How To Strap A Bow To Your Back? The 7 Latest Answer

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Bowhunting season is approaching where I live and in other places the season is already in full swing. There are probably many of you who go out and shoot your bows every day. It would be really convenient to be able to just pick up the bow and go.

You may be wondering like me, “Can I keep my bow drawn?” I used to do it all the time, when I was just starting out as a kid. At the time my bow was a red fiberglass recurve that my dad got me from Walmart for about $50 with 3 curved blade arrows. It didn’t seem like a problem at the time, but I was starting to think maybe I didn’t want to do this with a bow that cost more than $50, so I looked around to see what information I could find on the subject .

So can you keep your bowstring tight? It’s best to uncock your wooden recurve bow or longbow after you’ve finished shooting. Modern recurve and longbows made of synthetic materials can remain strung for up to 3 weeks, but should remain unstrung if stored for a longer period. Compound bows can remain stringed indefinitely.

All bows are durable, but only if properly cared for. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.

Why your sheet material matters

Most people want their stuff to last. Let’s face it, no one goes out and buys a brand new bow and says, “Gosh, I can’t wait for this thing to break so I can spend another $$$$ on a new one.” Everyone wants, that his bow holds. So how can I get the most out of my bow?

It depends on the material.

When you string your bow (and I’m not talking about compound bows here), the limbs are subjected to constant bending stress from the string. More specifically, the back of the limb is in tension and the abdomen of the limb is in compression.

Every time you pull the tendon back, the load on the limbs increases. When you fire a shot, the load is quickly reduced, but not completely. This constant and repeated cycle of loading and unloading gradually weakens the limb over time.

This gradual weakening process is called fatigue.

With some materials, it takes a long time and many, many repetitions to fully fatigue the limbs; not much time for other materials. Ultimately, you can extend the life of your bow, regardless of material, by increasing the time that the limbs are not stressed at all. the limbs should be given time to rest.

Wooden Bows: When finished, untie the string

By far the most common material used for bows is wood. Every culture throughout history that had archery had wooden bows. There are several reasons for this: wood is fairly readily available and withstands bending forces very well.

Wooden bows are generally made in a number of ways: carved from a single piece of wood, like many traditional longbows, or thin layers of wood glued and pressed together (a process called lamination), like many recurve bows. Both types of bows take advantage of wood’s natural ability to bend without breaking.

But there are limits.

If you’ve ever tried starting a campfire, you know that dry wood is best. This is because there is less moisture. If you’ve ever found yourself without dry wood, you’ve probably been looking for something. Imagine finding some sticks to light up and trying to break them into smaller pieces.

How did you know which ones were good? How easily they broke. The drier sticks break much more easily than those with more moisture and the green wood is the hardest to break. You have to bend it back and forth for it to break at all.

Wooden bow limbs are the same.

The wood has an optimal moisture content that allows it to flex and spring back without breaking like a dry stick. Wood bows are not only stained to make them look beautiful, but also to keep moisture levels optimal and to slow down the wood’s natural decomposition. Dyeing and sealing only lasts so long, although it does last a very long time. It helps the wood withstand the repeated charge-discharge cycle of shooting.

Above all, the natural decomposition of the wood shortens the lifespan of a wooden bow. At a microscopic level, wood is a bundle of fibers. Over time, these fibers become dry and brittle. With every shot you take, these fibers gradually get weaker and weaker. By tensioning the bow after shooting, the limbs are completely relieved and the wood is given its maximum lifespan.

If you choose to leave your wooden bow strung, you run the risk of warping the limbs. This happens because the wood grain is not uniform through a given piece of wood. As it naturally decomposes and dries out, it also expands and contracts along and across the grain. The constant stress on the string, which bends the limbs, speeds up the degradation process and can lead to warping. Luckily, if the warping isn’t severe, it can be fixed.

With a wooden bow with laminate limbs, the layers can come loose due to the constant stress on the limbs. When that happens, it’s game over and you’ll need a new set of limbs or a whole new bow.

Recommendation: Unclamp your wooden bow after each shooting.

Composite bows: When you’re done, unstuck them

Composite bows are those made from at least 2 different materials (even 2 different types of wood). The main goal is to choose materials with good tension for the base and materials with good compression for the abdomen.

A good example of this are the old string bows with horn bellies. Tendon has very good tension (and is also used for strings), while horn handles compressive forces very well. When they work together as a composite, the result is a bow that performs very well over a very long period of time.

In our day and age, a common type of composite bow is a wood-fiberglass laminate. Here the bow or the limbs are alternately layered from wood and fiberglass, glued and pressed together. The main reason fiberglass is used with wood is that it is a very flexible material and is not as prone to fatigue from repeated flexing as wood.

When you keep a wood composite bow strung, the same degradation mechanism is at work as with a solid wood bow. The only difference is that it takes much longer because of the help of the other material. For this reason, it is recommended to destress the bow after each session to maximize its life.

Synthetic bows: Can be stretched indefinitely…almost

Modern materials technology is absolutely amazing. In archery, the materials used for limbs and risers vary widely, but they all share a common goal: endurance. I was talking about the load-unload cycle of drawing and firing a bow.

All modern synthetic materials used to make bows are specifically designed to withstand these forces over thousands of repetitions. Of course it depends on the manufacturer, but basically this means that a modern bow can stay drawn indefinitely.

I still recommend decocking your bow simply because it’s a good habit to get into in the event you have multiple bows that may be wood, or if you plan on buying a wood bow someday in the future.

Case for storing darts, bolts, darts, ammunition, projectiles or javelins

Three quivers.

A quiver is a container for storing arrows, bolts, ammunition, projectiles, darts, or javelins. It can be worn on the body, on the bow or on the ground, depending on the type of shooting and the personal preference of the shooter. Quivers were traditionally made of leather, wood, fur, and other natural materials, but are now often made of metal or plastic.

Etymology[ edit ]

The English word quiver has its origins in Old French and is written as quivre, cuevre or coivre.

Types [ edit ]

Norman archers on the Bayeux Tapestry. The upper left archer was caught off guard and hastily slung his belt quiver over his shoulders, forgetting his helmet.

Belt quiver[ edit ]

The most common type of quiver is a flat or cylindrical container suspended from a belt. They are found in many cultures from North America to China. There are many variations of this type, e.g. B. tilted forwards or backwards and carried on the dominant side of the hand, the off-hand side or the small of the back. Some variants enclose almost the entire arrow, while minimalist “pocket quivers” consist of little more than a small, rigid pocket covering only the first few inches. The Bayeux Tapestry shows that belt quivers were used by most archers in medieval Europe.

Back quiver[ edit ]

A Y-shaped harness for a back quiver is shown on this bronze statue of Artemis, goddess of the hunt, mid-4th century BC. B.C. to see.

Back quivers attach to the archer’s back with leather straps, with the nock ends extending past the shoulder of the dominant hand. The nock allows arrows to be pulled quickly over the shoulder. This style of quiver was used by the native peoples of North America and Africa, and was also frequently depicted in bas-reliefs from ancient Assyria. They were also used in ancient Greece and are often seen on sculptural depictions of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. While this style of quiver was popular in cinema and 20th-century art for depictions of medieval European characters (such as Robin Hood), it was rarely used in medieval Europe.

Ground quiver [ edit ]

A ground quiver is used for both target shooting and warfare when the archer is shooting from a fixed location. They can be simple stakes in the ground with a ring at the top to hold the arrows, or more elaborate designs that keep the arrows within reach without the archer having to lean down to draw.

Bow quiver[ edit ]

The bow quiver, a modern invention, is attached directly to the bow arms and holds the arrows with a kind of clip. They are popular with compound bow hunters as they allow a piece of equipment to be carried in the field without straining the hunter’s body.

Arrow pocket [ edit ]

An arrow pouch, a style used by medieval English longbowmen and several other cultures, is a simple drawstring cloth pouch with a leather spacer at the top to keep the arrows separate. When not in use, the drawstring can be closed, completely covering the arrows to protect them from rain and dirt. Some had straps or ropes sewn on for carrying, but many were either tucked into the belt or laid on the ground before battle for easier access.

