Is offering the easy option the best option?

[stinkbelly]

I don't want to turn this into a crossbow bashing thread so please keep calm.

I have two boys that have been begging to shoot a deer for 2 years. They are not strong enough to pull more than 25 pounds with their bows. They have shot the 243 several times, but the recoil makes them shoot very poorly. I was thinking about buying them a crossbow. I know. I have always been against crossbows except for the disabled, but I now see a new reason for a crossbow. It is a stepping stone to bow hunting. My boys are extremely excited about crossbows and love to see them on TV. I think if I buy them one they will be even more excited about hunting.

Now is this a good or bad decision? Do you think it may make them stop shooting their bow since they don't have a goal anymore? They are much younger than I was when I started deer hunting. I feel like I am offering them the easy way (don't take that wrong) to shoot a deer. I mean easy as they don't have to pull a heavy bow or take the recoil.

I hear lots of people say do whatever you can to get youth into hunting. Is this a good option?

[systemnt]

You do whatever ever you feel is the right thing to do. You're the parent. They are your kids. You know them best.
No one on here is going to have the right advice for you and your kids.
Who cares what tool you use to get them outdoors.
The goal is getting them outdoors.

[BIG IRON]

Anything to keep their interest. I would think that they would eventually want to go to the bow when they can pull it back but the x bow will give them the bowhunting feel.

[kfd82]

I say do it!


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[pazthru]

I have been using a cross bow for this season. I crashed my motorcycle and my left arm and right thumb are slowly healing and I did not want to pass on deer season.
There is no way I could pull back my BowTech Destroyer even at 45 lbs. ,let alone hold it with my left hand.

Regarding your sons...................let them give it a try. Just remember to make sure they know it is lethal and treat it like a gun when pointing it anywhere.

They will grow into other archery options as time permits.

[canny]

This is one of the huge reasons that I am in favor of crossbows. They fit in perfect for getting youth involved in hunting, and in some cases even better than a small caliber rifle. My reasons behind this is that the deer still have to be close. By having the deer less than 40 yards it provides a better learning atmosphere. The kid has to still learn to control its movements and be quiet which are not as critical as being 100 yds away with a rifle. These are just my feelings on it, but in the end the kids are the ones that will carry on hunting so whatever needs to be done to get them addicted to it then do it. They might not can pull a compound back now, but due to peer pressure from friends and seeing their dad do it will most likely make them want to continue to try to use a verticle bow in the future.

[stickemhard3]

If you can get them started with that then im sure they will want a real bow as soon as they can pull it back.

[Tmag]

Go for it Dad!

[Loreva13]

Anything to keep their interest. I would think that they would eventually want to go to the bow when they can pull it back but the x bow will give them the bowhunting feel.

X2 This is my thinking as well. If they want to hunt with a crossbow give it a shot. In time they may want to give the bow a shot again when they can pull more poundage back.

[Redneck Archer]

I am getting one for the family to use as well as myself...

nothing wrong with it buddy... Dont be so quick to jump against something never know what may change your tune...

[Roscoe]

Do it...and have fun with the kiddos!

[Coach W]

.223???

Ive killed many a deer with a .223 and the recoil is nothing.

I started on a m77 allweather .223 Love Dad!

Then to a 30.06..... wasnt quite ready so I went to a 6mm. now I shoot all of em and love em!

[systemnt]

.223???

Ive killed many a deer with a .223 and the recoil is nothing.

I started on a m77 allweather .223 Love Dad!

Then to a 30.06..... wasnt quite ready so I went to a 6mm. now I shoot all of em and love em!

uh... coach?

[Coach W]

uh... coach?

yes

I figured by the time they get good enough with a crossbow to shoot a deer it would be time for gen season.

Is that whats up?

[Hookset]

Go for it. You might even find out that you like it.