Keeping a crossbow cocked?

[davej6225]

New to crossbow hunting.Should cock the bow when preparing to hunt or should i wait to till i see the animal? And how long can i leave it cocked with out damaging the bow?

[Broadhorizons]

Best advice is read your owners manual. My Barnett manual suggests not to leave it cocked more than 4 hours. I cock it once I get in the stand, it would be too much movement to do it after you see the deer.

[Joe W]

An old timer taught me years ago never walk into the woods with the gun unloaded because alot of the time as you walk in you might get a shot at a trophy buck. the same is true with a crossbow because they shoot like a rifle. I unload everything once out if the woods.

[143447]

An old timer taught me years ago never walk into the woods with the gun unloaded because alot of the time as you walk in you might get a shot at a trophy buck. the same is true with a crossbow because they shoot like a rifle. I unload everything once out if the woods.

Great advice!! Had this happen last Nov.on opening of crossbow in Almond. Biggest buck I have seen in 10 years at 40 yards just too many limbs and saplings in the way . Be really careful walk slowly if you cock it before walking to your stand and of course unload that bolt before you climb up. And always use a hunter safety system climbing line!!! I have them on all my trees now great investment!!

[Joe W]

Safety of course is always #1 and should have been taught before u even own a weapon of any kind. After that should not have to be disscussed anymore.Then u hunt safe and do whatever u have to in order to get your harvest. 

[davej6225]

Thanks for the input guys.Yes safety 1st rather shoot a deer then my own foot.

[Guest]

cock it prior to entering, place bolt if you plan to still hunt your way to the stand or blind leave safety on of coarse. remove bolt when ascending/ descending the tree. discharge bolt with field tip into target after hunt.