5 Things I Learned from Exclusively Hunting with a Crossbow

[@barryjames9812]

I am 63, live in Arkansas in which we have a 5 month season with no breaks. I have been working for Tenpoint for the last 18 years. I started with a Crossbow several decades ago not because I am disabled, but I truly love the weapon. This video proves several good points but the main point is this. The USA 🇺🇸 allows the freedom to choose. Any weapon is a choice. I personally choose to shoot & hunt with a Crossbow, others may choose a Compound Bow or Traditional Bows. It’s a choice. As long as the weapon chosen is used legally & ethically, then just hunt. Don’t be guilty of bashing anyone who chooses to hunt with a Crossbow or any weapon as long as what they choose is legal. We all enjoy the Outdoors & what it offers. We enjoy the Bounty supplied. And if that means hunting with a Crossbow then that is the choice of the Hunter. Great video, excellent presentation, phenomenal message. Enjoy the journey! And congrats on your success!

[@BooneDownSouth]

You are right on the money. Nobody should bash anyone for using a legal and ethical weapon of their choice. We have enough problems with antis, that we don't need to fight amongst ourselves. Thanks for the kind words!

[@joelkrystof5877]

Well said !!

[@taylorharbin3948]

Hey, I'm in Arkansas too! I'm thinking of getting a crossbow for the very same reason. I spent lots of time and money working on reloading for my two main deer rifles only to find out they're banned on most WMAs. Sure is a bummer.

[@BooneDownSouth]

@@taylorharbin3948 Oh man that is a bummer!

[@toddhatten354]

I personally don't have a problem with crossbows. The reason I watched this is because I'm considering getting one. However, I do not think anything with a scope mounted on it should be legal during the regular archery season.

[@ronlongwellphoto]

Amen! I'm in much the same boat. I've been hunting with bows (and rifles) all my life. I even owned an archery pro shop for a while. But for the last three seasons I've been hunting with a crossbow (and occasionally a rifle or muzzleloader), but I'm the same person I was back when I hunted with a longbow and compound. I've loved it all! Now I hunt primarily with a crossbow, and I still hunt exactly the same way. My average shot on whitetail deer, over 40+ years, is 27 yards. My average rifle shot on whitetail deer is 29 yards, and my average bow shot on whitetail deer is 21 yards. I'm tired of all the negativity toward crossbow hunters. My feeling has always been that if you're legal and ethical in your hunting, you're okay in my book. Great video!

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thanks for the comments Ron. Whenever I do hunt with a rifle which is rare, I still setup like I am bowhunting, up close and personal. I agree with you, we don't need in-fighting amongst hunters as long it is legal and ethical we should all move forward together. There are enough anti's out there that we don't need division among our ranks.

[@christophertate6453]

Good info Boone. Im 60yrs old & bought my 1st Crossbow last yr. Havent shot anything with it yet. When I was 15yrs old, I bought. $5 RAFFLE TICKET ON A PSE COMPOUND BOW. I HUNTED 17 YRS WITH THAT BOW & SHOT WELL OVER 50 DEER WITH IT. AFTER 17YRS BOW HUNTING, I DECIDED TO GIVE IT UP & JUST RIFLE/SHOTGUN HUNT FOR DEER. BUT, MY SON & HIS BEST FRIEND NOW BOW HUNT & THEY CONVIENCED ME TO GET THAT CROSSBOW. YES, ITS FUN & BRINGS BACK A MANY OF GOOD MEMORIES OF HUNTS WHEN I WAS YOUNGER. IT'S DEFINITELY A MIND SET WHEN HUNTING WITH ARROWS & LIKE U SAID, U HAVE TO SET UP CLOSE ON THE DEER TEAIL. LIKE 20-25 YDS CLOSE. I DONT HUNT IN TREES ANYMORE SINCE MY 30'S. STRICKLY FROM THE GROUND SITTING ON A CUSHION. THAT'S WHAT I CALL: UP CLOSE & PERSONAL. 😊

[@BooneDownSouth]

That is awesome man! I started with a Bear Whitetail Hunter, which was a huge monstrosity, then I had a Martin Lynx, then I had a PSE for several years, can't remember what model though. I then had an Arrowtech, what a heavy bow that was but it was cutting edge when it came out and then finally got myself a Mathews DXT and had that till the end ;) I am glad you are getting out there with your son and friend. You got good memories from your youth and now you are going to give them good memories hunting with you as well. Good luck with it!

[@Mike-cc2eu]

Great video and I’m 68 years old I’ve been crossbow hunting for couple of years now and it’s getting me back out there during archery season

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thanks Mike. My dad is about to turn 79 and he is still getting out there with his crossbow! That's awesome! Keep it up.

[@anthonyforfare7223]

Great video ! I was a bow tech for some years and I’m a traditional bow shooter only now. Love the fact you understand the shooting you bow and being cup close and personal with your prey is the most exciting part of hunting ,as well as the most challenging. One thing I’d highly recommend is getting some limb dampeners for your crossbow. They are worth using to quiet your bow . Keep up your enthusiasm and love of hunting,as it is contagious!! Great advice for all hunters!! Keep it coming!! God Bless 🙏😇

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thanks Anthony. I actually built a laminated take down recurve bow 2 years ago and learning how to shoot that. It definitely takes dedication. It is super fun to shoot traditional archery. I hope one day I can achieve mastery of the art. Thanks for the nice comments!

[@deweygraham910]

Enjoyed the video

[@Slickheadhunter]

I’ve hunted with a compound bow since 1996, I’m now also hunting with a crossbow, and I still hunt with a compound!

[@BooneDownSouth]

I hunted with a compound bow for over 30 years and truly enjoyed it for sure.

[@padude131]

I don't hunt much anymore but i had an excaliber crossbow that i loved. I shot 1 doe with it. I used the stringer to decock it but i do like your idea of shooting it after each hunt. Btw, i think everyone and their brother had a Bear whitetail hunter back in the day! I know i did. Great tips in this video!

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yes I did know a lot people that had that now. Looking back now that thing was huge! But hey I killed game with it and so did a bunch of folks for sure. What part of PA are you in. My dad is from Berwick on the Susquehanna River.

[@padude131]

@@BooneDownSouth Sw near Pittsburgh

[@beltcreek]

Just wanted to say that I give very high marks to this guy because you can tell by his personna, his body language, and what he says (he tells you things you might not want to hear) that he's not a phony. He's not trying to sell anything, he's just offering good advice. Thanks much and keep up the good work.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Really appreciate those kind words.I try to keep my videos real and honest. I do product reviews from time to time and do make a small commision (i.e. very small lol) but I am straight with the good and the bad on those products as well. Good luck this season!

[@jamesmartin7282]

Great point about the disadvantage of decocking!

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yea and not that a decocker is a bad thing or doesn't have it's place, but it is definitely not the end of the world if you buy a crossbow that does not have one for sure.

[@RonBourgeois]

I am 67 and had a lung operation where they sliced my rib cage right to the back bone. That is why I switched to a crossbow. I use an Excalibur 305 , no pullies, Rage twin blade, with a red dot scope and a speed dial. The speed dial was a real game changer. Use your range finder with a speed dial and you can easily shoot out to 50 yards with accuracy. You should think about that little addition, I am sure you will like it.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yikes that procedure you went through sounds rough man. Glad you recovered well enough to keep on hunting! Yea I actually have a speed dial on this one and yes they are awesome!

[@jeremywhittington7605]

I haven’t used a rifle on my farm in 11 years due to enjoying the crossbow. I do use a rifle when out of state!

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yep I really do enjoy quite bit and that is exactly where I am now. Only using crossbow on my property from now on.

[@jeremywhittington7605]

@@BooneDownSouth you say you hunt in Alabama… our camp is just south of Camden lol!

[@BooneDownSouth]

@@jeremywhittington7605 Well I am actually on an out of state hunt in Alabama with Ironman Outdoors just north of Camden right now. 😊

[@gaelewis6623]

What's the name of that rage broadheads you use

[@gaelewis6623]

What cross bow your using

[@Lugnutz89]

Great info. I haven't hunted for a long time but considering it this fall with my new crossbow. I just switched out the scope to a truglow 3 dot non magnified unit. I just sighted it this morning at 20. Even tho it isn't magnified I'm already much happier with it. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@BooneDownSouth]

That is awesome! Yea that is what it's all about. Setting the crossbow up for your style, not about what someone else does for sure. Good luck this next season!

[@southron1861]

I have a small wooded area in my backyard that I hunt. #5 is a big reason why I've been hunting more this year with a crossbow. That, plus its easier for me to sit in more locations, especially since my use of firearms is limited because of where I hunt and trying to be compliant with hunting regulations.

[@michaeljbrignacjr]

My first year crossbow hunting I am watching your videos and thank you for your knowledge.

[@BooneDownSouth]

That is awesome man. I wish you the best this hunting season!

[@BigFred1925]

Thanks!!! Great tip on unloading your crossbow into a target. I will be using that technique. Also you mentioned 20 yard shots, I feel the same way. I like to wait until they are within 25 yards. I like the game we play, can I stay calm and not be seen. Especially since I hunt from a blind.

[@parallaxbill2276]

I'd like to try just hunting with my crossbow but I'm afraid all my guns would get jealous. As you know, our season is long and may be getting longer soon. Great video.😊

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yea ya can’t let your guns get jealous! So what are you talking about the season getting longer? I have not heard that yet.

[@bowhunter7922]

I enjoyed sighting in and using a crossbow the year following shoulder replacement surgery. The biggest benefit over vertical bows was being able to shoot left or right handed - effectively doubling the width of the shooting window. One disadvantage was inability to vary point weight and FOC.

[@markoberlin2451]

That's funny the Bear whitetail 2 was my first bow. Then a Jennings Gale Force. Im 66 now with some shoulder issues and I just bought that same bow you have. Great video and great info.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yea I remember those older compounds. I went from the Bear Whitetail Hunter to a Martin Lynx to a Jennings Arrowstar

[@maxcole3930]

Good info. Im new to deer hunting this year, I'm very into firearms so I decided to assemble a ar10 chambered in 308 for deer, hogs. That way I could choose barrel, trigger ext... Im absolutely glad a got a scope with an illuminated reticle! I shot my first buck few weeks ago. He came out the tree line right before it got really dark. It was already way to dark just to see cross hair. So wouldn't been able to take a shot without an illuminated reticle! He was a really nice 10 point. At 100 yards 3 shot groups my rifles shooting 1/2" groups with 150gn core-lokts & 3/4" with 180's. Definitely will only buy scopes with illuminated reticle. You don't have to use it, but you can if you need it. I would been pretty salty if I missed that opportunity.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thanks man. Congrats on the deer! Yea those scopes with lighted reticles buy you some time at the beginning and ending of your hunt without doubt.

[@M1keG23]

I just bought my first wicked ridge, it’s the Blackhawk 360 from 2021 and man for only $399 it’s absolutely amazing, I definitely agree about the de-cocking aspect, I just have the cocking rope and I like to shoot my bow to unload just to make sure it’s good to go 👍🏻

[@BooneDownSouth]

I have been very happy with Wicked Ridge so wish you the best with your new crossbow. Congrats!

[@NobleSavage44]

I like guns, everything about them. That’s why I took up hunting. Can’t say the same about bows or crossbows. Tried them, still use them, but gun season gets my heart pumping. All my rifle, muzzleloader shots have been well under 100 yds.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Absolutely NOTHING wrong with that my friend! All of my rifle and muzzleloader shots have been well under 100 yards as well. In fact I would venture to say most have been under 40 yards.

[@garageliving3658]

You make valid points. Surprised your subscriber counts ain't higher than people putting out fluff. Keep it up man 👍

[@BooneDownSouth]

Appreciate the comments! This is a part time thing that I do when I have the time and unless you do videos on a regular basis you kind of are penalized in the YT algorithms. No worries though it's all good! Thanks again!

[@juanjosebritolara3432]

I already finish to understand all the five things you explain. Need to see and to lisent several times. I like the last thin you explain. About the noise of a rifle . Thanks for that video. I really enjoy it. Im watchin now to sight a speed scope

[@BooneDownSouth]

Awesome. Good luck to you this season!

