Bowhunting Tech Tip: Crossbow Safety

Crossbows are unlike other kinds of bows, and therefore have some unique safety issues. Anyone carrying a crossbow into the woods to hunt or into the backyard to shoot at targets should know how to safely handle and operate their crossbow.In this video, Lancaster Archery Supply TechXpert P.J. Reilly runs down basic tips for safely handling and operating a crossbow.He runs through a preliminary inspection of the bow before shooting, proper cocking, proper bolt selection and safe crossbow handling. A unique feature of crossbows is they can be cocked with the string drawn back. A cocked crossbow is dangerous, and archers need to pay attention to where they put fingers and other body parts in relation to the drawn string.Reilly also covers the proper way to haul a crossbow up into a tree stand, and safe ways to discharge your crossbow to de-cock it after a hunt.