we hunted pigs back in those woods. It was interesting for sure.
So what happened to your left thumb?
I wasn’t paying attention and got by thumb up above the flight deck. The old Barnett crossbows including my Jackal did not any safety protection (finger guard reminders)! Yale New Haven Hospital was able to reattach it as it was just hanging on by a thread!
@@boomerrangerron Oh man! That was an instant uh oh moment for sure. I did something similar when I was using a planer. I did have gloves on but my fingers got too low to the blades and the noise changed for a split second as it shaved the nail side of one of my fingers off and I knew what happened. I pulled my hand out of the glove and the nail was gone and it was just bloody raw flesh.
Well I once took the top of my right index finger aka shooting finger off using a mandolin to make escalloped potatoes! That’s why they call them accidents! But hey I’ve never repeated either accident again! Stay safe and hunt hard!
Crossbow hunter here.. but I dont hunt Deer
I might go into the woods.. and drink me a beer
then I jump in my pick up truck and steer
and I drive to the city and I buy more Gear
and while Im there I'll buy more beer
A city slickers tried to shoot me last year
so I loaded up a bolt and tried to end his career
since his apology to me was not sincere
My crossbow and scope is rated Top Tier
so it really dont matter if you're far or near
So have no fear.. real crossbow hunter here
but I dont hunt Deer after I drink me a beer
and I wont stick a French Fry in my ear
'cause if I do that then I cannot hear
and I only talk to girls 'cause Im not Queer
I am not like that actor Richard Gere
I am not Gay.. let me make that clear
and I'll be sittin' on the dock at the edge of the pier
and things will get dark when I run out of beer
and I might jump in and disappear
and if I see a shark I will be frozen with fear
I'll wish I had my crossbow and my Gear
and when Im not here.. I guess some people will cheer
I reckon some might laugh and some might sneer
when my soul is floatin' in the atmosphere
'cause I got eaten by a shark when I jumped off the pier
or some assh_le with a crossbow thought that I was a deer
while I was sitting in the woods just havin' a beer
Well now that is most interesting! ;)
dont get excited any more when a buck comes in been hunting for 50 years
Oh man. I have been hunting for 40+ years and if the excitement stops, I'll quit hunting.
@@BooneDownSouth what i mean by that is i dont get the shakes like when i was a young hunter when first seeing them come in but after the kill i am pumped
@@troybizeau5979I’m tracking with ya man! I usually get the shakes after the shot myself. I did have a buck get me rattled last year though. Good luck this season!
@@BooneDownSouth you as well not much movement in the woods right now here in upper michigan should pick up here soon
1 don't try hard
2 get a gun for archery
3 don't have abilities or skills
4 don't practice
5 never challenge yourself
6 essentially cheat to be cool lol
Couldn't disagree more. I have been a bowhunter since I was 16 years old. When I was younger I used to think your way, but then I lived and learned and see things differently now.
IMO that kind of thinking comes from a position of selfishness and pride. That's where I used to be. I spent time practicing, honing my archery skills, and quite frankly I was pretty darn good back then (pride) and frankly I wanted the public land I hunted all for myself, I didn't want people who didn't practice and all those things you say to interfere with MY perceived right to have exclusive access to public land (selfishness).
You are in a time of life where you are fortunate to have the abilities and skill and time to practice. There may be a time when you don't possess any of those 3 items. For me, I had two shoulder surgeries that prevented me from practicing with a compound bow, for that reason I should no longer be allowed to hunt during archery season with a crossbow?? What about for those that are disabled? They shouldn't be allowed either? What about that hard working guy who is working two jobs and has no time to practice and very few days that he is able to hunt each year. Gonna say he can't have that extra day or two that archery season would allow him to have? What about smaller females and younger kids that can't pull a bow? They are now excluded too??
There are too many anti hunters out there to have fighting among our ranks. The reality is that crossbows have done more for the sport of hunting than anything else in the last 20 years. It allows for younger kids to get into the sport, woman who are unable to draw a bow, the people that have to work a ton and don't have a lot of free time to have a few more opportunities, etc.. As hunters we should be embracing that, not telling people that they basically suck and are lazy if they shoot a crossbow which is essentially what you are doing.
