The fact that nearly every state in the union allows the use of crossbows for hunting in some form or another is testament to the rise in popularity of these effective and fun hunting machines. In fact, only Oregon outright bans the use of crossbows for hunting. And while many states restrict their use for only certain seasons (the use of crossbows during archery-only seasons for example), currently 29 states now allow unrestricted use of horizontal bows during big game seasons.

Hunter recruitment and retention tops the list as to why this is a good idea. A report released by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources suggested that incorporating crossbows into big game seasons may increase hunter recruitment and retention by potentially offering another facet of bowhunting — one with a lower learning curve for youngsters and a continuation of bowhunting by elderly or disabled sportsmen and women who can no longer operate a vertical compound bow. Further, the study cited, “Crossbows, like other archery equipment, are also a useful tool for the management of deer populations in suburban and urban areas where the concerns of human-wildlife conflict, damage to property and the environment are particularly high.”

And that’s good news for you, the archery retailer. According to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, your bowhunting patrons can feel good about making the leap to hunting with a crossbow because:

• Crossbows may be a useful tool for certain sectors of the population, who for physical reasons (such as age, disabilities, etc.), may be incapable of using a compound or traditional bow.
• Crossbows are a useful implement to consider when evaluating suburban/urban deer management scenarios.
• A peer-reviewed study found that both hunters and homeowners support the use of crossbows for suburban/urban deer management.
• A dramatic decrease in the archery hunting population has been shown to occur as people grow older. According to license data in Wisconsin, between the ages of 40 and 50, the total number of archery hunters will have been reduced by half.
• Twenty-nine states, most recently Minnesota, Connecticut, Kansas and Mississippi, now allow for the full inclusion of crossbows for hunting.

Here are nine makes and models your bowhunting patrons might want to take for a test drive.

AXE 400

Hunters looking for a mid-range price point crossbow that will get the job done, need look no further than the AXE 400 — with its emphasis on durability, accuracy and value. It features a rugged new limb design and an aluminum rail, custom foregrip, finger guard and adjustable butt stock. The AXE 400 is equipped with a 3.5-pound trigger and generates velocities of up to 400 fps. It comes with a high-end illuminated scope, three 20-inch CX Piledriver bolts, quiver, rope cocker, and removable quiet-crank cocking device. Dimensions: Length, 35 inches; width, 17.75 inches uncocked, 14.25 inches cocked; weight, 8.4 pounds with accessories. MSRP: $699.99; feradyne.com

Ballista Megabat Reverse Draw

The full-size, reverse-draw Megabat Reverse Crossbow from Ballista features a built-in self-retracting cord tensioner, which makes loading the crossbow quick, easy and noiseless. Its reverse-draw limbs and differently shaped cams lengthen the power stroke and increase the force acting on the bolt — producing velocities of up to 450 fps. Thanks to the reverse limbs, the Megabat’s riser is located closer to the shooter, which provides better balance and retention, and the crossbow does not move forward during the shot and does not create additional vibrations. The Megabat package includes a 4x32mm scope and three 355-grain 20-inch bolts. The bow measures 8.6 inches axle to axle cocked and 13.3 inches uncocked. It has a 12.2-inch power stroke. MSRP: $999; ballista.co

Barnett Hyper Raptor BCX

Buck Commander and Barnett have combined forces to produce a one-of-a-kind crossbow, blending premium features, cutting-edge innovation and top-tier technology. The Barnett Hyper Raptor BCX is equipped with self-timing Infinity cams, a hunter-friendly feature that improves consistency and accuracy, pivoting limb pockets and a light, crisp, premium TriggerTech trigger that improves the shooting experience while providing critical anti-dry-fire technology. The crossbow weighs just 6.9 pounds, measures 32.5 inches overall and is only 7.25 inches wide from axle to axle when cocked. It comes with a quick-detach side-mount quiver bracket, three-arrow premium quiver and three HyperFlite 20-inch arrows with field points. Three optics packages are available. MSRP: $699/2-7x36mm Barnett Precision scope; $999/BUK OPS Cycloptic X or BUK OPS X-Factor LRF scope; barnettcrossbows.com