[@andyalderson3983]

Great video. My experience has been exactly the same with my crossbow. I also have to shoot it to unload it, so like you I "practice" every day and know it's dead on.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thanks Andy! Good luck this season!

[@chickimac1]

Some good info👍😎. I’ve only been crossbow hunting for about 3 yrs or so. I really enjoy it. It’s like the best of both worlds between a bow and a rifle, without out the noise of a rifle but rifle like accuracy I just recently got a tenpoint venom x I like a lot

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thank you! Glad you like your Venom. Good luck to you for the remainder of the season!

[@rayhollingsworth2588]

I’ve never hunted with a crossbow. I’ve hunted a little with a compound bow 30 + years ago I’m 61 and would like to give it a shot with a crossbow. I’ve got pretty much everything to learn. Looking forward to trying.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Heck yea. My dad just turned 79. Last year we got him a new crossbow and he scored on a deer with it at 78 so you got lots of time! Best of luck to you!

[@rayhollingsworth2588]

@@BooneDownSouth thanks for the encouragement 👍

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

I'm 70 y/o, it took me a long time to warm up to crossbows. One year my g/f desired a crossbow for Christmas. I was impressed, we had so much fun together . It wasn't long before I had to have one of my own. Since then I've upgraded to a Excalibur Matrix 380 recurve crossbow.

[@BooneDownSouth]

@@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594 Very nice! Best of luck to you this year!

[@stephenmcatee2104]

i have been bowhunting for over 50 yrs and have used everything from a sinew backed longbow to my crossbow and have enjoyed every one of those . Use what you are most confident in. I also shoot my crossbow to unload it that way i know its on.

[@BooneDownSouth]

You are dead on. Use what you are most confident in! I used to shoot compound bows year round. When it came time for hunting season I was always way more confident with my bow over my rifle any day of the week.

[@cg_justin_5327]

I'm 47, and this will be my 5th season hunting with crossbow and for the EXACT same reason you did. Surgery on both shoulders. I love it just as much as hunting bow or gun.

[@BooneDownSouth]

That stinks about the surgeries, but it is great that you are still in the game and loving it!

[@cg_justin_5327]

@@BooneDownSouth thanks! I enjoy the content, subbed! Keep em coming. I thought about doing a video of all the questions I commonly get asked in the field. Maybe buying a camera and doing some self filming.

[@BooneDownSouth]

@@cg_justin_5327 Yea self filming takes it do a different level. It is fun, but it definitely complicates things.

[@TheRecoveringOutdoorsman]

I just came across your channel, and I enjoy your content. I’m from upstate SC, and I just picked up a crossbow!! I hate there’s only like 12 days or so left in the season!

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yea its almost over, but the bucks are patterning back up again so there is still some time left. Good luck with your new crossbow!

[@TheRecoveringOutdoorsman]

@ thank you sir! I’m going to get her sighted in today! I’m excited

[@dustinpaul8968]

Lighted knocks is another huge advantage to have. The speed of your cross bow depending on what you hit when you shoot, will pass through and keep going and it’s hard to find your bolt with out a lighted knock. Also it gives you a good idea of where you hit so you can judge weather you need to back out or follow up in 30 minutes like a good hit. I have killed 40 plus deer with a cross bow and I love it. People say it’s cheating but you still have many of the limiting factors a bow has, range , your bolt can be deflected just like an arrow. There are some advantages like you don’t have to move to draw your bow, it’s sitting on go minus taking it off saftey and anyone. An shoot my cross bow you aren’t limited by draw length or their ability to pull a certain poundage . There are a couple of disadvantages cross bow is generally speaking louder when it goes off and repeatability or second shots are slower with more noise involved than a compound bow.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yea you are right on the money on your pros and cons. I just recently switched to lighted nocs and definitely a believer!

[@KGPNBK]

It is not cheating if you are following the laws in your area. Make sure you practice with your lighted nocs some with change your point of impact. Shoot straight shoot often

[@dustinpaul8968]

@@KGPNBK you are on point the lighted knocks are@ different weight than what comes in your bolts.

[@kevinwpatterson]

Messed my hand up and had to have multiple surgeries. I can’t shoot compound. So glad I watched this first. Will throw my target in the truck now.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Sorry to hear about your hand.. kind of similar with my shoulder surgeries though. The crossbow gives us another chance at archery though. My dad is able to still hunt during archery season at 78 due to the crossbow. Good luck to you this season!

[@5thhorsman]

I have riffle , compound and crossbow , I'm in the minority but I love the crossbow , I love the crossbow itself the mechanics of it the tech behind it , I love setting it up getting scoped in , I love my firearms as well but for hunting a crossbow it just hits all the right buttons for me .

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yep that is awesome man. I much prefer hunting with my crossbow over my rifles. I do have one rifle hunt scheduled this year in KY but everything else will be crossbow for me this year. Best of luck to you this season!

[@mikeoc217]

I hunted with Sticks bows (Recurves) for 30+ years. After multiple rotor cuff surgeries from home building & sticks, cross gun it is. I love hunting I could care less what others say. 👍🏼🏹🦌💯

[@BooneDownSouth]

As long as someone hunts legally and ethically, they are free to hunt however they like. 100%

[@mikesprau6149]

I have a buddy who hunts exclusively with a longbow. He calls my crossbow a cross gun whenever he sees it. I couldn't care less. He's my buddy and he lets me hunt his land, so no biggie on my part. My feeling is, as long as it's legal, I'm good with it.

[@BooneDownSouth]

@@mikesprau6149 Yep 100%

[@diaryofagoat-lass1023]

I've been rifle hunting for 7 years now (just getting into crossbow) and while we use bait stations here in Saskatchewan, even after shooting deer, our trail camera would show deer coming back within 1-2 hours. Once the blood freezes, they don't care. But I do agree that crossbowing is super quiet. Wish me luck as I'm hoping my Bear X Trek makes a kill this year! I'm not brave enough to take a crossbow on my moose hunt (I've waited 7 years for that draw tag!) But a whitetail I would happy tackle with a first time crossbow! And yes, just got a Hawke illuminated scope and it is awesome!

