Americana Outdoors E-Magazine - November 2022

key. I always check out and pay attention to the limbs, cables, and strings. Look for any damage that may have happened in shipping or while you are on a hunt. Let’s say the crossbow gets knocked around while traveling or is dropped inadvertently during a hunt, something could end up going wrong if not checked. Crossbows are a mechanical device so always assume and look at everything. It’s what I do with any firearm, compound bow, and even my fishing gear.

The safety on these crossbows is remarkably similar to that on any firearm.

BE MINDFUL OF YOUR HANDS

• Always keep your firearm (in this case, a crossbow) in a safe direction.Never point your crossbow at anything you do intend to shoot. • Treat all crossbows as if they are loaded. • Keep your finger off the trigger (and under the flight deck) until you are ready to shoot. • Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it. Pay attention to your surroundings if you are at the range or out hunting because if you miss your target, the arrow can skip off the ground and travel a long distance, inflicting significant damage on someone you may not see, the wrong deer, or even livestock. Just like a firearm, make sure you know what is around and behind your target before shooting. We are excited that you have purchased or are interested in getting into the sport of crossbows! You can easily find tons of question-and-answer videos on TenPoint’s Youtube Channel, and our YouTube Channel. TenPoint’s website is a great resource as well to learn a lot more about crossbows, how they are set up, and perform out in the field.

Make sure BOTH HANDS are below the flight deck when holding and aiming the crossbow.

Next thing I always tell someone when they shoot a crossbow for the first time is be mindful of where our hands are. It is important to pay attention to your hand positioning on the crossbow. Make sure everything is below the flight deck when holding and aiming the crossbow; do not get your fingers above the flight deck or anywhere there is a moving part. Another thing to keep in mind is the safety on your crossbow. The safety on these crossbows is remarkably similar to that on any firearm. When you go from safety to the fire, remember the safety is still a mechanical device. It can fail. Follow the same four safety rules you would if you were handling a firearm. CROSSBOW SAFETY & SURROUNDINGS

***SEE THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR YOUR STATE HERE AND CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY***