Whitetail Deer Hunting with Crossbows

Rut Chasers, LLC Aug 4, 2024

Whitetail deer hunting has been a popular pastime for generations, and in recent years, crossbow hunting has gained significant traction among both novice and experienced hunters here in Ohio and elsewhere. This article will explore the art of whitetail deer hunting with crossbows, covering crossbow basics, legal considerations, and an overview of top crossbow brands in the market. It will also help you make the right decision on what crossbow works for you.

The Rise of Crossbow Hunting

Crossbows have been around for centuries, but their use in modern hunting has surged in popularity over the past few decades. This increase can be attributed to several factors:

Improved technology and design
Increased accessibility for hunters with physical limitations
Expanded hunting seasons in many states
Lower learning curve compared to traditional archery

Advantages of Crossbow Hunting

Crossbows offer several advantages over traditional archery and compound bows:

Increased Opportunity: Although it’s not a requirement, here at Rut Chasers, we recommend our hunters use crossbows over compound bows because crossbows can give you an advantage, especially in a bait-legal state where shots are up close on trophy whitetails coming to the bait. Many hunters miss their opportunity when they try to draw a compound bow on a baited hunt because many times, when the big buck rolls in, there may be a bunch of other does or other bucks that pick off the movement.
Increased accuracy: The crossbow's stock and trigger mechanism allow for more stable shooting. Plus it takes more of the human element of error out of the shot.
Extended range: Crossbows can be effective at distances beyond the abilities of some hunters using compounds or traditional archery equipment.
Easier to master: The learning curve for crossbows is less steep than that of traditional archery.
Low-light advantages: In low-light situations, a crossbow with an illuminated scope will always give a few more crucial minutes during the last bit of legal shooting light. Simply put, you will still be able to see while your buddy with the peep sight is walking out of the woods. Just remember you must follow legal shooting light rules for whatever state or province you are hunting in!

Legal Considerations

While crossbows are legal throughout Ohio during the archery season, regulations in other areas vary by state and even by county. Before hunting with a crossbow, be sure to:

Check local regulations regarding crossbow use during various hunting seasons.
Verify any specific equipment requirements (e.g., minimum draw weight, broadhead specifications).
Obtain necessary licenses and permits.
Understand any restrictions on hunting areas or times.

Top Crossbow Brands and Models

The crossbow market has exploded in recent years, with numerous manufacturers offering high-quality options. Here's an overview of some top brands and their popular models:

Mission Crossbows (Made by Mathews)

Although Mission has not released a new crossbow in a few years, the Sub-1 XR still stands as one of the top crossbows on the market. Though the Mission is not the narrowest or even the fastest crossbow on the market, the Sub-1 RX hangs with the top crossbows in accuracy, speed, kinetic energy, durability, scope quality, and more. This crossbow's strengths are its ability to de-cock, its accuracy, durability, lifetime warranty, and it is one of the quietest 400+ FPS crossbows on the market.

Other narrow crossbows produced by companies like Raven or Ten Point may look more appealing or be a little more usable in a tight-shot situation. However, those crossbows are also more volatile, which, in turn, can mean they are less durable/reliable than the Mission. The Mission gets top grades for its durability and reliability. It also features a lifetime warranty that you can’t get with most of the other top crossbow companies. Plus, when you go with a Mission Crossbow, you will get second-to-none customer service from Mathews, Inc.

Some of the most popular Mission Crossbow models include:

Sub-1 XR: Known for its exceptional accuracy and compact frame (Our Pick)
Sub-1 Lite: A lightweight option without compromising on power
MXB-Charge: An entry-level model that doesn't skimp on features

TenPoint Crossbows

TenPoint is known for its high-end, precision crossbows. TenPoint crossbows are known for their quality construction, accuracy, and innovative features like the ACUdraw cocking system. Ten point has always been a longtime leader in crossbows. However as of late there have been some quality issues with certain models. Always do your research!

Some models include:

Nitro 505: One of the fastest crossbows on the market, reaching speeds up to 505 fps.
Vengent S440: A compact, powerful option with a reverse-draw design.
Turbo M1: A more budget-friendly option that still delivers excellent performance.

