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bow hunting

How to Shoot a Bow

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Shooting a bow and arrow has become a very popular sport with events happening all over the globe and big prizes at stake. You may choose to shoot a bow for fun or as a hobby. However, you will need to learn the right technique and master the skills to become fully efficient. There are several types of bow but the concept is radically similar. Determine the different features that come with the action and watch your accuracy improve.

Initial Steps

There is a set of rules that you should follow to become good at shooting a bow. Archery can be entertaining, at the same time dangerous if you do not master the guidelines. Gather all the equipment you need first such as the bow, arrows, shooting aids and gear. It will be better if you practice shooting a non-moving target, instead of going for game immediately. You can find different kinds of bows at hobby shops such as the compound bow, longbow and crossbow. Prepare the right type of arrows as well.

Observation

One of the best things you can do is watch how other individuals do it. Watch videos online or television. You can visit shooting ranges and watch expert archers stay consistent in their shooting. Accuracy, patience and focus are the key elements in becoming very good.

Visualization Matters

Visualize a line from where you are standing to the target. This will be your shooting line. Mark the shooting line by getting an arrow and laying it on the ground. Stand with your toes to the shaft of the arrow on the shooting line, about shoulder width apart. Step the front foot back by 5 to 10 inches. This will be your shooting stance. You can feel free to adjust your feet to the most comfortable position.

Shooting Proper

Nock the arrow in the center of the bowstring then allow the shaft of the arrow rest on the bow. The position will be slightly over the hand grip. The odd fletching should point at a right angle to the string, while the other two angle toward the string. There are only two known ways to nock the arrow. If the single fletching directs in toward the bow, you have to reverse the position.

Hold the bowstring using your first three fingers. The string should lie in the crease of the last joint. The nock of the arrow should be placed between the index and middle fingers. Use the thumb to hold the arrow firmly in place. Hold the bow in the V or stretched position using your thumb and index finger. The arm should be locked straight, and the elbow rolled a little outward.

Zooming in on the Target

Lift your head and face the target. Raise the bow arm and keep it locked in position. Draw the string back until your thumb is touching your jawbone. The index finger should be very close to the corner of your mouth. Use the back and shoulder muscles when pulling the string. Focus and aim for the target. Take a deep breath and hold it until you let go of the arrow.

Simply relax the string fingers from the wrist and let the string slide smoothly from the fingers. You will find it easier to use a glove or finger tab. Instead of preparing when to release the arrow, just casually loosen your finger grip. You improve your accuracy significantly by relaxing. Hold the shooting position until the arrow hits the target.

More Tips

Always maintain a positive attitude when shooting your bow. Remain calm throughout the practice and learn how to be patient. You will improve your accuracy by focusing instead of just shooting as many arrows as possible. Practice often. You should at least shoot once every week. 2 to 3 times weekly are ideal.

Know the different accessories and equipment and invest in the right gadgets when necessary. Watch other individuals’ techniques then just adjust the gear when you feel it is needed. Ensure the safety of other individuals while shooting. Shoot only in safe archery ranges. No one should be near or behind the target when you are shooting. There are training coaches that can help you hone your skills over time.

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Guidelines for the Novice in Bow hunting

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Are you new into bow hunting? You must have found something unique and fulfilling in the activity that has made you decide to put it into the list of your hobbies. Surely, it is exciting and fun. But moreover, it is highly challenging. Every bow hunting session would be highly engaging and exhilarating, but at the end of the day, there is no doubt that it sure is fulfilling and satisfying. If you bring home your prize or trophy (game), you would feel very accomplished. It is one way of recognizing all your efforts.

If you are a beginner, you have to start by learning important information quickly. There are many things to consider and many considerations to take into account. You have to first know more about the bow you are using. Aside from that, you also have to learn how to effectively and properly shoot using the tool. Of course, you need to know much about the target animal. You certainly would not be able to make it to the activity without doing so. You have to adjust your strategies to the nature and traits of the target animal. Here are two more tips that you should first and foremost know about as a novice in bow hunting.

First, find a mentor who is an expert in bow hunting. He should exhibit his expertise and apply effective strategies at all times. You have to learn so much from this guy. Take note that in this hobby, reading so much information is not sufficient. You would have to go out the fields so you could give it a try. Any seasoned bow hunter should be able to teach you what to do in particular situation. Thus, you could learn many techniques so that you would not gather zero results after spending much time bow hunting.

Second, give utmost importance as well to your choice of the right bow. There are just too many bow manufacturers out there claiming they have the best. Do not be easily fooled by the lavish marketing campaigns and luring photographs. Choose the best bow according to performance. Prefer the one that could provide you fast and clean shot. Be careful when showering bow makers with your attention. It would help if you would solicit reliable and accurate advice and recommendations from your mentor and bow hunting comrades. Stick with the best always.

