Hunting with a crossbow is an invigorating experience. This weapon is accurate, fast, powerful, and offers a clean kill. It is important to find out which laws apply in your local area before you go and purchase your own hunting crossbow. Most North American states will allow big-game hunting like bear, deer, and moose with a crossbow while others like New Mexico will let you use a crossbow for Elk, cougars, and various sheep. We have compiled a list of the best hunting crossbows out there for various budgets in mind.
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Crossbow Hunting And The Law
It is not uncommon for states and provinces to require that you take an educational course when you are considering crossbow hunting. Even if this is not required by law, taking a certified bow hunting course is a beneficial opportunity for you to educate yourself about all of the advisable safety precautions you should take when opting for this type of sport. Courses will allow you to become familiar with the basic use of your crossbow, various arrow types, safety, different parts of your weapon and they will teach you about ethical hunting practices. It is also advisable to register younger hunters in a safety course in order to give them a solid foundation for the level of discipline and respect necessary for hunting. In general, these courses are free or quite affordable. They are worth it.
Crossbow hunting laws vary between states and provinces in North America. It is important to check out your local laws before you even consider purchasing a crossbow. Here are a few examples to get you started, but also ensure that you are checking their up to date laws as they can change;
- States like Alabama, Arizona, Illinois and Alaska make an allowance for hunters with disabilities to use a crossbow during hunting season
- States like Indiana and Delaware define specific crossbow hunting seasons
- States like Kentucky and Kansas allow crossbow hunting for everyone
- States like Alaska will only allow certified hunters to use a crossbow for hunting
- States like Maryland, Florida, Delaware and Arkansas are specific about the types of arrows that can be used on specific prey
- States like Delaware will define a minimum pull weight
In North America, provinces and states that do allow crossbow hunting will often times have a strict set of rules, especially when they are indicating what season is appropriate as well as specific prey. There are multiple states that only allow deer hunting, yet New Mexico will allow a wide variety of games including; bear, bighorn sheep, elk, deer, cougar, pronghorn, turkey, and more.
Best Crossbow For Hunting Reviews
1. 150 lbs Crossbow with Scope, Extra Arrows and Rope Cocking Device
This crossbow package is a compact, safe, lightweight, and reliable hunting tool that is built to last. It is designed for large games and comes with a scope and extra arrows. With a 150lbs draw weight, you can easily take down a deer. This crossbow is economically priced but is coming in with mixed reviews from Amazon customers, earning it an average rating of 3.8 stars. Happy customers feel that the equipment is a good value but that a crossbow is definitely an introductory unit for beginners. The accuracy and strength rating is bang on. Unsatisfied customers received broken units or units with pieces missing.
2. Leader Accessories Archery Equipment Hunting Bow Crossbow
Leader Accessories is a company that prides itself on providing hunting enthusiasts with the highest quality products. This crossbow comes in at a reasonable price and has earned itself a whopping 4.9 stars from very happy customers on Amazon. Customers have stated that this package comes with everything a beginner would need in order to get started right out of the box. Customers are happy with the durability and longevity of this equipment, indicating that even after 1000 bolts the original parts still work like new. The bow is balanced and ideal for beginners and intermediate users alike.
3. SAS Jaguar 175lbs Recurve Hunting Crossbow
The SAS Jaguar is a heavy-duty hunting tool that comes equipped with 175 pounds of draw weight. The package includes the crossbow, red dot scope, 6 bolt quiver, and aluminum arrows. It is economically priced and Amazon customers have rated it at 4.5 stars. This crossbow has been purchased for beginner shooters in their teens and up. Customers are happy with its solid build, inclusive packaging, accuracy, power, silent operations, and more. Some customers were not satisfied with the scope and one customer’s buttstock came loose after approximately 5 shots.
Conclusion
Crossbow hunting is an exhilarating sport. Due to the power behind the bow, it is better equipped to take down large prey animals quickly and ethically. Before you go ahead and pick up your new crossbow, ensure that you have double-checked on your state laws regarding crossbow hunting and it is a great idea to register yourself into a safety course. After taking those few steps, have a fantastic time practicing on targets in the off-season so that once hunting season is upon you, you can hit your target every time!