[@BooneDownSouth]

Man I would love to hunt in Saskatchewan. From what I have seen the deer are huge there! I really think the issue with them coming back after a rifle shot. In my area, it is a long rifle season, with heavy pressure, but from the comments I have received it definitely does not apply to all areas and conditions. Yea I don't blame you there. If I drew a moose tag I would want to maximize my chance of success! Best of luck to you this season and hope you get that whitetail!

[@diaryofagoat-lass1023]

@@BooneDownSouth Thank you! and yes, our deer are physically very big. I see people hunt in places like Texas and I think to myself the phrase "Everything is bigger in Texas" and Saskatchewan be like "hold my Deer and watch this!" I have seen very nice deer in places like Louisiana and Iwoa but I just never see the sheer girth of body or antler like I see at home. There is something to be said for our stupid cold winters. :)

[@jeffreystieve8017]

After bow hunting for years, I was compelled to go to a single shot contender handgun - .30 or .45-70. It's a game changer. As far as practice and missing by a foot(!) you can and should be overcome by shooting a lot. For a new bow hunter I recommend 1000 arrows / bolts the first two year. Every shot needs to be taken carefully and not quickly. Probably a good idea since the ammo is cheap.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Heck yea. That is another way to go for sure. I would not do well at the handgun thing. I would need a deer like 8-10 yards for me to make a good shot! Practice is the key with anything.

[@paulbernitt4280]

I was a diehard compound guy and I converted to a Barnett 10 Point crossbow and upgraded to a lighted scope. I made the change due to a shoulder issue 5 years ago. The downside for me is having only 1 shot and up close shots can be difficult to get the deer into a scope reticle as compared to a bow. I shoot to unload. I shoot 150 grain Tooth of the Arrow broadheads. I hunt by scouting and setting up on fresh deer sign in real time so most of my shot opportunities are within 30 yards or less. I will never switch back.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yea I loved shooting my compound bow, but after 2 shoulder surgeries those days are gone. Good luck to you for the rest of the season!

[@kenprice57]

Thank you love your Chanel speak with experience teaching the children ❤️

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thanks I appreciate the kind words!

[@ryp1984]

thanks for this info, my city just approved hunting in city parks so i'm gathering as much info as I can, hoping to take part in that this fall.

[@BooneDownSouth]

That would be pretty sweet. I know another guy who does suburb hunts and its pretty wild watching his videos with all these houses behind them.

[@Glenn-q9e]

Man u hit nail on head about starting out back then with Noone to help us get started. It was a long learning curve. But wow what a ride. It never was the kill that brought me back to woods but the close calls to killing a deer with bow

[@BooneDownSouth]

You are right. It is not the kill, it's the thrill and the adrenaline rush when that animal is coming in to range and you can hear your heart pounding so hard you think the deer is going to hear you kind of thing.

[@joecoastie99]

The 6.5 family doesn’t leave much for a blood trail. They are plenty lethal though. Shot a 170# 8pt last year. Heart and lung hit. Not a single drop of blood was found. Found him a day and a half later. Luckily it was very cold with snow on the ground. I was told if you hit the heart there’s nothing to pump blood out hence the lack of blood. I’m switching to 308. Anyway. Appreciate the advice. This is my first year using a xbow. I’m using fixed broadheads but I’ll consider rage’s.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yea my buddy told me his 6.5 is lethal every time but he said none of the deer he has killed with it has had much blood at all. You can never go wrong with a .308 though! Nothing wrong with fixed broadheads, just need to test them all the way to the distance you will be hunting at. Fixed blades just have to be tuned on a lot of occasions, whereas the mechanicals typically do not. Both will do the job, but it is all about shot placement. Good luck this season with your crossbow!

[@sparkyhillard9098]

I love my crossbow.I still hunt with traditional equipment and my compound but my crossbow is my favorite wepon

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yea the crossbow has become my favorite hunting weapon as of late as well. Good luck this season.

[@warrgri]

I hunt with a crossbow during archery season. Rifle when it’s rifle season. I upgraded my equipment when the season allows.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Nothing wrong with that brother! Hunt with whatever you like as long as it is ethical and legal.

[@JamesBjorkSax]

Man, you really sold me on going from rifle to crossbow to extend my season, now that I just closed on 30 acres of mostly cut-over land. I'm on the wrong side of 50 and my right shoulder is hamburger that PT hasn't been able to fix. I'm still inclined to get a de-cocking model though, in case there may be an odd situation where I can't shoot a target or dummy bolt to "de-cock." You can always just swap in a target bolt for the broadhead in a de-cocking model and see where the scope adjustment is anyway, right? That point about rifle and food plots is critical. My son took his first deer ever (a doe) on my realtor's clover food plot at dusk in early Nov. Never saw another when I came back to his shooting box in the weeks since.

[@crematedable]

Worst case keep a bag at home and shoot it when you get home, I can’t think of a situation where you couldn’t decock with a docking arrow, they’re 20$ and worth it

[@BooneDownSouth]

Oh yea you can always swap in a target bolt for sure. I mean there are definitely times when de-cocking makes sense for sure and is a nice option to have.

[@Kanook99]

You did a good job man.

[@BooneDownSouth]

I appreciate it. Thanks!

[@brianferrari2812]

Ha... Bear Whitetail Hunter was my 1st bow (I was 18). Also have had surgery on Both shoulders.... Still using a compound though. Eyes not worth a darn any more... so I am interested in that lighted reticle :-)

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yea that Bear Whitetail Hunter was such a big behemoth compared to what is out there today, but hey I killed game with it. At this point, I could probably shoot a compound bow again, but I sold it and now I am working on honing my skills with a recurve. I have found the recurve to be so much fun. Nothing to worry about, just pull and release. No sights, no peep, no all the extra stuff I used to put on my compound bow.

[@joshmcgrann7964]

Everything you've said makes since I'm a bow hunter but switched to crossbow due to medical reasons thank you

[@BooneDownSouth]

Best of luck to you this season!

[@joshmcgrann7964]

I'm 45 I have thyroid eye disease I can't see through a peep sight anymore so scoped crossbow here I come... I still shoot and deadly with my PSE bows up to 30 but it's on a fixed bright target deer are little darker

[@BooneDownSouth]

@@joshmcgrann7964 If your crossbow scope does not have a lighted reticle, you should think about getting one. It makes a HUGE difference for the low light time periods.

