Practice required, even with a crossbow

Even though crossbows have been around for centuries, deer hunting with this “ancient” technology is an entirely new endeavor in North Carolina, with unrestricted use beginning only in 2010. Today’s crossbows are quite different than the ancient technology and are considered high-performance killing machines. Yet physics continues to play a role in the inaccuracies of this type of equipment, as well as user error. Before taking shots at wild game, hunters should invest significant time shooting and getting a feel for the limitations of crossbows. Nothing can take the place of shooting and practicing with a weapon.

Functionally, crossbows can kill at well over 100 yards, but the accuracy limit is nowhere close to that range. Crossbows are precise weapons with the ability to repeat an exact mechanical action with little room for variation, but as soon as the bolt leaves the bow, an error curve rises exponentially. Bolts are affected by wind shear and natural gravitational pull. Crossbows can accurately kill game up to 50 yards, and many hunters use this distance as a limit. The laws of physics ensure the trajectory of the 400-grain bolt at 350 feet per second is the same as an arrow with a similar speed and weight combination.

Hunters should practice shooting under a variety of conditions to see where they can confidently take a shot. Fortunately, just about every crossbow comes mounted with a scope to help refine shot grouping and give hunters a sense of confidence when a trophy animal comes into view.

Before any crossbow hunting adventure, hunters should shoot numerous times at several different, measured yardages to determine the capabilities of their setup. In addition, always use a stable rest when practicing, and sacrifice a broadhead in the process.

Archers using crossbows or any other type of archery equipment should use a portable rangefinder to determine where any potential shots may pop up, especially when perched in a tree stand. Yardages estimates are easily distorted with depth of field, light conditions and being elevated in a tree stand.