Thanks to everyone who contributes here! I read a bunch on this forum when researching.
I got the bow set up just before the rut and hunted with the bow 100% stock. I screwed some 100 grain broadheads on the proflight arrows that came with the bow. I was pleased since the accuracy was outstanding, although as expected, the bow was not exactly fun to shoot with all the vibration and shock.
First crossbow deer, it was about the worst drag out conditions I've experienced - a fall thunderstorm with plenty of rain and lightning. Was a nice 4.5 year old buck that weighed 180 pounds dressed, which is a big deer around here.
Nice wide deer with the 18" bolt. Look at the twist in his face, he looks to have been hit by a car at some point.
Now that the season is over, I'm working on getting things sorted out for the long term. I have some Zombie Slayers in hand, I'm working on getting some Flemish strings for it and I may change out the scope since it drifted several times during the season. I'd like the crossbow to be elk ready, but mainly I'll be hunting deer.
Tod
congrats on the deer!!