Hog Hunting Crossbows: The Ultimate Weapon for Thrilling Pursuits
Hog hunting with a crossbow has gained popularity as an exhilarating and effective method for managing the hog population. This comprehensive guide will explore the best crossbows for hog hunting and provide valuable tips for a successful hunting adventure.
Why Choose a Crossbow for Hog Hunting
Crossbows offer several advantages for hog hunting, making them a preferred choice among hunters:
- Stealth: Crossbows are quieter than firearms, allowing hunters to approach hogs without spooking them.
- Precision: Crossbows are highly accurate, making it easier to target vital organs for ethical and humane kills.
- Accessibility: Crossbows are accessible to hunters of various skill levels, including beginners.
- Power: Crossbows deliver enough kinetic energy to penetrate the tough hides of hogs effectively.
Key Considerations for Hog Hunting Crossbows
When selecting a crossbow for hog hunting, keep these factors in mind:
- Draw Weight: Hogs have thick hides, so opt for a crossbow with a high draw weight (typically 150 to 200 pounds) to ensure sufficient penetration.
- Speed: Look for crossbows with arrow speeds exceeding 300 feet per second (fps) to compensate for the agility of hogs.
- Accuracy: Choose a crossbow with high-quality sights or scopes for precise aiming, especially in low-light conditions.
- Usability: Consider factors like weight, size, and cocking mechanisms for comfortable and efficient use in the field.
Recommended Crossbows for Hog Hunting
Here are some top crossbows tailored for hog hunting:
TenPoint Nitro 505 Crossbow –100 Yard EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope
Estimated Retail: $3,100
Combines lightning-fast speeds, a precision EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope, robust scope struts, and the convenience of the ACUslide Cocking & De-Cocking System in its sleek reverse-draw design.
Features:
- Top Speed: Nitro 505 reaches 505 fps with 227 ft-lbs of power.
- Precision Optics: Features EVO-X Marksman Elite scope for accurate shots up to 100 yards.
- Enhanced Durability: Stronger design for long-range accuracy and field toughness.
- Proven Reliability: Withstands 25,000+ test shots for lasting performance.
- Silent Cocking & De-Cocking: ACUslide offers noiseless operation and safe de-cocking.
- Extended String Life: MICRO-TRAC barrel for industry-leading string durability.
- Complete Package: Includes scope, cocking system, premium arrows, and quiver.
Barnett CROSSBOWS Hyper Whitetail 410 Crossbow Package
Estimated Retail: $575
Known for its speed and accuracy, the Barnett Ghost 410 boasts a velocity of up to 410 fps, making it a reliable choice.
Features:
- Size: 39.37 x 27.56 x 7.87 inches (1007020cm) for crossbow compatibility.
- Material: Made of durable oxford fabric with soft inner lining for protection.
- Convenient Design: Features a T-shaped design and adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.
- Ample Storage: Multiple compartments offer spacious storage for crossbow accessories.
- Portability: Easy-to-carry case for secure crossbow transport and storage convenience.
Excalibur Mag 340 Accurate Durable Safety Hunting Archery Crossbow
Estimated Retail: $700
This crossbow combines durability with performance, featuring a draw weight of 290 pounds and speeds of up to 420 fps.
Features:
- The Excalibur Mag 340 is a high-performance crossbow with a lifetime warranty.
- It comes with essential accessories, including a Rope Cocking Aid, Dead Zone Scope, and more.
- Comfortable and silent with features like R.E.D.S Suppressors.
- The Dead Zone Scope offers premium optics and tunable settings.
- A dependable workhorse crossbow for versatile hunting needs.
Budget-Friendly Crossbow Options for Hog Hunting
If you’re on a budget, consider these cost-effective crossbows for hog hunting:
CenterPoint Archery Sniper Elite 385
Estimated Retail: $380
Constructed with aluminum and composite materials, making it easy to carry and maneuver in the field
Features:
- Speed: 385 fps
- Axle-to-Axle: 14.75 inches at full draw
- Draw Weight: 185 lbs
- Adjustable Fit: Fully adjustable stock and foregrip for a customized fit
- Precision and Power: Quad limbs with precision-machined cam system for accuracy and strength
- Rugged Construction: Machined rail with shoot-through riser for durability
- Noise Reduction: Integrated string suppressors and limb dampeners for a quiet and vibration-free shot
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow
Estimated Retail: $400
High-performance compound crossbow designed for hunting offers a compact and lightweight design and essential safety features.
