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The crossbows in this comparison range from 5.4 to 7.5 pounds with and average of 6.5 pounds. Will they be hunting solo and packing all their gear? Will they have to help an adult pack in and out all the gear to a new spot? How long is their average hike in? Depending on your hunting style, weight may or may not be a big factor to consider. You may think a weight difference of 2 pounds would not matter much, but to youth hunters it can be a big deal. Rope Cocking Device Crank Style Mechanism Youth Crossbow Weight
Most crank devices also make noise when engaging that would be avoided with rope cocking devices. Crank style cocking devices can reduce the effort required allowing even the smallest of hunters to cock a crossbow, but not all crossbows have an option for crank devices. These can still prove challenging for some youth hunting on their own. Nearly all youth crossbows are compatible with rope cocking devices, and they reduce the draw effort by half.
Next, in this area would be assistive devices to allow kids the most independence in their hunt such as rope cocking devices and crank style devices. You need think about the draw weight the hunter can safely handle on their own or if the hunter will be accompanied by an assisting adult. One of the first considerations to think about is cocking effort and or draw weight.
Follow manufacturer recommendations for de-cocking. Make sure the bolt is loaded correctly- if not, the result could be similar to a dry fire. Never “dry fire” a crossbow – It will suffer catastrophic damage. Keep hands and fingers away from the string, cables, and arrow/flight track – fingers can and have been amputated by crossbows. Always keep pointed in a safe direction. Inspect equipment prior to use, including limbs, strings, cables, and bolts for damage- don’t use damaged equipment. Other Youth Crossbow Safety tips to remember: It is always good to create realistic shooting scenarios like shooting from elevated tree stands or tight quarters like ground blinds and practice them before heading out. Practicing at home to get familiar with the equipment is important before taking it to the field. Even with these great features, crossbows still store lots of energy and have the potential to cause injuries. They all come with anti-dryfiring mechanisms, “safety wings”, and most have pass through fore grips. Luckily manufacturers have incorporated many safety features into todays crossbows. Teaching the proper safety techniques from a young age will ensure a lifetime of responsible and safe hunting. Safety should be number one, especially when young hunters are involved. Let’s dive in with considerations to keep in mind when selecting a crossbow for youth hunting. Many states now allow crossbow hunting throughout archery season. Anyone unable to meet the demands of a compound bow could increase the length of hunting season by utilizing a crossbow. This is when a kid crossbow can come in handy to get youth in the woods early. Archery deer season generally open first, even before youth gun seasons. The following crossbows have adjustability for various age, size, and gender hunters.Ĭrossbows are a great way to increase hunting opportunities during archery season. The bows covered are packed with features and made for maneuverability in the field. This article will go through all the information you need to know before sealing the deal on a new lightweight compact crossbow. If you are looking for a new compact crossbow for a youth hunter, a female hunter, or possibly for yourself in ground blinds or stalking, read on.