If you’ve ever thought about buying a crossbow, now is the time to invest.
New 2026 models are hitting dealers and leftover 2025 packages are discounted. There’s still time to get set up, sighted in and confident before spring gobbler and bear seasons.
A few months of practice makes a big difference, and fall deer season will be here before we know it.
I’ve owned crossbows for more than 20 years and hunted with them across Ohio, other states and even Canadian provinces, long before Maine made them legal. And no, I don’t have a physical disability forcing me to do it, though my wife might argue I’ve got a few mental handicaps.
There’s nothing wrong with vertical bows, and I still shoot them, but I hunt with crossbows because they’re fun, they’re easy to use, they’re accurate and they’re deadly. That’s the order I like them in, but let’s be honest, they’re all true.
Old debates about whether crossbows are “traditional” or will ruin deer hunting have been mostly debunked, especially given the speed and let-off of modern compound bows.
One argument I’ll concede is that crossbows require less skill and practice, which is a big reason they’re popular.
Still, crossbows have their challenges. They can be heavy, awkward to carry and restrictive in tight spots. Today’s market is crowded with types, draw weights, sizes and speeds. It isn’t brain surgery though, and focusing on a few key factors up front makes choosing the right one much easier.
How you hunt matters
Before reaching for your wallet or credit card, think about how and where you hunt and what game you plan to pursue.
If you hunt from blinds, tree stands or tight hardwood pockets, a wide or heavy bow might not be best. For black bears or larger game, you’ll want a bow that pushes an arrow fast enough and with enough energy to get the job done.
There’s a crossbow suited to almost every hunting style.
Consider a kit
Manufacturers have made life easy. Instead of buying a bow and then matching arrows, a scope, a cocking device and a quiver, most sell complete kits. Everything you need is matched to that bow, saving money and frustration. Once you’re comfortable, you can upgrade, but kits are the smart way to start.
Buy the best you can afford
You don’t need a second mortgage to get good quality, but you do get what you pay for — materials, construction, design, warranty and customer service all matter.
Look for a brand that specializes in crossbows. Stick with a name you know. If not, ask friends, talk to local dealers or check reviews online.
Compound, recurve or reverse draw?
Compound crossbows have shorter limbs and a cam, pulley and cable system that releases tension when cocked, making them easier to draw. They deliver a high-speed, powerful shot from a compact frame. Good for tree stands, blinds and tight hunting spots. They require occasional maintenance.
Recurve crossbows are just two limbs on a stock. No cams, no cables. Fewer components make them easy to maintain and quieter. They need a longer draw and power stroke, making them longer and wider, but manufacturers have made them more compact while keeping speed and power. Cocking takes more effort than a compound.
Reverse draw crossbows have the riser closer to the shooter and limbs facing forward. The longer power stroke increases arrow speed and energy on a compact frame. They have less vibration and recoil, better balance and are easier to carry. Easier to cock than similar compounds, but they are pricier.
Draw weight
Crossbows are rated by pounds of draw. Higher draw weights mean faster arrows, heavier bolts and more energy at the target.
Maine’s minimum is 100 pounds, enough for deer and turkey. Common hunting weights are 150, 175 and 200 pounds. I own one in each class and have hunted deer and bear with 150-pound bows, though I prefer higher draw weights for better ballistics and range.
Buy local
One of the biggest mistakes I ever made was buying a crossbow online. The deal looked good, but the bow had issues, and dealing with it was a hassle. Now I buy everything from local dealers. Most let you try a bow before paying and provide a local point of contact if problems arise.