Archery Gear

Covered Quiver

All arrows should be carried safely in a covered quiver. Covered quivers are a convenient and easy way to carry your arrows, giving you quick access while protecting the broadheads and preventing injury. Certain types of quivers can also protect both the arrows and fletching from damage. Safety first! A wooden arrow cannot handle the extreme pressure of a compound bow. It could shatter, causing damage to the bow and possibly injuring someone.

Parts of a Bow String

1. Bow String Attaches to the limbs of a long bow or recurve bow. Attaches to the cable for a compound bow. Has a center nock locator for nocking (positioning) an arrow. 2. String Silencer An elastic material may be added to the string, resulting in a reduction in string noise and vibration. A string silencer is not used on a long bow. 3. Kisser Button A small plastic button that attaches to the bow string. At full draw it will touch the archers lips to provide another point of reference for the anchor position. 4. Serving The wrapping of material in the center of the string to protect the string from wear. The nock locator attaches to the serving. 5. Nock Locator The mark or device that indicates where the arrow is to be placed on the string. It is located on the serving area of the string. 6. Release Aid Loop A release aid can be used in combination with a mechanical release for a more accurate shot.

Proper Technique

Anchor Point An anchor point is a spot that is touched by the draw hand or string when the bow is fully drawn and ready to shoot, usually a point on the archer's mouth, chin, jaw or nose. By continuously using the same anchor point or points, the archer has a better chance of reproducing the same shot each and every time.

Arm Guards

Arm guards are available in various shapes, sizes and designs. They are used on whichever arm is holding the bow to help keep loose clothing tucked away, and to help prevent "burning" from the friction of the bow string rubbing against the arm when it is released. A proper stance or position by the shooter will also help prevent the released bow string from "burning" the arm holding the bow. 1. Large Surface Arm Guard Will help keep clothing tucked away. 2. Light Weight Arm Guard The design allows ventilation when hunting in warm weather.

Parts of an arrow

Arrows can be made from wood, fiberglass, aluminum or carbon. All arrows share the following five parts: 1. Arrow Point This is the point or tip of the arrow. The particular arrow point you choose is determined by the game species you will be hunting. 2. Arrow Shaft Main structural component of the arrow, to which all other parts are attached. The stiffness of the shaft is called the spine. Make sure the arrow is matched to your bow's poundage and your draw length. 3. Crest Markings indicating the manufacturer of the arrow, the model number of the arrow shaft and in some cases the specific arrow measurements for the diameter and thickness. 4. Fletching Constructed either of plastic or real feathers, it provides stability for the arrow when in flight. The fletching is made up of three or four vanes per arrow. 5. Nock Generally constructed from plastic, featuring a notch in one end to attach the arrow to the string.

choosing a bow

Bow hunters who prefer a more traditional hunt with the recurve and long bows may have the least possible accessories or additional parts on bows in order to increase the challenge when hunting. Bow hunters who use the compound bow, by contrast, may add several accessories to support accurate, quiet shooting on game. Whichever bow you choose to use, remember to always follow manufacturer's instructions for safe handling and use of your bow.

Arrow Points

Bullet points are used for target practice. Blunt points are used for small game and are made of metal or rubber. Field points are used for target practice and small game hunting. Judo points are used mostly in grassy areas for small game. Fishing points are used for bow fishing and feature barbs to hold the fish to the arrow. Broadhead points are used for big game and generally have interchangeable blades that can either be in a fixed position or a newer type, which opens only on impact. Safety first! Always use a broadhead wrench when adding or removing a broadhead point. Careful! The points are very sharp!

draw length

Draw length describes the distance between the bow string and the grip at full draw. Bows come in different draw lengths, the most common being 26 inches, 27 inches, 28 inches and 29 inches. When purchasing a bow, it is very important to have it properly fitted by a reputable dealer. Every bow has a label describing how the bow is set up, with the string and cable length. It is usually located on the inside of the lower limb.

Draw weight

Draw weight describes the maximum amount of weight needed to pull a bow string completely back. The draw weight is measured in pounds. When purchasing a bow, be sure you can pull it back comfortably. The bow string should be pulled back in a smooth motion to full draw. If you have to struggle, the draw weight is too high and will result in poor shot placement.

Parts of a bow

Grip Allows the hunter to hold the bow in a vertical position while shooting. For bows with a wrist strap, the proper way to grip is with a relaxed hand-grip. For other bows, fingertips are curled resting lightly on the front of the grip. The force of the bow, at full draw, holds the grip in the palm of the archer's hand. If the archer grips the bow too tightly, it tends to throw the arrow left or right or up and down. Limbs The upper or lower part of the bow that bends when the string is drawn back. The limbs store the energy when the bow is held at full draw. Never release a bow string without an arrow nocked in place. This is called "dry firing" a bow. Doing so can cause serious damage to the bow and/or injury to the shooter and bystanders. String Groove Found on the limp tip of Long Bows and Recurve Bows. The groove keeps the bow string in place.

