Thinking about getting qualified (Maine has specific requirements for a crossbow license) and hunting deer with a crossbow.

There are a couple of advantages to this:

1. Automatic "any deer" regardless of management district, no permit required.

2. Valid across archery, firearm and muzzleloader seasons.

Pretty sure I can manage the mechanics of shooting one, mostly what I'm asking for is recommendations for a beginner-level bow. Not really interested in dropping 4 figures on a first bow.

Of course, going cheap is probably not wise either. $300-ish would be nice.

Input on brands, models and prices solicited.

I would look for a crossbow combo package that included a scope and quiver. They can be had for under $400.

I recommend the combo since you will have a scope with the bullet drop reticles that are calibrated to your bow. Makes 20,30,40 yard shots easy.

As far as brands it’s really a Ford vs Chevy thing. Any modern crossbow will easily take a deer at 40 yrds

I don't have any direct experiences with them, yet anyway, but I do know a couple of people that like Barnett for a somewhat budget friendly bow. They're a bit north of $300 but can be found sub $400.

Depending on how my left should acts this year, I may need to look into something like this as well for next season and put the compound down or switch to a lower draw weight bow.

I will confess to being an old retired hunter.
Gave it up six years back.
Did hunt with guns and revolver for decades.
Did use compound bows for many years just for the challenge of close work.
migrated to a ten point setup with a crank for cocking it.cost me a grand,and I did not mind as I was always a hunter that took game quickly and no suffering of game..
Buy the best you can afford ,learn your equipment.Learn the range you can take your game.
For me it was around thirty yards ,not saying you can't hit father away but in Deer hunting the bow string will make the game move long before the bolt gets to it.
Wounding an animal just is not my way to be a good hunter.

Bought one last year. After all the research I did I decided on the Wicked Ridge M-370 but ended up walking out with a TenPoint Turbo M1 and $1300 lighter.

If you can swing getting something with the crank, do it.

I bought the crossbow when my daughter was under 17 and was able to use a rifle for 3 days in the middle of archery season. I'm going to start using it for late season archery (Dec-Jan).

I bought a Ten Point Titan bow about 4 years ago. Got it from Cabelas bargain cave. Crossbow, quiver, scope, 4 bolts, and a crank for cocking. I think it cost me about $300. What a bargain. When I got it the scope was broken. so I called up the manufacturer explained where I got it and they sent me a new scope.

I've been killing things with a Barnett Panzer recurve for about a decade. It was cheap and came with a red dot that I still use. The unfortunate animals don't have a clue how cheap it was.

I've been hunting with a crossbow for several years. Started with a used Excaliber, but a couple of years ago I picked up a Centerpoint Sniper 370, I now have a Centerpoint Patriot 415. For the cost Centerpoints are probably one of the better low cost bows and are rated pretty high on crossbow only forums. You can pick them up at Walmart, often in a kit that includes a quiver, scope and a few arrows. I believe the Sniper is under $300 and the Patriot is usually about $100 more.

I use an Excalibur crossbow. Reasons:
I can maintain and repair the bow on my own with a simple tool to unstring the bow on my own.
I can take it down for storage
I can buy extra strings and limbs if I go on a hunt and self repair in the field if necessary
It is plenty fast for whitetail or any North American game

Good luck with your choice whatever it is

Last time I was over I saw one crossbow that was actually an AR upper - I thought that was pretty cool, TBH.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: tacfoley,

I’d recommend looking at the Ten Point line. They actually have 2 levels - the Ten Point brand is their top of the line. Wicked Ridge is the lower level however still high quality. I hunt with a compound but a few years I bought a demo Ten Point for $800 due to a shoulder issue. I also bought my son a Wicked Ridge for around $400. That crossbow shot every bit as good as the ten point. We are very fortunate to live 30 minutes from the Ten Point factory and store and they will sell excellent condition demo models at a very reduced price. These include a scope, quiver and bolts. Might be worth a call to The Complete Hunters Outlet to see if they will ship although getting close to hunting season their selection may be limited. If they won’t ship I’d be glad to help you out and buy/ship to you.

Just got an answer back from my neighbor that works the bow section of Ashland Bass Pro here in VA. His suggestion is the Wicked Ridge line by Ten Point. He said dollar for dollar, you won't find a better product.