by Dave Tefft
It has been nearly 17 years since Michigan legalized the use of crossbows during the regular archery season. Before that change only hunters with disabilities were allowed to use them to harvest deer. Initially it was projected that only a small portion of Michigan archers would migrate over, and make the change to crossbows. They were greatly mistaken.
Today, crossbows account for nearly 70 percent of the annual archery season deer harvest. It didn’t start quite that fast, but it didn't take long to get there. When the law first went into effect, it was aimed mainly at older hunters who may not be able to handle the pullback of a traditional bow. During this same period of time, the number of archery hunters in Michigan was greatly decreasing. State officials were looking for a way to get more people involved and out in the woods.
They were greatly successful in this, but it went much differently than expected. The crossbows attracted several different categories of hunters that had been overlooked in previous years. Being in outdoor sales most of my life, I saw this right away. The first group to jump on the crossbow bandwagon was the working class. Those individuals were working six or seven days a week and did not feel like they had the time to put in the practice that regular archery requires. A majority of this group was previously only participating in the firearm deer season, but crossbows were so similar that it was an easy transition.
Crossbows are shouldered like a firearm, and the majority come with scopes, so it is quite easy to sight them in. They don’t require the amount of practice that a regular bow does, and most people feel confident taking a crossbow to the hunting stand after a few shooting sessions. New crossbow owners quickly discovered how accurate these new weapons were and how successful they could be. They also realized that the fall can be a very special time to be out in the woods, and were excited to be seeing more deer than they normally did in the firearm season.
I don’t think the DNR expected as many younger hunters to get involved with crossbows either. With kids being able to hunt in Michigan at any age, there was a surging interest in archery season, but the majority of kids could not pull back enough pounds to be successful with a regular bow. Crossbows can be cocked with a crank, or a parent can help, so they are much easier for a younger hunter to use. They also have adjustable stocks and low recoil, so they make a perfect choice.
Today, crossbows account for nearly 70 percent of the annual archery season deer harvest. It didn’t start quite that fast, but it didn't take long to get there. When the law first went into effect, it was aimed mainly at older hunters who may not be able to handle the pullback of a traditional bow. During this same period of time, the number of archery hunters in Michigan was greatly decreasing. State officials were looking for a way to get more people involved and out in the woods.
They were greatly successful in this, but it went much differently than expected. The crossbows attracted several different categories of hunters that had been overlooked in previous years. Being in outdoor sales most of my life, I saw this right away. The first group to jump on the crossbow bandwagon was the working class. Those individuals were working six or seven days a week and did not feel like they had the time to put in the practice that regular archery requires. A majority of this group was previously only participating in the firearm deer season, but crossbows were so similar that it was an easy transition.
Crossbows are shouldered like a firearm, and the majority come with scopes, so it is quite easy to sight them in. They don’t require the amount of practice that a regular bow does, and most people feel confident taking a crossbow to the hunting stand after a few shooting sessions. New crossbow owners quickly discovered how accurate these new weapons were and how successful they could be. They also realized that the fall can be a very special time to be out in the woods, and were excited to be seeing more deer than they normally did in the firearm season.
I don’t think the DNR expected as many younger hunters to get involved with crossbows either. With kids being able to hunt in Michigan at any age, there was a surging interest in archery season, but the majority of kids could not pull back enough pounds to be successful with a regular bow. Crossbows can be cocked with a crank, or a parent can help, so they are much easier for a younger hunter to use. They also have adjustable stocks and low recoil, so they make a perfect choice.
For families, crossbows are often the better investment. Compound bows have to be fitted to the individual, and each person normally has to have their own bow. Crossbows are sighted in with a scope or red dot and normally shoot the same for everyone who is using it; therefore, a family might only have to own one or two and everyone can use them.
Just like anything else, some models are better than others, and some, conversely, have a greater price tag. But the majority of crossbows are less to purchase than regular bows. Compound bows are normally purchased bare and a hunter has to purchase all the accessories separately that go on the bow, which can be quite expensive. Many crossbow packages range under $500 and come in a complete package with scope, bolts and quiver. This savings alone is a reason that a lot of hunters make the switch.
Crossbows, of course, are not for everyone. There are still many who enjoy the purities of regular bow and arrow hunting. Such as being able to compete or customize their equipment. You don't always get that same sense of satisfaction as you do with a bow because crossbows do not require as much practice. Also, shooting an abundance of practice shots can be hard on your crossbow, whereas a compound is built to take many more shots without having to change strings and cables.
Even after 17 years, crossbows can still be a controversial topic amongst local hunters. However, at the end of the day, one is shooting a bolt, and the other an arrow. Both are archery projectiles that can be successful in harvesting deer and, best of all, everyone has a choice to select which is best for them. Crossbows have been instrumental in bringing more Michigan hunters to the woods each archery season and will be here for many more years to come.
Dave Tefft, a lifelong resident of Hillsdale County,
