Better check your game laws , crossbows are very unpopular in NY state . I looked at the regs once and the restrictions on them are nothing short of ridiculous . If I read them right you'd practically have to be a paraplegic using a mouth blown triggering device just to be allowed to use one .

If you get to use one I'd advise practicing with it well before you think of hunting with it just like any other bow . It has many of the same limitations such as range , which is about 40 yards max , but the bolts drop faster than arrows . I don't personally shoot past 30 yards , and I've had bolts drop 8" between 20-30 yards . They're heavier than most vert bows , and can be cumbersome as a result , though no more than a comparable weight rifle or shotgun . Undergrowth can be a problem due to the horizontal limbs , but they adapt well to hunting from pop-up type blinds . A cocking device is reccomended if only to ensure that the string stays centered during the draw , an uncentered string will result in a wild shot and can be hazardous . NEVER DRY FIRE A CROSSBOW ! The only safe way to download one is to fire the bolt into something that will trap it , the ground if necessary . Do not think that you can remove the bolt and just "let it down by hand" , this can cost you some fingers . Check all fasteners on the crossbow before use , don't assume that they've stayed tight after practicing . Remove the string on recurve models after use so the limbs can relax .

Anything else you may want to know can be found at the crossbow forum , you'll find them to be a very helpful and informative group .