Best 10 Hunting Crossbows For Sale In 2022 (Reviews, Tips, Laws)
Have you been searching for the best hunting crossbow to buy?
If you are a hunting enthusiast, then this article is for you!
Here we bring you our top ten hunting crossbows, that any professional hunter will enjoy! All of the products are also separated into different categories to make it easier to find what you’re looking for. Even though each hunter has its crossbow hunting strategies and crossbow hunting techniques, here we bring you a couple of tips for hunting with a crossbow for a certain animal. If you are interested to learn more, just read our hunting crossbow buyers guide!
What is a hunting crossbow?
Hunting crossbows are a legal weapon that can be used for professional hunting. They are usually very powerful and can be used when crossbow hunting for rabbits, ducks, deer, elk and even bears. They are usually very quiet, so they don’t scare the animals off and therefore allow you to have greater success when hunting. Nowadays you can find many different brands on the market that offer a big variety of crossbow hunting models.
How To Buy A Crossbow For Hunting?
Depending on what you want to hunt with your crossbow, you can search for different kind of features. Some of the most important ones are crossbow hunting range, crossbow hunting distance, maximum velocity, draw weight and draw length. If you are just starting, it is maybe a good idea to look into crossbow hunting for beginners. We have a full article on the topic here!
Do You Need A Hunting License To Buy A Crossbow?
If you have been wondering is hunting with a crossbow legal and what are hunting with crossbow laws, the answer will depend on the state where you are. Each state has different crossbow hunting laws and regulations and most will require crossbow hunting license since crossbows are a powerful weapon. That is why we recommend checking the crossbow hunting regulations and rules for your home state, but also for all the states you plan on traveling with your crossbow. Some states also have certain crossbow hunting seasons which are the only time’s crossbow hunting is allowed.
Crossbow Deer Hunting
Crossbows come in various shapes and sizes, the ideal crossbow for deer hunting must include a few essential features. Those are the maximum crossbow speed for deer hunting which usually ranges between 260 and 400 fps. It also has to be lightweight so you can easily move around with it. The crossbow deer hunting effective range of draw weight is more than 80 pounds. The best crossbow for deer hunting would be the Centerpoint’s Sinpet model we mentioned below.
Crossbow Turkey Hunting
Since turkey is not such big animals, the crossbows you use for them don’t need to be as powerful as ones used for elks, deers or bears for example. However you will need a very quiet crossbow, so you don’t scare off other turkeys when shooting. That is why we recommend the Excaliburs Micro Suppressor crossbow as a great crossbow for turkey hunting.
Crossbow Duck Hunting
When it comes to duck hunting with a crossbow you will need a crossbow that has a high velocity when you shoot with it. The reason for that is the fact that duck can fly away if your crossbow arrow isn’t flying fast. That is why we recommend getting the Barnetts Recruit Terrain crossbow that can reach up to 330 feet per second.
Crossbow Rabbit Hunting
For rabbit hunting with a crossbow, any modern crossbow will do the job. We also recommend the crossbow to be lighter and a bit more compact which is very useful when you are moving through thick bush. We recommend the TenPoint Wicked Ridge Warrior G3 as one of the best modern hunting crossbow models.
Crossbow Bear Hunting
Forbear hunting you will need a very powerful, fast and durable crossbow. Since bears are big animals the arrows need to be of great quality as well. However bear hunting is not legal in many states, so check the laws before getting one. The model we recommend is SA Sports Empire Beowulf as it has great maximum velocity and draws weight.
Best 10 Hunting Crossbows Reviews
Hunting Compound Crossbow
Barnett Recruit Terrain Crossbow
The first hunting crossbow we want to mention in this article is by the well-know brand called Barnett. It is one of the best Barnett crossbows for hunting models, more specifically it is their Recruit Terrain model. This model has all of the advanced features any hunter would want plus it is a high-quality model that can last you for decades.
The maximum speed you can reach when shooting from this Barnett hunting crossbow is 330 feer per second. With the draw weight of 140 pounds and the kinetic energy of 91.9 ft pounds, this is a very powerful crossbow.
The dimensions of this best hunting crossbow are 34.25″L x 18.25″W, while the overall weight equals 6.4 pounds. You will also get the axle to axle width of 16. 125 inches. One of the benefits is the fact that it comes already assembled when you purchase it.
Another benefit is the anti-vibration foot stirrup as well as the nock sensors and ADF which eliminate dry fires. It also uses the trigger technology with the 3-pound zero-creep release. In the package, you will get a few accessories included- 4×32 scope, rope cocking device, lightweight quiver, two 20 inch Headhunter arrows, and the lube wax.
Cheap Hunting Crossbow
Bruin Attack 265 Recurve Crossbow Package
The next best crossbow that fits into the cheaper crossbow category is the one by the brand Bruin Attack. It is their Recurve Crossbow package that comes with all of the accessories already included in the price. Aside from the price point a little over 100 dollars, it also comes with many professional features, which any hunting enthusiast will love.
