Wife to try crossbow?

[turkeyfeather]

My wife has been battling a pretty bad elbow problem for sometime now. She can no longer draw legal bow weight to hunt. She isn't interested in rifle hunting. She wants to try a crossbow. We have zero experience with them. Is that realistic?

[Bob33]

Unless she has met WDFW's standard for disability she would  need to hunt during modern (rifle) seasons. If that's ok it can be a rewarding way to keep hunting.

[Platensek-po]

They are very very nice to shoot if a rifle is out of the picture. No recoil and pretty accurate out to 80-100yds depending on your setup. As stated she would have to get approved by her Dr and Wdfw to hunt archery seasons but could hunt modern rifle seasons.

[carpsniperg2]

Don't know her condition but you might be able to apply and get her a disabled permit to use one during bow season.

As far as the weapon they are very accurate and capable of taking game just fine. Anyone can use them and shoot them very well. A pain to pack around but if you are blind or tree stand hunting then its not so bad.

[bearpaw]

My wife has been battling a pretty bad elbow problem for sometime now. She can no longer draw legal bow weight to hunt. She isn't interested in rifle hunting. She wants to try a crossbow. We have zero experience with them. Is that realistic?

I know a guy in similar condition, he got a note from the doctor and got a disabled permit so he can do archery season with crossbow.

[turkeyfeather]

Would they be easier for her to draw?

[Bob33]

https://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/eligibility-requirements-disability-status

https://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/wdfw-special-use-permit-program

Note the definition of permanent inoperable:

"Permanent inoperable" means:

Not treatable or correctable;
All surgeries, treatments, or mechanical device use have been exhausted; or
Not curable because of undue risk to the patient.

In many instances they will not issue a permit unless surgery or other treatments have been tried.

Best wishes.

[bearpaw]

Would they be easier for her to draw?

The ones I've seen have a crank to draw them back and then you lock them in the drawn position.

[turkeyfeather]

https://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/eligibility-requirements-disability-status

https://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/wdfw-special-use-permit-program

Note the definition of permanent inoperable:

"Permanent inoperable" means:

Not treatable or correctable;
All surgeries, treatments, or mechanical device use have been exhausted; or
Not curable because of undue risk to the patient.

In many instances they will not issue a permit unless surgery or other treatments have been tried.

Best wishes.

She isn't necessarily wanting to hunt during the archery season. She doesn't really mind hunting the modern season, just doesn't have interest in using a rifle.

[carpsniperg2]

Would they be easier for her to draw?

If you don’t have a crank bow they are still pretty tiff to draw. However you could cock it for her then she just loads a arrow when setup to hunt. In her case it would probably be better to get one that had some kind of draw assist or crank. Heck there is some using compressed air now days to draw them. Not sure of the legal status here but food for thought.

[lokidog]

Crossbows can be fun to use. A few of my takes on them....

-They are or can be heavier than they look.
-Get one with as narrow of a span as you can, they are cumbersome. We got one in the beginning when there was a minimum width, that is no longer a restriction.
-If getting one with a crank, go as high power as you can afford. I wanted to be able to hand cock mine and got a turkey because I was able to to so. It is not a fast process using the built in cranks. Depending on her strength, she may still be able to use the two handed string to cock one.
-Unless getting a really expensive one, I, me personally, do not think they are a 60+ yard weapon. Our cheap one is only used for 40 yards max.
-Even though rapid accuracy is easy, I robinhooded my third shot at 25 yards, practicing is a good thing.
-There is more recoil than one would think, though not the potentially painful type like a rifle, and again, maybe less in a higher end one.
-Get lighted nocks for your bolts.

Hope my  helps.

[Jonathan_S]

Wife has a TenPoint and it's very compact. Crazy fast, accurate, the recoil is a non-issue, has a scope with etched drops for 30-50 yards. It has full whammy power beyond 60 yards. Absolute game changer for "archery" and I'm glad there is some red-tape involved with the disabled permit and WDFW.

For someone willing to do the research and leg work, there are a lot of opportunities to kill deer within the modern firearm seasons. Particularly in firearm restricted areas.

[Widgeondeke]

I have a Barnett Whitetail Pro STR. Crazy accurate to 50 yards(furthest I've attempted).
I can hand cock it in a pinch, but typically use the cord.

As mentioned:
heavier than expected and a bit awkward carrying thru brush and up/down hills
if you want sleek & fast look at Ravin 

[lokidog]

I have a Barnett Whitetail Pro STR. Crazy accurate to 50 yards(furthest I've attempted).
I can hand cock it in a pinch, but typically use the cord.

As mentioned:
heavier than expected and a bit awkward carrying thru brush and up/down hills
if you want sleek & fast look at Ravin 

Love those Ravins, but really WTH on the prices.....

[Parasite]

I've got a Scopryd Orion, Mission Sub-1, Ravin R26 and R29X.

Love the Scorpyd for accuracy and shooting long range.

Love the Ravin R26 for hunting in general, but especially for travel hunting via airlines. I can pack that bow in a small case.