Looking for Crossbow Practice Tips and Local Spots Near North Shore

Hi everyone,

I’m new here and excited to connect with you all! I recently picked up a crossbow, but I’ve noticed it’s tricky to practice at standard archery ranges due to the higher poundage compared to traditional bows.

I’d love some advice on setting up target practice at hunting locations—starting just for fun until I build enough confidence to try hunting. Does anyone know of crossbow-friendly groups or good spots near the North Shore where I could get some shots in? Any tips or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Looking forward to hearing from you.

maybe https://www.shorearchery.co.nz/

crossbows are fun, but wait till you try a compound bow!
and whatever you do dont but a budget scope on it or you will be replacing it every week. most scopes arent rated for forwards kick

Thank you @MarkN, Shore Archery was my first choice to try out, they invited me over for a Sunday morning to go over the crossbow poundage etc, but after the leadership discussed it they decided against having crossbows being shot at their range.
It was sad news but understandable if I put my feet in their shoes.

I have the "EK CROSSBOW ADDER COBRA 130LB" from gun city with a red dot sight, I haven't shot much with it unfortunately so don't know yet if the sights will stay zeroed in.

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Originally Posted by Slappy42

I have the "EK CROSSBOW ADDER COBRA 130LB" from gun city with a red dot sight, I haven't shot much with it unfortunately so don't know yet if the sights will stay zeroed in.

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no reticle to worry about justa projecte dot

I am in the same boat up in Whangaparoa, I use a crossbow with crank loader as I can't use a standard bow due to injuries and my renting situation means a rifle isn't an option sadly.
I have sighted mine in on some DOC land prior to hunting, found an open area and set up a target with the rangefinder.
Sadly there just doesn't seem to be any support in the Auckland region for crossbow users, would definitely be nice to be proven wrong though if there is anywhere around that allows us.

If you join north auckland deer stalkers they have an area where you can shoot cross bows. Ive shot mine there a couple of times.

I was interested in joining the North Auckland NZDA a while ago but was put off by the website (still) stating crossbows are not permitted at the archery range.
I will throw them an inquiry and see what they come back with regardless though, thanks.

If you end up getting a target, get a "Third hand Rag Bag" about $80 from most archery shops and jam fill of old clothes or rags, that's what I use with my 200lb xbow that's shooting bots at around 400fps

Unfortunately I got a response back from North Auckland NZDA that they do not accommodate crossbow users, which is a shame.
I can definitely second the rag bags as a great target option though.

damn

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jintsuu

I am in the same boat up in Whangaparoa, I use a crossbow with crank loader as I can't use a standard bow due to injuries and my renting situation means a rifle isn't an option sadly.
I have sighted mine in on some DOC land prior to hunting, found an open area and set up a target with the rangefinder.
Sadly there just doesn't seem to be any support in the Auckland region for crossbow users, would definitely be nice to be proven wrong though if there is anywhere around that allows us.

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Thanks guys, I'll keep my eye peeled for anywhere else that can accommodate crossbows, even if I would supply my own targets.
All I really need is a safe place like a range to shoot at my own targets, don't want to do that in the suburbs for safety reasons of course.