Crossbow hunting in Newfoundland and Labrador

Hunting laws

Crossbows may now be used by certified hunters during firearms seasons for big game and small game. Proof of having completed the firearms and hunter education courses must be carried in addition to hunting licence(s) while hunting.  An archery or a specific crossbow course is not required but all hunters are encouraged to understand the basics of crossbows and other archery equipment before they use it to hunt game.

Crossbow hunters are subject to many of the same hunting laws as bow and firearm hunters. Some of these include:

• It is illegal to discharge a firearm (including a crossbow or bow) within  1000  meters of a school, playground, athletic field, or  commercial wood cutting operation with signs posted,  or within 300 meters of a dwelling.
• Crossbows used to hunt moose, caribou and black bear must have a minimum draw weight of 68 kg (150 lbs) and be fitted with broadheads with at least two or more sharp-end metal cutting edges. If hunting small game you must use blunts or other small game tips designed to kill by shock.
• It is illegal to transport a loaded crossbow in or upon any vehicle including all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and aircraft.
• A crossbow must be cased or fully wrapped and tied when transporting during a closed season, or outside your open area.

NOTE: Crossbow use for big game (moose, caribou or black bear) may only occur during the regular rifle season, and not during the archery preseason.

 

Do I need to register my crossbow?

Under the federal Firearms Act you do not need a firearms licence or registration certificate to possess any type of bow, including a crossbow.

Crossbows that can be aimed and fired with one hand and crossbows with an overall length of 50 cm (19.7 inches) or less are prohibited.

For further information about the possession and acquisition of firearms contact your local RCMP office or the Chief Firearms Office at 1 800 731-4000.

 

Crossbow basics

Crossbows work on essentially the same principle as a bow – energy stored in the limbs of the crossbow is transferred to the arrow upon release of its string. Crossbows have a limited range, similar to that of a bow, and require careful estimation of the distance to the target to ensure a precise shot.

Crossbow’s limbs are shorter and heavier than those of a bow and are mounted horizontally to a stock. The crossbow arrow, or bolt, is launched from a grooved track with the aid of a trigger system. Many models feature a scope or telescopic sight.

The string of a crossbow travels about half the distance as that of a compound bow when shooting an arrow. Due to this shorter “power stroke” or draw, crossbows must have more than twice the draw weight of a compound bow to produce the same arrow speed.

Recurve crossbows feature recurve limbs that sweep back when cocked and have few moving parts to break or maintain. Compound crossbows are based on a system of cams, wheels, and cables. Their limbs may be split or solid and are generally shorter than those of a recurve crossbow.

Crossbow features and safety mechanisms differ from model to model. PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE OWNER’S MANUAL that came with your crossbow before using it.

Crossbow bolts

Crossbow arrows or bolts differ from conventional arrows in that they are shorter and usually feature a flat capped or half-moon nock rather than a notched nock as used on conventional arrows. Crossbow bolts must be the right length, weight, and stiffness (spine) for the crossbow they are used with. Shooting improperly matched bolts will damage your crossbow and create a safety hazard to you and those around you. Check your owner’s manual or contact your local archery shop for the correct bolt requirements of your crossbow.

Arrow tips for hunting

To hunt big game moose, caribou or black bear, arrows must be fitted with broadheads with at least two sharpened cutting edges (Fig. 1). If hunting small game, you must use blunts or other tips designed to kill by shock (Fig. 2)

Cocking devices

Crossbows can be cocked by hand or with a cocking aid such as a rope cocker or hand crank. Rope cockers consist of a sturdy cord, handles, and pulley-equipped hooks that attach to the crossbow string. The crossbow is cocked in a single motion by standing up while pulling on the wrist straps or handles. Hand cranks attach to the stock of the crossbow and work on the same principle as that of a boat winch. The use of cocking aids reduces the effort required to cock a crossbow by 50% or more.

String Position

When cocking a crossbow it is crucial that the string’s serving area be centered on  the latch system to ensure consistent shooting. If the crossbow is cocked so that the string is off centre it will shift the location of the arrow hits to one side of the target. The use of a cocking aid such as a cocking rope or hand crank helps ensure centre alignment of the string. You can also mark your string with a permanent marker to make it easier to determine if it is properly centered.

