New York (DEC) does Small Changes to Big Game Hunting Laws for Fall
N.Y. State Department of Environmental Conservation(DEC) has made some changes to the big game hunting laws for this fall 2011, it was too late for the changes to be included in the hunting manuals of 2011-2012, usually provided when licensees are purchased. Do to the fact that the bills were signed late by Gov. Andrew Cuomo the new changes will not appear on the manuals of 2011-2012.
The changes in which have been made consist of allowing rifles to be used for big games in Cortland County. Also crossbows are only permitted during the muzzle-loading gun season, this will only be for a part of the fall hunting season.
Hunters in Delaware, Sullivan and Ulster counties are now prohibited from killing a spike horn deer, they must have at least one antler with three points. The law applies to all public and private lands and all deer hunting seasons. Only hunters under the age of 17 are exempt and may take any antlered deer with at least one antler measuring three or more inches in length. Deer hunting regulations in all other WMUs were not affected by this legislation.
You can find more DEC LAWS
SPIDER MK-250 DISASSEMBLING INSTRUCTIONS
How to disassemble a SPIDER MK-250 crossbow:
Tools: Screw Driver, Pin-Shaped Nail, Rubber Mallet
1. Position the SPIDER MK-250 crossbow on its right side, then you will need to locate a small bolt that is inserted inside the scope mount frame(the bolt should not be the one that is connected to the scope knob adjuster). Then using your hammer and a pin-shape nail, you will need to place your nail on the (1) small bolt and gently hammer the bolt so that it can come out loose thru the other end (basically your using the nail to push the bolt out the other end).
2. The scope mount frame should easily slide off, after the bolt was pushed out. Then you will find (2) screws located inside the scope adjusters frame.
3. Using your screw driver gently remove the (2) screws. Make sure to have a small container where you can store these small screws and bolts.
4. The scope adjuster frame should then be able to come off easily.
5. Now you should have a crossbow with no scope adjuster frame and prepare your screw driver for the next step.
6. Using your screw driver gently remove the (1) top screw and place it in your small container with your other bolts and screws. Now all you should have in front of you is crossbow with no scope mount or scope adjuster.
7. Position your SPIDER MK-250 crossbow on its right-side and locate the (2) screws. Then gently remove the (2) screws from the right-side.
8. After you are done with removing the (2) screws from the right-side, position your SPIDER MK-250 crossbow on its left-side and remove the other (2) screws. Remember to place the screws in your small container.
9. Now you are going to position your SPIDER MK-250 crossbow upside down so that you can view the bottom part, there you will locate (1) screw that is inside the camouflage frame and you will need to remove it.
10. Now your metal frame is ready to be separated from its camouflage frame, by using a rubber mallet gently hit the metal frame.
11. Without any difficulty the metal frame should be able to separate from its camouflage frame.
12. You should have two separate parts your camouflage frame and your metal frame.
13. Position your metal frame on its right-side and remove the (2) screws.
14. Position your metal frame on its left-side and remove the (2)screws. Don’t forget to put the screws in a small container.
15. After you are done removing the two screws from each side, you should be able to slide out the trigger frame.
16. You are now finished and have disabled your SPIDER MK-250 crossbow.
News: Apple Gadgets Smuggled Using a CROSSBOW and Zipline!!!!
According to China’s police, smugglers were using an old school method to transport iPAD 2s and iPhone 4s from China into Hong Kong. You may wonder how a crossbow and a zipline will come in handy for a smuggling operation.
Well basically the smugglers used a crossbow in which they shot a solid fishing line(300meters in length) across the Sha Tau Kok river where the arrow lodged in a countryside building on the Hong Kong side. Utilizing a good sized wheel and a nylon bag in which was hooked onto the fishing line, the smugglers began to transport the iPad 2s and iPhone 4s in small quantities during the night. That meant there will be no border checks, and no time to hide the devices in a vehicle with the hopes that they would make it across.
Want to know more: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/112146-Criminals-Use-Crossbow-Zipline-To-Smuggle-Apple-Tech
North Carolina Crossbow Regulations Legalized
North Carolina has made it effective to legalize crossbows for hunting, starting August 1,2011 to July 31, 2012. This is really great news for people that like to go hunting with there crossbows. It is another wonderful location were people can go and have great hunting experience. North Carolina offers great hunting opportunity programs for the disabled in which also consist of crossbow hunting.
