Top 13 Best Hunting Crossbow 2023

Best Overall: PSE ARCHERY Coalition Crossbow Package

The PSE ARCHERY Coalition Crossbow Package offers a compelling package for hunters seeking power, precision, and reliability. With a top speed of 380 fps and a power stroke of 14.5 inches, this crossbow is designed to deliver impressive kinetic energy, making it a formidable choice for hunters.

One standout feature of this crossbow is the inclusion of a 4X32 illuminated scope, providing hunters with enhanced accuracy, even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the string stops help dampen sound and vibration, ensuring a stealthy approach while hunting.

Safety is paramount, and the PSE Coalition doesn't disappoint in this regard. The anti-dry fire and auto safety trigger mechanisms provide peace of mind, making it a trustworthy companion in the field.

What sets the Coalition apart is its ergonomic design, featuring an adjustable stock and a pass-through foregrip. This ensures comfort and ease of use, even during long hunting sessions.

The package is comprehensive, including essential accessories such as a 4-bolt quiver, 3-20 carbon bolts with field points, a foot stirrup, limb dampeners, a cocking rope, and rail lube. This means you'll have everything you need to get started right away.

In conclusion, the PSE ARCHERY Coalition Crossbow Package is a high-performance hunting bow that combines speed, accuracy, and safety. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a newcomer to the sport, this crossbow package offers a solid foundation for successful hunting adventures. With its feature-rich design and comprehensive accessory package, it's a valuable addition to any hunter's arsenal.

Best Budget: Barnett Wildcat Camo Recurve Crossbow Hunting Package

The BARNETT Wildcat Camo Recurve Crossbow Hunting Package is a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced hunters looking for a reliable and user-friendly crossbow.

This recurve crossbow is designed with simplicity and effectiveness in mind. Its full camo wrap not only provides a stealthy appearance but also enhances durability. With a shooting speed of 260 feet per second, it offers enough power for various hunting scenarios.

One of its standout features is the user-friendly design, making it an excellent choice for first-time crossbow users. Its lightweight and sturdy construction ensure easy maneuverability, which is crucial in the field. Additionally, the package includes a quiver and two aluminum arrows, allowing beginners to start practicing right away.

Safety is a top priority with the Barnett Wildcat. It boasts features like the Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, and Finger Safety Reminders, providing peace of mind while handling the crossbow.

The ready-to-hunt package is a significant advantage, as it includes a 4x32mm Multi-Reticle Scope for improved accuracy, a lightweight side-mount quiver for convenient arrow storage, two 20" aluminum arrows, and lubrication wax. The crossbow also ships mostly assembled, simplifying the setup process.

Lastly, Barnett, with its legacy dating back to 1962, is a trusted name in the world of crossbows, and this Wildcat model lives up to the brand's reputation for quality and reliability.

In summary, the Barnett Wildcat Camo Recurve Crossbow Hunting Package is an excellent choice for those seeking a dependable and user-friendly crossbow for hunting. Its combination of ease of use, safety features, and included accessories make it a compelling option for both beginners and seasoned hunters alike.

Best Value: BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow

The BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow is a high-performance compound crossbow that excels in both power and convenience, making it an excellent choice for hunters seeking a top-tier hunting experience.

This crossbow, in RealTree Extra camo, boasts impressive performance with a shooting speed of 350 feet per second. Its lightweight and ultra-compact design, with an axle-to-axle length of 16.125 inches and a total weight of just 6.4 pounds, create a maneuverable and easily controllable profile. This feature ensures that hunters of all skill levels and sizes can comfortably manage the crossbow in various hunting scenarios.

Safety is a paramount concern, and the Whitetail Hunter II delivers in this aspect with several key features. These include the Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, and the TriggerTech 3lb zero creep Frictionless Release Technology. These safety mechanisms provide peace of mind when handling the crossbow.

The ready-to-hunt package includes two Headhunter 20" Arrows, a Multi-Reticle Scope 4X32mm for enhanced accuracy, a Rope Cocking Device for easier cocking, a lightweight side-mount quiver for convenient arrow storage, and lubrication wax. Additionally, the crossbow ships mostly assembled, simplifying the setup process for hunters.

As a testament to its reliability, Barnett has been a trusted name in the crossbow industry since 1962. The Whitetail Hunter II continues the brand's legacy of producing high-quality crossbows.