This crossbow weighs 4.8 pounds which is super lightweight as easily carried on your shoulder when you go hunting, The bow length is also adjustable and goes anywhere between 30.5 and 33 inches. The axle to axle width is 26 inches when it is cocked and 28 inches when it is uncocked.
The power stroke on this cheap crossbows for deer hunting is 11 inches, while the maximum speed you can reach when shooting from it is 260 feet per second. It also includes the quick detachable quiver and the safety feature anti-dry fire trigger pack. Another benefit is the adjustable AR tactical buttstock.
In the package aside from one of the best cheap hunting crossbows for sale, you will also get a few accessories included. Those are the 4×32 scope cocking rope, 3-bolt quiver, three of the 16″ aluminum bolts, string wax and string stopper.
One of the best Ten Point crossbows for hunting models is the Wicked Ridge Warrior G3 model. That is a model that combines power, high performance and modern features, which is why so many people love it.
In the package aside from this modern hunting crossbow, you will also get the TenPoint 3x Multi-Line Scope, Wicked Ridge Instant-Detach 3-Arrow Quiver, 3 Wicked Ridge Aluminum Arrows with 100-grain practice tips. It is also compatible with the ACU-52 self-retracting rope cocking system that is not included in the price.
The overall axle to axle width is 22.6 inches uncocked and 19 inches cocked. The overall length with the stirrup is 37.75 inches while the power stroke is 13.5 inches. The weight of this hunting crossbow for sale is about 6.6 pounds. You will also get the draw weight of 155 pounds and a speed of 320 feet per second.
With the 3.5 pound trigger, you will get a smooth and crisp trigger pull for more accuracy and maximum safety when you go hunting. Overall this is a powerful crossbow that can be used even when you go deer hunting.
Smallest Crossbow For Hunting
Excalibur Micro Suppressor Crossbow Package
Another best hunting crossbow we want to mention in this article is by the brand Excalibur. It is their Micro Suppressor crossbow model which offers a revolution in size as well as sound. It is a deadly quiet crossbow and also has a super compact design to it, which is why it has become so popular, so quickly.
This Excalibur crossbow hunting comes with the 280-pound draw weight and the maximum velocity of 343 feet per second. The power stroke on this crossbow 10.2 inches The overall length of this mini hunting crossbow is 31 inches. The overall length of this crossbow has been reduced by 2.5 inches due to the comfortable and lightweight Bullpup Ready Rest stock.
It comes with the new Sound Deading system which makes shooting from this crossbow extra quiet. You will also get a five-component suppression system which will reduce the vibrations and noise once the arrow has been fired, which will increase your success in the field.
To achieve maximum maneuverability and vitality you will get the X-Hanger quiver that has a quick-detach, lightweight carbon design. It is attached to three of the sided tactical Picatinny rail which allows you to attach additional accessories if needed. You will also get a couple of safety features such as the Anti-Dry Fire System, Cheekpiece, and Rope Cocker.
Youth Hunting Crossbow
SA Sports Fever Crossbow Package
One of the best youth hunting crossbow models is the Fever Crossbow package by the brand SA Sports. It is a powerful crossbow which is also great if you are just starting and has a more affordable price point than some other professional models.
This one comes with the ambidextrous auto safety feature which won’t allow you to shoot until the arrow is correctly placed. You will also get the large boot style foot stirrup ad the weaver style scope mount which can also be adjusted.
The barrel is made to be lightweight so this entire youth crossbow for deer hunting weighs a little more than 5 pounds. The overall dimensions are 33 x 11 x 4 inches. You will also get the quick detach quiver included with this crossbow.
This crossbow is full dipped into camo pattern. In the package, you will also get 4 of the 16 inches aluminum arrows, 4×32 multi-range scope, padded shoulder sling, rope cocking device, and hex keys. Additional accessories you will need can be purchased separately.
Best Crossbow For Deer Hunting
CenterPoint Sniper 370- Crossbow Package
If you have been wondering what kind of crossbow should I buy for deer hunting, we got the answers for you! A good crossbow for deer hunting must be powerful, but also very quiet not to scare deers away. That is why we chose the Centerpoint Sniper crossbow model as the best one.
This crossbow for deer hunting for sale can have the firing velocity of 370 feet per seconds and the draw weight of 185 pounds. You will also get the lightweight aluminum construction which has only 12.2 pounds. The overall dimensions of this crossbow are 25 x 13 x 12 inches.
It also comes with the adjustable stock and the pass-through the foregrip and it is super comfortable to carry on your shoulder. Additional features include the quad limbs, precision-machined cam system as well as the rail with a shoot-through riser that ensures exceptional power and accuracy when shooting.
The main benefit is the integrated string suppressors which allow for any shot to be quiet and without any vibrations. It also has quad limbs with the CNC Machined Cam System. In the package, you will get the 4×32 mm scope, three 20-inch carbon bolts, detachable quiver, rope cocker and carry sling.