[@joshmcgrann7964]

@@BooneDownSouth thank you

[@BamaGunsOutdoors]

I hunt with a Barnett Recruit 330fps I really like it had it for about 3 yrs hopefully I take a deer with it this year 2024’

[@BooneDownSouth]

That's what it is about - being comfortable with your weapon. Hope you get one this year! Good luck to you.

[@Ryansoutdoorsandmusic]

You will dude! Just give it patience and time. I took like 5 years of slugging it out before I got my first deer. Stay out there and put the time in!

[@SuperDave-pe1zw]

I started hunting with a Bear recurve and wood arrows, I've had many compound bows over the 45 years I've bow hunted. After 2 neck fusions i had to switch to a crossbow. I'm 62 years old and personally I'd rather carry a compound in the woods, lighter and quieter but i don't have a choice. I'm shooting a Tenpoint Viper S400 with a decocker, i bought it just for that Benefit of it because i hunt a LOT. ! I shoot my xbow at lunch i know its on but having to shoot it at dark in 20 degree weather sucks. All the trash talking people saying it a rifle haven't shoot one. Its not a rifle, I bow hunted forever and i still shoot them at 30 yards or less. Most are shot within 20 yards but at least I'm still out there doing what I love which is whitetail hunting. Good luck to everyone this season!!

[@BooneDownSouth]

Right on man. Keep on keeping on. Yea it really is too bad there are trash talkers out there. I think crossbows has done more to help our sport grow than anything else in the last 20 years. But bottom line, it is still a close range weapon and you are still shooting a blade and need to have good shot placement. Close range is where the excitement is at for sure - really doesn't matter on the weapon at that point. At 20 yards, you still have to move to get on target with an increased chance of getting spotted. Heart pumping for sure! Best of luck to you this year!

[@tommymadden9746]

If you can hang onto your compound bow continue to use it I miss the ability to use my compound so much. The crossbow has kept me in the woods but it’s not the same. I live in Ohio that has a generous bow season. I wish Ohio would go to a crossbow season that is shorter than the regular season just my opinion. Stay in the woods guys

[@BooneDownSouth]

Oh man I love hunting in Ohio. I just always feel like if you are hunting in OH.. there is always a chance a monster is going to walk out. I understand what you mean about missing the compound though. I did at first and then realized there was nothing I could do about it and learned to love the crossbow now. When a buck comes in I still get that same adrenaline rush no matter what I am holding at the moment and that is what keeps me coming back.

[@Rickkari7]

Excellent information. Thanks for sharing. I would love to get into crossbow hunting here in middle TN. A crossbow isn’t in the budget unfortunately at this time. Kid in college and 2 recently married and one about to get engaged and grandma spoiling the grandkids from our 5th child. Wouldn’t trade it for a crossbow though.

[@BooneDownSouth]

I hear ya man! Your time will come.

[@mr.stirfry9310]

The 3 dot red dot from barnett is pretty good for up to 50 yards. Its green and red with 5 dif brightness setting.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Up to 50 yards is plenty far enough. Having a red dot or scope is made better with illumination. Makes all the difference in the world.

[@mr.stirfry9310]

@@BooneDownSouth Yeah, I can push 60 yards but that is my max. Downed a doe at 40 yards. The exit looked like a 12GA slug hit her. For a cheap crossbow the barnett explorer xp370 is pretty good. Just hate that there is no slide guide.

[@BooneDownSouth]

@@mr.stirfry9310 Yea the lower end crossbows are getting better and better for sure.

[@mr.stirfry9310]

@@BooneDownSouth Yeah, but I am having the string changed after this year as it looks like one of the cables is starting to slip. I guess that is the problem with most cheaper crossbows is the string. Once it is changed I heard saftey and performance goes up a good amount.

[@TaterRogers]

It's hard to go back to the boom stick after shooting and being successful with a bow. It's so much more fun and challenging to try to hunt as close as possible. I have a system I've been using and the deer walk about 5 yards up to the blind I have set up and they never knew I was there. This guy is spot on. Get a good broadhead for sure like he says because it'll save you a lot of heartache trying to track one unless you have a good blood trail. I've used "iffy" broadheads when I started hunting and ended up tracking deer until 2 in the morning and never found them and you never ever want to shoot an animal and not recover it. That makes me feel so bad and it's wasted effort and meat.

[@BooneDownSouth]

I agree it is hard to go back after bowhunting. But what I found is that no matter what legal method you are using it is still exciting to be up close and personal with the game you are hunting! Thanks for the comments Tater!

[@kennethrogers1129]

Good point on the decocking

[@FrenchLeprechaun99]

Subscribed right away i can tell ill get a lot of good tips from this channel! Been hunting since I was 3-4 they'd bring me moose hunting. Just getting into bow / crossbow hunting because I lost my firearm license from going to the mental health unit which is total bs and I hate the Canadian gun laws.

[@BooneDownSouth]

That must have been awesome growing up like that. No worries on the crossbow, it is a lethal weapon and is very enjoyable - not to mention much cheaper to shoot repeatedly that a rifle. Good luck this season.

[@Calebzimm69]

When I was a kid when crossbows were new to me and my dad how we would unload it was I would pull the trigger and my dad would hold up on the string lookin back now we shoulda shot it into a target but my dad taught me lots of things one of em is to go in early and leave late.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Oh man that does sound a bit dangerous. But when it comes to hunting he was on the money with go in early and leave late. I killed one of my biggest bucks with the get in early thing. I figured out where he was early morning, but it was like just before legal light or just after legal light when he would show up. I hunted that spot 7 days straight, getting in that stand a solid hour before any daylight. I felt like I had to get in earlier than that buck and let things settle down. On the 7th day, about 10 mins after legal shooting light he stepped out for his last time.

[@Dgb12651]

Good video, I agree (mostly.) The part about gun noise scaring deer off for days is not always true. I have taken deer on consecutive days from the same stand with my muzzleloader. This past season I shot a buck with my 30-30 from a ground blind and 3 more deer that were with him didn't leave. In any case, I love your videos. I am just up the road from you in the NC foothills. I hunt in all three seasons but use the crossbow more often than not. Thanks, Bro and keep on huntin'!!

