I am itching to start bowhunting and am leaning toward a crossbow as opposed to a compound. What are your opinions on the crossbows out there on the market? Price is really not an issue since everything I have looked at so far is less than I pay for a good rifle. Any help would be very much appreciated.

My dad shoots a Excaliber exomax 225# recurve crossbow with the scope on it. It shoots great, but I think it really is overkill. I was going to get the phoenix this year, but decided to just use my regular bow during rifle season. The Phoenix is 175# and with the loaded package is 700.00. I called Cabelas, before I decided not to get one and asked what if I did'nt like it after I've been shooting it for a while. The lady said if you don't like it for any reason just send it back. The all have 3# triggers and being a recurve they are so easy to change strings and take the strings off during off season. We tried several times to take the string off and put it back on to make sure it still shot the same, but it always shot in the exact same place, as long as you did'nt have the string twisted any. This is the second year my dad has shoot his cross bow. The scope has the ballistic reticle out to 50 yards. They come with a rope with pulleys to make it easy to pull the string back. All the crossbows I have shot are a little loud, but the deer are dead. You can order one and try it out and if you don't like it send it on back. Just like the customer service lady told me to. Just make sure your package comes with the rope pulley as some of them don't. www.excaliburcrossbow.com The website has a nice forum also!! On the forum some people shoot the Vixen, which is made more for a lady, just because it's lighter, compact and still puts the bolts out at 285 FPS(150#). Excaliber has eight models to choose from.

parker makes a very nice crossbow - my dad has one and it is fast and accurate.

i dont think crossbows should be allowed during whitetail bow season. there is some talk about it happening. might as well use a rifle.

I agree with TXBowhunter! Unless medical reason, get a bow and put in the time practicing like everyone else.