Your Crossbow Questions Answered
By PJ DelHomme
Using a crossbow for deer hunting is growing in popularity, especially for those of us with rotten shoulders. Consider this your crossbow starter kit.
Just 10 or 20 years ago, crossbows were still an outcast in the deer hunting world. Some hunters and organizations argued that hunters would kill too many deer with them. One study found that crossbow hunters are slightly more successful than traditional bowhunters.
Those same hunters, organizations, and agencies argued that so many deer were going to die from a crossbow bolt that hunting seasons would be more limited. A report by the National Deer Association found, “Crossbow success rates were higher in each state, but crossbow use showed little impact on established seasons or hunters’ willingness to shoot deer.” The reality is that many states have an overabundance of deer, and hunters struggle to put enough in the freezer.
Crossbows are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among young people, women, and adults over 55. The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR is an incentive prize for USA calendar bulk orders and crossbows are given away at USA dinners as a table prize.
Check out this statistic. After crossbows were legalized for statewide use in Pennsylvania in 2009, the share of deer taken by crossbow rose from 15% in 2009 to 68% of the archery harvest by the 2019-20 season. We even declared the crossbow wars over in this 2013 article. Crossbows aren’t going anywhere. We know that, which is why we’ve put together this crossbow FAQ page for inquiring minds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crossbow Hunting
Are Crossbows Legal in My State?
Laws on crossbow use vary widely by state and hunting zone. Some states allow crossbows during the entire archery season, while others have restrictions or require special permits. Most states east of the Rockies allow crossbows during the archery season. Many states in the West classify them as firearms and only allow their use during firearm season. A great resource to research specific states is provided by Ten Point Crossbows. Here, they break down each state’s regulations.
How Far Will Crossbows Shoot? Technically, compound crossbows above 400 FPS can shoot up to 130 yards, with experienced shooters getting tight groups at 100 yards. That’s not the problem. The problem for the ethical hunter is the animal’s reaction to the sound of your shot (jumping the string) and other variables like crosswinds. Beyond 30 yards, arrow drop becomes an issue. A general consensus among hunters is that 50 yards is typically the maximum effective range to shoot a deer with a crossbow.
How Accurate Are Crossbows?
A properly tuned crossbow is insanely accurate, shooting 1-2 inch groups at 30-50 yards. In fact, some tests show crossbows to be more accurate than compound bows. It helps that scopes can be mounted on crossbows, and they can be stabilized, much like shooting a rifle from a bench.
Does Pope and Young Allow Crossbow Entries?
No, the Pope & Young Club (P&Y), an archery-only record-keeping organization much like the Boone and Crockett Club, does not consider crossbows to be a hunting bow. In fact, P&Y “considers the use of crossbows during bowhunting seasons to be a serious threat to the future of bowhunting.” The Club also recommends that crossbows should not be considered for use in any bowhunting-only season. The Boone and Crockett Club allows crossbow entries.
Are Crossbows Dangerous?
Like any weapon, that answer depends on the person responsible for the weapon. Yes, they can be dangerous, just like a rifle or compound bow. You can smack yourself in the face during the cocking process, and you want to avoid disaster by dry-firing your crossbow. Use your brain and remember what you were taught in hunter safety.
What is the Biggest Whitetail Buck Killed With a Crossbow?
The biggest buck on record that was killed by a crossbow is Jerry Bryant’s Illinois whitetail that scores 304-3/8 points, according to Boone and Crockett Club records. He shot it in 2001. He had a special permit to use a crossbow because he was injured on the job and couldn’t pull back a compound. He shot the buck at 15 yards.
How Long Can I Leave My Crossbow Cocked?
Manufacturers have different specs for each bow. Ten Point recommends uncocking your bow after each day of hunting. Other crossbow manufacturers recommend six hours. Refer to your user manual for the most accurate (and safe) answer.
What Type of Bolts or Broadheads Should I Use?
Crossbow arrows are called bolts, and they are shorter than compound bow arrows. Typically, heavier bolts provide better penetration and are quieter, while lighter bolts shoot faster but sacrifice some impact power. Bolts use special nocks (flat-capped, moon, capture, or omni-nocks) that securely engage the string. Using the wrong type can cause safety issues. Always use arrows that meet the crossbow manufacturer’s specifications for length, weight, and nock type to avoid damage to the crossbow and ensure accurate shooting.
Because crossbows shoot heavy bolts with shorter shafts than compound bows, they require specific broadheads capable of dealing with their higher speeds. Hunters can use fixed or expandable broadheads designed for crossbows. Be sure to check your state regulations, as some require a minimum broadhead cut diameter. Your crossbow’s user manual should have specs for your bolt and broadheads that are compatible with your specific crossbow.
Are There Left-handed Crossbows?
Yes, but they are less common than right-handed bows. Several manufacturers offer left-handed crossbows, left-handed safety kits, and modifications to accommodate left-handed users.
How Much Do Crossbows Cost?
Like compound bows, the cost of a crossbow and accessories can range widely, from $300 for the basic models up to $3,000. Toss in a scope, bolts, broadheads, cocking aid and crank, sling, and a case, and you’re easily looking at an extra $200-$500.
Can Felons Hunt With Crossbows?
That depends on where you want to hunt. Each state classifies a crossbow differently. In some states, felons can’t even own a crossbow. Sometimes, hunting with a crossbow even depends on the nature of the felony. This site helps to break down the various regulations.
Are There Crossbow Hunter Safety Courses?
Yes. If you’re just getting into crossbow hunting, a great resource is the online Official ICEP Crossbow Safety Course. It costs $30, but it’s packed with valuable information and may be required in your state.
We just skimmed the surface of the crossbow world, but we hope this is enough to entice you to give it a look. For older adults, crossbows are another way for them to enjoy archery season without tearing a rotator cuff. For youth, crossbows could be the gateway to getting them in the woods more often.
PJ DelHomme writes and edits content in western Montana. He runs Crazy Canyon Media and Crazy Canyon Journal.
