There are many subtleties to the art of crossbow shooting. Novices and those with experience would do well to review this checklist of tips for safe and accurate shooting: Do you know the proper draw weight? Are you familiar with proper arrow trajectory? Can you identify your maximum effective shooting range? Taking the time now to properly learn about your gear can make you unstoppable during the hunt.

For starters, here’s tip 1: Buy the best you can afford:

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There’s a big difference between an el cheapo, bargain-basement crossbow and a top-of-the-line model. Sure, the bargain model costs a lot less, but it will not be built as well, be as accurate or reliable, and sooner or later it will fail you when the moment of truth arrives. You can buy crossbow packages that include everything you need to get out shooting and hunting—crossbow, a few arrows and arrow points, a scope sight, cocking device and quiver—from anywhere between about $800 to $1,500.

As in all things in life, here you get what you pay for. Spend a few more dollars and get the best you can. You’ll never be sorry.

Photos: Beckett Crossbows