In conclusion, the BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow is a top-tier choice for hunters seeking a high-performance, compact, and safe crossbow. Its combination of power, convenience, safety features, and included accessories makes it an outstanding option for hunters of all levels of experience.

Editor's Choise: BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow

The BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow is a compact and powerful compound crossbow that offers hunters an exceptional combination of performance, ease of use, and safety. This crossbow is a standout choice for those seeking a high-performance hunting experience.

With a shooting speed of 375 feet per second, the Whitetail Hunter STR delivers impressive power while remaining lightweight and manageable. Its innovative Step-Through Riser (STR) technology reduces the length of the crossbow, making it easier to handle. With an overall weight of just 6.6 pounds, it maintains a profile that hunters of all skill levels and sizes can comfortably manage.

Safety is a top priority, and this crossbow incorporates multiple features to ensure the user's protection. These features include the Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System, Finger Safety reminders, and the TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology. These mechanisms work together to provide a safe and worry-free hunting experience.

The package includes essential accessories such as a 4.32mm Multi-Reticle Scope for improved accuracy, two 22" Headhunter Arrows, a lightweight quiver for convenient arrow storage, a rope cocking device for easier cocking, and lubrication wax. Additionally, the crossbow ships mostly assembled, simplifying the setup process for hunters.

With a legacy dating back to 1962, Barnett is a name synonymous with trust in the crossbow industry, and the Whitetail Hunter STR continues this tradition of quality and reliability.

In summary, the BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow is a top-tier choice for hunters looking for a compact, high-performance crossbow with advanced safety features. Its combination of power, ease of use, safety mechanisms, and included accessories make it a compelling option for hunters of all experience levels.

1. Determine Your Hunting Technique
The first step in selecting the ideal crossbow is determining your hunting style. Are you an expert in ground blind hunting, tree stand hunting, or stalk-and-shoot hunting? Different types of hunting require distinct crossbow characteristics.

2. Consider Draw Weight and Velocity
Power and velocity of a crossbow are determined by its draw weight. We will explain the significance of draw weight and speed and assist you in finding the optimal balance for your particular requirements.

3. Distance between axles and maneuverability
The axle-to-axle length influences the maneuverability of your crossbow in confined spaces. Discover how this variable affects your hunting experience.

4. Discomfort and Vibration
During a hunt, it is vital to minimize commotion and vibration to maintain stealth. We will discuss technologies and characteristics that serve to mitigate these disturbances.

5. Optical Instruments and Sights
A crossbow's optics and sights can make or break your aim. Explore the available options and select the one that best suits your shooting approach.

6. Security Measures
Safety should always take precedence. We will discuss the essential safety features to look for in a crossbow designed for hunting.

7. Cocking Devices
In the field, efficient cocking mechanisms can save time and effort. We will examine the various options and their benefits.

8. Longevity and Construction Quality
Investing in a durable crossbow ensures it will withstand the rigors of hunting season after season. Learn how to evaluate the construction quality of potential alternatives.

9. Financial Considerations
Price ranges for hunting crossbows are vast. We'll assist you in finding the highest-quality crossbow within your budget.

In my jurisdiction, may I use a crossbow for hunting?

State hunting regulations for crossbows differ. Always verify with your local wildlife agency to ensure that you are in compliance with hunting regulations.

What is the optimal crossbow hunting distance?

Depending on your skill level and the crossbow's specifications, the majority of crossbows are accurate out to 40 to 50 yards.

How often should I lubricate the rail and string of my crossbow?

Regular upkeep is a necessity. Lubricate the rail and string of your crossbow after every 10 rounds, or at least once per month during hunting season.

Are there any season-specific restrictions on crossbow hunting?

There may be restrictions on crossbow hunting during archery seasons in certain jurisdictions. Check the local regulations to ensure compliance.

Can a crossbow be used to capture larger game?

Yes, numerous hunters use crossbows to pursue deer and elk. It is essential, however, to select a crossbow with sufficient power for your intended objective.

Finding the best hunting crossbow is a journey that requires careful consideration of your needs and preferences. Armed with this knowledge, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your hunting experience and increase your chances of a successful hunt.

Now that you're equipped with the information you need, it's time to embark on your hunting adventure. Remember to hunt responsibly and ethically, respecting both the game and the environment.