Recurve Crossbow

The Recurve is another popular style of crossbow. Similar to the recurve bow, it features limbs that sweep back and forward at the tips, giving it more potential energy. There are no wheels or cams to break and no cables and cable savers to change. Recurve Crossbows are also generally lighter than the compound crossbows. This style also uses a bolt which is held in place by a retention spring. Before using, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Important! Consult local laws on the use of crossbows for target shooting and hunting.

Unloading a crossbow

The safest way for a hunter to unload a crossbow is to fire the bolt into a suitable target or rock-free ground (avoiding stones and debris). You should carry a practice bolt with a field point and use it for unloading. Safety first! Do not have your crossbow in the cocked position while traveling to and from your hunting site.

Stinging a bow

The safest way to string a long bow or recurve bow is to use a bow stringer. The first time you string a bow, you should have an experienced bowhunter present to show you how to do it correctly. Practice is key to developing this skill.

recurve bow

This bow features limbs that sweep back and then forward at the tips toward both the bow string and the grip. It is easier for the novice archer to use, since its curved limbs give it more potential energy. When pulling back a recurve to a full draw, an archer experiences less hand shock and vibration than with a long bow. However, unlike the compound bow, this bow does not have a "let off point" meaning that the archer will still feel the total draw weight of the bow throughout the entire draw. When the string is released, the limbs and string move in a forward direction. The stored energy in both parts of the limb is released very quickly, propelling the arrow to the target at high speed.

long bow

This is a large, powerful, lightweight bow. For a novice archer, it is more difficult to use than other bow styles. Not all long bows have an arrow shelf for an arrow rest. Nor do they shoot as fast as the recurve or compound bow. It also does not have a "let-off point". This means the archer feels the total draw weight of the bow through the entire draw. When the string is drawn back, energy is stored in the limbs until the archer releases the bow string, propelling the arrow to the target at high speed.

Compound Bow

This is the bow of choice for a majority of archery hunters. Using wheels and cams, it allows the hunter to hold the bow at full draw for a longer period of time for the best shot - a significant advantage over other bow styles. As the hunter begins to draw the bow, the string starts to turn the wheel and cam that is attached to the bow limbs. The hunter pulls the full draw weight until the cam turns over, letting off the full draw weight. When the cam turns over, the draw weight is decreased by 50 to 80%. This decrease in draw weight, achieved by the cam turning over, allows the hunter to hold less draw weight at full draw. There are add-ons to help reduce the effects of vibration - a common drawback of this style of bow.

Compound crossbow

Though it works on the same principle as a compound bow with wheels and cams, the Compound Crossbow has a unique design. It features a trigger mechanism that holds the string in place until the archer releases its projectile, known as the bolt. A crossbow frame resembles a rifle stock and features a top rail for attaching a telescopic sight. The bolt rests on the rail and is held in place by a retention spring. The limbs function similar to a compound bow, but are much shorter. Before using, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Important! Remember while hunting in California crossbows are considered as general equipment and are not permitted during the archery season.

Releases

With the heavy draw weight of today's bows, most people choose to use some sort of release to protect their fingers and increase accuracy. 1. Mechanical Release Functions like the trigger on a gun to ensure a decisive, frictionless release of the string for greater accuracy. 2. Shooting Glove A glove like attachment for the shooter's hand that can support a smooth release of the string while protecting your fingers.

Shooting a bow and arrow

rasp an arrow just in front of the fletching and place it on the arrow rest. Line up the slot of the nock, ensuring the fletching is in the correct position for your arrow rest. Gently push the nock onto the string under the nock locator until you hear a click. This is called "nocking the arrow". Assume a shooting position, looking at the target. You can aim either by choosing your target instinctively or by attaching a mechanical sight to the bow for reference. Pull smoothly at the bow string to a full draw, anchoring the string to your anchor point. In a smooth motion while keeping your bow arm steady, release the string and hold your shooting position until the arrow hits the target. Bow hunters practice on a regular basis to maintain a high level of skill with shooting their bow. They will practice in conditions similar to those that are likely to be experienced in the field; with target arrows and also with the particular kind of arrow point they tend to use for hunting, as for example, the broadhead for hunting larger game, like deer. Before shooting, make sure the target is placed in a safe spot. Check behind target for a suitable backstop such as a hill or dirt pile.