Japanese quivers[ edit ]

Yebira refers to a variety of quiver designs. The yazutsu is another type used in kyudo. Their main area of ​​application is the transport and protection of arrows.

Gallery [ edit ]

An Ottoman Turk with a backward-sloping belt quiver designed for mounted archery

Quiver from Turkey, 1620s.

Japanese archery equipment including a variety of quivers

Fujiwara no Hidesato Shoots the Giant Centipede (Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, 1890)

Detail. Quivered Royal Guard, member of the so-called Immortals (the 1000 special Royal Guard). From Susa, Iran. 521-500 BC BC British Museum

See also[edit]

Notes [edit]

^ Gerry Embleton; Clive Bartlett (1995). English Longbowman 1330-1515AD (Warrior, No. 11). Osprey Publishing (UK). p. 28. ISBN 1-85532-491-1.

References[ edit ]

General Archery Terms

General Archery Terms

Arms – The two limbs of a bow.

Armguard – A protection against the blow of the bowstring, worn on the inside of the left forearm. It is usually made of heavy leather padded with felt.

Arrow Case—A crate made of wood or other material used to transport arrows. Each arrow is usually kept separate from its companion.

Arrow Plate – A piece of horn, pretty shell, or leather just above the hilt on the left side of a bow where the arrow passes as it exits the bow.

Arrow Shaft – The wooden or steel shaft of an arrow.

Arrowsmith – One whose business was making metal arrowheads.

Artillery – The old word for bow and arrow.

Ascham – A tall, narrow cabinet used to store a bow and arrow.

Back—The outside or flat side of a loop.

Underlaid Bow – A bow underlaid with rawhide, wood, fiber, or sinew.

Underlay – Any substance used to underlay bows.

Balloon Feather – A feather that has been parabolic cut or curbed.

Barb – A protrusion on a hunting head that prevents it from being easily pulled back.

Barrel – A barreled arrow is heavier in the middle and tapers towards each end.

Perch or Bast – A target’s twisted straw backing.

Belly – The belly of a bow is the rounded side that is held towards you when firing.

Bending – You bend a bow when you draw or string it.

Bobtailed Arrow – An arrow that is thicker at the end of the stack. It tapers to the nock.

Bowstaff – The staff, staff, or piece of wood used to make a bow.

Bowyer – A maker of bows.

Brace – To brace a bow.

Bracer – Another name for an arm brace.

Brash—Wood is called brash when it is brittle.

Broadhead – A large flat hunting head.

Butt – A mound or mound of dirt or turf on which are fixed targets for shooting.

Carrying Strap – A strap that connects under the handle in a ferrule, allowing it to fall apart and allow for easy portability.

Throw – A bow’s ability to throw or cast an arrow.

Breast Arrow – An arrow is breast arrow when it is thickest at the nock end and tapers towards the stack and nock.

Chrysal – or Crisal – A crushed line of fiber running across the grain, usually in the belly of a bow.

Impact – A small white-faced target with a black bull’s-eye used in Archery, Golf, and Impact Shooting.

Rooster Spring – The spring that is perpendicular to the cam. Usually in a different color than the other two.

Crest – The decoration on an arrow. Each archer has their own color scheme that identifies their particular arrow.

Crossbow – An ancient weapon consisting of a short bow of steel or horn mounted crosswise on a shaft.

Crow’s Beak – A horn arrowhead used in northern France.

Curl – A curl or whorl in the grain of a bow staff.

Dead Shaft – An arrow that has neither life nor sting. One who flies lazily.

Tailwind – When the wind is on the archer’s back.

Draw – Draw an arrow at the correct distance.

Draw Fingers – The fingers used to draw a bow – the first three of the draw hand.

Drift – The drift to either side of a mark caused by a crosswind.

End – Shooting six arrows in a row is an end.

Eye – The loop at one or both ends of a bowstring.

Fingertips—Leather stalls or protectors for the three tips of the shooting fingers.

Faustmele – The distance between the grip and the string when the bow is drawn. It’s an old Saxon measure. The distance from the base of the clenched hand to the tip of the extended thumb.

Fletch – Put the feathers on an arrow.

Fletcher – A fletcher.

Flying Arrow – An arrow used for long-range shots. It is long and light and has very small feathers.

Air Shooting – Distance Shooting; to see how far you can send an arrow.

Flirt – An arrow flirts when it jumps out of its steady flight path.

Follow the String – When a bow takes on a cast or bend in the direction of the draw, it is said to have a cast or follow the string.

Foot – The piece of hardwood spliced ​​onto an arrow shaft.

Footed Arrow – An arrow with a piece of hardwood attached to the head.

Fret – The same as a crisal.

Grip – Same as the grip of a bow.

Grip – This is where the bow is held when it is shot.

Head – The point or tip of the arrow.

He! He! – The Call of Ancient Archers. We get our “Hey, Bill” from it. Used in golf the same as “fore”.

High Braced – When the distance between the grip and string of a strung bow is more than 7 inches. It is better to draw a bow high than draw one low.

Hold – The brief pause just before you lose the arrow.

Home – An arrow is home when it is fully drawn and ready to fire.

Horns—The tips of a bow made from cow, bull, or deer horns with notches cut into them for the string.

Jointed Bou – A carriage or two-part bow.

Kick – A bow is said to kick when a blow is felt after a shot. It is due to unevenly stocked limbs.

Longbow—Any bow 5’6″ or longer in length.

Loose – To let go of the string with the shooting fingers; to shoot the arrow.

Nocks – The grooves cut into the wood of the bow itself or into horn, fiber, or metal points into which the loop of the bowstring fits. The notch in the arrows.

Nocking Point – The point on a bowstring where the arrow is nocked or placed when you are ready to shoot.

Overbowed – A bow that is too powerful for its wielder.

Overshoot – To overshoot the target.

Overstretched – When the string is completely too short for the bow.

Pair – An archer’s pair means three, i.e. two arrows and a spare is a pair of arrows. Three feathers are called a pair.

Petticoat – The edge of the target. It is outside of the last or white ring and has no value in the count.

Pile – The tip of an arrow – its tip.

Needle – A small black knot in yew or osage.

Pinch – Same as Crisal.

Pin Hole – The exact center of a target’s gold.

Point Blank – The distance is called the point blank when the arrow flies flat towards the mark.

Quiver – A container for storing arrows. They have different shapes, sizes and materials. Some are worn at the waist and others on the shoulder.

Recurved Bow – A bow whose ends are bent back or bent back in a graceful arc.

Release – To release the arrow and string; shoot an arrow.

Round – The number of shots at specific distances, as in the American and York rounds.

Rover – One who indulges in field shooting or rover.

Roving – The act of shooting across fields and forests without a specific target – stumps, trees, leaves, etc. as markers.

Run – When one of the strands in a bowstring lets go, the string has a run.

Sapwood – The wood just under the bark. In yew it is white, about the same color as the heartwood in Osage and Lemonwood.

Self-Arrow – An arrow made out of just one piece of wood.

Self Bow – A bow made from a single piece of wood; a single stave.

Serving – Beating or wrapping with thread.

Shaft – The Arrow.

Shaftment – The part of the arrow to which the feathers are glued.

Shake – A crack in a bow stick that runs lengthwise with the grain.

Shooting Glove – A glove made to protect the tips of the three shooting fingers.

Spine – The property of an arrow that allows it to get around the bow and aim itself efficiently. Spine isn’t just stiffness, it’s another elusive quality.

Steele – The shaft of an arrow; the body of the arrow.

Gear – All of an archer’s gear – bow, arrows, arm guards, finger guards, quiver, etc.

Tiller – see Table 7.

Toxophilite – One who loves, studies, and practices archery.

Twist – A bow is twisted when it has a twist to the right or left of the string.

