Hunter Education Course

Chapter 5: Know Your Archery Gear

Dating back to the earliest period of civilization, people have been using bows and arrows for harvesting game. And for good reason. It's a very efficient and effective tool. It served the earliest hunters well in taking down even the most ferocious animals - think of a saber-toothed tiger and you have a good idea of the kind of prey this firearm could defeat. While today's hunters generally face less deadly targets, they can count on the timeless reliability of this firearm - from longbow to recurve, from compound to crossbow - to get the job done. Before going out in the field, consult local bow hunting laws and enroll in a bow hunting education course.

Bow Styles

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.

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. 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.

Bow Components

Grip

Holds the bow in a vertical position while shooting. For bows with a wrist strap, the proper way to grip is with a relaxed handgrip. 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.

String groove

Found on the limp tip of Long Bows and Recurve Bows. The groove keeps the bow string in place.

Bow String Components

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 to dampen the vibrations in the string, resulting in a reduction in string noise and vibration. A string silencer does not go on a long bow.

3. Kisser Button

A small plastic button that attachs 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

A release aid can be used in combination with a mechanical release for a more accurate shot.

Releases

With the heavy draw weight of todays bow's, most people chose to use some sort of release to protect their fingers and increase accuracy.

1. Mechanical Release

Ensures a decisive, frictionless release of the string for greater accuracy.

2. Shooting Glove

Smooth release of the string while protecting your fingers.

Arm Guards

To be worn on whichever arm is holding the bow. Available in various shapes, sizes and designs.

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.

Arrow Components

Arrows can be made from wood, fiberglass, aluminum or carbon. All arrows share the following five components.

Covered Quiver

All arrows should be carried safely in a covered quiver. Covered quivers are a convenient and easy an 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.

Arrow Points

Let's review the various types of arrowheads available.

Shooting a Bow and Arrow

Before attempting to shoot a bow and arrow, get familiar with draw weight and get measured to find your draw length.

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.

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.

Proper Technique

Anchor Point

The location of the archer's face, mouth or jaw at full draw where the drawing hand is positioned to provide the archer with a consistent anchor point for each shot.

Shooting a Bow and Arrow

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.

Grasp 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 to the left of the string, or in the correct position for your arrow rest. Gently push the nock onto the string. You will hear a click under the nock locator. 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.

Crossbow

Compound Crossbow

Though it works on the same principle as a compound bow, the 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. A crossbow bolt is much shorter than an arrow. Instead of being nocked, the bolt rests on the rail and is held in place by a bolt retention spring. The limbs function similar to a compound bow, but are much shorter. Before using, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Recurve Crossbow

The Recurve is another popular style of crossbow. Similar to the recurve bow, it features limbs that sweep back. There are no wheels or cams to break and no cables and cable savers to change. Recurves are also generally lighter than a compound crossbow. This style also uses a bolt which is held in place by a retention spring. Before using, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Unloading a Crossbow

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