Getting Started in Bow Hunting
Whether bow hunting is something that simply interests you or has been a longtime passion, there are many opportunities available for you to hunt game using a bow and arrow. Many archers enjoy bow hunting because it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, and stock up on natural lean protein. If you’re considering taking part, you must first learn all about the basics of bow hunting. Just remember, bowhunting is a huge responsibility; done right it’s an efficient way to take game animals, but done wrong—without adequate practicing or study of the art of bowhunting—it can be disastrous.
First things first, you’ll need a bow, but that doesn’t mean you need the most expensive one on the market. It does, however, mean you’ll need one that fits you. No matter how tempting it is to buy a used bow from Craigslist if the price is right, do not buy any bow that doesn’t fit you perfectly. With that said, you first need to know about bow fit so that you can properly test bows before buy one. You may already have a bow that you enjoy using. If that is the case, stick with it. You are better to use an older and more basic bow that you know well versus a newer, fancier bow with which you have no practice.
Aside from the size of the bow, your biggest decision will be the bow design. Compound bows are the most commonly used. They allow you to hold more weight as the pulleys will reduce the strain on your shoulder once you get to full draw. This gives you more time to aim accurately. It also allows you to hold a draw for several minutes while you wait for your target animal to move into a shooting lane or to shift positions. Compound bows also have more room for mounting accessories such as a bow-fishing rig. However, shooting moving targets can be difficult with compound bows.
Recurve and longbows use older technology than compound bows. These will not allow you to pull as much weight as a compound bow, and you will not be able to hold your draw as long. However, they are designed for a quick draw and release. These bows work fine for big game but are perfect for wing shooting or hunting small game such as rabbits or squirrels.
Crossbows are the simplest to use as they operate much like a firearm. Once the bow is cocked you just need to pull the trigger to fire the arrow. Crossbows also require the least movement, so it is less likely to spook your game. They are also the most accurate bow you can purchase. However, if you are wanting a true bow hunting experience you are best to stick with one of the more traditional bow designs.
In order to prepare for your first bow hunt, you will want to pick up some much-needed items to go along with your bow. For any shooting, an arm guard for your less-dominant arm is a good idea. This will keep the bowstring from slapping your arm when released. You will need a glove, finger tab, or release for your dominant hand. Which you choose is a personal preference.
Here's a list of some other things you'll need in addition to your bow:
Hunting Arrows
Quiver
Bow-stringer
Bow case
Bow String Silencers
It’s important to prepare for your first bow hunting experience as you want to avoid any potential issues. While getting started with bow hunting is not difficult to do, it will take some time to learn exactly what it takes for you to experience a successful hunting trip. Aspects of hunting include, legal paperwork, licensing, buying equipment, practicing, hunting locations, scouting, planning, and preparing for the day of the hunt.
You can choose to hunt locally, take bow hunting trips out of state, or even the country! You can choose to hunt one game type or multiple. Creating a list of expectations, as well as a budget, will help you get started on your bow hunting journey.
Bow hunting can be fun, exciting, and rewarding. It’s ancestral in nature and gets us back to our roots as hunter/gatherers. That said, we live in modern times and we must abide by the rules and regulations. This means passing a hunter safety course and purchasing a hunting license before going on the hunt. While learning how to bow hunt takes time, once you learn the necessary steps, you are sure to experience many enjoyable hunts in the future. Good luck on your hunt!