Underbowed – A bow that is too weak for the archer.

Conclusion – A final round or a second leg. A settlement.

Vane – A piece of a feather.

Wand – A stick that serves as a target that can be shot at.

Weight – In actual grains, the weight of an arrow. The number of pounds of pull a bow has.

Whip End – A bow is called a whip end when it is too thin or weak at the tips.

Whipping – A wrapping of thread to protect the loop and center of a bowstring.

If you’ve ever been to the shooting range, you’ve probably heard this several times from several people: “Never shoot your bow dry.” It may seem like a bit much, and the people who remind you of it may seem like worry warts, but Dry burns are actually very dangerous, and there’s a reason people are so panicky. This is important, so let’s get into it. We’ll start with the basics and then go into some details:

Dry-Firing a Bow: What It Is, Why It’s Bad Basically, the term “dry-fire” refers to when a person pulls the bowstring back and releases the bowstring without an arrow. In and of itself, that doesn’t seem so bad, does it? Archers new to the sport don’t always see it’s a big deal. What is the difference if the bow contains an arrow or not? Here’s what happens during a regular firing cycle:

When a bow is drawn with an arrow—that is, when you nock an arrow and pull the bowstring back toward your face—the bow arms store the energy of your draw. You can see them flex backwards when you pull the bowstring back, and they’re dying to return to their original position. When you let go of the bowstring, the limbs pull the bowstring forward and the bowstring pushes the arrow forward. The energy stored in the limbs is transferred to the string and arrow when the bowstring is released, and all that energy shoots the arrow at your target. Some of that energy goes back into the bow – and if you’ve ever shot an arrow and felt the bow tremble, that’s why – but most of that energy goes into the arrow. This is how the recording process should work. But here’s what happens when you dry fire a bow, and why it’s such a big deal:

When a bow WITHOUT an arrow is drawn and the string is released, the energy stored in the limbs has nowhere to go, and the energy vibrates powerfully through all parts of the bow—through the limbs, through the centerline, and if you’re using a compound bow, through the cams. In fact, these vibrations are so strong that they can actually destroy the bow – sending parts of the bow flying in all directions. A dry burn can result in cracked or splintered limbs, broken strings, and ruptured nocks/other parts, but that’s not the worst news: all those parts that break and fly through the air can cause you serious physical damage that can lead to blindness / Loss of vision (if one of these pieces flies into your eye – and if you think about it, we hold our bows damn close to our eyes), lacerations/cuts (some of the pieces/gear that can fly off a bow can cut , and that’s especially true if you have an extremely sharp broadpoint on the butt of your arrow) and some pretty serious bruising (when you get hit by a stray bowstring). Here’s a video of a dry fire that resulted in severe bow damage:

If you see, the guy in the video actually had an arrow, but he didn’t nock it properly – that is, he didn’t attach the end of the arrow to the drawstring – so it was basically like he was shooting without it at all Arrow. It’s actually a very common cause of dry burns, and it can also happen if the nock – the part of the arrow you attach to your bowstring – is weak or disintegrates during the draw (so always check your arrows are in look okay! ). Why this guy is drawing in his front yard is a mystery, and that’s his first mistake. Its second flaw is obviously the dry fire, and watch this arc fall apart – you can literally see pieces flying all over the place. The only thing that seems to stay in place is the bow sight. Here’s another guy dry-shooting a bow (and to everyone who posts dry-firing videos, thank you for your courage! You’re doing a good thing by helping us spread the word about dry-firing!)

In the first video we posted you can see the bow falling apart in slow motion. You can see the limbs fly forward and break the bow, the arrow dangling from the shelf and the string snapping outward. However, this video is not in slow motion and that makes it much more lifelike. After letting go of the bowstring, the archer stands there in surprise, trying to figure out what just happened. This is very common – a dry burn can develop so quickly that at first you are not sure what is going on. Here’s one last video, and perhaps the most important of all – it’s a clip of veteran archer Tim Gillingham dry firing a bow. In case you don’t know him, Mr Gillingham is a professional archer – he literally shoots arrows for a living – and has been shipping arrows for more than 30 years. Here’s his report on Team Bowtech, and here’s his profile on World Archery reviewing his career win/loss record. It is “the real deal” in the truest sense of the word. Here is Mr Gillingham dry shooting a bow at the Archery Trade Association conference:

Archery is a 10,000 year old tool in the human arsenal. Nowadays, it takes on a few different types of archery forms that are useful in various scenarios, from hunting to competition to recreation.

People pick up bows for all sorts of reasons. And they have a long and cherished place in human history. Countless types of bows are available today for a variety of purposes.

We’ve put together a list of bow types to help you decide which setup is right for you. The good news is that you can take on more than one.

parts of an arch

All types of archery bows consist of three main parts: limbs, riser and bowstring.

Before we can look at each bow style, it’s important to know what you’re looking at. These parts may look and behave differently in different styles, but they serve the same purposes in all styles.

limbs

The limbs flex, providing the power that moves into your arrow and pushes it forward. They are attached to the carrying strap and hold the string on both string nocks.

riser

The riser is the middle part of the bow and contains the grip, arrow rest and viewing window. This is often made of wood and sometimes composite materials. Depending on whether you are left- or right-handed, you will need to change the risers. Before you buy, make sure which arm you are drawing with!

bowstring

The bowstring is a string made of different materials with a loop at each end. The bowstring holds the arrow and generates more energy to give you a better shot.

Bow technology has come a long way, moving from wood to fiberglass and carbon fiber. However, the basic styles have not strayed far from their origins.

4 types of archery bows

Made for both beginners and experts, the recurve bow is one of the oldest bows known to man. Early arches date back to 800 BC. The history of the recurve bow makes it the most trusted bow type on our list.

Both limbs curve away from the archer, which can cause confusion when drawing the bow. The bend in the limbs provides more energy to be released into a shot than other straight limb bows, meaning it can have a lot of power.

Recurve bows are often made from multiple layers of fiberglass, carbon, or wood with a wood or composite riser. Because of this, as with all bows, dry shooting (shooting without an arrow) can be extremely dangerous. Any bow can be damaged by dry shooting, and that damage can injure you in the process. Avoid at all costs.

On the plus side, a recurve is the perfect arc for both learning and progressing. Recurve is currently the only bow allowed in the Olympics. So if sport shooting is your goal, then a recurve is for you.

If you’re just learning archery, try the Samick Sage Takedown as your first bow. Highly recommended for beginners, it offers a variety of options for draw weight (how hard it is to pull back the string) and size.

The longbow comes directly from the Middle Ages and is characterized by its simplicity. Essentially, it’s a long wooden pole with a string attached to either end.

Due to the lack of technological advances, the longbow is the most difficult to use and shoot accurately of these four types. As the bow length increases, so does the draw weight. These bows required incredibly strong archers in warfare and delivered deadly power.

Now that we’re past that era, the longbow is most commonly used for target shooting. But experienced hunters still take longbows and recurves into the field. And you can do any kind of game with them.

The difficulty of retracting the longbow without helpful additions like sights makes the longbow one for masters. But this is the easiest bow to make if you want to start a bow making hobby.

The compound bow is probably archery’s greatest technological achievement. The compound bow was not born until the 1960s.

Attaching a system of pulleys, cams and cables to the bow allows the archer to hold heavy draw weights with little effort. This means you can steady your bow and take more time to aim effectively once you get over the strain of the initial draw.

While recurves and longbows have a much more traditional wood look, the compound bow is made almost exclusively from composite materials. Wood often changes in pliability and strength as the weather changes. On the other hand, these composite materials are durable, long-lasting and strong.

A compound bow’s action can be adjusted to extreme levels for long-range accuracy using sights and triggers. And performance is much easier to achieve with rotating cams and bleeds. No wonder hunters most often use compound bows when hunting game.

The crossbow took the traditional archery style, turned it on its side and added a trigger mechanism.

