The Best Archery Deer Gear For 2023

Now that it's midsumer, it’s time for you to break out your archery tackle and get ready for whitetail season. In the event you’re looking for a new bow, crossbow or accessory, we’ve compiled 2023’s best new archery gear for whitetail hunters.

Bowtech is constantly pushing the innovation envelope, and for 2023 Bowtech gives whitetail hunters the Carbon One. Not a traditional-looking carbon compound, this 30-inch axle-to- axle shooter sports a riser with flowing lines, providing the bow with a sleek, streamlined build. The Deadlock Cam System makes tuning a breeze, and the riser has been fitted with Orbit Dampeners that soak up post-shot noise and vibration. Weighing only 4.5 pounds, this rig is light. And the addition of the Integrate Mounting System sweetens the deal. The brace height is 6.63 inches, and the bow is draw-length adjustable in half-inch increments between 25.5 and 30.5 inches. Solid color options that include Black, Flat Dark Earth, OD Green and Smoke Grey are available, and it comes in draw weights of 50, 60 and 70 pounds. bowtecharchery.com

Lighter than carbon and more robust than aluminum, Xpedition has hit a riser homerun with its proprietary alloy Magnite riser. Tough as nails and dead in hand, this riser is worth a test drive, and it’s featured on both the Xlite 31 and 34. Add the XB1 dual cam system, a two-module system engineered for maximum performance at all draw lengths, and you have a big-buck killer. Cable stops ensure a positive back-wall feel. The Xlite 31 is draw-length adjustable between 25.5 and 30 inches and weighs just 3.75 pounds. The rig produces a top-end arrow speed of 336 fps and has a 6.5-inch brace height. The Xlite 33 hits a top speed of 338 fps, weighs 3.8 pounds, and mirrors the brace height of the 31. The Xlite 33 is draw-length adjustable between 26 and 31 inches. xpeditionarchery.com

Available in axle-to-axle lengths of 29 and 33, the Phase4 has much going for it. First, both rigs have eight limbs and not four. Mathews added vibration-dampening rubber between each split limb, resulting in four separate limbs on top and four on the bottom. Dampening vibration in the limbs means less wasted energy transferred to the riser and into the bow hand. The innovative Stay Afield System (S.A.S.) is a fluorescent-orange servicing cable married with specially modified cams that allow bowhunters to remove or repair strings and cables in the field without the need for a bow press. The Phase4 29 has a 6-inch brace height and slings carbon at a top speed of 340 fps. Mathews’ Phase4 33 has a brace height of 6.5 inches and hits a maximum fps of 336. mathewsinc.com

A pair of compounds that will raise some eyebrows, Bear’s Execute 30 and 32 feature an all-new riser with a swing arm cable guard and Shock Management System, which ensures a dead-in-hand shooting experience and a quiet shot. Wider aluminum limb pockets have been added, and Align Lock Technology works fluently with the bow’s sight to aid in 2nd- and 3rd-axis alignment. EKO Cam Technology allows for 75, 80, 85 and 90 percent let-off, and each rig comes with interchangeable grips. The Execute 30 measures 30 inches between the axles, has a brace height of 6.5 inches and is draw-length adjustable in half- inch increments between 26 and 30 inches. The Execute 32 is 32 inches axle-to-axle, has a brace height of 6.5 inches and is draw-length adjustable between 26.5 and 30 inches. Both bows hit a top speed of 340 fps and are offered in draw-weight ranges of 55-70 pounds and 45-60 pounds. beararchery.com

Hoyt continues to push the innovation bar, and like many top-end compound bow builders, a focus has been placed on accessory mounting. Hoyt calls it the In-Line System; and with this system, shooters can select accessories with dove-tail mounting clamps that attach to the face of the riser. With mounting blocks removed, weight is reduced, and accessories lock on the bow’s pair of Picatinny-rail systems like a vise. Tested in Hoyt’s sound lab, engineers discovered In-Line mounted accessories reduced post-shot noise by 11 percent. Other must-note features include the HoleShot V2 string silencer and the Drop Cord Slot. Hoyt engineers placed a tiny slot in the riser to pass the rest cord through to reduce clutter and hang-ups. The VTM 31 sports a 6-inch brace height, tips the scale at 4.6 pounds and has and fps rating of 342. The VTM 34 weighs 4.8 pounds, has a 6.25-inch brace height, and hits a top speed of 334 fps. Both models are draw-length adjustable in half-inch increments, and peak draw weights are available between 30 and 80 pounds. hoyt.com

For 40 years, Excalibur has produced innovative crossbows, and to celebrate its anniversary, the manufacturer launches the Wolverine to pay homage to an Excalibur original. Light and compact, this recurve-limb crossbow hits a top speed of 360 fps and requires only 15 pounds of draw effort to cock. CeaseFire technology means you never have to worry about a dry fire, and the crossbow has a best-in-class trigger you must feel to fully appreciate. With a total length of 31.5 inches providing maximum maneuverability, the crossbow has a limited lifetime warranty and showcases Micro High-Output Express Limbs. excaliburcrossbows.com

