The world of hunting is a fun and exciting pastime that just about any one can enjoy. Bow hunting adds a new flare to this hobby. Bow hunting is a lot more exciting and challenging than traditional hunting. Getting out in nature with just a bow and some arrows takes a little bit of patience and a lot of practice. There are many different aspects to hunting like this, and each one of those can really affect the accuracy of your arrows and the outcome of your hunt. Here is a look at what you will need and some tips and tricks to help improve your lethality.
Getting started – what you will need:
There are a few things that you will need to get before you can get started. One of the most obvious is a bow. Of course you will need some arrows as well. The tips to your arrows are another thing that is needed but there are some optional pieces of gear that you may also want to consider. One of these is the quiver. While this is optional, it makes life much easier and can reduce noise, which is very important when hunting. Two other things that you will want to consider is a wrist guard and either an archery glove or release. There are several different kits that come with several of the things that you will need to get started and you may be able to get all of this in a package at a cheaper price. The only definite things that you will need though are the bow arrows and tips. There are a couple things that you will need to consider when you do go out and purchase your gear. Bow hunting is much different than hunting with a rifle. The equipment must fit you correctly and should be sized right. Here are some things to consider.
Bow:
There are many different types of bows out there and they all have different uses and benefits. When you choose your bow, you will need to understand the different types so that you know which one is right for you. Do not worry if you do not get it right the first time. Bows keep a nice resale value and many bow shops will accept trades as well. The first thing you will want to consider is whether to go with a long or short bow. The taller you are, the less likely you will be suited to a short bow. These are often lighter weight, quicker to draw and easier to get through heavy brush. The more compact build of the short bow is more suited to the smaller hunter or one that wants to get much closer to the target. Long Bows are slightly heavier and less suited to thick brush, but offer an easier draw and longer range. The correct height of the bow will also depend on you. You will want to find a local archery club or knowledgeable sporting goods store to help you choose the right style and size of bow for your needs. Once you decide on the style, you will need to consider the type of bow. There are recurves and compound bows. A recurve is the traditional wood bow where the tips curve away from the shooter and there is a single straight string used for the draw. This type of bow is usually more difficult to hold back, making it less accurate, but they are the more traditional bow, making them a classic and natural. The compound bow has cams that will lock in place and relieve some of the pressure on the string. This makes them a lot easier to draw and hold while aiming. For a beginner, I would recommend starting with a compound and then moving into a recurve when you are more experienced. The preference is all yours though.
Arrows:
The arrows are the real key to archery. If you go with low quality arrows, you may see a slip in accuracy and dependability. Really cheap arrows can even break or bend and cause injury to the shooter. I also would not recommend that you go right out and get the most expensive custom cut shafts either. There are several quality brands at a low price that will suit your purposes. You will want to get your arm measured for the correct shaft length but any decent sporting goods store can do this for you and they do not charge for this service. You will want to find a shaft that fits your style as well. Remember that you will be looking for these shafts when you miss (even though bow hunters never miss), so the camo versions can prove to be a rough choice unless you get the florescent notches or feathers. There are many different varieties and designs out there. Pick the one that you are comfortable with. One good way to judge the arrow length is to stand like you have a drawn bow in your hands. There should still be about an inch of shaft left resting on your hand.
Tips:
The type of shooting that you are doing will greatly affect your selection of what to put on the sharp end of the arrow. If you are after small game or just target practicing, you will need field tips. IF you are after larger animals, broad heads would be a necessity. Bow fishing also requires a special tip that resembles a spiky field point. Every thing varies on the type of shooting that you will be doing. IF you plan on going after big game at some point, you may want to get an idea of what broad heads you would like to get. This will help you to match the weight with the field tips. Field tips are great for practicing because they are almost indestructible. They are also great for small game, because when you “don’t miss” they will not get torn up on the trees gravel and rocks around you. You will need to get close to the same weight on your broad heads because your bow and your sites will be set up for your field points. You may fire a little low if you have heavier broad heads, or overshoot if they are too light. They do not have to be precisely on but within a gram should work.
The rest of the gear is up to you. The forearm guard is a good idea for when you shoot for real, but when practicing, I would personally leave it off. It tends to cut down on noise when you are shooting and can save you if you get your arm in the path of the string. While practicing though, it is more “educational” to leave it off. Without it, the string will let you know if you are standing correctly. After a couple times of having that string smack you, you will learn to keep your stance right. I personally prefer a three fingered glove when I shoot instead of the release. This gives me more of a feel for the bow and I feel more in control of my shot. The releases do give you a bit more accuracy, but with enough practice and consistency, it gives you very little. As long as you do not “pluck” the string and use the same techniques with every draw and release, two fingers work just as well and save you a couple bucks. No matter what you choose, use that method every single time you shoot. What you teach yourself or allow yourself to do in practice, you will do when shooting for real. Once you get all of your gear together, go practice when you get a chance. Remember, always use field points when practicing or shooting small game. Broad heads are expensive and fragile. You do not want to waste them on a squirrel or hay bail. Good luck and good hunting.