The simple point-and-shoot method is much easier to apply to crossbows than to other types of bows. Because the crossbow handles this style of shooting, it’s easy to use for people who want to get into bowhunting but don’t have a lot of time to practice.

Crossbows have much shorter limbs and an almost non-existent riser since the grip is elsewhere on the bow. The shorter bow requires a much heavier draw weight, so a crank mechanism is used to pull the bowstring back. Once the arrow is cocked, it’s easy to aim and pull the trigger.

In most states, it is only legal to hunt with crossbows during rifle or shotgun season, so it’s important to know your state’s crossbow regulations. This is also a great option for people with disabilities that prevent them from shooting a regular bow.

Final Thoughts

The arch you choose can take you to the Olympics, the moose forest, or just to your backyard for a bit of fun.

With all types of archery, the more practice you invest, the more you end up on the bullseye. Happy shooting!

HAND ALIGNMENT: There can often be confusion when choosing the appropriate hand alignment. Knowing which hand you hold your bow with and which hand you use to draw your bow is most easily determined by knowing which hand you are most dominant with. For example, if you write and/or throw a ball with your right hand, then you are right-handed dominant. Conversely, if you are writing and/or throwing a ball with your left hand, then you are left hand dominant. When choosing the right hand orientation for a bow, simply select which option is your dominant hand. The dominant hand is used to draw the bowstring while the other hand holds the bow stationary.

Choosing the right draw weight

DRAW WEIGHT:

When it comes to choosing the right draw weight, it can certainly vary with different archers. Deciding what is right for the individual depends heavily on skill level and what that person wants to achieve as an archer. Choosing the right draw weight is a crucial decision for any new archer. The learning experience can be severely hampered when a new archer struggles to draw their bow, sacrificing the ability to focus on form and consistency. As a general rule, we recommend sticking with the lower draw weights until you are comfortable shooting your new bow. Just always remember that starting too strong is a surefire way to sabotage progress.

Every archer will naturally make progress the more they use their bow, which will eventually lead to an increase in draw weight. The draw weight of the bow can always be changed later by purchasing and installing a set of heavier or lighter weight limbs. This comes in handy when you prefer lighter weights for target shooting and then want to use the same bow in a heavier draw weight for hunting. All Southwest Archery Takedown limbs are 100% interchangeable among Southwest Archery risers (except for the 54″ Little Tiger).

If this is your first bow, check out the charts to the left to further help you choose the right draw weight! Disregard this chart if you have previous experience with a recurve bow. Compound experience doesn’t count as it’s totally different.

How to measure your draw length

The weight of a recurve bow is measured at a draw length of 28 inches. If your draw length is longer than 28 inches, the weight you are drawing will be heavier than the bow weight marked with the weight. To determine the additional draw weight over 28 inches, add 2 lbs for each inch. If your draw length is 30″ and you order a 30lb bow, your actual draw weight is 34lbs a SpyderXL.

The best hunting bow varies based on budget and expectations. We understand that some people want the best hunting bow out there, while others want the best hunting bow for the money. Whether you’re looking for the best bow money can buy or the best hunting bow on a budget, we’ve delved deep into each scenario and presented what we think are the top 5 best hunting bows.

When comparing hunting bows, keep in mind:

The best hunting bow for you may be different than the best hunting bow for someone else. It’s important to understand bow specs and what they mean (scroll down to bow specs if you don’t know what they mean). From here you can get an idea of ​​what specifications will best suit you and then find a bow that meets those needs. This turns a long list of bows into a short list that you can personally test at an archery range to make your final decision.

The term “RTH” refers to “Ready to Hunt” while “RTS” means “Ready to Shoot”. These two terms are used interchangeably and mean that the Hunting Bow Pack contains everything you need to be ready to hunt out of the box. If the term RTH or RTS isn’t used, then plan on getting a bare bow that will require you to purchase additional accessories to make it hunt-ready, such as: B. Stabilizers, visor, quiver and more.

Another commonly used term when comparing specifications is the IBO and ATA speed ratings and how they compare to the actual speed rating. Here is a description of where they come from:

The International Bowhunters Organization (IBO) speed rating is based on measuring speed at a draw of 80lbs, maximum draw length, and a 400 grain arrow.

refers to measuring velocity with an 80 lbs draw, maximized draw length, and a 400 grain dart. The Archery Trade Association (ATA) speed rating is based on measuring speed at a 70 lb draw, 30 inch draw length, and 350 grain arrow.

refers to the measurement of velocity using a 70 lb, 30 inch draw, and 350 grain dart. Actual speed will vary based on actual draw length, weight setting, and arrow grain. For most people who don’t set the draw length to 30+ inches or the weight to 70+ lbs, the advertised speed will be faster than the actual speed they will see.

Once you’ve selected your hunting bow, combine it with a night hunting bow stabilization light and you’re ready for the night. Adjustable brightness, true red, true green, and infrared LEDs are guaranteed to add stealth to your nighttime bowhunting excursions. The light comes standard with Picatinny rail mounts, making it easy to switch back and forth from your hunting bow to your rifle.

Top 5 Best Hunting Bows of 2022

We’ve made it easy to choose the best bow for you by dividing the top hunting bows into two categories: the top 5 all-around best hunting bows and the top 5 best budget hunting bows.

Top 5 Best Hunting Bows

1. Xpedition X30 compound bow

2. Mathews Archery V3 hunting bow

3. Hoyt Ventum 33 hunting bow

4. Elite Enkore Compound Bow

5. Bowtech Solution Compound hunting bow

Top 5 Best Budget Hunting Bows

Top 5 Best Hunting Bows

Here is a list of the 5 best all-around hunting bows. We only look at quality and performance in terms of hunting, the price of the bow may be mentioned but it was not a determining factor in finding the top 5 hunting bows on this list.

Xpedition X30 compound bow

Founded in 2013, Xpedition Archery is a relatively young archery company compared to many of their competitors. Though young, they are earning their respect in the world of high-performance bows, being dubbed the “king of speed” among hunting bows. If you are looking for a fast-firing hunting bow, look no further than the Xpedition X-Series hunting bows.

The Xpedition X series bows shoot at an amazing 350-352 FPS (IBO speed rating for the X30) and weigh only 3.6 lbs. This means that they are not only among the fastest shooting bows, but also among the lightest bows in the range.

Xpedition X30 Compound Hunting Bow

main features

PROS

Fastest shooting bow in the range

The lightest bow in the range

Uses Magnite’s X-Loy (a blend of alloys mixed with carbon to make the bow lighter yet stronger than aluminum.)

The LVR (stick) camera achieves higher efficiency, allowing hunters to generate more kinetic energy and momentum.

ETS (Energy Transfer System) increases performance and efficiency by pre-tensioning the cables and limiting cable movement.

DISADVANTAGE

Young company, doesn’t have the roots that the more developed companies have in terms of long-term prospects.

Among the most expensive with an MSRP of $1,399

XPEDITION XSERIES (X30) SPECIFICATIONS.

Axle to Axle: 29.625″ +/- 0.250″

29.625″ +/- 0.250″ Strut Height: 6.25″ +/- 0.125″

6.25″ +/- 0.125″ Draw Weight: Available in 50, 60, 65, 70 lbs

available in 50, 60, 65, 70 lbs draw length: lever cam available in 25.5″ to 30″

Lever Cam available in 25.5″ to 30″ Let-Off: 80% Adj.

80% adjustment Physical Weight: 3.60 lbs

3.60lbs IBO Speed ​​Rating: 350-352 FPS

350-352 FPS Camera: LVR (stick) camera

LVR (Lever) Cam MSRP: $1,399

Mathews Archery V3 hunting bow

Mathews Archery was founded in 1992 when founder and CEO Matt McPherson first invented Solocam technology. Mathews is a well known manufacturer in bows for always being one step ahead when it comes to finding the next best in hunting bow performance.

Year after year, you’ll see Mathews Archery continue to improve on an already industry-leading bow. If quality is what you’re looking for, look no further than a company that puts quality material components first and continually micromanages their production process to ensure consistent scale.