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thanks man! Yea I have actually shot two deer two days in a row out of the same stand with a rifle. But in general on my place, which I have a lot of hunting pressure around, it seems like the majority of time, once you pull the trigger, that place will be dead for the next few weeks during the day. I am sure it is not like this everywhere. I think pressure has a lot to do with it. Thanks for the good words and for watching my vids!

[@Dgb12651]

@@BooneDownSouth Hunting pressure does have a LOT to do with it. I guess that I am spoiled. My place is 30 acres that is surrounded by a several hundred acres of private land that has very little hunting pressure. My immediate neighbor and his family hunt (mainly gun season) and not too extensively at that. Every location is different and I consider myself blessed to have this 30 acres. It produces mature bucks year after year. Keep up the videos, Bro. I'm getting ready for next season!

[@bryanmcpherson3576]

I’ve had a couple of those old bears also . And golden eagle then Hoyt and now I have crossbows

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yea I remember all those bows. After the Bear Whitetail Hunter, I got a Martin Lynx, then I got a Jennings Arrowstar, then a Buckmaster, then I got Mathews DXT. It was a good time for sure with all those bows. I liked the Martin Lynx the least. Loved the Arrowstar. It was a bomb in its day.

[@cliftonfreeman5481]

I couldn't shoot my bow last season due to a shoulder injury so I got a crossbow. Shot a pig and buck both under 25 yards. It didn't feel the same. Shoulder healed and I'm back to my compound. One cull buck so far. I don't know why I like the bow much better.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yea I felt the same way in the beginning. But after awhile you get over that. This year I have shot 1 buck with my crossbow on my land and 1 buck with my rifle on public land. At this point, I am just as satisfied with any weapon. I even got the shakes on the one I shot with the rifle. Having said that, no matter what weapon I use, I always hunt close. But I used to love shooting my compound. Glad you headed up well. Keep at it!

[@boomerrangerron]

Good one Boone! I love the lighted sight comment for old eyes and this old BOOMER even with cataract surgery, still could benefit from a lighted scope for sure! Just don't have one on the M-370, but maybe I should swap it out with my old Barnett Raptor which does have a a nice lighted KI scope?

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thanks boomer! Yea the lighted scope makes such a difference in the first 30 mins and last 30 mins of light. It is amazing.

[@michaelJ415]

Whitetail Hunter 2, I had one for long time Horton Cross Bows when they were up n running Still have Havoc 175#(2013) deadly out to 60 yrds ( 302fps) Best-Regards

[@BooneDownSouth]

Oh yea I remember the Whitetail Hunter 2 as well and those old Horton crossbows. Those were great times back then! Good luck this season!

[@michaelJ415]

@@BooneDownSouth You Too, got aFew Brutes on trail cams, but that doesn’t mean they will be around in Nov Northeast Ohio ,soybean,corn fed all summer, Big Fattys some are

[@BooneDownSouth]

@@michaelJ415 Yea but in Ohio.. there is always a chance at a super nice buck! Good luck!

[@michaelJ415]

@@BooneDownSouth some of the Biggest ones, OHio I’m keeping tabs on a BIG 9 er,now, 170 class easy, private property, been on land for 30 Blessed seasons this year 2nd biggest one I’ve seen out there, personal best so far is 10 point-242# dressed, back breaker dragging out

[@BooneDownSouth]

@@michaelJ415 Definitely blessed to be able to hunt there regularly. Hope you get that Big 9!

[@texashunter]

Great points

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thank you sir!

[@peterdragonz4219]

Agree with all that.. Glad I went to crossbow into archery. 💯 nicer hunting in October when it’s warmer and not bone cold in Indiana Nov-Dec. plus less hunters around… I still hunt opening day of firearms as traditional thing.. My thing is get done in October then I won’t have to hunt in Nov-Dec…

[@BooneDownSouth]

Oh yea I have never hunted up there but I but it does get bone cold end of season. It is nice to get that deer early!

[@BrianJoyce-dk2sg]

Silence is golden

[@BooneDownSouth]

You bet!

[@L2fish]

I hunted with a recurve 1st year then bought a Whitetail hunter as my first compound

[@BooneDownSouth]

Good memories from back then!

[@thedude1440]

Im considering an investment in a crossbow. Your videos are helpful. Keep up the good work 👍

[@BooneDownSouth]

Hey man I appreciate the comments! Thank you.

[@BamaGunsOutdoors]

Good video ! Totally agree brother!!!

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thanks again man!

[@brentpiper7202]

Thanks man - I appreciate the thoughts.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thanks man!

[@TommyLawson-yc3ru]

Just by chance is your lit scope a lumix speed ring? I've got 1 and I love it! Excellent vid partner!

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thanks Tommy! It is a CVLife speed ring scope. I am pretty happy with it.

[@TommyLawson-yc3ru]

@@BooneDownSouth oh ok,I've heard those are good too! Thank you!

[@anrenes3459]

My husband works in the emergency department and he wants me to have a bow I can unload before climbing out of a tree stand even if the safety is on. I do shoot it about three times before I hunt though usually. I agree it would be so annoying to miss bc I knocked the site out if wack and I didn’t know it. You can imagine I’m on a safety harness as well. Safety safety safety.

[@BooneDownSouth]

What you mentioned is the #1 benefit of the de-cocker. Definitely safer to de-cock before coming down from a stand. I know most manufacturers have plenty of safety features to prevent it firing without a bolt. But definitely the safer option. I am in 100% agreement on the safety harness. I think everyone should be wearing one no matter if they are in a hang on stand, climber, or ladder stand. Accidents happen. Can’t be too safe!

[@rexrice4496]

You might want to take the bolt out of the crossbow and put it in the quiver. Most crossbows have an anti-dry fire feature today. Then just lower the 'empty' crossbow down. Just a suggestion. Good luck and be safe.

[@BooneDownSouth]

@@rexrice4496 yes that is a definite must before lowering it for sure!