“Crossbows are legal hunting weapons for licensed hunters anytime bow-and-arrow hunting is allowed. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 150 pounds. Bolts must use broad heads. ” -www.ncwildlife.org/Regs
Some of the Most frequent asked Questions:
Who can hunt with a crossbow?
Any properly licensed hunter or licensed-exempt hunter, regardless of disability.
When can a properly licensed hunter use a crossbow?
Anytime bow and arrow is a legal method of take. For deer, that is any open deer season (i.e., archery, muzzle loader and gun). A crossbow can also be used to take nay other game bird, game animal or non game animal for which there is a season.
Are there any restrictions on the type of crossbow I can use?
Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 15o pounds. Only bolts with fixed minimum broad head width of 7/8 inch or a mechanically opening broad head with a minimum width 7/8 inch in the open position maybe used for taking bear, deer, wild boar or wild turkey. Blunt-type bolts may be used in taking smalls animals and birds, including, but not limited to, rabbits, squirrels, quail, grouse and pheasants. Poisonous, drugged, barbed or explosive bolts may not be used for taking any game.
Find more detail from www.ncwildlife.org/Regs/Regs_Hunt_Trap.htm
Breaking News: Boy Throws Rocks at cars, SHOT by CROSSBOW
Check: cbsnews.com/stories/2011/08/30/national/main20099252.shtml
This will make people think twice before they throw rocks at cars. According to San Diego police two young boys were throwing rocks at cars, when the passenger in a vehicle (black Toyota RAV4), pulled out a crossbow and shot one of the boys in the abdomen. The young boy was taken to the hospital with no life threatening injuries. No arrest have been made.
It must be a hard lesson learned by the young boy that was struck by the crossbow, although the boy was wrong for throwing rocks, I believe that no child or person should be harmed in any form, especially being shot by a crossbow. There are many other forms in preventing situations like this from occurring, I am just glad to see that the young boy did not face any serious life threatening injuries. I do hope that the young boys parents are more aware of what there children are doing then letting them outside throw rocks at cars and well for the person who shot the crossbow I just hope that he gets arrested for his senseless act.
Barnett CrossWire Strings and Cables Are Here at TheCrossbowStore.com
Hello Hunters–Have you ever found yourself on a big game hunt and you go to cock your bow and the wire snaps? Well, don’t get caught this season without your spare accessories such as our Barnett Predator Crossbow Extra Cross Wire String, which can be found at thecrossbowstore.com. That’s correct, we already have the cross wire in stock and ready to ship! So when you’re telling your buddies your hunting story this season, make sure it only includes the kill and not some sad story about your string breaking and not being prepared. Not shooting a Predator crossbow, not to worry as we have other CrossWire Strings and Cables available for the following Barnett crossbows:
Barnett Ghost 400 CRT CrossWire String
Barnett Ghost 350 CRT CrossWire String
Barnett Predator Lite CRT CrossWire String
Barnett Buck Commander CrossWire String
Barnett Penetrator 2010 and prior CrossWire String
Barnett Revolution/Quad CrossWire String
Barnett Wildcat C5 CrossWire String
Barnett Jackal CrossWire String
Barnett CrossWire Replacement Cable
Carbon Revolution for Crossbow
Carbon Crossbow
Many crossbow manufacturers are now using carbon materials for their products. Materials still used are various alloys and aluminum, wood and plastic. All of these materials have various positive and negative aspects.
How Carbon Benefits Crossbows?
The greatest benefit of carbon material is that it is incredibly light, strong and durable. This is why it is used in a vast array of technology and is popular. Carbon crossbows are going to be much lighter than crossbows which use wood and metals and other materials. This is an advantage to the hobbyist who is shooting at target ranges and the hunter who is using the tool to bring down game. And this light quality of carbon makes it even easier to transport and travel with the crossbow. Having light equipment to carry is a great benefit in any outdoor hobby. If the person is a serious hunter, they will most likely be out in the woods or similar environment for hours, if not even days. Having a light tool makes the carrying much easier. As well, a light tool is easier to manipulate and react with, and this benefits a hunter who may have to make quick reactions to moving game. The hobbyist may want more versatility in their weapon, and maybe shoot at moving targets and simulated reaction targets. Carbon will fulfill this need.