Axe’s AX405 is a compact and maneuverable crossbow designed to swing quickly, making it great for tree stand hunting. While cocked, the AX405 is just 10 inches axle-to-axle; and the crossbow is designed so that all the weight is centered in the shooter’s hand, allowing for a steady, balanced shot. The AX405’s 210-pound split limbs deliver bolts beyond 400 fps, making this crossbow deadly fast. For those who value a quality optic, the AX405 comes with a multi-range reticle scope with markings between 20 and 100 yards in 10-yard increments; this allows you to practice far beyond the distance you’ll be shooting whitetails at. feradyne.com

The airy stock and pistol grip ensure an excellent fit and feel, and this field-ready crossbow comes with a pre-installed Crank Cocking Device, two 22-inch Hyperflite bolts, a 4x32mm illuminated scope, side-mount quiver and rope cocking sled. Measuring 24 inches long, the Whitetail 410 W/CCD has a Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer, CNC Machined Aluminum Flight Track, and a TriggerTech 3-pound-pull Zero Creep Frictionless Release Technology trigger. barnettcrossbows.com

At just 7.5 inches axle-to-axle when cocked, TenPoint’s FlatLine 460 hits a max speed of 460 fps and comes outfitted with Burris’ Oracle X Rangefinding Crossbow Scope. This scope generates an exact aiming point with the press of a button, and TenPoint’s new Scope Struts increase strength up to 80 percent. The Reverse-Draw Design generates more speed with less draw weight, and the ACUSlide cocking and de-cocking system makes loading and unloading the crossbow quick, quiet and effortless. Outfitted with a zero-creep S1 2-stage trigger, this 26.5-inch-long crossbow weighs 7.5 pounds and shoots bolts like a dart. tenpointcrossbows.com

Loaded with features and hitting a pleasing price point, the Fury 410 De-Cock comes outfitted with a multi-coated glass Rangemaster Pro Scope. ACUDraw De-Cock means simple, silent and safe cocking and de-cocking, and the 15.5-inch power stroke generates more speed with less draw weight. The new-for-2023 D1 Trigger is a 2-stage trigger that promises no creep and delivers a pleasing 3.5-pound pull. The Fury 410 measures 15 inches axle-to-axle while cocked, and it weighs 7.5 pounds. wickedridgecrossbows.com

Designed for maximum penetration on heavy-boned big game animals, SEVR’s 1.5 features a more swept-back blade angle that allows the 420-grade stainless-steel blades to drive deeper and be more durable. Another SEVR bonus is that each broadhead has Practice Lock — a patented feature that allows you to lock the blades in the ferrule with a secondary set screw, so you can practice with the same broadhead you plan to hunt with. sevrbroadheads.com

From the minds at Helix comes the 4-blade FJ4 — a single-bevel broadhead with a pair of bleeder blades that insert directly into the ferrule. A straight-flying fixed blade that causes massive trauma, the Helix FJ4 comes in 2 1/16-inch cutting diameter heads in 100- and 175-grains, 2 1/8-inch cutting diameter in 125- and 200-grains, and 2 1/4-inch cutting diameter in 150- and 225-grains. helixbroadheads.com

Some Rage originals get a 2023 facelift that removes the collar and adds No Collar Technology. This innovative feature ensures closed-blade flight without needing an O-ring or collar system. The original Rage 2-Blade, 2-Blade Chisel-Tip, and Crossbow X now sport NC Technology, and they promise stay-closed flight even when shot from high-speed bows and crossbows. feradyne.com

The Sneaky Pete half finger glove by Hunt Monkey is a glove designed for bowhunting whitetails during the early season. Coming in four different camo patterns and giving you the ability to use your fingertips, the Sneaky Pete balances concealment and function perfectly. Made to be ultra-light with a second-skin fit, these gloves can be worn during the warmest of early season afternoon hunts. huntmonkeygloves.com

Bow stabilization and the Bee Stinger name go hand-in-hand, and its MicroHex Hunting stabilizer will surely be cheered. Available in 6-, 8-, 10-, 12- and 15-inch models, this micro-diameter stabilizer features Bee Stinger’s exclusive Countervail Technology. If you’re looking to make you’re bow steadier during the moment-of-truth, Bee Stinger is one to consider. beestinger.com

A rangefinder that was built for bowhunters, Leupold’s RX-FullDraw 5 was designed to be ballistically advanced for bowhunting. By incorporating your bow’s velocity, peep height, arrow weight and the angle of the shot, the RX-FullDraw 5 calculates extremely accurate ranges that are based entirely on you. For the whitetail bowhunter who cares about the highest level of accuracy possible, the RX-FullDraw 5 is the answer. leupold.com

Designed to keep bow weight down while boosting maneuverability, the Mountain Lite base is compact and uber-light. The .019-inch Pro Pins are fitted with a narrower pin throat that ends in a perfectly matched rounded pinhead, creating less target blackout. The Dial of Death feature allows archers to instantly dial to pre-determined yardages with a dual indicator system for short and long yardage reference. The Mountain Lite Dual Trac comes with 54 sight tapes, and the PhotoChromatic shell perfectly adapts pin brightness to any lighting condition. blackgoldsights.com

