A quiet revolution is sweeping through the woods—and it’s shaped like a crossbow. Once considered a niche or even controversial weapon among traditional archers, the crossbow has steadily gained popularity across the United States. From whitetail deer hunters in Ohio to elk chasers in Colorado, more hunters are picking up crossbows—and state regulations are changing to keep up.
But is the rise of crossbow hunting a good thing? Like most things in the hunting world, it depends on who you ask.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of crossbow hunting, with a clear, practical lens that’ll help you decide if a crossbow belongs in your arsenal—or if it’s best left to others in the field.
