Because of the archery crossbow being so accurate (like shooting a rifle), it is outlawed in many states during hunting season. With one exception, the handicapped are allowed to use them with a special permit.

My friend, Randy B. has a crippled hand and does not have the strength to pull back a bow and arrow. Many people with this condition have to go to the state they live in and get the permit before they are able to purchase a hunting license. Randy enjoys archery hunting and the outdoors as much as I do, and now is able to continue his outdoor adventures, all due to the archery crossbow. He has taught me most of what I know about cross bows, and the need for them. The desire to still be able to archery hunt can now be a pleasure to him once again.

Crossbows and their equipment is much like that of regular archery equipment. There are a few exceptions, like the arrows, which are called bolts and are shorter in length. They carry the same impact as the compound bow but they lose their speed after about 30 to 40 yards. This could mean a drop in the bolt of up to one foot at 40 yards, where most modern compound bows might have only an inch drop at the same yardage. But, the cross bow is much easier to use when accuracy comes into effect, especially when they have a scope mounted to their cross bow. It is not hard for them to hold a group of arrows or bolts to a 2 inch circle at 30 yards. Try that with a regular bow and you are lucky to hold a 6 inch group.

After a couple of years, when my dad discovered he had Parkinson’s disease, he was unable to pull his compound bow back. But he was so bull headed he refused to use the archery crossbow. I tried to convince him to, so we could enjoy the hunt together, but it all worked out probably much better when he started going out hunting with my two sons when they were very young. He taught both of them many archery deer hunting tips and tricks that helped them progress by years experience in a matter of a couple of hunting seasons.

Handicap hunting with the crossbow go hand and hand, and I respect that. If it can get another child or elderly person out into the out of doors and away from all the hassle of the big city or the boredom of everyday life, it is very well worth it.

When and if you ever need to purchase a crossbow for the sport of archery, I once again suggest to you not to go cheap, this will only cost you more in the long run. Stay with the more reliable manufacturers. Some suggestions are Excalibur, Fred Bear and Ten Point. Some of these archery crossbow packages include everything you need to seriously hunt and be outfitted with high quality hunting and archery equipment and can cost around $1500.

Happy Hunting!
Ted Lake

My name is Ted Lake and I'm building a website in memory of my dad Deuaine Lake. This site is all about Archery and Archery Hunting. My dad started me when I was 5 years old (1956) and I've continued to teach both my boys the same respect for the sport of archery. Please feel welcome to visit my free website at http://www.complete-archery-information.com.