hunting with a crossbow

[Va Hunter]

'Kay...got a question that's been running around in my head for a day or two. If you're hunting with a crossbow and are heading back to the truck, how do ya uncock it? Carry a target with ya to shoot it into? Remove the bolt, slip off the safety and pull the trigger?

The reason I'm asking is I'm probably gonna be hunting with one this year. Due to a shoulder injury, I can't pull my bow. I sure couldn't hold onto the string of a crossbow and release it.

Thanks
Robert

[YorkArcher]

I think you use the same rope to let it down that you use to draw it back.

Not sure though.

[oneshot]

The only safe way to unload a crossbow is to shoot it. Most all the company info or manuals state this. We carry a bolt with a blunt on it and when we get back to the truck unload it into the road bank ( usually soft dirt). I've herd of other people keeping a target with them. Last; I've herd of people removeing the bolt going home, replaceing the bolt and shooting the target at home. I don't like the last idea but some people do.

[ACPOSSETIM]

The only SAFE way to let down a crossbow is to shoot it. DO NOT try and uncock it with the cocking aid....you will probably get hurt. Just carry an old arrow/bolt with you and shoot it into some soft ground, or if you have a target available that works too (obviously). Just make sure you have an arrow in it when you do it or it will be just like dry firing your compound.....bad things will happen! Ten Point is coming out with a bio degradable 2 piece arrow for just this purpose, I think they are filling orders now. It's made to be shot to let the crossbow down without ruining a good arrow and if you can't find it, it will break down quickly.

[Va Hunter]

Thanks guys! It's amazing the things that'll get stuck in yer head and won't go away.

[Va Hunter]

Oneshot,

Whew! You're right about carrying it back home to uncock it. I'd be ducking at every bump in the road.

[Cherokeechass]

I carry one with field point and shoot into the ground. Thanks for the info Tim about the bio degradable arrow. I did not know that.

[Va Hunter]

Another question for ya'll...
Can I use my Rage broadheads with a crossbow? Or should I get some fixed blade types? I shoot 100gr 3 blades from my bow, but didn't know if they'd do something like open up when fired from a crossbow.

[oneshot]

I don't know about the rage heads but I've used the NAP spitfire xp 100's and they did a great job on the deer we shot last year. We had no problems at all and they made a huge hole in and out. The new spitfire MAXX has even a bigger cut it should work awsome. I think you could probally use the blood runners as well.

[cpd realpolice]

Kind of wish we could use a crossbow here in Illinois. Would like to try it once. It would give me another reason to by something new.