A Closer Look at Crossbow Hunters in the U.S.

Crossbow hunting is growing in popularity across the United States. But who exactly are these hunters, and how often do they hunt? You might think they are mostly first-time hunters, kids, or women, but the latest research from Responsive Management and the Archery Trade Association (ATA) reveals a different trend. According to the data, the majority of crossbow hunters are actually older males with plenty of hunting experience under their belt. In fact, many didn’t start using crossbows until later in life, after years of hunting, mostly with firearms. Typically, they didn’t even use a crossbow until their mid-40s, about 30 years after their first hunt.

STUDY OVERVIEW

Funded by a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service grant, the study used a scientific probability-based survey to understand crossbow hunters’ characteristics and attitudes. Researchers contacted licensed hunters who had bowhunted within the past five years, using phone, text, and email surveys. They collected over 10,000 completed surveys from 13 states (Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Wisconsin). Among those surveys, 5,398 reported using a crossbow.

The survey’s scope was extensive, covering participation in outdoor recreation, hunting with crossbows and vertical bows, hunting preferences, state-specific crossbow regulations and seasons, hunter recruitment and initiation, equipment ownership and purchasing behavior, as well as demographic characteristics.

The results of the study were unveiled at the 2026 ATA Trade Show in Indianapolis. You can view the press release and access the full report at archerytrade.org.

THE FINDINGS

Most Crossbow Hunters Hunt Often and Are Proficient with Firearms

During the 2024-2025 hunting season, 78% actively hunted with a crossbow. Many of those who hunted with a crossbow also hunted with other weapons: 85% used firearms and 22% used vertical bows. When it comes to skill level, about half of crossbow hunters described themselves as intermediate with a crossbow, while nearly three-quarters (73%) said they are even more skilled with a firearm.

Crossbow Hunters Typically Start Hunting Young and Switch to Crossbows Later in Life

Most bowhunters (both vertical bow and crossbow users) started hunting with firearms before switching to bows. Over 80% of crossbow hunters began with a gun, whereas just 15% started with a bow. Many tried vertical bows first before moving to crossbows, often because of what was available, traditional bowhunting instruction, and hunting laws.

Crossbow hunting tends to come later in life. There is about a 30-year gap between a hunter’s very first hunt and their first crossbow hunt. On average, hunters start hunting around age 12, but the typical age for starting with a crossbow is 45.

Crossbow Hunters Hunt More Consistently than Vertical Bowhunters

Almost half of crossbow hunters (44%) hunted with a crossbow every year over the past five years. That’s significantly more consistent than the 25% of all bowhunters who hunted every year over the same period. Crossbow hunters also showed strong consistency with firearms.

Crossbow Hunting Increasing Among Nontraditional Groups

Trends indicate an overall increase in crossbow hunting activity. About 34% of crossbow hunters reported their participation increased, ~19% said it decreased, and ~46% said it remained about the same.

Notably, Asian, Native American and Indigenous, Black/African American hunters, and women were more likely to report increased participation.

Why Some Hunters Prefer Crossbows and Why Others Don’t

Hunters who choose to hunt with crossbows said they do so because the weapon works well for those with advanced age, limited mobility, disabilities, or injuries. Crossbows are easier to handle and more stable than vertical bows, and many hunters feel they lead to better success. Whereas some hunters prefer vertical bows because they find them more challenging and satisfying. Traditionalists often described crossbow hunting as “not real bowhunting.”

Crossbow Hunters Show Flexibility in Equipment Choice

While 89% of crossbow hunters are very or somewhat likely to hunt with a crossbow next season, 92% are equally likely to hunt with firearms, and 34% with vertical bows. Firearms are still very popular among crossbow hunters. If limited to one hunting method, 55% would choose firearms, 32% crossbows, and only 10% vertical bows.

Majority of Crossbow Hunters Satisfied with State Regulations

Eighty-eight percent agree that the rules for crossbow hunting are clear, and 86% say the regulations make hunting with a crossbow easy. Overall, satisfaction is high. Eighty-four percent are satisfied, with 69% being very satisfied. Only a small number, about 4 percent, are not happy with the regulations.

Crossbow Hunters Mainly Hunt Deer on Private Land

Ninety-nine percent of crossbow hunters report they have hunted deer in the past five years. When it comes to where they hunt, most prefer private land, with 73% mainly hunting there. About 12% primarily hunt on public land, and 15% hunt both equally.

Most Crossbow Hunters See Positive Impact on Harvests

About two-thirds (67%) of crossbow hunters believe hunting with a crossbow positively affects harvests. They said it leads to better results and allows people to hunt even if they have physical challenges. About 25% believe it has no effect, and only 3% see it as having a mostly negative impact. This is different from vertical bow-only hunters, where 20% view crossbow hunting negatively. Those who see the positive side often mention cleaner kills and more ethical harvesting. Among the few who disagree, concerns include attracting unskilled hunters and potential overharvest.

Crossbow Hunters Shoot Slightly Farther Than Vertical Bowhunters

Crossbow hunters said they are comfortable shooting from about 46 yards on average, with half feeling confident around 40 yards. Twenty-one percent said they can comfortably shoot as far as 51 yards. Vertical bow hunters reported a lower mean distance of 40.8 yards but the same median, with only 12% comfortable shooting at 51 yards.

Crossbow Hunters Typically Own Only One Crossbow

Most own just one crossbow (94%), and about a quarter of those have two or more. The average price of the last crossbow they purchased was around $786.89, though the typical price was closer to $556.

Beyond bolts and ammunition, 81% bought other accessories, and 76% perform maintenance on their equipment at least once a year. Active crossbow hunters who hunted in 2024-2025 spent an average of $296.29 on archery equipment.

Crossbow Hunters Stay Active Outdoors and Are Mostly Older Males

Crossbow hunters are active in other outdoor pursuits. In the last five years, 83% have gone fishing, 71% have done target shooting with firearms, and 47% have practiced archery.

Most crossbow hunters are White. Native Americans make up 3%, while Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American hunters each represent about 1%. This demographic is similar to the overall bowhunter population.

The vast majority, 93%, are male. The median age of crossbow hunters is 56, which is older than the median age for bowhunters overall at 49 and vertical-only bowhunters at 40. Most live in rural areas, and about one-third have a bachelor’s degree or higher, similar to bowhunters in general. Around 20% have served in the military.

WHY THIS STUDY MATTERS

This study provides fresh insights into who crossbow hunters are and why they hunt, highlighting their experience, dedication, and growing numbers. Understanding these hunters can help shape better regulations and support for the hunting community.

ABOUT RESPONSIVE MANAGEMENT

Based in Virginia, Responsive Management is an independent research firm focused on natural resource and outdoor recreation issues. Over the past 36 years, they have completed more than 1,200 research projects across all 50 states and 15 countries. They have conducted research for state fish and wildlife agencies, NGOs like the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and Ducks Unlimited, as well as outdoor industry leaders like Winchester Ammunition, Trijicon, and Yamaha Motor Corp.

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