Sight Systems

Sight systems for crossbows include the peep/pin, red dot, and telescopic or scope. The peep/pin is a basic sight that consists of a rear peep with a blade or pin front sight. Red dot and telescopic sights or scopes can be designed to work specifically with crossbows and permit a clear view of the target at close range. They usually feature multiple crosshairs or aiming points that correspond to distances of 20, 30, and 40 metres (yards).

Sighting-in your crossbow

Sighting-in your crossbow is essential to ensuring accurate and humane shot placement.

• Choose a suitable location such as an approved range.
• Begin at a distance of 10 metres and then work out to 20, 30 and 40 metres (yards) firing at least 3 shots from each distance.
• Use a shooting rest to ensure greater accuracy and sight-in under calm conditions.
• Start with weight-matched field points and once the crossbow is on target, switch to same weight broadheads or hunting tips for final sighting-in purposes.
• To adjust a pin sight, use the “follow the arrow rule”. For example, if the hits are low adjust the pin down, if the hits are to the right, move the pin to the right.
• To adjust a scope or telescopic sight, refer to the distance corrections indicated on the scope’s windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) dials. For example, if the scope dial indicates it adjusts arrow hits 1/2 inch at 20 yards then 2 clicks will be needed to move your arrows 1 inch on the target at this distance.
• Newer crossbow scopes may feature a range compensating crosshair system. Scopes with this system have an arrow-speed dial that you set to match the specific crossbow model you are using. You then sight-in your crossbow at a predetermined distance, for example 20 yards. Once sighted-in at this distance your crossbow is also sighted-in at additional target distances indicated by multiple crosshairs visible through the scope. It is recommended you confirm these settings by taking a few practice shots.
• Sight systems vary so it is important to always consult your owner’s manual when sighting-in your crossbow.

Crossbow Safety

When operated properly, crossbows are as safe as a bow or firearm. Follow these safety guidelines to reduce your risk of injury:

• Inspect your crossbow and bolts for signs of damage, loose parts, or wear each time you use them. Replace or repair worn or damaged parts if you find them.

  

• Make sure your foot is firmly placed in the stirrup during cocking. If it slips out the crossbow will be pulled upwards with force possibly injuring the shooter.
• When hunting from a treestand:
  • Use a full body safety harness and make sure you are attached to the tree at all times.
  • Cock your crossbow on the ground and wait until after you have entered your treestand to load it.
  • Use a hoist rope to raise and lower your unloaded crossbow with the stock pointing up.
• Your safety should be on at all times once your crossbow is cocked.
• Make sure your hands and fingers are below the deck and string level when shooting your crossbow!

• Never fire your crossbow when there are obstacles that may come in contact with its limbs, the limbs move forward with considerable force as the arrow is released. If they strike an object the impact can result in significant “kickback” which may injure the shooter.

• Unload your crossbow by firing a field tipped or “decocking” bolt. Never dry fire your crossbow as this can damage it and possibly injure the shooter.
• Use extreme caution when handling razor sharp boadheads. Keep broadheads covered in a quiver and use a broadhead wrench to change them.
• Be 100% sure of your target and beyond!

Hunting Ethics

The future of hunting depends to a large degree on hunter behaviour. Use your crossbow in a safe and responsible manner to project a positive image of hunting to the public.  Some things to keep in mind include:

• Always ask for permission to hunt on private property.
• Retrieve your arrows/bolts after every shot, arrows left behind may injure people, pets, wildlife, or livestock.
• Only take shots within your effective range – the distance at which you can consistently hit a 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inch) diameter target. The preferred shot distance for most crossbow hunters is 20 metres (yards). Crossbow manufacturers generally recommend 40 metres (yards) as the maximum distance for crossbow shots when hunting.
• Know when and where to shoot. Broadside or quartering away shots are the most effective. Target only an animal’s vital area – the chest cavity where the largest concentration of vital organs and blood vessels are located. Shots to this area produce a quick and humane kill.

• Practice! It is important to practice target shooting, handling, loading, and maintenance of your crossbow. Know your crossbow, its shooting capabilities, and how to safely use it!