[@henrybrylowski1332]

Funny that you said gun hunters look for the maximum possibility of getting a shot. Growing up rifle hunting my longest shot was 50-60 yards 😂. Dad said the deer are in the thick stuff where the hunters aren't. I still like hunting in thick stuff 🤷. Found this interesting and informative, first yard hunting with crossbow. Well my son is hunting with it since he can't pull back quite enough weight to hunt in our state.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yea I am really referring to a lot of guys who like to hunt over those big ag fields or those power lines where they can see hundreds of yards in each direction. My Dad taught me the same thing, hunt near the thick stuff. That means my opportunities for shots are generally under 40 yards anywhere I hunt and a lot of time they are less than 25 yards. Good luck to you and your son this season!

[@minislag]

Cool video, ill say I dont like the use of mechanical braodheads, but use what ever you want to use. One thing you should do though is, write down in a hunint log how good or bad a blood trail is, with arrows and bullets. You will probably find that the blood trails always vary and are unreliable. Would be interested to see.

[@BooneDownSouth]

I am with you on use what you want to use as long as it is legal. I will tell you this. When mechanical broadheads came out in the 90s I started testing them with my compound bows. I had a 50 yard range in my backyard that backed up to maybe a 30 acre pond. I had an aluminum jon boat sitting down by the water. That mechanical broadhead back then put the arrow on a spiraling flight - but not in a straight line. It was doing spirlals about a foot wide. Went over the target and busted through my jon boat about 60 yards out. I hit the corner where 3 layers of aluminum seamed together. Busted right through it! They flew awful but were plenty strong. Problems of them opening early and all those types of things happened early on and gave them a bad name that many still hang on to today. After my initial tests, I decided I was not going to mess with them anymore as I thought they were crap. However since those days, I have been using mechanicals for the last 20 years now - only Rage 2 blade though and they have been flawless. You are correct a blood trail is always variable, however, I have killed 12 dear in the last 4 years. 11 of them with a crossbow and one with a rifle. My dad on the other hand always hunts with a rifle and has killed not quite as many during that same period. For my deer, there was no blood trail on the rifle, because the deer dropped on the spot. No complaints there! ;) I always have to track my dad's deer though. I can tell you for sure, the blood trail from my rage broadheads are far better than the ones with his 30-06. It always depends on shot placement for sure, but what I have learned recently is from the rifle perspective it really depends on the bullet. For instance, my buddies 6.5 creedmore hardly leaves any blood trail at all. I used to hunt with a .35 Marlin when I was a teenager and the bullet I used there blew out a huge hole on the exit and left a big blood trail. So it really comes down to the bullet and shot placement, but there are a lot of bullets that just do not produce a good trail is what I have found over the years. But I would love a chart that depicts "typical" blood trails per bullet. Cause after learning about my buddies 6.5, I decided I have no interest in that caliber at all. Of course even in that caliber, there could be different bullets that would do better I suppose.

[@sicklogick]

i'm on my 3rd season, i've only hunted with a compound bow. i'm REALLY considering making the switch to crossbow.

[@BooneDownSouth]

There are a lot of good reasons to switch and they are lethal and a little more convenient. I loved shooting my compound bow but my shoulders are done now.

[@sicklogick]

@BooneDownSouth I've had several encounters this season that made me want to switch. one of which, the buck I've been after was at 40 yards and I'm just not comfortable with that distance with a compound bow yet. probably wouldn't hesitate with a crossbow.

[@BooneDownSouth]

@@sicklogick Good for you man. I know it was hard for you to not wing that 40 yard shot at the buck you were after, but you did the right thing. A lot of guys would have took the chance anyway, and a lot of those guys would have ended up wounding that buck, probably killing it, but never find it kind of thing. I know exactly what that is like. The biggest buck I have ever seen quickly jumped from 30 to 35+ yards from me before I could get drawn. The locals that hunted that property told me it was 170+ class buck, it had massive headgear and drop tines, once in a lifetime buck for this southern boy. I didn't take the shot because to me it was just out of my range that I felt like I could take effectively at that point in time. Don't get me wrong, I love hunting with my crossbow, but man I used to love hunting with my compound bow. When you get that buck with your compound there is a huge sense of accomplishment. You will eventually be in the right place at the right time.

[@nickricholetti754]

I literally just told someone the same thing … it’s about scouting , finding them and killing them humanely …. now about what u kill it with .. Never killed a deer over 30 with a bow or crossbow

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yep same here. Never killed one beyond 30 yards and most are 20 or less.

[@ratorgersen7938]

shows your thinkin.....i like your info....im gonna subscribe and like...thanks

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thanks and welcome!

[@BackyardBroadheads]

Great video thanks

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thank you!

[@motonut4503]

rage 2 blade broadheads have killed a dozen deer for me and the blood trails are INSANE, i get better blood trails with my rage broadheads than my 308 or 450 bushmaster. Id say its most similar to my 12ga 3 sabot slugs

[@fancysun7836]

Seems to be the best of both worlds fr..

[@BooneDownSouth]

It's all about what you want to get out of it.

[@frederickbierweiler8020]

great video Bud

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thank you sir!

[@dannyadamson2198]

Just found this channel, I’m entering my third season with my crossbow (ten point). Everything you say is spot on. My scope isn’t lighted . Any help on that would be appreciated. New sub now &great video.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Hey Danny. Thanks for watching and sub'n. The illuminated scope makes a big difference for sure. If you don't want to spend a terrible amount of money on a scope, this particular CVLIFE model would be great. amzn.to/4flcKfH - Full disclosure this is an affiliate link. I actually tested the predecessor to this model in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2OVaWWCptmGjdU There were a few minor things that I found they told me would be resolved in the next release. The difference between what I tested and what I linked to is that the one I tested had 50 yards at the center, and this model has 20 yards at the center. But the one I linked for you is the more recent version. Having said that, I used that scope all last hunting season and killed 3 deer with it, one during that period of light fading where I would not have been able to make the shot without the scope being illuminated. That scope is still on my crossbow today. It has been solid. If you want to go higher end, you can go with a Hawke like this model here: amzn.to/3A4bPjB - My buddy has this one and I have tested it out as well. Hope that help you bud! Best of luck to you this coming season!

[@dannyadamson2198]

@@BooneDownSouth thank you

[@_1COR15.1-4]

Great vid

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thank you!

