Every archery deer season, I head into the field with recurves, compounds and crossbows. Each hunting tool type requires a specific skill set.

Yes, in terms of accuracy, it takes far more practice with a recurve (no sights) than the other two types. And a compound takes far more practice than a crossbow. That said, it would be a mistake to think anyone can simply grab a scoped crossbow and then take it deer hunting with no preparation or practice.

In the 13-minute YouTube video below, the host of Boone Down South does an excellent job providing six crossbow tips for beginners — although I’m confident a hunter of any skill level will learn something new from his video. I’ve been bowhunting for 45 years, and his tip No. 3 caused me to pause and think, I don’t do that, but I will from now on!

Based on my experience, I’d add one tip to the six covered in the video: Always use a shooting rest, regardless of whether you’re hunting from the ground or an elevated position.

I won’t lie to you: It’s cumbersome to use a shooting rest — think monopod, bipod or tripod — when crossbow hunting from a hang-on portable stand or ladder. Yes, some stands feature a shooting rail, but it works only for shots in front of the stand, and if an animal is too close, the rail probably won’t be at the correct height to help you.

My go-to shooting rest for an elevated stand is the Swagger Stalker QD42. You can read my field test article on this outstanding rest by clicking here. The Stalker QD42, which quickly and easily mounts to most crossbows, enables you to accurately aim and shoot your crossbow while seated in any elevated stand, and it works equally well from the ground, too.

Check out the video below for some valuable crossbow advice, and good luck this hunting season.