Their newest hunting bow is the V3 hunting bow. Improvements over previous bows include the longest riser-to-axle-to-axle ratio, resulting in a more compact hunting tool that maintains high accuracy. It also comes with the new, patent-pending Centerguard cable containment and the all-new Nano 740 damper for better vibration control. The vibration control, maneuverability, and accuracy of the Mathews V3 hunting bow make it one of the most versatile hunting bows at the top of our list.

Mathews Archery V3 hunting bow

main features

PROS

Lightweight, ideal for agile hunters, great accuracy for snipers.

The new Nano 740 dampener helps hunters remain unobtrusive with added vibration control

Made in the USA, founder of Solocam technology

DISADVANTAGE

Bow is brand new for 2021, doesn’t have as much customer feedback as previous bows although improving on previous bows.

MATHEWS V3 SPECIFICATIONS

Axle-to-axle: available in 31″ (V3 31) or 27″ (V3 27)

available in 31″ (V3 31) or 27″ (V3 27) strut height: 6″

6″ draw weight: available in 60, 65, 70, 75 lbs

Available in 60, 65, 70, 75 lbs Draw Length: V3 31 available in 26″ to 30.5″, V3 27 available in 25″ to 29.5″

V3 31 available in 26″ to 30.5″, V3 27 available in 25″ to 29.5″ Let-Off: 80 or 85%

80 or 85% physical weight: V3 31 weighs 4.50 lbs, V3 27 weighs 4.29 lbs

V3 31 weighs 4.50lbs, V3 27 weighs 4.29lbs International Bowhunters Organization (IBO) Speed ​​Rating

V3 31 designed for up to 342 FPS

V3 27 designed for up to 336 FPS

Cam: Crosscentric with Switch Weight Technology

Crosscentric with Switch Weight Technology MSRP: $1,199

Hoyt Ventum 33 hunting bow

Hoyt Archery was founded in 1931 by Earl Hoyt Sr. in St. Louis, Missouri. They started out making handcrafted cedar arrows and wooden bows and were eventually bought by Jas. D. Easton, Inc. in 1983. Jas. D. Easton owns Easton Technical Products, a manufacturer of darts, tent tubing, and medical tubing.

Hoyt Archery is a staple in the bowhunting world as they are true seasoned veterans. They have been in business longer than most companies and continue to design and manufacture high quality bows.

The Hoyt Ventum 33 is their latest hunting bow, where their mantra is to redefine smoothness.

As part of their mission to redefine smoothness, they’ve moved the stabilizer bar, upgraded to the HBX Cam, redesigned their limb shock absorbers, added a low-friction roller guard with sealed ball bearings, and added numerous other vibration-stabilizing features.

Hoyt Ventum 33 compound bow

main features

PROS

Focused on minimizing vibration and promoting a smooth draw.

Hoyt is a trusted brand in the industry known for their quality bows.

DISADVANTAGE

Moving the stabilizer seems questionable, but we’ll see how it turns out as more people start using this new bow.

HOYT VENTUM 33 SPECIFICATIONS

Axle to axle: available in 30″ or 33″

Available in 30″ or 33″ strut height: Ventum 30 is 6.125″, Ventum 33 is 6.375″

Ventum 30 is 6.125″, Ventum 33 is 6.375″ draw weight: available in 30-40lb, 40-50lb, 50-60lb, 55-65lb, 60-70lb or 70-80lb.

available in 30-40lb, 40-50lb, 50-60lb, 55-65lb, 60-70lb or 70-80lb. Draw Length: Ventum 30 available in 25″ to 28″ or 28.5″ to 30″; Ventum 33 available in 26″ to 29″ or 29.5″ to 31″

Ventum 30 available in 25″ to 28″ or 28.5″ to 30″; Ventum 33 available in 26″ to 29″ or 29.5″ to 31″ Let-Off: 80 or 85%

80 or 85% physical weight: Ventum 30 weighs 4.6 lbs, Ventum 33 weighs 4.7 lbs

Ventum 30 weighs 4.6 lbs, Ventum 33 weighs 4.7 lbs ATA Speed ​​Rating

Ventum 30 is designed for up to 342 FPS

Ventum 33 is designed for up to 334 FPS

Camera: HBX camera system

HBX Cam System MSRP: $1,249

Elite Enkore compound bow

Elite Archery advertises itself as the world’s best-shooting bow. Established in 2012, Elite is a subsidiary of parent company The Outdoor Group LLC. Outdoor Group LLC owns seven companies, all specializing in archery products: Elite Archery, Scott Archery, Custom Bow Equipment, Duel Game Calls, Solid Broadhead Company, and SlickTrick Broadheads.

The all new Elite Enkore compound bow was designed with ease of use, comfort and shooting ability in mind. It features the ASYM Tri-Track Cam System for an easy to adjust 70-90% dump setting. It also comes standard with a designed inner mod to generate more speed to reach further and narrow pin spacing. Your latest S.E.T. Technology allows for easy tuning without the need for a bow press.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use hunting bow, look no further than the Elite Enkore compound bow.

Elite Enkore Compound Hunting Bow

main features

PROS

American made

Easy to use, no bow press required for tuning

Comparable specifications to other bows in this category.

Priced slightly lower than the above two bows.

DISADVANTAGE

A heavy focus on usability is great for the average hunter, but can be a disadvantage for the marksman looking to get the most out of their hunting bow.

ELITE ENKORE SPECS

Axle to axle: 33″

33″ Strut Height: 6″

6″ draw weight: available in 40-70 lbs

Available in 40-70 lbs Draw Length: Available in 23-30″

available in 23-30″ drain: 70-90%

70-90% physical weight: 4.55 lbs

4.55 lbs IBO speed rating: 340 FPS

340 FPS Cam: ASYM Tri-Track Cam System

ASYM Tri-Track Cam System MSRP: $999.99

Bowtech Solution Compound hunting bow

Bowtech was founded in 1999 by John Strasheim and Kevin Strother who wanted to make a quick impact on the bowhunting industry. Their first bow was released in 2000 and they quickly grew into one of the largest compound bow manufacturers in the world. Their quality control is among the best in the business as they claim to manually shoot every single bow they produce and take no shortcuts during design, manufacture and assembly.

The Bowtech Solution is their newest compound hunting bow, billed as “speed without a kick”. Its increased stability ensures great accuracy at any distance. It comes standard with DeadLock technologies that help achieve better arrow light and repeatable accuracy. Compared to other bows on this list, it is among the lightest hunting bows we know of.

Bowtech Solution hunting bow

main features

PROS

Superb quality control procedures which have earned them a solid reputation for consistently making great bows.

Light, fast-firing bow.

Renowned brand in the archery industry

Made in America

DISADVANTAGE

Quiet bow, but not as quiet as the Mathews V3.

BOWTECH SOLUTION SPECIFICATIONS

Axle to axle: 32″

32″ strut height: 6″

6″ draw weight: available in 50, 60, 70 lbs

Available in 50, 60, 70 lbs Draw Length: Available in 25-30″

available in 25-30″ drain: 70-90%

70-90% physical weight: 4.30 lbs

4.30 lbs Speed ​​rating: 346 FPS (does not specify whether ATA or IBO)

346 FPS (Does not specify ATA or IBO) Cam: Deadlock Cams

Deadlock Cam’s MSRP: $1,199

Top 5 Best Budget Hunting Bows

Here is our list of the 5 best hunting bows for those on a budget. Unlike the previous list, the goal focuses on keeping the price of the hunting bow down while maintaining good quality and performance. The bows on this list are ideal for beginners or even the occasional bow hunter.

Hoyt Torrex and Torrex XT

You may have seen Hoyt’s latest Ventum 33 on the list above, which took 3rd place for our best all-around hunting bow, but their Torrex and Torrex XT earned first place for best budget hunting bow.

