Pennsylvania Game News - April 2009 - 59

tribute greatly to accuracy. If a crossbow is cocked just slightly off center, it can change the impact point three to four inches at 20 yards. While you can cock a crossbow by hand, it is also guaranteed that at some point you will cock it off center, resulting in a miss or, worse, a bad hit. Cocking devices ensure that the string is always centered when cocked. Sighting Devices Crossbows offer two sighting op- CROSSBOW BOLTS have either flat (left) or tions, a peep sight or an optical sight. “moon” (right) nocks. Follow the The peep sight works the same as recommendations of the crossbow manufacturer those found on a rifle, simple and to determine which nock to use. easy to use. For increased accuracy and a better view of the target, an optical reticle at 25 yards and then check the dissight or scope is a better choice. Regula- tances at which the other reticles impact tions, as passed at the January Commission the target. This means after the middle meeting, specify that no magnification is reticle is sighted in at 25 yards you must permitted in any scope mounted on a cross- physically move closer and farther from the bow (or bow) that is to be used during the target to determine the impact of the other archery deer seasons or archery bear sea- reticles. The chances are that the other son. However, there are a variety of zero yardages will be at odd distances. For expower scopes on the market that offer mul- ample, the yardages on my wife’s scope fall tiple reticules in the form of dots or at 17 yards for the first dot, 25 yards for crosshairs. While some crossbows offer ad- the middle dot and 33 yards for the longjustable scope mounting ramps, I have est yardage. Knowing the distances at found it is easier and quicker to use a scope which each dot hits will allow you to with multiple reticles. Once the distance quickly get on target and hold high or low is estimated, simply pick the correspond- as needed. ing dot or crosshair and shoot. Lighted reticles that can be changed Crossbow Arrows and Broadheads from red to green as desired, with variable Selecting an arrow (known as a bolt) intensity levels, are also common. When for a crossbow is not as complicated as seusing a lighted scope with variable inten- lecting an arrow for a conventional or comsity, it is best to keep the intensity or bright- pound bow that have a variety of draw ness low in low light and high in bright lengths, draw weights and adjustable arrow light. While this may appear opposite to rests. However, there are some things to what seems to make sense, a high inten- look for when selecting a bolt that will sity in low light conditions tends to blind improve accuracy and penetration. Because the shooter and block out the target. crossbow bolts are short, normally 20 or Remember, scopes with multiple reticles 22 inches long, they tend to balance apare not preset to impact at specific dis- proximately midway along their length. For tances. The impact points depend entirely maximum accuracy they should balance upon the speed of the bow and the weight more toward the tip. Several manufacturof the arrow. It is best to sight-in the middle ers, one of which is Gold Tip Arrows, have APRIL 2009 59

Pennsylvania Game News - April 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Game News - April 2009