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Are you thinking of hunting deer with a crossbow this season? Crossbows are becoming more and more popular for hunting deer every year. In this guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about how to hunt deer with a crossbow.

We will discuss the different types of crossbows available, as well as the best ways to use them for hunting deer. So whether you are a beginner or an experienced hunter, this guide has something for everyone! After reading, you will know how to hunt deer with a crossbow.

How To Hunt Deer With A Crossbow
How To Hunt Deer With A Crossbow

Types of Crossbows

The two most popular types of crossbows are compound and recurve crossbows. There are other types of crossbows such as reverse draw limbs, pistols, and repeating or automatic crossbows.

1.  Compound Crossbows

Compound crossbows have many parts.  They feature a set of pulleys and a bowstring. The amount of force needed to draw back the string is minimized by the pulley system. Compound crossbows are a good option for a beginner. They are stiffer than recurve bows and they provide more power when fired.  We reviewed the best recurve bows on the market today and you can read it from this link.

2.  Recurve Crossbows

Recurve bows feature a simple design with curved limbs, a handle, and a bowstring that connects the ends of each limb.  Recurve bows have fewer moving parts than compound crossbows.  It features small curves that serve as a lock and strain pointing away from the shooter to prevent injuries. They are lightweight and low maintenance.

Crossbow Hunting Ideas
Crossbow Hunting Ideas

The Parts of A Crossbow

1.  Bow

To learn how to hunt deer with a crossbow, it is important that you learn the parts of a crossbow. The bow is the main part of the crossbow. It propels the arrow forward. Bows are made of wood, aluminum, and fiberglass.

2.  String

The string is fixed to the bow and runs through the center of the bow.  It powers the arrow forward when the bow is fired.

3.  Trigger

The trigger releases the string and fires the arrow. it is found at the back of the crossbow.

4.  Arrow

The arrow is like ammunition; it is what hits the target. The arrow is attached to the string and is made of wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber.

Hunting With Crossbows
Hunting With Crossbows

How To Choose The Right Crossbow

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a crossbow. There are many brands and models of crossbows on the market today. And not all models are created equal.

1.  Size

When you are choosing a crossbow, you want to choose one whose size is the right fit for you. You want a size that works for you easily. The size of the crossbow you choose should take into consideration your own physical stature.

2.  Draw Weight

The draw weight is another factor to consider when choosing a crossbow. The draw weight is the amount of force needed to pull back the string and fire the arrow.  The heavier the draw weight, the more powerful it will be.  Conversely, the heavier the draw weight, the more difficult it will be to cock the crossbow.  Additionally, the heavier the draw weight, the larger and more powerful the animal you can take down.

3.  Power Stroke

The power stroke is the vertical bow’s draw length. It is the distance the string travels from the cocked position to the final position after the shot. The power stroke is another important factor to consider when choosing a crossbow.

Deer Hunting With Crossbows
Deer Hunting With Crossbows

4.  Velocity

The velocity of a crossbow is the speed; it is how fast it travels.

How To Hunt Deer With A Crossbow

1. Choose The Right Crossbow

This can’t be overstated. You have to choose the crossbow commensurate with your body size.

2. Distance To Deer

Don’t get too close to the deer. You need to accurately shoot a deer and if you are too close to it, the shot may not be your best shot to take it down.

3. Different Positions

You should practice shooting from different positions such as kneeling, sitting, and standing.  This kind of practice prepares you for just about any situation you may find yourself in when hunting deer with a crossbow.

Crossbow Hunting Tips
Crossbow Hunting Tips

 

 

 

4.  Always Be Aware Of Surroundings

Make it a habit of always being aware of your surroundings. Always remember where other hunters are located.

Crossbow Deer Hunting
Crossbow Deer Hunting

5.  Practice, Practice & Practice

You need to put in many hours of practice to hone your crossbow-hunting skills before going out to hunt. Set up a target in your backyard or somewhere and practice shooting from different distances, angles, and situations.

6.  Always Follow Up on A Shot

Always follow up a shot. If you hit a deer, most of the time it will sprint away out of shock even if it is badly wounded. The deer are strong and might go for a few yards before falling. You should always track and locate it.

7.  Blood Trails

Sometimes no matter how quickly you are on to tracking a deer you hit, it can be difficult finding it. In those situations, always look for a blood trail and follow it. It will lead you to the final resting place of the deer.

Tips For Crossbow Hunting
Tips For Crossbow Hunting

8.  Use A Rest

When you are hunting from a tree stand, use a rest for the crossbow. The rest helps keep the crossbow steady and increases your accuracy.  We discussed tips on how to hunt from a tree stand and you can read that article from this link.

9.  Take Your Time

Always take your time when shooting a target with a crossbow.  Take your time to line up your shot to get it as accurate as you can.

Top Crossbow Hunting Tips
Top Crossbow Hunting Tips

10.  Aim For The Kill Zone

The small area behind the shoulder where the heart and lungs are located is the kill zone.  if you want to increase your chances of taking down your target with one shot, then this is the area to hit. Practice hitting this area and you will take many whitetails home.

Crossbow Accessories

1. Crossbow Scope

The crossbow scope will help you aim accurately.

2.  Quiver

The quiver holds the arrows.

3.  Release Aid

The release aid is used to draw back the string and release the arrow.

4.  Broadhead

The broadhead is a type of arrowhead used for hunting.

5.  Arrows

Arrows are like the ammunition for the crossbow. it is what hits and takes the target down.

What is a crossbow and how does it work?
A crossbow is a hunting weapon that has a bow mounted on a stock. The arrows are shot when you draw the bowstring backward and then release it.
What's the difference in crossbows?
The length is the difference. The crossbow arrow, called a bolt, is shorter and thicker. The average length of a compound bow arrow is 26 to 28 inches. A crossbow bolt is between 20 and 24 inches, depending on the crossbow.
What size crossbow is needed for deer hunting?
The ballpark for crossbow size is in the 150 to 175 pounds range, with some going over 200 pounds.
What is a good draw weight for crossbow?
A good draw weight range runs from 75 to 125 pounds of draw weight.

The Bottom Line

How to hunt deer with a crossbow has become a popular hunting topic lately. Hunting deer with a crossbow is another way to hunt. Hunting with crossbows has become popular in the last decades. It requires fine-tuning your archery skills but it can be very effective. In this article, we discussed how to use a crossbow to hunt. If you are interested in broadheads, then read the best broadheads for deer.