Bear Archery Constrictor Pro

The Constrictor Pro Crossbow from Bear Archery has been redesigned for increased power on an extremely compact frame. It measures 8.125 inches wide cocked and roughly 12 inches wide uncocked, making it a great choice for hunting in tight quarters. It fires bolts at up to 400 fps, has a draw weight of 200 pounds, and is equipped with an ambidextrous top mount quiver that sits on a 360-degree pivot and an anti-dry fire mechanism. The Constrictor Pro comes in a ready-to-hunt package that includes an illuminated reticle/speed adjustable scope, three Bear X TrueX arrows, four-arrow quiver, sling, manual, cocking sled and arrow lube/string wax, and is available in Stone/Veil Whitetail or Stone/TrueTimber Strata camo. MSRP: $629.99; beararchery.com

CenterPoint Hellion Crossbow Kit

The Hellion 400 Crossbow Kit from CenterPoint Archery provides all the tools necessary for a successful hunting trip. The crossbow has a slim profile of only 8 inches cocked and 12 inches uncocked, CNC-machined aluminum rails and cams, roller retention spring, adjustable stock and folding stirrup. The Hellion has a draw weight of 185 pounds and launches arrows at 400 fps. The kit also includes a specially designed Hybrid Crossbow Case that keeps the crossbow and associated gear secure and protected with a durable exterior, built-in padding, dedicated arrow and gear pockets and cinching straps. Also included are a crossbow sling, six 20-inch .003-inch straightness-tolerance carbon arrows, and a three-pack of DeadPoint mechanical broadheads. MSRP: $899.99; centerpointarchery.com

Ravin R29X XK7

The R29X XK7 from Ravin, sporting a integrated Silent Cocking System, is a tactical HeliCoil-powered crossbow that generates a lightning fast velocity of 450 fps. Weighing just 6.75 pounds and equipped with an ergonomic grip, it allows hunters to easily maneuver in tight spaces without sacrificing control or comfort. Key features include Quade Composite limbs, aluminum CNC riser and polymer stock. It comes with an illuminated reticle scope that integrates an all new speed lock that gives hunters confidence that their scope is always dialed in. The R29X XK7 wears Kings’ XK7 camo. Inspired by the natural colors and terrains of North American environments, XK7 unites seven abstract shapes and textures to provide hunters with outstanding concealment. MSRP: $2,549.99; ravincrossbows.com

SA Sports Empire Punisher 420

SA Sports’ new Empire Punisher 420 is on the cutting edge of today’s modern crossbow technologies. It features an ultra-narrow profile at only 12 inches un-cocked, and a mere 7.75 inches axle to axle when ready to rock. Featuring a reverse cam design, the Punisher clocks in at 420 fps and produces a punishing 156.5 foot-pounds of force. It also features a precision anti-dry-fire trigger system with a 3.5-pound pull, full-length aluminum barrel, Picatinny rail and adjustable foregrip. Extremely quiet and compact, the Punisher comes completely equipped to shoot directly out of the box with an illuminated multi-reticle scope, quiver, three carbon bolts, special U-sled rope cocker and sling. MSRP: $699; sa-sports.com

TenPoint TX 440

The TX 440 Crossbow from TenPoint features Twin-Riser technology that reduces riser flex by 70 percent. It measures just 28 inches in length and 6.5 inches wide, and generates velocities up to 440 fps. Other key features include a custom hand-built TriggerTech trigger, AR-style ambidextrous thumb safety, and Zero-Trac barrel. The TX 440 is packaged with CenterPunch HPX premium carbon arrows equipped with the Alpha-Nock HPX. Each arrow is inspected for straightness to within .001-inch, and each package is weight matched to within 1 grain per arrow. The Ready-to-Hunt package includes the ACUslide MAXX cocking and de-cocking system, EVO-X Marksman Elite scope 3.0, integrated string stop system, quiver, bow hook and bubble level. MSRP: $2,549.99/Vektra camo; $2,449.99/Moss Green; tenpointcrossbows.com 

Wicked Ridge RDX 410

The RDX 410 Crossbow from Wicked Ridge measures 3-inches shorter, at 29-inches, and shoots 10 fps faster, at 410 fps, than the previous RDX 400. The RDX 410’s reverse-draw, ultra-narrow bow assembly measures 9 inches wide, and its lightweight cast aluminum riser is fitted with the company’s slim RD pocket that reduces sound and vibration. The pockets hold the bow’s 11.7-inch limbs — powered by the Reaper Cam System. The RDX 410 is equipped with a Tactical X stock and features TenPoint’s DFI (Dry-Fire-Inhibitor) system and ultra-crisp 3.5-pound trigger. The RDX 410 hunt package includes a Pro-View 400 lighted scope, ACUdraw Silent Cocking System, three Match 400 Carbon Alpha-Nock arrows and a quiver. MSRP: $899.99; wickedridgecrossbows.com