Despite its light make-up, the material is incredibly strong. In many cases it is stronger than certain alloys and plastics. For any often used tool or weapon, strength and durability are incredibly important factors. Not only from the wear of being used – thrown on the ground, dragged through brush and more – but also from a reliability factor. A strong and durable weapon strikes more confidence in the owner and provides reliability. The combination that this material provides is really second to none. It may be the best material available for the combination of weight and strength and durability.
Carbon crossbows, as with other equipment with carbon material tends to be very expensive. But, this is reflective of quality material. The life of this material is incredibly long and the advantages it provides outside of longevity can’t be matched. It is beneficial for the serious hobbyist and hunter, who not only demand all the great possible qualities their weapon can offer, but also for the beginner who knows they will be dedicated to the sport and will receives all the advantages of a great weapon right away.
Click here to get Ghost 400 Crossbow or Ghost 350 Crossbow.
New 2011 Crossbows Made of Carbon
Various manufacturers, including Barnett Crossbows and TenPoint Crossbows, make carbon crossbows, and some are available in the market now. The all new Barnett Ghost with CRT (Carbon Riser Technology) is a highly anticipated model and is now available. It is carbon based and is about 1 LBs less than the aluminum version while providing all the greatest aspects the weapon can offer. While Barnett brings us the new Ghost series, TenPoint’s new Carbon Fusion CLS and Carbon Xtra CLS also feature the carbon design. With industry’s first ever woven carbon fiber barrel, these two new lighter and quieter crossbows will hit the market in 2011. Thanks to the technology similar to that used for airframe of Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner, the Carbon Fusion CLS’s barrel reduces significantly of 20 oz from its original Phantom CLS design.
Carbon really is the next wave in technology for crossbows. It is by far the best combination material and more and more manufacturers will concentrate on it. This will benefit all crossbow enthusiasts who will be getting the best technology and material in their hands.
Hunting With a Crossbow or Rifle?
Hunting With a Crossbow or Rifle?
Hunting is a great way to experience a thrilling, often challenging, and what can be a very highly rewarding sport during most times of the year, depending on where you live. Be it a high powered rifle, a crossbow or compound bow, whatever you choose, you will be able to go after game big and small. The potential rewards and the excitement gained in hunting are achieved differently with your choice of equipment. Being a responsible sportsman is of most importance, whatever firearm or device you are using, and as a responsible sportsman and hunter, safety and proper preparation before the season begins is very important.
The crossbow is becoming an ever increasingly popular means of hunting prey, rather than a compound bow or a rifle. Many areas are now opening up to the use of a crossbow, when restrictions might apply to either that of a compound bow or rifle. Whereas the crossbow is legal to use, the use of one offers a unique challenge to the hunter. The crossbow has the added convenience of a rifle as well as having the restrictive range of archery equipment, and is well worth giving it a try.
Several areas have or are now considering banning the use of high powered rifles, so the trend towards crossbows and compound bows is far more active. In North America, game populations and specifically whitetails continue to grow, and to curtail these ever growing populations the crossbow is seen as an effective method. To control the deer numbers, game management authorities, can see the use of this often primitive weapon addresses the need, hence the growing popularity of this choice of weapon.
When comparing, one could say that a crossbow is just a blend between a gun and a bow, you can enjoy the stability the gun experience will give you, but at the same time the challenge of letting loose a trajectory armed with a completely different type of ammunition, and one that has distinct limitations. The effective range of a crossbow is say, about 40 yards, this is about the same as 60 or 70lb compound bow. One of the drawbacks of using a crossbow is that they can be cumbersome to carry; also they require much care and attention when drawing and releasing the string tension. As with any firing apparatus, safety is always paramount, and sometimes if you are on stand and want your crossbow cocked, this can be difficult to the sheer size of the crossbow. The crossbow is not an arrow gun, the physical range of the crossbow is limited, and the reload time is slow, that’s why for ease, speed and portability, a rifle is often considered preferable.
Which is more effective? Crossbow, Compound Bow or Rifle?
There is many a debate between the uses of a crossbow a compound bow and that of a rifle, which is more effective? And perhaps, which is more accurate for hunting? Some people prefer a crossbow, as it is sometime seen as more challenging, and the use of this primitive weapon has a great appeal, and that a crossbow is able to be used in some suburban areas whereas a firearm is not. But saying that, the rifle is often seen as being the best choice and sometimes there is no comparison to either a crossbow or compound bow, as a rifle is considered more accurate, faster loading, and the distance you have to get between you and your prey is much less. But the use of these hunting devices can be restrictive to the area in which you live, some laws allow you to use a crossbow in the rifle season only, but in the archery season you cannot. Another plus for the use of a rifle against a crossbow and compound bow is that the arrow and bolt are relatively quiet but not completely. They are also much slower than a bullet, so the prey that you are hunting can sometimes jump, which can make the arrow or bolt hit the animal in another place than was originally intended. Saying this though, there is nothing quite like getting near to your target when hunting with a crossbow or compound. It gives you that feeling of raw hunting in its basic form, just you and your prey, whereas with the rifle, you are much further away.
Consider a Crossbow for Your Hunting Experience
When comparing the three pieces of equipment, one must consider health and strength and especially upper body extremity. One can have problems with a compound bow, in this case, a crossbow is possibly the bow that you require, either that or a rifle.
A shaft from a high performance crossbow may achieve about 350 feet per second, whilst the arrow from a high performance compound bow will tend to fly at 335 feet per second, but these speeds can vary, depending on the composite being shot off the arrow or bolt. The compound bow with its style of pulleys, usually shoot a fairly heavy arrow, compared to the lighter and shorter bolt fired from a crossbow. The effective killing range with a crossbow is no greater than your typical compound bow, if fact one can think of it as a horizontal compound bow that is being held for you at full draw, and not even stop to consider the fact that it has a rifle like stock, quite frankly that is where the likeness ends.
Usually big game animals such as bear, elk, moose and deer are better suited to being hunted with the use of a rifle, and game such rabbit, turkey and coyotes, are better suited to a crossbow or compound bow. But in saying that, the crossbow and the compound bow will do the job when hunting larger animals, but more skill is needed. A point to consider is that big game shot with a crossbow or compound bow, will often make a better meal. This is possibly because of the adrenaline factor; the shock to the animal is more severe with a high powered rifle than that of a crossbow or compound bow.
You can also check our Squidoo Page to learn more about crossbow.
Barnett CRT Ghost Crossbow in 2011 ATA Vegas Show
2011 ATA Vegas Show again was held in Sands Expo Convention Center. ATA is the word’s largest trade show for all professional hunting and shooting sports industries, and it includes firearms, ammunition, archery, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, camping and related products and services.
This is Barnett’s newest Ghost Compound Crossbow featuring CRT (Carbon Riser Technology) by Barnett (The upper one in the picture), which is almost 1 lb less than the regular version in weight! I tried both in the show, and I will say it does make a big difference! As the front weight is reduced, the balance of the Barnett Ghost Crossbow is closer to us, which means higher stability.
With 400+ FPS incredible fast arrow speeds, the Ghost Crossbow also comes with Barnett AVI limbs which makes it less noisy and reduces vibration upto 30%. Other features, including CrossWire Strings, Aluminum flight track, and Whiplash Cams makes a faster, quieter, smoother and more accurate shot in a compact and light weighted fit.
Here is the Barnett Ghost Crossbow Gallery:
Top Shot Video
Season Casting 2 Call — History.com Video
Weapons Video — History.com Video
Check out these cool weapons.
Customized Sniper 150LBs Hunting Crossbow MK-150A1PB
We recently had a customer purchase one of our most popular crossbows, the Man Kung Sniper MK-150A1PB from Thecrossbowstore.com website in October, 2010. Since then our customer has made some self modifications and upgrades to enhance the accuracy and comfort level of the crossbow.
Here are the pictures:
The customer started by attaching a Black Leather sling that would allow for a easy carry and shoot while out hunting.
Black leather sling added (cost $25) Original weight 5 lbs 7 oz. Customized weight 7 lbs. 6 oz.
