Deer Hunting With Crossbow

A hunting crossbow is a type of bow used by archers to hunt. They are often used by hunters in field and brush hunting. Because the crossbow uses a mechanical device that draws the string while holding the bow with their arms, they fire arrows more rapidly than bows that are drawn solely by pulling on a string with one hand.

Myths about crossbows exist and people often believe that they can only be used at close range, which is not true as long as users have proper training and practice. In addition, metal bolts fired from these crossbows have much higher impact energy than those fired from compound bows because of their greater weight, which means when shot into an animal's body it has more penetration power.

History of Crossbow Hunting

This crossbow has been used throughout history in Europe and other parts of the world. During the Middle Ages, these crossbows were used by European armies; where they were considered a symbol of nobility and prestige. 

In addition to hunting, people have also used them for protection against wild animals because it was said to be able to hit an object at a distance of 100 yards or closer. The crossbow is one of the oldest weapons for shooting projectiles and was developed as a weapon by the Greeks.

Although hunting using modern crossbows is popular globally, its popularity in Europe is largely attributed to its use in Robin Hood legends.

Key Characteristics of Crossbows

There are five major features of a hunting crossbow: 1) speed, 2) accuracy, 3) noise, 4) range and 5) power. 

Crossbow

  • Speed 

Depending on the weight of the arrow, it can reach speeds up to 250 feet per second which is more than twice as fast as many rifles in use today. With such a speed and agility that's on par with solid arrows in flight, you get faster time-to-target for animals with fewer clumsy movements and quicker shots for effective killing.

  • Accuracy 

Hunting recurve bows have target acquisition ranges from 100 yards to over 400 yards  so they hit what they aim at while minimizing the amount of wasted ammunition.

  • Noise 

With the development in silent arrow designs, a hunting crossbow is much quieter than before, not only reducing the disturbance to your target but also reducing the sound level of the shot that can give away your position and allow game to escape.

  • Range 

The accuracy of these crossbows goes beyond that of conventional bows, which means you need less shots to kill an animal and get more meat. And when there is a distance between you and your target, you have more time to aim carefully at a moving target or take multiple shots while tracking wounded prey.

  • Power 

Most of these crossbows are powered by springs or internal mechanisms that use alternating bands of tension to compress and release stored energy. These mechanisms utilize a progressive bolt which provides enough power to penetrate the heart of the game.

Some Major Considerations

Apart from these major features, there are 5 other things that you should consider when buying a hunting crossbow:

1) balance, 2) sight and 3) takedown ability, 4) weather resistance and 5) draw length meaning how far can you pull it back for a big shot.

When it comes to balance and takedown ability, the more stable the crossbow is, the more powerful it will be in your hands because of less movement in your arm muscles. As a hunting tool, you have to be able to take it out of the car and put it in the tree stand without help from a teammate/spotter. The takedown ability makes it easier for you to carry around.

How to Aim a Deer?

A little knowledge goes a long way. Here is a basic overview on how to aim a deer with a hunting crossbow. One of the most difficult aspects of hunting deer with a crossbow is that it takes a keen eye and an acquired skill to be able to aim a deer with this type of bow. 

One way to handle the issue is by using what's called a shooting stick; however, this has its own complicated issues. So, for those who are willing to do more work than just use their arms on the ground, we have come up with some helpful steps on how you can successfully hit your target.


  • Step #1

First you have to be able to determine the distance where your deer is located. If this is your first time hunting a deer, then it's best that you set up a deer stand near an area where there are lots of deer sightings. This way, you will have a better chance at being able to spot one that is close enough for you.

  • Step #2

Once you have spotted your target, try to take note as to how far away it is from where you're positioned and then take note of any obstructions that may interfere with the arrow hitting and penetrating into the targeted animal.

  • Step #3

The most important thing to remember when you are aiming the crossbow is safety. You want to hold the shooting arm steady, use your free hand as support, and keep your eye on the target. It might take some practice, but you should be able to hit your target more consistently if you stand upright and take careful aim from below the animal’s head rather than over it."

Benefits of Crossbow Hunting

Crossbow hunting is a relatively new technique that combines the hunting expertise of a rifle with the skill set of an archer. Bow hunters have long known the accuracy, precision and speed that crossbows offer. However, for many bow hunters this isn't enough to meet their personal needs when it comes to deer hunting. 

For some, running out in the frosty woods in search of game doesn't provide enough satisfaction in comparison to sitting back on your couch and picking off deer at your leisure. Others are simply limited by their budget or living situation and can't hunt as much land as they would like because they must commute too far from their home base each day they go hunting. 

Whatever the reason, a new generation of crossbow hunters is emerging. Crossbows offer many advantages over traditional archery equipment for hunting. They are much safer than traditional bows and arrows due to the fact that there is no risk of string slap and you can load an arrow with no danger of it accidentally firing – unlike a bow where the string must remain taut at all times. 

A hunting crossbow requires less physical effort than archery or gun hunting and is often more preferred by older hunters with disabilities or injuries. Crossbows can be used effectively in heavy cover to hunt deer without showing yourself to your target.