Offering the largest 3-D deer target you can, the GlenDel Full-Rut Buck simulates those large mid-western, big bodied bucks, poly fusion technology to increase target life and offer easy arrow removal, replaceable 4-side core extends shooting time and increases durability and life. Perfect for real life hunting practice. Fusing the internal layers to the inner target wall results in more uniform layer compression which, in turn, means easier arrow removal. And, easier arrow removal means less shooter fatigue, which in-turn means you’ll get better practice this season! feradyne.com

A light, durable and compact quiver that hugs the riser, Octane’s Archery Vault makes an excellent bowmounted accessory. The multi-position quiver has a carbon hybrid frame that keeps weight down while adding strength, and the rubber hood liner protects broadheads while ensuring silent arrow removal. The Oversized Quick Detach Lever Lock makes quiver removal fast, and the removable Dual Grippers accept any arrow diameter. octanearchery.com

A mover and a shaker, Easton’s Sonic 6.0 is now offered in a Match Grade +/-.001 option for bowhunters seeking ultimate accuracy. Easton’s Acu-Carbon process ensures maximum weight and spine consistency, and the 6.0 Match Grade comes in many spine options to ensure there’s a Sonic 6.0 for every deer hunter. Easton’s Sonic 6.0 Match Grade shafts come fletched with 2-inch factory-helical fletched Blazer vanes and pre-installed, color-coded by spine nocks. eastonarchery.com

Now available from Gold Tip is the Pierce LRT, constructed from the same proven Pierce shaft but with tighter tolerances and improved components. Gold Tip’s goal was to create a long-range assassin. All signs point to a micro-diameter arrow that provides reduced wind drift, spot-on accuracy and maximum penetration at extended ranges. The Dyna-Tek Slik Shield coating makes arrow removal from stubborn targets a breeze, and Gold Tip offers multiple spine sizes and fletch options. goldtip.com

Fabricated from a custom weave of 30-ton carbon, Carbon Express engineers created an arrow that recovers 25 percent faster from the bow. Branded the Photon SD, this Carbon Express wonder ensures archers achieve superior shot-to-shot consistency, especially at extended ranges. With a .203-inch inner diameter, the Photon minimizes wind drift and allows the arrow to track perfectly behind the broadhead upon entrance. The Photon is available in 300, 350 and 400 spine sizes, and it features the tried-and-true Red Zone. feradyne.com

The AXCEL Landslyde Slide Sight is designed to be the ultimate bowhunting sight. Featuring the Rapid Adjust Knob and the Quick Release, the Landslyde can be quickly and efficiently adjusted. The Landslyde also utilizes rugged double-sided metal sight tapes; these don’t have the risk of failing you in harsh weather conditions by peeling. Made in the U.S., AXCEL’s Landslyde is a must-see for anyone looking for a new hunting sight. truball.com

QAD has stood the rest market on its head multiple times during its illustrious tenure. Now the Berger Hole is out, and riser-mounting is in. QAD’s Integrate MX is designed to mount to a pair of dovetail slits in the bow’s riser (most bow manufacturers have adopted this), which means no mounting blocks and screws. This also lowers accessory and bow weight. With adjustable windage and elevation of .0019 inches per click, the rest promises tunability. The launcher is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, and QAD includes launcher arm liners that prevent direct arrow-to-metal contact. qadinc.com

A great hand-held thumb-trigger release that features adjustable travel and trigger pressure, there’s much to like about TruFire’s Synapse Dual Sear. The weighted brass handle feels excellent, and the multi-position thumb post means custom fit and feel. Adjustable for right- and left-handed users, the release is fitted with a cord loop for on-wrist attachment. feradyne.com

SEVR wanted a quiver to pair with its award-winning broadheads, so they partnered with industry quiver kingpin TightSpot. Branded the Max Grip, this new-for-2023 quiver was designed to perfectly hold arrows tipped with expandable, fixed and hybrid-style broadheads; and it was specifically crafted to hold SEVR’s Lock-and-Pivot blade system. Capable of holding five arrows, the quiver sports TightSpot’s all-new vented hood. TighSpot’s patented three-way adjustment system allows the user to position the quiver tightly to the bow. BullDog arrow grippers are individually adjustable to ensure absolute and exact arrow pressure, and the included second arrow gripper is adjustable for positioning around bow accessories. The total quiver weight is 11 ounces, and the overall length is 16.5 inches. sevrbroadheads.com

Ripcord adds the IMS (Integrate Mounting System) to its popular Drive fall-away. The full-containment RipCage locks the arrow in place for worry-free bow maneuverability, and this limb-driven rest can attach to the top or bottom limb. A ball-bearing drive system ensures friction-free smoothness, allowing the whale-tail launcher to rise and drop uniformly. ripcordarrowrest.com