Crossbow hunting is now legal for most hunters in most states. Manufacturers of crossbows say that they are selling extremely well. Some hunters use them for fun, shooting at targets in the back yard. Many crossbow hunters are taking them to the woods with them in search of trophy game. This overview to crossbows and crossbow hunting will give you a place to start.
Learn the Laws in Your State
Many states allow the use of crossbows wherever compound bows are used. A few permit crossbow hunting only in areas designated for rifle hunting due to the incredible speed of crossbows. Most states now allow any hunter to use crossbows but there are still a few states that restrict their use to those with physical difficulty drawing and holding a compound bow. Check your state’s department of natural resources website or ask where you normally buy your license.
Determine your Game
Crossbows are used to hunt turkey, deer, bear, wild boar, elk and even moose. For larger game, you’ll need faster crossbows, in the 350 foot per second range or higher. Decide what type of crossbow hunting you plan to do. Even slower crossbows will hunt deer and may be easier to handle for a youth, a lady hunter or someone with physical challenges. Models offering 275 to 350 fps are the most versatile.
Choose your Price Range
Like most hunting gear, cars, appliances, etc., crossbows come in a wide range of prices and you can find good ones in any part of the spectrum. Here are some top sellers in various pricing categories.
Up to $350
If you are a newcomer to crossbow hunting or looking for a “toy” for the range, this might be a good place to begin. There are a lot of good crossbows here, but consider the Barnett Jackal, the PSE Reaper or the Wicked Ridge Warrior.
$350 to $600
Most seasoned crossbow hunters will find what they’re looking for in this range. Expect to find speeds from 300 to 375 feet per second in this segment of the crossbows market. All of the top brands have models in this range including PSE, Horton, Excalibur, Carbon Express and Barnett. Good places to start include the Barnett Quad 400, the Excalibur Ibex, the Wicked Ridge Invader and the Horton Vision 175. These models make crossbow hunting smooth, quiet, exciting and very successful.
Above $600
Professional hunters shop for crossbows in this range and so do guys who just want to have the best. You’ll find state of the art, brand new models here from all the top manufacturers. Speeds in excess of 350 fps are common and those that approach or top 400 fps are not unheard of. For the best of the best, start your search with these crossbow hunting weapons: Excalibur Vortex or Exomax, PSE Archery TAC 10i, Ten Point Carbon Fusion, anything from Parker in this range, and Horton Legacy.
Summary
Before you start crossbow hunting, take a look at the crossbows available and find one fits you. Most hunters don’t need a 375 fps weapon. Choose one you can handle easily. Then look to price range to meet your budget. Get comfortable with the crossbow you choose. Take a few trips to the range or spend time out in the yard practicing before you go crossbow hunting. You’ll enjoy the experience because today’s crossbows are dynamic, powerful and deadly accurate.
