Cross Over

by
posted on September 10, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
cross_over_f.jpg

In Wisconsin, it was 105. Oklahoma, 91. Pennsylvania, 39. These were the number of days during the 2014 season that crossbow hunters could take to the woods for whitetails while rifle hunters had to sit at home.

Based on comparing statewide archery and firearm seasons, these numbers could be the ticket to your filling more tags. Almost 30 states now permit the use of crossbows during the entire, or at least some part of, archery season (not counting those states that allow crossbows for physically challenged or senior hunters). More are considering crossbows for future seasons. Instead of waiting to unlimber your Remington or Ruger, perhaps it’s time you spent the fall stretching a string.

Today’s hunter-friendly crossbows are priced so attractively that you almost can’t afford to miss out. Many fully outfitted crossbows cost less than a bare rifle, and essentially they buy you more time in the woods. Here are six that will up your odds this season. All you need to add are broadheads—most come with field points for practice—and more vacation days to your schedule.

Latest

W H2026 04 F Hog Texas Graves 425888
W H2026 04 F Hog Texas Graves 425888

Texas, Hogs and Thermals

Follow along as Brian McCombie indulges in his favorite trio: Texas, hogs and thermals.

New for 2026: Real Avid AR-15/AR-10 Master Collections

Real Avid has taken its AR-15 and AR-10 tooling and maintenance products and bundled them into anew Master Collections series, providing AR-platform fans with one-stop solutions to meet their specific AR needs.

Turkey Decoys All Season Long

Opening day of turkey season was rainy and cold. However, thanks to scouting and trail cameras, Scott Haugen had a plan. Matter of fact, from the first day to the last, Scott has a way to set the decoys to bring the birds in. Curious? Read on for some great strategies.

New for 2026: Hornady .223 WSSM and .243 WSSM Superformance Varmint

Hornady has announced the availability of .223 WSSM 55-grain V-Max and .243 WSSM 75-grain V-Max loads in the Superformance Varmint line.

#SundayGunday: Benelli M4 EXT

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a true stalwart of the firearms world, the Benelli M4. Long held in high regard by concerned citizens looking for a pedigreed self-defense shotgun, quite a few have been plugged to reduce capacity, and used in the turkey woods over the years, as a true multi-purpose scattergun. Why? Well, as it turns out, there is very little that separates a good defensive shotgun from a good turkey gun. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Roundup: Turkey Guns & Gear

Check out our roundup of the best new turkey guns and gear in 2026.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.