There are advantages to both crossbows and compound bows. The question is which one will work better for you. In this article we will go over both types to try to help you decide with your purchase.

Crossbow

A modern crossbow is a fast deadly choice for hunting deer if you are looking for speed and distance. If you are comfortable with a shotgun or riffle in your hands then you should catch on with shooting it fairly quickly. Crossbows make a good choice for hunting from tree stands, ground in cover or ground blinds while hunting deer.

Crossbows have some accessory options that are not widely available on compound bows. One being scopes. Many new bows come with Red Dot scopes already mounted, if not you usually have the option of upgrading if you do not like the fiber optic sights. The arrows or bolts are easier to carry and store due to being shorter. Being shorter also has the advantage of weighing less and not flexing as much.

Distance really is not an issue with this type of bow. If you can hit it with a shotgun then you should be able to hit it with a crossbow.

To be ready for your shot the crossbow must be prepared before you begin your hunt. This is one of the major cons of crossbows. You must hold your foot on the front end of the bow and pull the string back by hand. With crossbows having 150 or more pounds of pressure this can be a hard job. Climbing into a tree stand with a loaded crossbow is dangerous. If you miss with your first shot the deer will probably see you trying to reload.

So over all a crossbow is good for long shots, hunting in blinds or heavy cover and restricted places with lots of heavy cover. It takes longer to prepare and you probably will only have one shot.

Compound Bow

Compound bows are the more traditional choice for most hunters. This takes more skill and hunting deer with a compound is much more up close and personal. This bow will take more practice and patients. Compound bows make a good choice if you like a challenge on your hunts from a tree stand or ground with topless ground blind. You will need room to position yourself and draw your bow back. This makes it hard hunting from a regular ground blind or ground in heavy cover.

You will find a lot of different accessory choices for compound bows from arrow rest to fiber optic sights. The objective is to make your bow as quiet and deadly as possible. The arrow quiver is mounted on one side of the compound bow so your arrows can get caught on tree limbs walking through thick woods.

Your shot distance is going to be 40 yards max with a compound bow and that is if you are lucky. Most compound bow hunters make shots between 15 and 30 yards. You will be very up close and personal with deer using this type of bow. There is a better chance of deer hearing, smelling or seeing you.

Since compound bows are pull and shoot this makes reloading it much quicker and quieter giving you a chance at a second shot at times if needed. It also makes a much safer weapon to reload in a tree stand.

So over all a compound bow is for a challenged hunt that takes skills hunting from a tree stand. If you do not mind the practice time and you like a good up close hunt the compound bow might be for you.

I personally use a compound bow because that is what I was raised on shooting. I also like the challenge and just plain like to shoot it.

I hope this helps you make up your mind.

Vincent F. is a fan of the outdoors. He also writes about outdoor games like Giant Jenga life size Jenga.