[@brianemrick7232]

Alone the banes with broad head blades to get good arrow flight.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Definitely good tip!

[@Heraclitorebecca8]

Very true.i agree with you 🇧🇷🇺🇸👍 I prefer my crossbow to hunt is very good.

[@rankstrangertanner7124]

I am 63 started bow hunting in 1975 for the last 4 years I started using a crossbow cause of shoulder issues, I get heckled a lot from my younger friends but I just send them pics of my Trophy wall it seems to shut them up. I’m not giving up hunting cause of some young guys worried about what I shoot and the have never shot a deer with stick and string.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Heck ya. Not worried about what anyone says. I'll enjoy my hunting however I decide to do it as long as it is ethical and legal for as long as I can. Best of luck to you this season!

[@rankstrangertanner7124]

@@BooneDownSouthyou as well my friend

[@rankstrangertanner7124]

@@BooneDownSouthI have some of the best bucks this year have let a few go the last couple years and have some nice ones

[@BooneDownSouth]

@@rankstrangertanner7124 Well I hope you can put a tag on one of them this year!

[@TheBamayaker]

I also Started with a Bear Whitetail Hunter in 1980

[@BooneDownSouth]

Good memories that was!

[@TurdFerg117]

Well said my man.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thank you sir!

[@boatkid888]

Hey Ken, have you heard of the Hickory Creek Mini Vertical Crossbow? It looks pretty impressive

[@BooneDownSouth]

No I haven’t. I’ll have to look that up and check it out!

[@averageoutdoorguy2737]

Thanks I love my crossbow

[@BooneDownSouth]

Me too!

[@ABAVP23]

Thank you Boone!!

[@BooneDownSouth]

You bet!

[@darrylwood1188]

Nice bud!

[@BooneDownSouth]

Thank you!

[@sgairgunner]

I use air rifles and it's 50 yards or under and it's awesome but archery season is coming up and I'm going with a crossbow

[@BooneDownSouth]

I think you will like it!

[@StealthTRD]

Felon? Lol.

[@BooneDownSouth]

@@StealthTRD Not a felon!

[@StealthTRD]

Lol i was asking airgunner ​@@BooneDownSouth

[@tammeyruiz3856]

Thank you

[@BooneDownSouth]

You're welcome

[@johnbonifas6040]

I have a ravin I’m very careful when I decock my bow it always on

[@BooneDownSouth]

It is always good to treat the weapon with respect.

[@eduardocontreras4817]

I bought me a crossbow not too long ago so im goin to see how i do

[@BooneDownSouth]

You will do fine. Good luck with it this season!

[@navy80to04]

63 disabled vet, just starting out crossbow hunting on my property.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Awesome and thank you for your service! Best of luck to you this season.

[@lloydduston707]

Great advice. What are your thoughts on leaving your crossbow cocked for long periods during your hunt? Does it affect the limbs or string and accuracy over time?

[@BooneDownSouth]

So I get up in my stand before daylight and cock my crossbow. Depending on how things are going I might hunt until sometime between 10am to 1pm. When I get down I unload and for evening hunts it would be cocked from 2pm till just after dark. I hunt a good bit during the season as we have a pretty long season here in SC. I have not noticed any issues with this practice. Been shooting the same crossbow now for 4 years. I keep the rails lubed and the string waxed. I have never left it cocked for longer periods than when I am hunting. I would not want to leave it cocked overnight or anything like that, but more from a safety factor. I treat it just a gun. Load while I am hunting, unload when I am done. All modern crossbows should be able to handle this.

[@georgewashington1621]

I think it might not only be the sound but also the smell of the gunpowder that puts off deer.

[@BooneDownSouth]

You know I have pondered that myself as well. I think there is some truth to that as well. I mean we can smell it in the area after the shot and a deer's sense of smell is far greater than ours. It if doesn't rain, that smell of residue could be enough to keep them out of the air for awhile as they most likely associate that smell with the loud bang.

[@stevebrown3408]

Last year new to crossbow , still think it's a let down from compounds bow , me shot compould almost everyweek all year crossbow sighted it in . decock my by shooting into the ground . like the lighted scope , Put Rage on too new to me no shotlast year so ?? My crossbvow is loud to me after compound bow ? Thanks time will tell with me .

[@BooneDownSouth]

Hey Steve. I felt the same at first. It just isn't the same, but as you spend more time with it and still hunt close you will regain the thrill of it all. No question about it being louder than a compound bow though.

[@dougannash6985]

Or just hunt with a suppressor *shrug*. I've never had any problems spooking deer away from an area. I've learned to wait about a half hour after every kill as the herd often comes back the same way. I often go back day after day and continue to harvest deer.

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yep a suppressor would do the trick as well! I would love to have one. Hunting with a suppressor could have saved my ears some damage over the years too!

[@ldewit1]

First time crossbow hunter here. I have been an avid rifle hunter for years but never tried this before. I have a question for you. When should I cock my crossbow before the hunt? Should I cock it on the ground and then pull it up in my stand via a rope? If so, is there a safe technique for this? Or is that unsafe all together? I'm not sure if I can cock it while in my climber but maybe there is a way. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@BooneDownSouth]

That is a good question. I apologize for not answering sooner. Got hit by the hurricane and still have no power, scrambling for gas to keep the generator running, etc.. Just unplugged the freezer for a bit and connected my Starlink so I could get some internet for a few mins. To answer your question, do what feels comfortable and safe for you. I typically cock my crossbow on the ground before I climb the tree. If you are hand cocking instead of using a crank that can be impossible and unsafe to do in a treestand. I cock it on the ground and use a pull rope. I wait until I am up in the treestand and am situation then I pull it up. Never grab the crossbow anywhere in the path of the string. Once you get up and remove the pull cord, then you can load it. Getting down just go in reverse. Unload it, attach to your pull cord and lower it down. Always wear your safety harness and use a lifeline for your safety the entire time climbing up and down the tree. If you have a crank for your crossbow you can choose to cock it once you are in the stand. Sometimes I do that, just depends on the situation. Good luck to you this year.

[@redred2772]

I wonder if its not just the sound of the gun but the smell of gunpowder keeps them away?

[@BooneDownSouth]

Yea I have thought about that as well. It could play a part for sure.