A crossbow having an integrated decocking device, including a resistance system having a fluid containing cylinder having a movable piston and located within the static portion of the stock, a shaft extending from the piston and having a terminal end, the piston being movable between a first position and a second position, and the cylinder including an orifice having a size and extending through the piston to enable fluid to travel from one side of the piston to the other and to control the movement of the piston to a desired rate; and a bowstring coupling system coupled to the resistance system and including a cable having a first portion releasably securable to the bowstring and a second portion of the cable interfacing with a location on the shaft of the resistance system.