Crossbow at close range

[Annapolis]

I may have an opportunity to hunt with a crossbow at very close range—think approx 15ft—from a ground blind. This would be with a Ravin R10 using an expandable broad head that’s rated for the speed the R10 puts out.

I’m assuming at such close range that deer is going to get the full force of that crossbow’s power and probably won’t have the time to drop/duck at all, so I should be aiming exactly where I want to hit?

Any other variables I might not be thinking about here?

I’m also just curious—those who may have hunted with a mechanical out of an R10–how far did the deer run? (I do know there are many factors to this, not least shot placement.)

 

[Sadie]

You don't have to worry about the deer ducking the arrow at that range..last deer I shot with a 2 and a quarter inch schwacker.ran 166 yards with a good hit. You will probably be more fortunate. He did leave a good blood trail. Bow was a 405 matrix. Good luck.

 

[Sadie]

Excalibur crossbow

 

[Rich M]

Deer won't be ducking.

Would love 15 ft shots.

Punch him thru the lungs and heart, they run somewhere between 5 and 200 yards to an arrow. If it goes over 200 yards, you definitely didn't double lung it. Realistically, think 60-80 yards. A quick sprint and tea cup over tea kettle...

I use chinese knockoff rages out of a Crosspoint x-bow and like em.

Good luck.

 

[EdP]

My crossbow is an effective killer but I have lost more deer than I am happy about. It is due to no blood trail to track and dense underbrush. Using Grim Reapers and shots 40 yds or closer.

 

[North of 60]

No worries if you just wait for a broadside shot and shoot through both lungs. Hardest part may be finding the bolt after a good shot (after how far it goes after exiting the deer)

Bow hunting deer close (within 5-10 yds) is great fun.

 

[Rich M]

My crossbow is an effective killer but I have lost more deer than I am happy about. It is due to no blood trail to track and dense underbrush. Using Grim Reapers and shots 40 yds or closer.

I shot my first xbow deer w a grim reaper.

Deer jump the string on me a lot w bow. I rarely bow hunt due to this. Never had trouble finding blood, even on the bad shots.

Not being critical - have you tried different points of aim? Heart is just above the deer’s elbow - straight up the leg. The guys on tv usually shoot too far back.

 

[Big Lew]

I may have an opportunity to hunt with a crossbow at very close range—think approx 15ft—from a ground blind. This would be with a Ravin R10 using an expandable broad head that’s rated for the speed the R10 puts out.

I’m assuming at such close range that deer is going to get the full force of that crossbow’s power and probably won’t have the time to drop/duck at all, so I should be aiming exactly where I want to hit?

Any other variables I might not be thinking about here?

I’m also just curious—those who may have hunted with a mechanical out of an R10–how far did the deer run? (I do know there are many factors to this, not least shot placement.)

I shot a 6 point at 10 yards. He was broadside and I hit him through both lungs with a Ramcat Diamondback Hybrid.

He ran approximately 50 yards. The Ramcat provided an excellent blood trail and he was easy to find.