Everything you need to know about crossbow hunting

Crossbow hunting is an outdoor activity that is attracting more and more hunters, whether beginners or professionals. These are powerful hunting weapons combining the hobby of archery with the power and accuracy of shooting weapons. It allows for hunting different types of game, from small to large, while respecting nature and legislation.

But how do you choose your hunting crossbow? What criteria should you consider? What models are available on the market? Here's our advice to help you learn everything about crossbow hunting.

Which crossbow for hunting?

Choosing your hunting crossbow depends on several factors, such as the hunter's level, the type of game targeted, the available budget, the shooter's specifics (left-handed or right-handed), the brand (Browning, barnett, EK Archery), etc. It's necessary to compare the technical characteristics of different models, such as weight, size, power, speed, cocking system, trigger, scope, quiver, case, etc.

In this case, it is advisable to ask a professional gunsmith to find the perfect crossbow according to each individual's needs.

Which crossbow to choose for beginners?

For those who want to get started with hunting practice using a crossbow, it's advisable to choose a lightweight crossbow that's easy to draw and handle, with sufficient power to practice your hunts for small game, such as rabbits, hares, or foxes.

Here are three examples of crossbows suitable for beginners. You can find them on the Hattila online store, one of the best online gun shops, specializing in shooting weapons and hunting equipment:

The Hori-Zone RedBack RTS 50-80 lbs pistol crossbow in green-black is a high-performance mini crossbow capable of reaching 215-235 fps. It's robust, with an effective safety mechanism and a dry-fire prevention function. The crossbow comes with a sight and 3 plastic arrows, ideal for leisure shooting or introduction to hunting with accurate shots at 15-20 meters.

The EK Archery Cobra RX Adder 130 lbs 270 FPS automatic crossbow is a semi-automatic crossbow that can fire five arrows without reloading after each shot, thanks to its lever cocking system. With an impressive design and numerous accessories, it is considered the perfect crossbow for recreational shooting.

The EK Archery Jaguar 1 175 lbs 220 FPS crossbow, a sturdy and reliable crossbow, equipped with a fiberglass bow, an aluminum body, and an adjustable sight. It comes with a quiver, 2 red 16-inch (9 mm) aluminum arrows, and a tube of string lubricant. It's a versatile crossbow ideal for novice hunters in their target shooting practice as well as small game hunting.

Which crossbow for a professional hunter?

For professional-level shooters aiming for large game, such as wild boars, deer, or roe deer, it's best to choose a more powerful, faster, and more accurate crossbow, with an adjustable trigger system, a high-performance scope, and a protective case.

Here are three examples of crossbows suitable for professional hunters, which you can also find on the website of your online archery shop Hattila:

• The Barnett Predator 187 pounds is a compact and silent crossbow, equipped with an easy-to-draw compound bow and a scope. It comes with seven layers of multi-coated polarizing lenses, three 20-inch arrows as ammunition, a quick-detach side-mount quiver, a sling, a rope cocking device, and lubricating wax.
• The EK Archery Accelerator 410 185 lbs 410 FPS compound crossbow, a high-performance hunting weapon that reaches a shooting speed of 410 fps (about 125 m/s). It features a compound bow, a 4x32 scope, a 6-arrow quiver, three 20-inch carbon arrows, a cocking device, and a sling. It's an effective crossbow that ensures precision shots with great stability and range.
• The Barnett HyperFlite 285 lbs 420 FPS compound crossbow offers ultra-fast shooting at 420 fps with HyperFlite arrows. Compact and customizable, it ensures high comfort and accuracy. It's equipped with a 1.5-5 x 32 mm scope and an 8-pound crank cocking device. It's hunting equipment ready to use right out of the box.

Regardless of the crossbow model chosen by the hunter, weapon maintenance should never be neglected to ensure its performance, safety of use, and longevity. For this, it is advisable to use an appropriate cleaning kit and follow safety rules.

2020 legislation on crossbow hunting in France

In France, all weapons are classified into different categories according to their dangerousness. For example, there are those of:

• Category D;
• Category C;
• Category B;
• Category A (the most regulated).
• see the legislation on crossbows

Unlike bowhunting, crossbow hunting is completely prohibited in France, as in other European countries such as Germany. This shooting weapon is classified in category 6 (or D-2), which can only be purchased, owned, or transported by adults for legitimate reasons. In case of carrying or transporting a ready-to-use crossbow without legal justification, the individual faces a sentence of up to 2 years imprisonment, along with a maximum fine of 30,000 euros.

Are you a beginner or professional archer or crossbow shooter? If you want to get started or improve your shooting skills, don't hesitate to visit Hattila, your online gun shop. We offer a wide range of crossbows, hunting bows, arrows, scopes, quivers, cases, cleaning kits, and other quality accessories, suitable for all levels and budgets.

Crossbow hunting in France

Crossbow hunting, although an ancient practice, is subject to strict regulations due to its power and potential danger.

Since it is classified as a category D-2 bladed weapon, the crossbow is considered a weapon, but not a firearm. Anyone over 18 years old can buy, own, and store a crossbow. However, its use for hunting is strictly prohibited. Crossbows can only be used for target shooting on inert targets in private gardens or shooting ranges.

If you want to hunt (for example, wild boar), you need to go to a country such as most North American states. But before thinking about hunting equipment, you must first obtain the right to hunt with bows and/or crossbows (certificate or hunting license).

It's important to emphasize that even though the sale of crossbows in France is free for adults, hunting with a crossbow remains prohibited. It is therefore essential to check the current legislation in your country before practicing crossbow hunting.