Ravin Crossbows

Ravin has made a name for itself with ultra-compact, high-performance crossbows. They are sleek and fast and look impressive. Ravin's HeliCoil technology allows for extremely compact designs without sacrificing power or accuracy. That said, they have some disadvantages, including the need to replace the strings every year, or they will break. They are also loud, and most models cannot be decocked or are not recommended to decock. As with other 500+ fps crossbows,some of the models pushing these speeds have been having reliability issues. Yet even with these challenges they are one of the most popular crossbows on the market today.

Here are some of the popular Raven models:

R500E: An electric-cocking crossbow capable of 500 fps speeds.
R29X: A compact option with excellent maneuverability and accuracy.
R10: A popular mid-range option known for its reliability and performance.

Excalibur Crossbows

Excalibur specializes in recurve crossbows, which offer simplicity, extreme durability, and reliability. Excalibur is the bulletproof crossbow without all the extra working parts to go wrong. Their biggest downfall is their width, which is tough to use in a tight situation; they are also tough to draw without a crank. If you want durability and reliability over performance and usability, then pick Excalibur.

Assassin 420 TD: A take-down model that offers portability and high performance.
Matrix Bulldog 440: A compact, powerful option with a unique stock design.
Micro 335: A lightweight, maneuverable crossbow ideal for smaller-framed hunters.

CenterPoint Crossbows

CenterPoint crossbows offer excellent value for money, making them popular among budget-conscious hunters.

CenterPoint offers budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality:

CP400: A high-performance crossbow at a competitive price point.
Wrath 430: A compact, powerful option with excellent accuracy.
Sniper Elite Whisper 370: A quiet, accurate crossbow ideal for hunting.

Barnett Crossbows

Barnett offers a wide range of crossbows to meet your budget:

Hyper Whitetail 410: A high-speed option designed specifically for deer hunting.
Raptor Pro STR: A versatile, mid-range crossbow with excellent value for money.
Whitetail Hunter STR: An entry-level option that's perfect for beginners.

Choosing the Right Crossbow for Deer Hunting

When selecting a crossbow for whitetail deer hunting, consider the following factors:

Draw weight: Most states require a minimum draw weight for hunting. Ensure your chosen crossbow meets these requirements. Virtually every modern crossbow passes this test, but it’s best to know for sure.
Speed and sleekness: Faster crossbows offer flatter trajectories and more kinetic energy, but they are generally louder, more expensive, more volatile, and more likely to break or let you down in some situations (especially the extremely narrow axle-to-axle crossbows). The one that looks more sleek and cool may not be the right choice. Remember to ask your local archery shop which crossbows they are fixing and servicing the most before you break open your wallet.
Size and weight: Consider the terrain you'll be hunting in and how far you'll need to carry your crossbow.
Cocking mechanism: Options include manual, rope-cocking, and crank-cocking systems. Choose based on your physical abilities and preferences. Some like the speed and simplicity of the rope cocking, while others have issues pulling back crossbows, which makes the crank the right choice for them.
Scopes / Optics: A big part of the crossbow is the scope. Although you can change them out if you want to upgrade, consider getting a crossbow that has an illuminated scope for better low-light visibility. Also, make sure you can see the scope dots or marks. Some of the new scopes have several marks for different yardages which is nice. Some scopes have very fine dots to hash marks and may be difficult to see for some. It is another reason you should not buy a crossbow online that you haven’t seen, felt and looked through in person.
Accessories: Consider what accessories (scope, quiver, arrows, sling, etc.) come with the crossbow and what you'll need to purchase separately.
Budget: Crossbows range from budget-friendly options under $400 to high-end models are $2000-$3000. Determine your budget and find the best option within that range.
Durability: It's important to note that just because your buddy has a particular brand and has good luck, it doesn't mean that you will. For example, some Raven models are fairly trouble-free while others are not. A Raven is not a Raven. Each Raven model is different. Do your research!

What's Crossbow Right for You?

