Tip 1:
It’s Just a Bow.
For some reason, many people are still under the delusion that a crossbow is some sort of super-weapon. It’s not – it’s a compound bow mounted horizontally on a stock. You cannot get 100-yard shots, and its power is not comparable to any rifle. I do get a little more range compared to a compound, because it is easier and more stable to shoot, extending my range for an ethical shot from 30 to 40 yards.

Tip 2:
It’s Like Hunting in 1412.
Many people also think crossbows are new and modern, but crossbows have been around for more than 2,000 years. Modern materials and computerized designs produce amazing performance, but our ancestors also produced very powerful crossbows using wood, horn, and sinew.

Tip 3:
Take Care.
A crossbow is still a bow, and needs to be maintained like any other bow. Wipe it down, and use compressed air to gently blow out any dirt, dust, plant matter, and anything else that could gunk it up. Closely inspect everything, looking for loose hardware and anything that looks like it could be a problem. Check the owner’s manual and follow its instructions on where, when, and what to lube with. Don’t guess – follow the instructions, or take it to your local bow shop for a tune-up. Wax the string, and store it in a dry location.

Tip 4:
The Eyes Have it.
One advantage of a crossbow is the scope mounted on top; make sure you maintain that important piece of equipment. Gently blow dust off the lenses, and wipe down the tube with a soft cloth. If necessary, very gently wipe the glass with a clean, dry, microfiber cloth. Make sure the windage and elevation turrets are secure, but do NOT overtighten them. If the scope has an illuminated reticle and the bow will be stored for an extended time, remove the battery, and put a new one in next season. (I use a rubber band and attach a note that says “No Battery” so I don’t forget this.)

Tip 5:
A Walk in The Woods.
A crossbow is an awkward thing to carry, especially if you are hoofing through the woods and/or hauling other gear. There is a scope on top and a pistol grip on the bottom, so even if you can figure out a way to attach a sling, it will still poke you and get in the way no matter how you try to attach it to your torso. My solution was to find a good backpack that is designed to have a crossbow attached to it. Mine is a Tenzing TCSP14 Shooter Pack, which has a deep channel built in so it can easily fit a crossbow (it also works great for a rifle). Yes, it will make it difficult to take a shot fast if I see a deer while hiking to the stand, but I’ve never had that happen to me – ever.

Tip 6:
Essential Accessory.
If you dry-fire a crossbow, you can destroy it – so what do you do at sunset if, like me, you never got a shot at a deer? In the crossbow aisle at the store, I saw a small ‘discharge’ target designed to take into the field so you can unload your crossbow safely (take a bolt with a field point with you!). I was told that I could just fire a bolt (with a field point) into the ground to accomplish the same thing; trust me, buy the little target – don’t be cheap (like me)! When I shot the arrow into the ground (about 30 yards out) it buried tight, up to the fletching, and it was destroyed by the time I got it dug out. A couple of wrecked bolts cost more than the discharge target, and it’s much easier and faster than rooting around in the dirt.

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