Features:
- Performance: Shoots at 350 feet per second
- Compact Design: Axle-to-axle length of 16.125″ and an overall weight of 6.4 lbs for easy handling
- Safety Features: Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, TriggerTech 3lb zero creep Frictionless Release Technology
- Ready-to-Hunt Package: Includes two Headhunter 20″ Arrows, Multi-Reticle Scope 4X32mm, Rope Cocking Device, Lightweight Side Mount Quiver, and Lubrication Wax
- Manufacturer: Barnett, a trusted name in crossbows since 1962
PSE Thrive 400 Crossbow Package
Estimated Retail: $500
Illuminated Scope, Dual String Stops, 4-Bolt Quiver, 3-20 Carbon Bolts with Field Points, Foot Stirrup, Limb Dampeners, Cocking Rope, Cocking & Rail Lube
Features:
- Speed: 380 fps
- Power Stroke: 14.5 inches
- Axle-to-Axle: 21.5 inches
- Draw Weight: 185 lbs
- Overall Length: Adjustable from 35 to 36.5 inches
- Mass Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Kinetic Energy: 127 FT. lbs
- Cable Length: 23.4 inches
- String Length: 37.2 inches
- Scope: 4X32 illuminated crossbow scope
- Sound & Vibration Dampening: String stops for sound and vibration reduction
- Safety Features: Anti-dry fire and auto safety trigger for ultimate safety
- Ergonomic Design: Compact and ergonomic crossbow with an adjustable stock and pass-through foregrip
Tips for Hog Hunting Success with Crossbows
For a successful hog-hunting experience, consider these tips:
- Understand Hog Behavior: To plan your hunts effectively, study hog behavior, including feeding and activity patterns.
- Invest in Camouflage: Blend into your surroundings with camouflage clothing and use scent-eliminating sprays to avoid detection.
- Practice Shot Placement: Aim for vital areas like the heart or lungs for ethical and effective kills.
- Choose the Right Crossbow: Select a crossbow with adequate power and precision for hog hunting.
- Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with your crossbow and practice regularly to improve accuracy.
- Use Bait and Calls: Set up bait stations or use calls to attract hogs within range of your crossbow.
By choosing the right crossbow, understanding hog behavior, and following these tips, you can enhance your hog-hunting success and enjoy thrilling hunting adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting, hog hunting with crossbows offers an exciting and challenging pursuit that brings you up close and personal with your quarry.
Crossbow Accessories
Features:
- High Performance: Excalibur’s Boltcutter Fixed Blade Crossbow Broadhead delivers top accuracy even at long ranges.
- 125 Grain: Designed for high-speed hunting crossbows, this broadhead offers excellent accuracy.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-strength stainless steel for resilience and accuracy.
- Balanced Accuracy: Achieves sub-4″ groups at 40 yards when used with Firebolt arrows.
- Pack of 6: Includes 3-blade design for field point accuracy and 1-1/16″ cutting diameter.
Features:
- MICRO Series Compatible: Designed for Excalibur’s MICRO Series crossbows with 16.5″ length and 2″ offset vanes.
- Superior Accuracy: Ideal for Twinstrike and Micro Series, tested for speed and precision.
- High-Quality: Precision carbon construction ensures durability, straight flight, and target penetration.
- Extremely Fast: Developed with Black Eagle for speed and reliability.
- Specs: 150 grain broadhead compatible, .347″ outside diameter, .3015″ inside diameter, 9.9 grains per inch, +/- .003 straightness.
Features:
- Size: 39.37 x 27.56 x 7.87 inches (1007020cm) for crossbow compatibility.
- Material: Made of durable oxford fabric with soft inner lining for protection.
- Convenient Design: Features a T-shaped design and adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.
- Ample Storage: Multiple compartments offer spacious storage for crossbow accessories.
- Portability: Easy-to-carry case for secure crossbow transport and storage convenience.
