While average guy can span (cock) a 150 lb. crossbow, a 175 pounder is a bit tougher. You may want to consider getting an assistive device to help you span crossbow. Many of new crossbows available feature a handy foot device to assist in this procedure. It looks like non-working end of a shovel - big enough to slip your muddy boot into while you pull back on stock of xbow.

Now if you're into really big game such as moose, grizzly bear, and cape buffalo, you'll want to go with a 200 lb. draw crossbow. A 200 lb. draw weight will give you bolt speeds up to and exceeding 330 fps - plenty of power and speed.

Because of danger inherent in shooting one of these magnificent creatures, it's wise practice to work your way up to them. You can't afford to miss a grizzly bear at 40 yards out, knowing that it will take you at least 5-10 seconds to prep crossbow for a second shot. A grizzly bear in wild can cross a football field in roughly 6 seconds, so hopefully you're in a tree stand at this point. Start with something that won't actually kill you if you maim it - like a fuzzy little rabbit!

Now that you know what draw weight is best suited for your style of hunting, all that's left is to choose a crossbow. To help you decide between a compound and a recurve crossbow, check out these additional articles.

Now...go hunt!

If a fellow boater noticed damage or suspicious activity on or around your vessel, would you find out?

Many boaters will make good will gesture of reporting suspicious activity or criminal damage to local law enforcement; however, this leaves you back at square one when it comes to getting that information to you in a timely fashion. If a fellow boater notices damage or activity they do not perceive as criminal, there is virtually no chance that information will be passed on to you. People will call police to report criminal activity but seldom report an incident otherwise.

What can be done about these issues?

There is an organization offering a service that addresses these issues for boat owners across America. Boat Watch USA has developed a National Boat Registry where boat owners provide (1) information about their vessel; (2) contact address and phone number, and (3) how and when to contact them. Boat Watch USA is a private, third-party intermediary for boat owners, and personal information they keep for owner’s is not publicly accessible. When law agencies and concerned citizens want to report damage and criminal activity; they (1) call a toll-free hotline and, (2) report incident using unique vessel ID number. Both hotline and vessel ID # are located on Boat Watch USA decal vessel owner affixes to their boat. Then, when an incident is reported, Boat Watch USA matches vessel ID number to contact person and reports incident according to owners preset directions.

Boat Watch USA has also developed neighborhood watch style program called "Boat Watch." This is a public awareness campaign to educate vessel owners on crime awareness and Boat Watch USA reporting methods. Boat Watch USA is also working to certify "Boat Watch USA Authorized" marinas and storage facilities that comply with "Boat Watch" program.