A Grayling Lite ‘N’ uff quiver was added that holds 4 arrows will make it easy for the hunter to get access to the arrows quickly.
The customer made a upgrade to the scope by attaching a 4 x 32 Dual Red-Green Illuminated Rangefinder Scope with Multiple Rectiles and flip-up caps (cost $50). Dovetail Rail removed and Weaver 20mm Rail installed. And also along with the Red Laser point, attached a Green Laser that will reach up to 100 yards that will assist with hitting a further out target and pressure pad attached with tri-rail scope rings.
You can get a 4×32 Aluminum Scope from Thecrossbowstore.com.
The lower one is a green laser and the top one is a red laser included in the pro package, or you can get the red laser from our store.
Originally there was no cocking mechanism included with the crossbow, our customer attached a white pulley to the stock of the bow so that he could add on a Excalibur Cocking Rope that will allow for a even faster cocking of the string. Thumb pressure pad for green laser.
The last modification that our customer did was to the stock of the crossbow. To make sure our customer had spare strings and tips on him at all times, he added a Colt Rifle Buttplate (cost $25) has a trap door for storing extra strings and tips if ever needed.
When purchasing any of our Man Kung crossbows all of our packages are fully equipped to handle all of your hunting needs and if needed they can be modified to our customers liking. Even having spent extra more money to customize his bow to his preference, our customer has been very pleased with how accurate and efficient the crossbow has been working for him.
Thanks for one of our customers: Wghunter, who shared his DIY customized 150LBs hunting crossbow with us.
For more stroies, please read TheCrossbowStore Crossbow Review Page
150 lbs Real Wooden Stock Camouflage Hunting Crossbow with 2 Arrows
As hunting season is up, get your 150lbs Camouflage Hunting Crossbows here. This is out most popular package, whichincludes hunting crossbow arrows, 3-blades broadhead tips, 4×20 scope, and red laser point sight. The real wood stock gives a natural feeling and water transferred camouflage color makes your hunting crossbow outstanding. Get it today and start practicing shooting now.
This Hunting Crossbow is fully suitable for large game hunting. It features 150Lbs draw weight, and arrows can travel upto 210 FPS initial speed. This classic crossbow package comes with two arrows.
Highline
- Real wooden stock
- Powerful 150Lbs draw weight
- Arrows travel upto 210 FPS
- High-tech Fiberglass Limb
- Aluminum Barrel Construction
- Auto safety cocking mechanism design
- Very good accuracy for up to 60 yards
Package Content
- 1 x 150 lb Hunting Crossbow Real
Wooden Stock Camouflage Brown with 2 Arrows (14″ Body, Ø8mm,
14.75 in Total Length) - 1 x Crossbow String
- 1 x Footclaw
- 1 x Crossbow Limb
Hunting Crossbow Gallery Picture
130 lbs Plastic Handle Black Hunting Crossbow with 2 Arrows – Pro Package (Including 16″ Arrows (6), 3-Blades Tips x 6, 4×20 Scope x 1, and Laser Pointer x 1)
130 lbs Plastic Handle Black Hunting Crossbow with 2 Arrows - Pro Package (Including 16" Arrows (6), 3-Blades Tips x 6, 4x20 Scope x 1, and Laser Pointer x 1)
Features:
Package Includes
150 lbs Camouflage Autumn Green Metal Crossbow Starter Package
A great starter combo hunting crossbows package for the best price online. This 150 lbs Camouflage Autumn Green Metal Crossbow Starter Package comes with one hunting crossbow mountable 4×20 scope, which is compatible with our hunting crossbow laser point scope sight, and one extra pack of 14″ hunting crossbow Aluminum Arrows with half moon end. You cannot beat the price! Get the package now before hunting season starts.
Features:
Specifications:
Package Includes:
150 lbs Camouflage Autumn Green Metal Hunting Crossbow with 2 Arrows
If you are looking for a great powerful 150Lbs hunting crossbow, this might be the best quality you can find for the price of under $200. And its beautiful camouflage autumn green makes you outstanding from other regular wood or black hunting crossbows. Here is the 150LBs camo green metal hunting crossbows features.