The Hoyt Torrex and Torrex XT don’t quite match the speed of the bows above, but are among the lighter bows in the lineup at just 3.8 pounds and cost half the price of many bows in the lineup above. Hoyt advertises this bow as having everything you need and nothing you don’t.

The only difference between the Torrex and the Torrex XT is that the XT has a shorter stay height of 6″ instead of 7″, an upgraded pulley cable retention system and riser mounted shocks are already installed.

Hoyt Torrex XT compound hunting bow

main features

PROS

High quality bow that almost meets the criteria of the bows in the list above at a fraction of the price

Ideal for beginners or even experienced bow hunters on a budget.

DISADVANTAGE

New bow, not as much customer feedback as their older bows.

Axis to axis of the HOYT TORREX SPEC: 30.75″

30.75″ Strut Height: 7″

7″ draw weight: available in 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, 60-70 lbs

Available in 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, 60-70 lbs Draw Length: Available in 26-30″

available in 26-30″ drain: N/A

N/A Physical Weight: 3.80 lbs

3.80lbs ATA Speed ​​Rating: 327 FPS

327 FPS Camera: Torrex Cameras

Torrex Cams MSRP: $599

Bear Archery Legit

Bear Products Company was founded in 1933 by Fred Bear and Charles Piper in Detroit, Michigan. The original company focused on screen printing and advertising support work for automotive companies. In 1938 Fred Bear hired Nels Grumley, a woodworker and bowmaker, who then expanded his offering to handcrafted bows. The company’s advertising page was sold in 1940 and the company was renamed Bear Archery. The company has gone through many mergers and acquisitions and is currently owned by Escalade Sports of Gainesville, Florida.

The Bear Archery Legit is advertised as the industry’s most comfortable and versatile hunting bow. Your Ready to Hunt (RTH) pack includes a Trophy Ridge whisker biscuit, peep sight, D-loop, stabilizer, quiver and rear sight. The additional kit is available with 3x Rocket Broadheads, a Trophy Ridge version and Trophy Ridge arrows.

The Bear Archery Legit is a great all-around entry-level bow, albeit not the fastest bow out there with a 315 FPS speed rating. Weighing in at just 3.6 lbs, it’s among the lighter options available. Draw weight adjustability from 10 to 70 lbs and draw length from 14″ to 30″ make this a great beginner hunting bow for hunters of all ages.

Bear Archery Legit Compound Hunting Bow

main features

PROS

Wide adjustability of draw length and weight

Can be used as a beginner’s bow for hunters of all ages

Relatively easy

Great entry option

DISADVANTAGE

Slower than the average speed rating of 315 FPS

BEAR ARCHERY LEGIT SPECs

Axle to axle: 30″

30″ strut height: 6″

6″ draw weight: 10-70 lbs

10-70 lbs Draw Length: 14″-30″

14″-30″ let off: 75%

75% Physical Weight: 3.60 lbs

3.60 lbs IBO speed rating: 315 FPS

315 FPS Cam: Dual cam system

MSRP of the dual cam system: $449

Most entry-level hunting bows will be very similar in terms of quality performance and speed ratings. The reason the Bear Archery Legit ended up #2 on our list is primarily because of its low budget price and the long term perspective of an established company that will stand behind the product for the long term.

Quest Centec developed by Prime

Quest Bowhunting was introduced to the archery world in 2009 by G5 Outdoors. Lou Grace, an innovative product designer, co-founded G5 Outdoors with his sons Matt and Nate in 2000. Their first product revealed the first all-steel broadhead. Quest’s mission is to make great bows at a great price with no compromises.

The Quest Centec Hunting Bow is a joint effort by Quest Bowhunting and Prime Archery to create a low-budget bow that incorporates premium-level technology.

The Centec’s Center Grip Riser, equipped with Centergy technology, gives the bowhunter the advantage of getting on target faster and staying on target longer. The collaboration with Prime Archery is evident in the use of a very similar pull cycle and cam system with no split string tracks.

Quest Centec Compound hunting bow

main features

PROS

Great entry-level hunting bow from two established companies in the bowhunting world.

The 325 FPS IBO speed is similar to the Hoyt Torrex at a lower price point.

DISADVANTAGE

At 4.4lbs, this bow is heavier than the options above and is the only reason the hunting bow landed at number 3 on our list.

QUEST CENTEC SPECIFICATIONS

Axle to axle: 32″

32″ Strut Height: 6.75″

6.75″ draw weight: 40-55 and 55-70 lbs

40-55 and 55-70 lbs Draw Length: 25.5″-31″

25.5″-31″ drain: 75-80%

75-80% Physical Weight: 4.40 lbs

4.40 lbs IBO speed rating: 325 FPS

325FPS Cam: Prime Archery Cam System

Prime Archery Cam System MSRP: $449

PSE Stinger Max hunting bow

PSE Archery was founded in 1970 by Pete Shepley in Mahomet, Illinois. Their focus was originally on hunting bows but has expanded to include bowfishing and precision shooting bows. The acronym “PSE” literally stands for Precision Shooting Equipment. Accuracy is paramount in all of their bows.

The PSE Stinger Max is one of PSE’s best-selling bows of all time. The shorter limbs and larger nock in the Stinger Max make it a great bow for hunting from a tree stand or game blind. Their new SS-Cam system delivers a smooth pull with 80% let-off.

PSE Stinger Max Compound Hunting Bow

main features

PROS

Smooth, efficient arc with high let-off

Available in Ready to Shoot or Ready to Shoot Pro packages.

Established bow that’s been around for a while.

DISADVANTAGE

Slowest bow by speed rating compared to any of the above bows.

PSE STINGER MAX SPECs

Axle to axle: 30″

30″ strut height: 7″

7″ draw weight: 55.70 lbs

55, 70 lbs Draw Length: 21.5″-30″

21.5″-30″ drain: 80%

80% physical weight: 3.80 lbs

3.80lbs Speed ​​Rating: 312 FPS (ATA), 304 FPS (IBO)

312 FPS (ATA), 304 FPS (IBO) Camera: SS

SS MSRP: $399

Diamond Archery Prism compound bow

Diamond Archery was founded in 1996 by Josh Halbert and Gary Green. The original brand did well, but in 2004 they were bought out by a bigger brand, Bowtech. Bowtech is one of the best-known bow manufacturers in the industry.

The Diamond Archery Prism is a great entry-level bow that excels in versatility and customizability. The do-it-yourself setup allows users to adjust draw weight from 5 to 55 pounds, and the rotating modules allow for draw length adjustments from 18 to 30 inches. The Prism is a great first hunting bow to use as the young hunter matures.

In terms of raw performance, it’s the slowest bow on the list at 295 FPS, but it’s also the lightest bow on the list at 3.2 lbs. These two qualities make it a great option as a youth hunting bow.

Diamond Archery Prism hunting bow

PROS

Great entry-level hunting bow that will help young hunters continue to grow

Easy to use, loads of flexibility in adjusting draw weight and length.

Lowest price on the list at $299

DISADVANTAGE

Lowest speed rating on the list

DIAMOND ARCHERY PRISM SPECs

Axle to axle: 31″

31″ Strut Height: 7″

7″ draw weight: 5-55 lbs

5-55 lbs Draw Length: 18″-30″

18″-30″ let off: 80%

80% physical weight: 3.20 lbs

3.20 lbs Speed ​​Rating: 295 FPS

295 FPS Camera: Dual cam system

MSRP of the dual cam system: $399

What do compound bow specifications mean?

The specifications used to describe a compound hunting bow remain the same, but each bow can be tuned or augmented to improve its weakness.

Ultimately, the best hunting bow for you may be different than the best hunting bow for someone else. It is important to understand what these bow specs mean, and a good first step to finding the best hunting bow for you is to first create your hypothetical best specs and then look for a bow that meets those specs.

