A Beginners Guide To Crossbow Hunting

Crossbows are primarily used for hunting small to medium-sized game such as deer, elk, bear, wild boar, and other similar animals. They can also be used to hunt small game like squirrels, raccoons, and rabbits. Some crossbows are even powerful enough to take down larger animals like bison and moose, depending on the size of the animal and the type of crossbow used.

Additionally, crossbows can be used for hunting birds like turkey and for fishing in freshwater with special barbed fishing tips. It’s important to note that hunting regulations and laws vary by region and species, so it’s important to check and abide by local laws and regulations when using a crossbow for hunting.

Most beginner crossbow hunters start with deer hunting. Whitetail and mule deer are very common throughout the U.S. and offer a wide variety of hunting opportunities.
Before you go out and spend an arm and a leg on a crossbow, consider starting with a smaller, more compact and lighter weight model.

A good beginners crossbow for deer hunting would be one that is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and has a moderate draw weight and power. Some examples of beginner-friendly crossbows that would be suitable for deer hunting include:
Barnett Jackal Crossbow: This crossbow is lightweight, easy to handle, and has a moderate draw weight, making it a great option for beginners. It also comes with a package that includes everything you need to get started hunting, such as quiver, bolts, and a red dot sight.

TenPoint Shadow NXT Crossbow: This crossbow is designed with beginners in mind and is easy to use, and lightweight. It also has a moderate draw weight and power, making it suitable for deer hunting.

Wicked Ridge Invader G3 Crossbow: The Invader G3 is a compact, lightweight crossbow that is perfect for beginners. It is easy to handle and has a moderate draw weight, making it suitable for deer hunting. It also comes with a package that includes everything you need to get started hunting, such as quiver, bolts, and a red dot sight.

Here are some tips for target shooting with a crossbow

• Use a proper stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and keep your non-dominant foot slightly back. This will help you to maintain balance and stability while shooting.
• Use a proper grip: Hold the crossbow with your non-dominant hand and grip the trigger with your dominant hand. Make sure your fingers are wrapped around the trigger and not resting on it.
• Use a proper trigger pull: Pull the trigger straight back with the tip of your finger, not the pad. This will help you to avoid pulling the shot to one side or the other.
• Sight in your crossbow: Make sure your crossbow is properly sighted in before shooting. This will help you to hit your target more accurately.
• Use a steady rest: Use a steady rest such as a shooting stick or bipod to help you keep your crossbow steady while shooting.
• Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Try to shoot at different distances and with different types of targets to improve your skills.
• Maintenance: Keep your crossbow well-maintained by cleaning and lubricating it regularly. This will ensure that it continues to function properly and will help to prolong its lifespan.

One of the biggest mistakes that beginner crossbow hunters make is they try to shoot too far.  Remember, a crossbow shoots a lot slower than a rifle. It takes a lot longer for the arrow to reach its target.
Because of this it is advised to keep shots within 50 yards. Shooting over 50 yards can result in poor shot placement and a wounded animal.  Wounding animals while hunting is unethical and should be avoided at all costs.

Crossbow hunting is a rapidly growing sport that more and more people are taking advantage of. It’s a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors with the added benefit of putting meat on the table for your family to enjoy!