Police said "a number of weapons" were seized following the attack at a rural property in Devon.
The 24-year-old victim was treated at the scene on Saturday and has now been transferred to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
Leo Michaels, aged 35, from Hensford Road, Dawlish, has been charged with attempted murder and wounding with intent.
Mr Michaels appeared at Torquay Magistrates' Court earlier and was remanded in custody.
He is due to appear at Exeter Crown Court on 18 August.
Police were called to a property off Hensford Road, Dawlish at 08:00 BST on Saturday, following reports of a man with a crossbow.
They said the victim, from Dawlish, had "injuries consistent with being shot with a crossbow" and he was initially taken to Torbay District Hospital.
A crossbow attack has left a man with "potentially life-changing" injuries.