It has nothing to do with not trying hard, or not challenging yourself, or cheating to be cool. People that like to hunt just want opportunities. I will concede that a crossbow is easier to shoot than a compound bow, but it is nothing like a gun other than how you hold it. You are still shooting a blade at close distances and just slightly better than today's compound bow speeds and a fraction of the speed of a bullet.
Here’s a big tip……stop thinking a crossbow is a rifle lol people trying to shoot deer at 80-100 yards. Biggest tip….be a man and pull a bow back
I agree with your statement on stop thinking a crossbow is a rifle. It is absolutely not - 100%, on the other hand, the crossbow allows people with health issues (i.e. shoulder/back problems), young kids and women who are unable to pull a bow back to participate in archery as well as those that can pull a bow back but just don't have a sufficient amount of time for practice that a bow takes.
Thank you Boone im only 32 but have physical limitations so a traditional bow isnt feasible for me to kill an animal ethically! But I hate when ignorant people start spewing word vomit when it's so obvious the person is either talking from inexperience and/or more importantly without making sure they are properly INFORMED and EDUCATED. WITH THAT SAID IM NOT BEING AN ASS, and just calling someone ignorant because its not to be mean with or saying it with malice. Its just the lack proprietary information of a topic is literally the definition of being ignorant 😮😮
@@Outdooroutlaw710 I am with you man. I'm thinking about doing a video just to discuss this topic. As hunters we should be embracing any legal ethical means of hunting no matter what a person's weapon choice is. Anything that can bring more people into the fold is what we need. We have enough antis out there that we don't need in fighting.
There have been years during my compound bow days where I have taken a crossbow instead of my compound bow on an out of state archery hunt - not due to any physical limitations, but simply because I was too busy that year to put in adequate practice with my compound bow. And now due to my shoulders, I can't do that kind of practice with a compound bow anymore. You are 100% correct in that the majority of these people are ignorant of the facts. I think there is also a selfishness and pride factor involved in a lot of these folks too.
@BooneDownSouth exactly. Heck oklahoma as of last year legalized air bows to hunt deer with (there are some specific regulations for them tho) they are not allowed during reg archery season but rifle season they are so I got one and man Im still impressed with it. It allows the freedom, of movement with ease in tight spots the on small properties and the accuracy is incredible. As long as the kill is ethical , all laws are followed and most Importantly that the time spent in the woods was enjoyed if you can say that then ain't nobody's opinion stating otherwise matter a damn tbh. Lol don't get me wrong I'll glady accept any tips advice or constructive criticism. But if you go get ur panties twisted over what means of harvest I like Welll..... that ain't no different than a toddle getting pissy cause he don't like the toys the kids are playing as much as his own Literally it sounds just the same
@BooneDownSouth be cool to get couple different creators or channels together to have a live open air conversation of this topic on nere. that way different views or ideas can be shared also.
Crossbows ruined archery season.
From someone that complains about crossbows, interesting you had to comment on 2 videos. As I said before, the guys that make that comment - nothing but selfish. No other way to look at it.
🙄 some guys like joe rogan 😂😂😂😂 wtf that dude aint no hunter 🤡🤡🤡
Anyone that would buy into hecs is someone you should run from when it comes to advice . You don't need to be that smart to know that hecs, is a gimmick , beyond that it can't work, very very very electrical basics that aren't met . Can't work. Doesn't work . Lol also a rege fan boy, I wish I could give more than 1 thumbs down .
HaHaHa.. Look up the science behind it. The human body definitely gives off an electrical signal, that is 100% fact. The suit can block that electrical signal - look up faraday cage, again this has been proven. The question is whether or not deer can detect that electrical field and use that as one of their senses. That is the question - and if you look this up you will find that there is plenty of scientific evidence of birds and certain mammals that have the ability to detect electromagnetic fields. So if you actually did a little research you could see that there could actually be some legitimacy to these claims, not to mention, that the only people that make these comments are those that have never tried it. On the flip side, there are tons of people that have actually tried it and they swear by it. But you are welcome to your own opinion. So far my uses of this suit, 4 times now, have shown me that there could definitely be something to this suit.
@BooneDownSouth lol , you need to look.i to the science, if you had and have half a brain the reason it can not work becomes obvious very quickly. Fucking retards are so hard to explain things to I'm not gonna bother replying anymore.