Crossbow hunting

[mcmikeblues7]

I was never big on crossbow hunting until I found out that; one, my uncle has a hunting crossbow, and two, you can go to area 29 at FHL with a crossbow.
So anyway, I'm going on my first crossbow hunt in a week and am very unprepared.
I need to sight in my uncles crossbow and get some practice with it and also find a good place to buy a few good broadheads.
So here's my basic knowledge; I know that i will need to sight in the crossbow with the broadheads on and I know to keep my left thumb down while shooting as to not have the bow-string hit the digit. That's about it
What kind of range could I expect to be able to hit a hog at after a good day practicing? Will I need more than one practice session to get my skills to a decent level? What brand of broadheads are good? Is there any other special equipment I need to hunt with a crossbow as opposed to a rifle?
Any information will help.

[mcmikeblues7]

Forgot a few things; where can i shoot a crossbow legally? I have a backyard that is about 30 yards at its longest, if I set up a backdrop, is that adequate enough? and I am located in Marin county

[atakacorp]

I hunt pigs with my Barnett wildcat all the time.30-40 yards is usually the distance you hunt them. What bolts do you have? what power LB of the crossbow? I would recommend muzzy fixed brought heads .If you have 30 yard backyard you GTG.I don’t know any bow ranges that will give you a chance to shoot, so if you have a backyard do it there. If you can get those square hay stocks for the target. it’s a plus or you can buy the black box .Start from 10 yards and go up to 30,do you have red dot or scope ?I hunt on privet property so the rules are same as rifle hunting. Use tree stand or blind ,great if you have pig hunting dogs, anyway you are going to have fun.
Last summer 25 yards from the blind

[mcmikeblues7]

I cannot speak on the qualities of the bow, cause I've never seen it. Can you hunt them like you would with a rifle just limit yourself to closer shots? Where could you get a cheap target for a crossbow? Is it possible to make one?

[atakacorp]

I cannot speak on the qualities of the bow, cause I've never seen it. Can you hunt them like you would with a rifle just limit yourself to closer shots? Where could you get a cheap target for a crossbow? Is it possible to make one?

I would check the crossbow in some bow shop before using it,to avoid an injury. I would say its more interesting that hunting with rifle, basics the same if you have scope or red dots(like I have),Safety is important ,make sure arrow is in place and not touching anything ,no dry shooting you will damage the bow.You can make you own targets get a big pillow case and stuff it with old close that you wont need.
check this guys ,good people

http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/crossbows-76/