Author: Crossbow Magazine Staff

Crossbow hunting laws are rapidly evolving with many states modernizing to increase hunter access while maintaining safety. Yet some states remain restrictive or outright prohibit hunting with crossbows. If you’re planning a hunt in 2025, always check your state wildlife agency for current regulations in your area. Here’s a refined and updated guide to U.S. crossbow hunting laws by state, as of June 2025, using information from Barnett, TenPoint, and other sources, including various State Departments of Wildlife conservation. Each state is summarized in a short bullet list with a follow‑up paragraph. Click each State for a Link to their…

2025 Crossbow Tech Preview: What’s Coming and What Matters When it comes to crossbows, innovation doesn’t sleep. Every year, manufacturers push the limits of speed, silence, and shooter-friendly features. And if the early reveals and whispers around the 2025 lineup are any indication, we’re on the brink of another gear revolution. But let’s cut through the marketing smoke. You don’t need gimmicks; you need gear that works in the field, under pressure, with cold fingers and adrenaline pumping. Here’s your no-BS guide to the crossbow tech hitting shelves in 2025—what to watch for, what actually matters, and what might be…

Regarding crossbow hunting, having the right accessories can make all the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity. We asked 34 outdoor writers to name their favorite/most important accessories, here’s a list of the top 8 crossbow accessories named that can enhance your hunting experience and when it matters most. High-Quality Crossbow Scope A reliable crossbow scope is paramount for accurate shooting. The Garmin Xero X1i Crossbow Scope stands out with its auto-ranging digital capabilities, providing precise distance measurements and aiming points. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Vortex Crossfire II offers clear optics and durability.…

When it comes to creating a food plot for deer or prepping land for other property management needs, a reliable pull-behind tiller can make all the difference. These machines attach to your ATV, UTV, lawn tractor, or even a compact utility vehicle to break up the soil, mix in fertilizer or seed, and give you a clean bed for planting. Whether you’re a hardcore deer hunter working deep into the woods or a homeowner maintaining large lawns and gardens, choosing the right pull-behind tiller can save you hours of manual labor and deliver better results. Below, we’ve rounded up the…

The crisp mountain air carried the scent of pine and the distant call of a bull moose. Deep in the backcountry, in some of Colorado’s most unforgiving terrain, Vince Rafferty was closing in on the hunt of a lifetime—one that would not only test his limits but, unbeknownst to him, would etch his name into the record books. For decades, Vince had pursued big game with a compound bow, a dedicated athlete in both the hunting world and beyond. But years of pushing his body to the extreme—as a firefighter, powerlifter, and as a former professional athlete—had taken a toll. A torn bicep…

Best Crossbow Scopes for 2025 Precision, Accuracy, Weight, Situation, Budget, and more Best Crossbow Scopes for Precision, Accuracy, Weight, Situation, Budget, and more. When you’re on the hunt, your crossbow is only as good as the glass you mount on top of it. I’ve chased game with enough rigs to know: the right scope makes all the difference. Whether you’re looking for extra reach, better clarity, or a featherweight optic that won’t bog you down in thick timber, you need gear that works just as hard as you do. Most crossbows come bundled with an optic—and while that…

Choosing the perfect pair of binoculars can elevate your outdoor experience, whether you’re a hunter, birdwatcher, or nature enthusiast. With a trusted name like Vortex Optics, you’re assured of high-quality, durable binoculars designed to meet specific viewing needs. From long-range precision to compact models ideal for travel, Vortex binoculars offer a range of options that cater to various activities and environments. This guide will walk you through essential features, from magnification and lens quality to durability and weight, helping you find the ideal Vortex binoculars to suit your adventures and enhance every sighting. Vortex Bantam – The Vortex Bantam family…

Hunting isn’t just about the harvest—it’s about the stories, the lessons learned, and the unforgettable moments. For seasoned hunter Jace Cowell, a late-season black bear hunt turned into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What started as a routine day in the woods ended with the harvest of a massive Boone and Crockett bear, measuring over seven feet tall and weighing 500 pounds. In this personal account, Jace shares the thrill of the hunt, the Boone and Crockett scoring process, and the rich appreciation he gained for the anatomy and resilience of black bears. Whether you’re a hunter or an outdoor enthusiast, this…

Every seasoned hunter knows that the right tools can make or break a successful hunt. Among these tools, the deer hunting knife stands out as one of the most crucial. It’s not just a blade; it’s an extension of your skills and a key to ensuring a clean, efficient, and respectful process when handling your game. The Importance of a Quality Deer Hunting Knife When you’re deep in the woods and the thrill of the hunt has reached its peak, you need a knife that won’t let you down. The best deer hunting knife is more than a mere cutting…

Technology impacts almost every aspect of our daily lives. From heating our homes and buying groceries to how we manage our finances, health, and more. It’s nearly impossible to avoid tech’s reach, and although it can be viewed as intrusive in some situations, there’s no doubt that tech is making life safer. You can pay bills on your smartphone from anywhere in the country, communicate with loved ones overseas through video chat, and even watch sports at the best online betting sites. Hunting is one area tech has improved beyond measure, creating more precise shooting, safer trips, location sharing, and…