This will give you your own list of bows to choose from, and you can then test them out at a bow shop to make your final decision. We know it can be difficult to choose from so many arches, but hopefully this process will help you make the right decision.

axis to axis

Bow length varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but here are the implications of having a shorter or longer axis length on your hunting bow:

Longer compound bows tend to have better shot stability

Shorter compound bows are usually better suited for maneuverability and concealment in tight spaces.

strut height

Strut height can directly affect a bow’s performance. A longer stay height, typically 7 inches or more, can offer more forgiveness on a shot. A shorter brace height, typically 6 inches or less, can add speed to the hunting bow.

pull weight

The maximum draw weight is used to measure the IBO speed rating. However, maximum draw weights are usually less stable. It is best to reduce the maximum draw weight by 10 pounds for a more comfortable draw cycle that maximizes usable energy. In the end, the draw weight will vary depending on what you’re personally comfortable with. In theory, the higher the draw weight, the faster the bow shoots.

draw length

The draw length should be adjusted to your body size and shape. Longer draw length tends to increase the speed of a bow, the rule of thumb is that 1 inch longer draw length results in 10 FPS speed. However, a shorter draw length may be more convenient for use in the field. It’s important to balance the two when finding the optimal draw length for your bowhunting needs.

Let go

Compound hunting bows use cables and cams to store kinetic and potential energy and reduce holding weight at full draw. The train hold weight is calculated using the percentage of letdown and the train weight.

Pull Holding Weight, % = 100% – Release %

Draw-Holding Weight, lbs = (Draw-Holding Weight, %) * (Draw-Holding Weight, lbs)

Example – 60lb bow with 80% drain:

Draw holding weight, % = 100% – 80% = 20%

Draw Hold Weight, lbs = (20%) * (60 lbs) = 12 lbs

A 60 pound bow with 80% let-off would equate to holding back 12 pounds when the bow is fully drawn.

This little calculation will help you understand if you are strong enough for a given bow size or bow setting. In general, the higher the percentage letdown listed on compound bows, the better.

Physical weight / mass weight

Lighter bows are great for mobility when hunting, but additional dampeners can eliminate vibration. It’s important to consider whether a bow is a really light frame or if it’s just stripped of dampers. If it’s stripped of dampers, you can expect it to make more noise when firing. However, if it’s like the Xpedition X30, it can be light because of the frame composition.

speed measurement

There are two speed classes; IBO and ATA, and then there’s the actual speed rating. The speed rating is measured in feet per second (fps).

The International Bowhunters Organization (IBO) measures velocity at a draw of 80lbs, maximum available draw length, and a 400 grain arrow. This is equivalent to maxing out a bow to see how fast it can shoot under the most favorable conditions.

The Archery Trade Association (ATA) measures velocity at a 70 lb draw, 30 inch draw length, and 350 grain arrow. One could argue that these conditions are more favorable than the setup, which is more likely when used in a field.

The actual speed rating depends on the arrow’s draw length, draw weight, and grain. For most people who don’t set the draw length to 30+ inches or the weight to 70+ lbs, the advertised speeds on most bows will be faster than what you actually see in the field.

Thanks for reading our full review of the best all-around and budget hunting bows. All of the hunting bows we review have been independently verified and we are not affiliated with any of the manufacturers.

Get the most out of your hunting bow with an industry-leading bow stabilization light that casts a true red, true green, or infrared beam over 400 yards and features full brightness adjustment. The bow stabilizer light comes standard with a Picatinny mount, making it easy to swap from your bow to your rifle. There isn’t a more versatile light that works better than our night hunting bow stabilization light.

To learn more about the sport of hunting, we encourage you to visit our Hunting Outdoor Tips or join our email list at the bottom of this page.

BOZEMAN, Mon. — To mark the arrival of fall hunting season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on Tuesday issued tips for those traveling with common items used for hunting.

“When conducting our airport screening duties, TSA routinely encounters guns, bows and arrows, knives and other items used by athletes and hunters,” said Dan Fevold, TSA’s Montana federal security director. “On the 17th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, it is an opportune time to refresh our knowledge of the procedures and rules for traveling on a commercial aircraft carrying these items.”

Rifles and handguns may not be carried on a commercial aircraft unless unloaded, packed in a locked hard case and stowed in checked baggage. Ammunition and firearm parts, including firearm cases, receivers, clips and magazines, are also prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be checked in.

At the airport, during the check-in process, a passenger should go to the airline ticket counter to declare all weapons, ammunition and all firearm parts. Ammunition should be transported in the original packaging.

While firearm magazines and ammunition magazines—loaded or empty—must be carried in checked baggage, TSA recommends that they accompany the firearm whenever possible. Small arms ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber for a rifle or pistol and shotshells of any caliber may be carried in the same case as the firearm.

TSA encourages travelers to check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they meet all airline-specific requirements. Passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to ensure they comply with local and state laws.

An assembled bow and/or arrow is not permitted in carry-on baggage and must also be transported as checked baggage. TSA recommends transporting them in hard-sided suitcases. Bear spray is not permitted in either checked or carry-on baggage.

All knives, regardless of blade length, are prohibited in carry-on baggage. It is recommended that hunting knives are safely stowed in the locked hard case along with firearms. In the interests of TSA officer safety, this placement is preferred to packing knives among personal items in a checked suitcase where an officer might unexpectedly encounter a sharp blade during a bag check.

Replica firearms of any kind are prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be carried in checked baggage. TSA allows scopes to be carried in either carry-on or checked baggage.

If a passenger brings a firearm to the TSA security checkpoint, TSA will assess the passenger under civil penalties. The recommended civil penalty starts at $1,960 and can go up to $9,800. Factors that the TSA considers when determining the amount of the civil penalty include whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was ammunition accessible. TSA evaluates each incident on a case-by-case basis.

Individuals violating the above rules will have their Trusted Traveler status and TSA Pre✓® benefits for expedited screening revoked for a period of time. The duration of the disqualification depends on the seriousness of the offense and whether repeated offenses have been committed.

Below is a table summarizing the number of firearms the TSA has detected in travelers’ carry-on bags at security checkpoints across the country and at four of Montana’s largest airports since 2014.

Year Nationwide Bozeman-Yellowstone International Billings Logan International Missoula International Glacier Park International 2014 2,122 4 6 6 3 2015 2,653 4 5 8 6 2016 3,391 5 3 7 3 2017 3,952 3 11 8 3 2018 (as of August 31) 2,991 1, 4,4 7 5

TSA reminds passengers to be aware of the contents of their carry-on baggage before proceeding to security. TSA has several resources available to passengers to help them determine whether an item is allowed in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or not at all.

Travelers can visit TSA’s What Can I Bring? page or download the MyTSA mobile app. Travelers can also send a Tweet or Facebook message to AskTSA if they have a travel question or are unsure whether an item in a carry-on bag will be allowed through security. Just take a picture or send a question and get real-time help from 7am to 5pm every day. MDT.

The TSA website contains additional information for travelers specific to commercial air transportation of firearms and ammunition.

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to lead in or out with a bow (see bow entry 2

: express by bowing the head, body or knee : express by bowing

: to express by bowing the head, body or knees : to express by bowing bowing one’s appreciation

4 a : to express by bowing the head, body or knee : to express one’s appreciation by bowing

whose heavy hand bowed you before Shakespeare’s grave

: crush with a heavy load

: to be crushed with a heavy burden whose heavy hand bowed you to Shakespeare’s grave

3 : to be crushed with a heavy burden, whose heavy hand bowed you before Shakespeare’s tomb

bow their heads in prayer

bow their heads in prayer

: particularly inclined to respect or submission

: bowing especially in respect or submission, bowing the head in prayer

2 : bowing especially in respect or submission, bowing the head in prayer

: to cause to tend

: cause the wind to bow the treetops

1 : to cause the wind to bow the treetops

the piece will bow next month

bow to the audience

bow to the audience

tilting the head or body in greeting or approval, or acknowledging applause

bowed his head in embarrassment

bowed his head in embarrassment

Bow to the king.

Bow to the king.

