Anyone use a crossbow?

[fish brain]

I'm considering trying crossbow hunting. What should I consider?
I gather 50 yards to be a long shot 35-40 is optimum?
Are there diffrent caliburs of crossbow? What do you recommend?

 

[Fixit]

I've done some bow hunting, with a compound bow and a crossbow. Im no expert but have taken 5 deer with an arrow.
for a compound bow 20-30 yards is optimum, 40 is a long shot, and 50 seems like a mile away. Get a range finder and play "guess that range "as you walk around to teach yourself accurate distances. estimate distance to every tree or rock around you then use the range finder to get actual distances. With a modern crossbow 60 yards is very doable. but as you practice, and you need to practice a LOT you will get more comfortable at longer ranges.

as far as what to consider, budget may be the biggest factor. they're rated by draw weight, feet per second, recurve/ compound.
Stop by cabelas and talk to someone at the bow counter, they're pretty knowledgeable and can help fit you to your bow.

I really like PSE or Excalibur but they're not the only good ones. also budget for a target, a BUNCH of the cheapest target arrows (bolts) you can learn with. then some good hunting bolts with both target and broad heads

 

[IronNoggin]

I used to run a compound bow when I was younger.

Too many serious shoulder injuries took that away from me.
I was not happy.

Jump forward a couple decades...
A very good fishing & hunting buddy suggested I try out a crossbow.
That same year there was an Excalibur Ibex up for grabs at our local DU /Salmon Din-Din.
I grabbed it.

Killed several deer with it, then traded up to an Excalibur ExoMax.
Killed a bigger handful with that one.

Then Excalibur came out with their Matrix series.
I was among the first to collect one of the 380 Matrix bows.
It has now taken several dozen deer, and is by far my preferred way to hunt.

Excal has the best reputation in the business, for a reason.
Great quality control.
Bows are easy to work on yourself (no press nor shop required).
Basically they are bullet proof tough, reliable, powerful and so accurate you do not want to shoot at the same bullseye or risk the dreaded Robin Hood (been there. Never again).
And, their warranty is incredible. Lifetime of the bow, no questions asked.
Topping that off - made in Canada.

I regularly shoot mine to 90 yards.
It will hit a teacup at that range every single time.
Limit shots on undisturbed game to 60 or 65 yards.
It is a Killer. Pinpoint accurate.

They also have their own Forum, without the usual BS one encounters on some.
Good bunch of Folks willing to help: https://www.excaliburcrossbow.com/phpBB3/

I suggest you look into Excalibur if you are serious.
I also suggest getting the best arrows (bolts have no fletching. These are Arrows) you can afford.
There are several custom arrow makes out there, and I can provide advice if you wish.
They, and custom strings, really make these things shine.

Feel free to pm anytime if I can be of further assistance...

Cheers,
Matt