Features:
150 lbs Camouflage Autumn Green Metal Hunting Crossbow with 2 Arrows
Specifications:
Package Includes:
150 lbs Black Metal Crossbow Fully Loaded Laser Hunting Ready Package
150 lbs Black Metal Crossbow Fully Loaded Laser Hunting Ready Package
Features:
Specifications:
Package Includes:
150 lbs Man Kung Black Metal Crossbow Starter Package
150 lbs Man Kung Black Metal Crossbow Starter Package
Features:
Specifications:
Package Includes:
b
120 lbs Fiber Black Hunting Crossbow Laser Pro Package
Features:
Package Includes:
Now Carrying Barnett Compound Crossbows
Barnett is one of the best crossbow brands in the market. All of their products are made in USA.
Now, we carry the following crossbows:
Barnett Revolution AVI
Barnett Quad 400 AVI
Barnett Quad 400 Regular Version
Barnett Wildcat C5 Crossbow Black Version
Barnett Wildcat C5 Crossbow Camo Version
We also carry Barnett crossbows accessories, such as crank cocking devices and 4 x 32 mm scope:
Barnett 4 x 32 mm Scope
Barnett Revolution Crank Cocking Device
Safe Crossbow Shooting
Safe Crossbow Shooting
 Image courtesy Amazon Cocking a crossbow |
Most modern crossbows have the same basic loading and cocking procedure:
- Place the crossbow’s stirrup on the ground.
- Slip your foot through the stirrup and brace it firmly. Make sure that your foot is all the way in the stirrup and will not slip out while you cock the bow.
- Grab the string with both hands. Pull it upward using the same amount of force on both sides. If you pull harder on one side than on the other, the string will be off-center, and your shot will not be accurate. Some crossbow manufacturers sell cocking aids that use cranks or elastic straps to make cocking easier.
- Pull the string all the way to the cocking mechanism. When the bow is cocked, you will hear a loud click. Make sure the string is completely cocked before letting go.
- Place a bolt in the groove, making sure that the end of the bolt touches the string. One of the feathers, or fletchings, should be in the groove.
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Crossbows have an automatic safety that engages as soon as you cock the bow. Some have a separate manual safety that you can engage yourself. Either way, the safety will keep you from firing the bow accidentally.
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Choosing Bolts
The size and strength of a crossbow corresponds to the size and weight of the bolts it fires. Using a light bolt with a very strong crossbow can cause the bolt to fly erratically and can damage the bow. Similarly, archers must choose the right arrows when using traditional bows. Arrows bend as they move, and arrows that are too long or too flexible can hit the front of the bow rather than flying past it.
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Firing a crossbow safely requires several precautions:
- Remember that a crossbow is a weapon, not a toy. Many crossbows are used for hunting large animals and can severely injure or kill a person. Do not point one at anything you do not plan to shoot.
- Make sure nothing is in the path of the bow’s string or limbs. The limbs will move forward and out and the string will move forward very quickly. The limbs and string can seriously injure any part of your body that is in their way. If a moving limb hits an obstacle like a tree trunk, it can damage the crossbow.
- Do not release the safety until you are ready to fire.
In addition, you should never dry fire your crossbow or use it with bolts that are lighter than those it’s built to use. A crossbow is made to move very quickly while pushing a bolt, and if that bolt isn’t there, the extra energy could break the crossbows’ limbs. Dry firing voids nearly all crossbow manufacturers’ warranties.
Finally, laws governing crossbow use vary widely, and they specify who can use a crossbow and when. Some laws permit only hunters with disabilities to use crossbows, while others permit anyone to use a crossbow during any hunting season. Before using a crossbow, particularly for hunting purposes, research the laws in your area.
Please refer to http://science.howstuffworks.com/crossbow3.htm
The Physics of Crossbows
Crossbows started to disappear from military use when reliable firearms became widely available. However, they remained popular for hunting in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. Hunters and target shooters still use them today, although modern crossbows often appear far more sophisticated than their early counterparts. They’re usually made from exceptionally strong, lightweight metals, and they can incorporate scopes, adjustable stocks and other gadgets. But no matter how sophisticated a crossbow is, at its heart it’s basically a bow. Similarly, a bow is basically a spring.
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