Big Shot vs. Crossbow

[Menchhofer]

I am considering using a crossbow on occassion to insert climbing line into the trees. There have been a few times this year it would have been nice trying to reach some good crotches in very dense trees. I understand one of the Barnett crossbows is recommended for this type of insertion. And it would be fun to do.

Has or does anyone use the technique...if so, what are the pros and cons? I believe it would take a special arrow and the lighter throwline...

 

[Tom Dunlap]

One issue with the crossbow is that there isn't a way to adjust the shot. I suppose a person could use longer strings to make a shorter shot.

Another issue that has been given is that it;s illegal to use a crossbow in some cities. Too much like a weapon even though we're using it as a tool.

Tom

 

[Ax-man]

My brother in law had a crossbow, how he got it I have no idea.

He kept it in his car and got pulled over for a minor traffic violation.The cops immediately confiscated it of course, but he was detained for some questioning and slapped with a very a stiff fine. He would have came out better if he had an illegal handgun, instead of that crossbow.

Besides being illegal, some of your clients might take a dim view of a crossbow on their property. If not the client, you can bet some nosy neighbor will and call the law. I really don't think you need some thing like that to happen. Just wouldn't be good P. R.

 

[Frans]

Getting higher w/ your Big Shot

Try this out
have at the absolut minimum 8+ feet of very stiff pole on your Big Shot. Jamison foam filled works good.
Attach a Mini-Traxion to the base. Attach a line 3/8" through the M.T. run the rope up to the pocket of the B.S. attach a quick release to the end of the 3/8" line and then to the pocket. Draw that puppy back just as far as it will go (for those longer shots over 90") exhale and release the quick release. Watch for the rebound of the set-up! always use safety glasses and hard hat and gloves.
Using this set up enables me to use 2.2 mil. Zing it with an assortment of different weights. No monofilemnt no hassle.
good luck
Frans

 

[Tree Machine]

Good one, Frans. Interesting method.

I've only been able to hit 80', but with such accuracy that I can't imagine wanting to even try a crossbow. The big shot is unequivocably the best way to chuck a weighted bag up into a tree.

Getting it up there is half the exercise. Tracing your line back down parallel to the up-line is the other half. For this, you must have weight. A crossbow simply won't do that. Maybe a small catapault, which is essentially what the BS is. Maybe a lead arrow.

Better you ask here, rather than go out and waste some time and money to find it doesn't work very well (though I'm sure you can make it work on some level).

Tom and Axe have solid points. Additionally, the bigshot is impressive to any audience you might have. The crossbow, I think, could be viewed somewhat with intimidation or reserve. -TM-

 

[Tree Machine]

Thank's, Rock. I love my 1.75, but I'll give the 2.2 a try next time around, based on nothing more than your liking it.

Zing-it really brought with itself a quantum improvement in the line-setting arena.

I was going to use a regular compound bow 7 or 8 years ago, but rejected my own self on the idea, for all the anti-crossbow reasons mentioned above. -TM-

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Go to a lighter bag for the shot and swap for a heavier one to isolate.

I've found it best for a 0 or 10 oz bag to let it fall all the way to the ground, then add or swap a 14 or 16.

 

[treeman82]

Like Tom said, around here crossbows are illegal. I'm not sure if that is for the whole state, or just the county. However I do know that you can't have them, and if you are caught with them you are in trouble. I do know a guy who owns one... however he is one of those survivalist types :alien:

 

[Burnham]

Some people are using this system in the Pacific Northwest, out in the forest. Heavier bolts (arrows) than the norm are used, along with bow fishing reels and fishing line. Troubles occur with tangles, inability to regulate throw rate, and you always have to wonder about the ability to adequately evaluate the quality of the tie in point from 150+ feet away!! May be one of the only viable options for trees with first limbs in excess of 100 feet, but has some real drawbacks.

 

[Menchhofer]

Interesting comments.

Sometimes an idea just needs to be looked at from several different angles in order to clearly see possibilities/limitations. This why I posted here.

You guys brought out some situations I did not think of.

Out west maybe, but more than likely not a good idea around here.