Best Cheap Crossbow for Deer Hunting (2023)
Deer hunting is a popular pastime that not only offers an opportunity to connect with nature but also helps in wildlife management and conservation. A crossbow is a versatile and powerful weapon for deer hunting, offering a unique blend of precision and power. Investing in a cheap yet effective crossbow is possible without compromising on performance or quality.
For those new to the world of crossbows or on a budget, the search for the perfect affordable crossbow may be daunting. However, technology has improved in recent years, and numerous reliable crossbows offer excellent value and performance.
To help with your decision, we have researched and evaluated numerous affordable crossbows to help you find the best option for your deer hunting adventures.
Best Budget Crossbows for Deer Hunting
Discover our top picks for the best affordable crossbows for deer hunting. These reliable and high-performance options won’t break your bank, allowing you to focus on honing your skills and bagging that prize deer.
BARNETT Blackcat Recurve Crossbow
The BARNETT Blackcat Recurve Crossbow is a beginner-friendly and affordable option for deer hunting.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly design
- Stealthy Black Strike Camo
- 260 feet per second speed
Cons
- Comes with wrong arrow size
- No cocking device included
- Might be challenging to pull back
The BARNETT Blackcat Recurve Crossbow is a great entry-level crossbow for those new to deer hunting. It features a simple and easy-to-use design that is perfect for beginners. The Blackcat is wrapped in Black Strike Camo, making it visually stealthy as you hunt. With a shooting speed of 260 feet per second, this crossbow is both quiet and quick, ensuring you won’t scare off your prey.
Safety is a priority with the BARNETT Blackcat, featuring finger safety reminders and an anti-dry fire trigger system. It also has a Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, ensuring your arrows are securely in place before shooting. The crossbow’s dimensions have an axle-to-axle width of 22 inches, making it lightweight and easy to carry and handle in the field.
The main downside is that the hunting package comes with the wrong size arrows – two 18.5-inch aluminum arrows instead of 20-inch arrows as described. Additionally, a cocking device is not included, which may make it challenging for some users to pull back the bow.
Despite these cons, the BARNETT Blackcat Recurve Crossbow is an ideal choice for beginners looking for an affordable and effective option for deer hunting.
Killer Instinct Boss 405 Crossbow Pro Package
A great budget crossbow for deer hunting that’s powerful, accurate, and adjustable to fit various users.
Pros
- Powerful with a 405 feet per second speed
- Adjustable 6-position buttstock for various users
- Quiet and stealthy operation with built-in Dead Silent Kit
Cons
- Assembly instructions can be difficult to interpret
- A bit on the heavier side at 6.7 lbs
- Loose, adjustable stock
The Killer Instinct Boss 405 Crossbow Pro Package provides an excellent balance of power, accuracy, and adjustability for budget-conscious deer hunters. With a firing speed of 405 feet per second and generating up to 134 foot-pounds of kinetic energy, this crossbow can take down deer efficiently while maintaining a stealthy presence due to the integrated Dead Silent Kit.
With a 6-position adjustable buttstock, the Boss 405 can accommodate a wide range of users, making it versatile for different hunting scenarios. The Micro-Lite aluminum barrel is built for accuracy and durability, even under extensive use in the field.
Although the assembly instructions can be challenging to decipher, with some time and patience, you should be able to put the crossbow together in about 30 minutes. Also, note that the adjustable stock can be a bit loose, so take extra precautions to ensure it’s properly secured to avoid any issues while hunting.
The Boss 405 comes with a Pro Package that includes a 4×32 IR-W Scope, Rope Cocker, String Suppressors, 3-Bolt Quiver, 3 HYPR Lite Bolts and Field Tips, and a Stick of Rail Lube, giving you everything you need to start your deer hunting journey.
Overall, the Killer Instinct Boss 405 Crossbow Pro Package offers solid performance at an affordable price point, making it an ideal option for budget-minded deer hunters.
BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow
The BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow offers an affordable option for deer hunting with solid performance.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Step-Through Riser technology
- Integrated safety features
Cons
- Scope quality could be better
- Poor assembly instructions
- Some might find screws to be of lower quality
As a budget-friendly option, the BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow doesn’t disappoint. With a lightweight and compact design weighing only 6.6 lbs, you can easily manage this crossbow during long hunting sessions. The Step-Through Riser (STR) technology helps reduce the crossbow’s overall length while also improving its efficiency.
Safety is crucial during hunting trips, and the Whitetail Hunter STR comes equipped with several features such as Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, Anti-Dry Fire Trigger System, and Finger Safety reminders. Additionally, the TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology provides a smooth shooting experience.
However, some users reported that the scope that comes with the crossbow is of lesser quality, making it harder to zero-in during hunts accurately. Furthermore, the assembly instructions provided are not very clear, and it’s recommended to search for a tutorial video to help with the assembly process. Some buyers also mentioned that the screws holding the crossbow together could be improved, feeling somewhat cheap and easy to strip.
Buying Guide
When it comes to selecting the best cheap crossbow for deer hunting, there are a few key factors you should consider. In this guide, we’ll take a look at these factors to help you make an informed decision on your purchase.
Draw Weight
The draw weight is an essential component of a crossbow. It determines how much force you’ll need to cock the bow, and directly impacts the speed and power of the bolt. You should look for a crossbow with a draw weight between 150 and 175 pounds for effective deer hunting.
Speed
Bolt speed is another crucial factor in the performance of a crossbow. Faster speeds often lead to flatter trajectories, which can result in increased accuracy. Aim for a crossbow that can shoot bolts at least 300 feet per second (fps) to ensure successful hunts.
Size and Weight
Comfort and portability are important when hunting for extended periods of time. Select a crossbow that is lightweight, well-balanced, and easy to maneuver during your hunting sessions. Smaller crossbows are generally more manageable, but remember to factor in draw weight and speed as well.
Noise and Vibration
Quietness is essential when it comes to hunting deer. Too much noise or vibration can alert your prey and ruin your chances of success. Consider crossbows with limb dampeners, string silencers, and other noise-reducing technologies.
Adjustability and Customization
A crossbow that can be adjusted to fit your shooting style and preferences is substantially beneficial. Look for features like adjustable stocks, scope mounting options, and foregrip placements, as these can vastly improve your hunting experience.
Remember to prioritize the above factors according to personal preferences and needs, but always pay attention to the quality and durability of your chosen crossbow.
