Planning to hunt several states this spring, I intentionally chose Wyoming as a destination so I could try to take a big strutter with my crossbow. Don’t get me wrong: I’ll take a turkey any way I can get it, but tagging a turkey with a crossbow has been a growing item on my list as I add more and more beards to my collection with a shotgun.
I chose the Horton reverse-draw Storm RDX, which is just 10-inches wide when cocked. The narrow platform is a huge advantage for hunting tight cover or especially while hunting from a blind. To top things off, the bow's technology produces arrow speeds of 370 fps and flat arrow flight, which is crucial while trying to hunt longbeards in open country. TenPoint, Carbon Express, Mathews, Barnett and others are also producing great crossbows. While traveling for nearly two weeks, I used every opportunity I had to practice and familiarize myself with the equipment.
One of my pet peeves when it comes to crossbow practice is trying to retrieve arrows from a target. The energy of the bows sinks arrows deep into target butts, and the friction created from the speed of the arrow being slowed by the target material often cooks some of the material onto the arrow shaft, making it even more difficult to remove. In order to practice daily—and still enjoy the experience—I ordered a Delta Mackenzie Crossbow ShotBlocker layered foam target. The welded foam material rapidly reduces arrow speed and the smooth surface of each layer reduces friction, making it a breeze to remove arrows. Other manufacturers have also recently stepped up dramatically, including the new line of X-Bow targets from Rinehart.
I carry Scorpion arrow release fluid, too. Dabbing a light coating on the front of the arrow shaft ensures it can easily be removed from the dense foam targets. An Easton arrow puller makes the job even easier, especially if the fluid gets transferred down the arrow, making it difficult to grasp with a bare hand.
I matched my bow with Easton Bloodline carbon crossbow arrows. With straightness tolerances of +/- .003, they are reliable, high-strength ammunition for your crossbow. I shot daily when in camp and had no problems keeping all arrows in a circle smaller than the diameter of a soda can at distances up to 50 yards.
I was anxious to tune the bow with broadheads, so I picked up 100-grain NAP Killzone crossbow heads. The two-blade, rear-deploying head expands to a devastating 2-inch cutting diameter, which is optimal for putting down a turkey quickly. A chisel-style tip ensures bone crushing penetration and I was confident it was a good choice for hunting longbeards.
There was literally no point-of-impact difference between my field points and broadheads, allowing me to shoot the same target groups with both options.
To practice for the real deal, I used a Delta Mackenzie 3D turkey decoy, which allowed me to shoot from sitting and kneeling positions. Rinehart features a similar target in their Woodland Series.
Also, it’s one thing to practice shooting off a set of Trigger Sticks, but it is always more challenging sitting up against a tree or below a rise where I could stay hidden like in a real hunting situation, so practicing this way is a must as well. Being able to strategically place my arrows in the kill zone of the 3D decoy, with repeatable consistency, made me anxious to move on to the true hunt.
I also recommend packing a Delta Mackenzie Crossbow Discharge Bag or X-Bow Unloader in the truck. These are lightweight portable targets for stopping arrows shot up to 400 fps. It is the easiest way to uncock your bow at the end of a long day of hunting … though uncocking while aiming at a long-bearded tom is certainly the goal!
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