Crossbow Safety: Cocking, Decocking and Keeping Your Fingers

Crossbows are easy to shoot accurately, and that ease can make new owners forget how much energy they hold. Most crossbow injuries come from a few avoidable mistakes. Learn these rules before your first range session.

Keep your fingers below the rail

The string travels across the top of the rail with enormous force. Any thumb or finger that rises above the rail, even for an instant, is in its path. Most modern crossbows have finger guards or flanges on the foregrip, but the habit matters more than the hardware: keep your support hand behind or below the guard every time you shoulder the crossbow.

Use the right cocking method

• Use the rope cocking aid or crank built for your model. They pull the string back evenly so it sits centered in the trigger latch, which helps accuracy and string life.
• Keep your foot fully in the stirrup and the crossbow pointed at the ground away from you.
• Make sure the safety engages once the string is latched.

Never dry-fire

Firing without a bolt sends all of the stored energy into the limbs, cams and string. It can shatter parts and send pieces flying. Most crossbows have an anti-dry-fire mechanism, but don't rely on it. Use only bolts and nocks the manufacturer approves; the wrong nock can fail to hold the string and cause a dry fire.

Load only when you're ready to shoot

Treat a loaded crossbow like a loaded firearm. Load the bolt once you're settled in your stand or blind, keep the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger until you're on target. Never climb into or out of a tree stand with a cocked crossbow. Use a haul line on an unloaded, uncocked crossbow.

Decocking

At the end of the hunt, you need to release the string safely. Depending on the model, that means a crank that lets the string down under control, a built-in decocking system, or firing a dedicated discharge bolt into the ground or a target. Follow the method in your owner's manual. Never try to let the string down by hand.

Care that prevents accidents

• Wax the string and lube the rail as your manual describes.
• Inspect strings, cables and limbs before each outing.
• Keep a bolt in the quiver, not loose in a pack, and keep broadhead covers on.

Know the rules

Crossbow seasons, minimum draw weights and transport rules vary by state. Check your state wildlife agency's current regulations, and consider a bowhunter education course if your state offers one.

Shopping for a crossbow or spare bolts? See today's prices on our Daily Deals page.