Best Crossbow For Hunting Whitetail
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow
The next best hunting crossbow is great for hunting whitetail. It is the Barnett Whitetail Hunter II crossbow model which is a very powerful model with many advanced features. It requires a 5-minute setup and is shipped mostly assembled. This crossbow is proudly made in the USA.
The maximum velocity of this crossbow is 350 feet per second and its draw weight is 150 pounds. The kinetic energy you can achieve with it is 103 ft-lbs and comes with a 12.5 inches power stroke. It comes in a camo color pattern, which makes it great when hunting in the woods.
The overall axle to axle width is 16.125 inches and the measurements of this model are 34.25″L x 18.25″W. It is super lightweight and has only 6.4 pounds which makes it easy to carry on your shoulder. It uses the high-end TriggerTech trigger which consists of all stainless components and includes a 3lb zero creep release.
For additional safety, you will get the anti-dry fire trigger system and the finger safety reminders. It is also recommended to uncock your crossbow after every hunt and not to leave it drawn overnight if you want it to last you for a long time.
Another unique feature is the custom composite laminated limbs and string dampeners which make this powerful bow super quiet. In the package, you will get the 4×32 scope, rope cocking device, lightweight quiver, two 20 inch Headhunter arrows, lube wax. Itis recommended lubing the strings every 10 shots.
Best Crossbow For Elk Hunting
XGear Hunting Crossbow
When it comes to elk hunting the best elk hunting crossbow are the once that have the draw weight of 170 lbs or higher, since elks are quite big animals. That is why we chose the XGear hunting crossbow to review as one of the best in that category.
The weight of this powerful crossbow is 7.48 pounds and the draw weight equals 175 pounds. The maximum velocity you can reach when shooting from this crossbow is 285 feet per second. The power stroke it has is 11.5 inches, the overall length is 36.5 inches and the width is 27.5 inches.
To make it safe for you to use one of the best hunting crossbows, you will get the anti-dry fire mechanism which will prevent you from shooting until the arrow is in its right place. In the package, you will also get the 3-red-dot sight scope, quiver, padded sling, 4 of 20″ aluminum arrow, rail lube wax and cocking rope.
175 Lb Crossbow Hunting Review
SA Sports 306119 Empire Beowulf Crossbow Package
Next crossbow on our top ten hunting crossbows list is the one from the brand SA Sports. It is their Empire Beowulf model, which comes with the 175-pound draw weight which makes it super powerful. It also has many professional-grade features that avid hunters demand, which is why so many people love this model.
The speed produced with this hunting crossbow is 360 feet per second. It comes with the integrated full barrel Picatinny rail and the adjustable Picatinny mount foregrip. You will also get the adjustable string stoppers included. Some additional safety features are also the ambidextrous auto-safety and anti-dry fire trigger, as well as the CNC, machined cams. It is also super quiet, which is a must for good hunting.
One of the major benefits is that despite all of the amazing features included it still has one of the more affordable hunting crossbow prices, below 500 dollars. In the package you will get the 4×32 multi-range scope, 3 carbon arrows, side-mounted Claw lever latch quick detach quiver, rope cocking device as well as the hex keys.
The overall dimensions of this product are 34.5 x 22 x 8 inches and it weighs only 10 pounds since it is made out of aluminum. It comes in camo color.
Recurve Crossbow Hunting
Barnett Outdoors BCR Recurve Crossbow Package
The last good hunting crossbow model is another one from the brand Barnett. This time it is their BCR Recurve model which comes with all of the much-needed accessories. You will get all of the advance hunting features which makes this crossbow suitable, even for deer hunting.
The draw weight on this crossbow is 150 pounds which makes it quite powerful. It also uses the anti-dry fire trigger, which will prevent you to shoot without the arrow being in its place. Once the arrow is in its right place you will be able to switch off the safety mode and shoot. With the anti-vibration foot stirrup, you will get up to 30 percent less noise and vibrations when shooting.
It also comes with the premium red dot scope included. It is quite lightweight and has only 4.5 pounds which aren’t heavy for such a powerful crossbow. The overall dimensions are 33 x 11 x 7 inches. The climb can be quickly detached which is great if you need to transport this crossbow.
Crossbow Hunting Accessories And Equipment
When it comes to crossbow hunting equipment and accessories, many times they are already included in the package with the hunting crossbow model you buy. The most important crossbow hunting gear is the crossbow hunting arrows or bolts. The best crossbow bolts for hunting are lightweight, with a pointy tip and can fly through the air with great speed.
Aside from the hunting crossbow bolts, you will also need a scope mount, rope cocking device, quiver, etc. Those crossbow hunting supplies are most of the time also included in the price, or if not you can buy them separately on the brand’s official webshop or sites like Amazon. We always recommend original equipment instead of some universal parts and accessories, as they will prolong the life span of your crossbow.
Conclusion: What is the best hunting crossbow currently available to purchase?