: Bowing the head, body, or knees in reverence, submission, or shame

: bowing the head, body, or knee in reverence, submission, or shame Bow to the king. bowed his head in embarrassment

2 : Bow head, body or knees in reverence, submission or shame Bow down to the king. bowed his head in embarrassment

bowed to the champion

bowed to the champion

also : suffer a defeat bowing to the champion

refuse to bow to the inevitable

to desist from competition or resistance

: a sign of respect or submission

also: a sign of respect or submission smiled and bowed

: a tilting of the head or body in respect, submission, approval, or greeting

: a tilting of the head or body in respect, submission, approval, or greeting

: a bowing of the head or body in respect, submission, approval, or greeting also : a sign of respect or submission smiled and bowed

Definition of Arch (Entry 2 of 5)

on the upward arc

: a blow of such a bow

: a hit of such a bow on the upward bow

b : a hit of such a bow on the upward bow

a wooden stick with horsehair stretched from end to end, used to play an instrument of the viol or violin family

: the side part of the frame that goes over the ear

also : the side part of the frame that goes over the ear

: frames for spectacle lenses

: frames for spectacle lenses

d : a frame for the lenses also : the side part of the frame that goes over the ear

: a knot formed by doubling a ribbon or cord into two or more loops

: a knot formed by doubling a ribbon or cord into two or more loops

b: a knot formed by doubling a ribbon or cord into two or more loops

: a metal ring or loop that forms a handle (like a key)

: a metal ring or loop that forms a handle (like a key)

4 a : a metal ring or loop forming a handle (like a key)

Hunting with a bow and arrow

: A weapon used to propel an arrow, consisting of a strip of flexible material (such as wood) with a string connecting the two ends, keeping the strip curved

: A weapon used to propel an arrow, consisting of a strip of flexible material (e.g. wood) with a string connecting the two ends, keeping the strip curved when hunting with a bow and arrow

2: A weapon used to propel an arrow, consisting of a strip of flexible material (such as wood) with a cord connecting the two ends, bending the strip when hunting with a bow and arrow holds

: something bent into a simple curve or arc

: something bent into a simple curve or arc

1 a: something bent into a simple curve or arc

Definition of Arch (Entry 3 of 5)

: to play (a stringed instrument) with a bow

: to play (a stringed instrument) with a bow strumming the strings

2 music : playing (a stringed instrument) with a bow bowing the strings

Years of riding had bent his legs.

: to cause bending into a curve

: bend into a curve Years of riding had bent his legs.

1 : allowing himself to be bent into a curve Years of riding had bent his legs.

play a stringed instrument with a bow (see bow entry 3 sense 5a

The wall bends a little

: turn into a curve

: To bend into a curve, the wall bends a little

1 : To bend into a curve, the wall bends a little

Definition of Arch (Entry 4 of 5)

often used in the plural

— is often used in the plural, crossing the slurs

— is often used in the plural, crossing the slurs

: the front part of a ship

: the front part of a ship – often used in the plural, crossing the bow

1 nautical : the forward part of a ship – often used in the plural, crossing the bow

Definition of Arch (Entry 5 of 5)

See more

a shot in front of someone’s bow

have more than one string under their belt

bow to (someone or something)

See more

a shot in front of someone’s bow

have more than one string under their belt

bow to (someone or something)

1626, in the sense of sense 1

before the 12th century in the sense of the intransitive sense 1

before the 12th century in the sense of sense 1a

circa 1656, as defined above

before the 12th century in the sense of the intransitive sense 1

History and etymology for bows

Verb (1) and Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English būgan; similar to Old High German biogan bend, Sanskrit bhujati he bends

noun (2) and verb (2)

Middle English bowe, from Old English boga; similar to Old English būgan

noun (3)

Middle English bowe, bowgh, probably from Middle Dutch boech bow, shoulder; similar to the Old English bōg branch

Although it can take a lifetime to master, bowhunting can be extremely rewarding. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the arc feels like an extension of your body. Even when wielding the most advanced compound bow available, you’ll still feel a primal connection to the hunters who came before you. After all, NOMADs have been supporting their families on bows for much longer than they have on high-powered rifles and commercially made tree stands. Feeling the urge and ready to learn bowhunting? Use this comprehensive guide to bowhunting for beginners.

bow hunting equipment

While you can use a variety of 21st century accessories to hone your hunting skills, one of the great things about beginner bowhunting is that it doesn’t take much to get started. For the most part, all you need is a quality bow and a selection of tipped arrows. However, most bowhunters also find a sighting system and mechanical triggers helpful.

The best bows for beginners

While hunting bows are made in many different styles and configurations, the most popular bows fall into one of two categories: recurve or compound. Unlike compound bows, which are relatively recent inventions, recurve bows have been used by archers for hundreds of years. They are fairly simple in design, having little more than a pair of curved limbs, a handle, and a bowstring connecting the ends of each limb.

Compound bows, on the other hand, feature a system of pulleys and a bowstring that snakes between them, rather than the simple point A to point B bowstrings of recurve bows. These pulleys help to drastically reduce the force required to pull back the line once it’s about halfway pulled back. With this assisted draw or release, compound bows can be a great option when learning to bowhunt as they help you get used to the power required for the draw.

While you must hold the full draw weight of a recurve bow when aiming, you may only hold a fraction of the draw weight of a compound bow when aiming. Because a heavy draw weight generally increases both distance and accuracy, compound bows often have heavier draw weights than recurve bows.

Arrows and tips for bow hunting

You’ll need about a dozen arrows to get started (maybe more if you haven’t quite reached your goal yet). While arrow shafts have traditionally been made from lightweight woods and vanes from feathers, aluminium, carbon and plastics are the materials of choice for modern bowhunters. When it comes to beginner bowhunting, we recommend checking your bow’s draw length and draw weight when making the decision to purchase the right arrows. You should use field point tips for target shooting, but once you’re ready to hunt you want broad-nose tips.

bow sights

While ancient bowhunters hunted without a sight, as a beginner you will surely appreciate the help that a sight can offer. Consisting of one or more pins placed near the bow’s hilt, they allow you to draw an imaginary line between your eye, the sighting pin, and your target. Most sight systems have multiple pins because your point of aim will change depending on the distance to your target.

Mechanical releases

Mechanical releases hold the bowstring as you pull back—then release it quickly and steadily when you pull a trigger. Releases help improve your accuracy as they release each arrow the same way. They also help prevent wear and tear on your fingers, which can get sore after an hour or two of shooting — especially if you haven’t built up the calluses of a seasoned bowhunter.

Bow hunting techniques

One of the first steps in learning to bow hunt is to become a skilled archer. Although you’ll spend the next few decades honing your skills and perfecting your craft, firing an arrow is actually an easy skill to learn. Simply nock the arrow onto the string while placing the shaft on the arrow rest. Lightly but securely hold the bow in your second hand while grasping the bowstring and arrow with your strong hand (or the mechanical release). Keeping your back straight, raise the bow in front of you and pull the bowstring back. Align your eye on the arrow, the aiming pin and the target – then release the arrow.

Most bowhunters prefer to hunt from tree stands as this provides an elevated firing position and keeps you out of your game’s eye line. You can also stalk the game on foot or set up a hiding place at ground level if you prefer.

Popular bow hunting game

Because bows have an effective range of about 50 yards, bowhunting requires you to get very close to your intended target species. Still, you can hunt almost anything with a bow that you could hunt with a rifle or shotgun. However, bowhunters generally target a handful of species more than others.

Some of the most common targets for bowhunters are white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, bear, and turkey. But very experienced bow hunters often use a bow to hunt animals as big as moose or as wary as coyotes! Those with sniper-like accuracy can even find success bow-hunting squirrels or rabbits. Bow hunting for beginners offers a wide range of possibilities. Assess your skill and compete against the species you feel most comfortable with.

Get ready for success

With stealth being essential to bowhunting success, consider arming yourself with Nomad Outdoor’s high performance hunting apparel. Our gear is designed to blend into your local forests and fields and features advanced technologies like anti-odor to help you stay under the radar.