Author: Crossbow Magazine Staff

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…

When it comes to accuracy and confidence in the field, the best crossbow scopes can completely transform your setup. Today’s crossbows are fast, powerful, and capable of ethical shots beyond 40 yards—but only if the glass on top can keep up. Whether you’re upgrading from a basic bundled optic or dialing in a purpose-built rig for deer, hogs, or turkeys, your scope is where precision really starts. In this guide, I break down the best crossbow scopes for real-world hunting scenarios: built-in rangefinding for quick shots under pressure, low-light performers for dawn and dusk, rugged workhorses that can take…

When it comes to premium optics for the field, few brands earn as much trust as Vortex binoculars. Whether you’re glassing for game, scanning distant ridgelines, or birdwatching in low light, Vortex offers a comprehensive lineup that blends cutting-edge optical performance with rugged durability. From budget-friendly models like the Vanquish and Crossfire to professional-grade options like the Viper HD and Razor UHD, Vortex has binoculars tailored to your specific outdoor needs. In this complete guide, we’ll break down the best Vortex binoculars by use case, explain what features matter most—from magnification to weatherproofing—and help you make an informed choice that…

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…

Michigan has nearly 10 million acres of public hunting land. The state website, Michigan.gov, has an interactive map you can use to plan your next hunting trip. You can camp for up to two weeks within public hunting grounds. But there are limitations. You need a hunting license, a good crossbow, or a hunting rifle. It also helps to join a hunting group. You can learn a lot about hunting in MI with the help of a guided tour. Before you pack your gear, read this Michigan guide about the best casinos in the state. Casino gaming can be fun…

Guest Editorial Written by: Larry Becker – Board Member, NY Crossbow Coalition New York Crossbow Coalition and the Legislative Session ending – June 2024 This is an update of where we are in New York State, in achieving full inclusion of the crossbow as an implement in the entire early archery season.  We have battled both politics and misinformation on a regular basis. Many of us have been involved in fighting for full inclusion of crossbow as an implement during early bowhunting seasons for a few decades. Most of us are long time bowhunters who for medical reasons can no…

The crossbow, a unique invention that has stood the test of time, has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a deadly instrument of war to a thrilling piece of sporting equipment. Its journey through history is a fascinating tale that combines the ingenuity of human innovation with the ever-evolving course of cultural evolution. While its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it played an important role in battles that shaped the course of history, the crossbow has since found a new purpose in sports and games. The History of Crossbows The crossbow’s origins are not completely known,…

A paper from the University of Arkansas is discussing the importance of hobbies on people from the viewpoint of well-being. And one thing that caught our attention was that hobbies can be viewed as a way to build your self-esteem and confidence. For many years, we used to think of hobbies as some activities for free time or for those moments when we had nothing else to do. Turn out, a simple hobby can become a trigger for better confidence in the same way as those motivational books and YouTube videos you may watch every day. There is a significant…