You need to research each crossbow make and model that you're interested in, or that meets your budget. You need to ask yourself what are the most important traits in a crossbow to you. Then make your decision based upon that. In the past, I have owned many different crossbows, including Ten Point, Killer Instinct, and Carbon Express. For example, Currently, I own a Mission Sub-1 XR, and I have a Raven R10 as a backup. The Mission Sub-1 XR is very reliable, can be cocked all day for those all-day sits, can be quietly decocked, does not require new strings nearly as frequently (4 years and mine are still good), is quieter, and has comparable accuracy, speed, and kinetic energy as the R10. The Raven R10, on the other hand, is very sleek. I like the crank system on my Raven also. Plus, it was also about $500 cheaper than my Mission Sub1-XR. If I am in a tight spot or a small windowed blind, I will take the Raven unless it's an all-day sit because the Raven website says you can't leave it cocked for more than 8 hours.

Maybe you need an entry-level Centerpoint or Barnett because budget is the biggest concern. Maybe you want Excalibur because you want something built like a tank and don't care how sleek it is. Maybe you like the sleekness, features, and popularity of the Raven models. For me, I prefer the Mission because of the reasons I stated above and more. Different strokes for different folks. Just remember, just because that 500fps crossbow is faster, it doesn't always mean better. Also, the most expensive doesn't always equal the best. Many of the top end crossbows are the biggest culprits for problems. If you do your research and get several opinions on the subject, you will have a better feel for what crossbow is right for you.

Where to Buy Your Crossbow

Although you can buy a crossbow online, we do not recommend buying one that you haven’t first held, looked through the scope, and preferably cocked and shot. We recommend buying a crossbow from an archery shop that will let you try it out and look it over, or maybe buying the same make and model crossbow as a buddy who will let you examine and shoot theirs. When you buy a crossbow online without knowing anyone who has it, you run the risk of getting a crossbow that is too hard for you to cock, or a scope that you don’t like, or perhaps it’s louder than anticipated, or the trigger pull is too hard for your liking. Don’t settle; make sure the crossbow fits you and your needs!

Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring your crossbow's longevity and performance:

String and cable care: Wax the string and cables regularly to prevent fraying and wear.
Bolt inspection: Regularly check your bolts for damage or wear, replacing them as needed.
Scope maintenance: Keep your scope clean and check for proper alignment periodically. Also, make sure you carry an extra battery for your illuminated scope.
Lubrication: Apply lubricant to moving parts, including the rail, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Storage: Store your crossbow in a cool, dry place, preferably in a case to protect it from dust and damage.

Before coming on your Ohio deer hunt with us, make sure that you have your crossbow inspected a month or two before you come. It’s your worst nightmare to show up to deer camp and your crossbow is broken or on the verge of breaking. Having it inspected a couple of months before will give the archery shop time to get replacement parts, such as limbs or strings if needed, which could take weeks. DON’T PUT IT OFF! You don’t want to have to run to the store to buy a new crossbow and try to get it sighted in the night before your hunt here in Ohio!

Conclusion

Whitetail deer hunting with crossbows offers an exciting and rewarding experience for hunters of all skill levels. By understanding the techniques, legal considerations, and equipment options available, you can maximize your chances of success in the field. Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to try something new or a beginner entering the world of hunting, crossbows provide an accessible and effective means of pursuing whitetail deer here in Ohio and elsewhere.

Remember to always prioritize safety, ethical hunting practices, and adherence to local regulations. With proper preparation, practice, and the right equipment, crossbow hunting can provide countless memorable experiences in the great outdoors. As the popularity of crossbow hunting continues to grow, manufacturers will undoubtedly continue to innovate, providing hunters with even more advanced and effective tools for pursuing whitetail deer.

Most of our deer season here in Ohio is archery. So, if you plan to use a crossbow, make sure you make the right choice based on your budget, needs, preferences, and even physical abilities. Choosing the right crossbow for your Ohio deer hunt will help ensure your success in the field. Just make sure you are very familiar with your equipment before you come. If you are interested in booking a hunt with us in Ohio, give us a call! We look forward to putting on the deer of a lifetime!

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