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Legal Considerations for Bow hunting

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Bow hunting could be a serious leisure and recreational activity. Many people are getting into it. You should understand that different countries could apply different approaches to the task. You know how laws try to protect endangered species and how animal rights advocates fight to stop killing of animals senselessly. Thus, before going to bow hunt, you should first consider legal differences in every country. Be reminded that the activity could take different seasons as well as restrictions compared to firearm or rifle hunting.

In North America, particularly in the United States and in Canada, bow hunting is basically regulated by states and provinces. Such regulations are of course addressing important issues like location of hunting, season, and even the type of the target game (whether male or female). In certain areas, there is a special archery season designated in an effort to minimize possible interference coming from rifle hunters. There are regulations covering shot lethality, game recovery, and technicalities like minimum draw weight when hunting for bigger game species. The Bow Season usually occurs several months before or after the designated Gun Season for rifle hunting.

In Australia, there is an active bow hunting scene. Existing regulations covering the activity often prohibit harvesting or killing of native species. The country-continent is naturally a home for a huge volume of introduced species that could be considered a real threat to many native species. The federal government and various landowners usually look at hunters as their partners in controlling and saving introduced species. New South Wales and Victoria are states with bow hunting regulations. There are licensing requirements for would-be-hunters. The sport is overall regulated by the Australian Bow hunters Association as well as the numerous local hunting clubs. The Bow hunter Proficiency Certificate is ensuring that animals are actually harvested in observance of humane principles.

In Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Germany, bow hunting is a prohibited activity. In the United Kingdom, the activity has been banned since 1960s after many years of target archery popularity. In France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Finland, and Hungary, hunting using bow and arrow is considered an important factor in modern game management. It is important that you first determine the regulations and prohibitions in the European country you are in before you finally go out to fields to hunt for game. As always, ignorance could not be an effective excuse to the law.

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Bow Hunting Basics

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Bow hunting is the ancient practice of hunting by the use of bows and arrows. Whereas it was once considered as a primary means of hunting, bow hunting today is reserved for hobbyists and hunters who still enjoy hunting as a sport more than as a way of life. There are quite a lot of people who are attracted to this ancient method of hunting.

Although there might be many who see bow hunting as just a cruel way to hunt down and kill animals, there are certain reasons why it might be necessary. Many hunters believe that bow hunting may be a more humane way of trying to control animal population to a healthier level. This would help maintain their habitat by helping control over population. Not only that, bow hunting may be considered as a means to keep the people closer and better understand the natural world.

Bow hunting, even though it may be considered as an ancient art of hunting, have benefited from new technology. Modern bow hunters do not just use the usual bow and arrow most people are usually familiar with. There are newer versions of hunting bows that many hunters now use that are far different and more advanced than ordinary bows and arrows. Such modern bows enjoy giving users better accuracy and range when they use it for hunting.

As compared to rifle hunting, bow hunting may have its limitations. The use of rifles can extend the shooting range of hunters for prey up to 200 yards or around 180 miles away. Hunters using bow and arrow can only limit their accuracy and effectiveness within 20 to 30 yards away. Most bow hunters usually look for a different kind of excitement using compound bows for hunter. In effect, bow hunting may require a higher level of skill than rifle hunting which hunters need to develop over time in order to be effective.

Just like rifle or firearm hunting, bow hunting is subject to certain legal and well as cultural considerations. Hunting follows certain regulations that may concern both hunting seasons and other related restrictions. Different states, provinces or even countries will have different regulations regarding bow hunting. It is always best to know what those regulations are before one tries to engage in bow hunting in a certain area or territory that they might be new in.

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Bow Hunting for Deer

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Bow hunting is an extremely interesting and fun activity, especially if you have deer as game. The whitetail deer is the most commonly hunted, so it is best that you understand the behavior and locations of these animals if you want to be successful. There are several tips and tactics that you can use to hit your target accurately. Knowing the escape routes, proper position and a vantage point are all needed for ultimate enjoyment.

About the Deer

The white-tailed deer is also called the Virginia deer or the whitetail. It is a medium-sized deer that is native to the United States, Mexico, Canada, Central and South America. There are also some existing species in Peru, Finland and New Zealand. There are several natural predators of the animal, such as cougars, alligators and gray wolves. Male deer usually fight for the opportunity of breeding females.

The males will spar to become the dominant entity. Bucks usually copulate with as many females as they can. The rutting season is determine by factors, such as air density and temperature. Males are usually prone to dehydration, malnutrition and overheating. If there are several males in a given area, they will compete more for the females. The selection process will not be as competitive if there are more females than males.

Heat Results

Although weather can delay the time and place where deer move, it will not completely take out the need of deer to move a short distance from where they forage. Deer usually have to move during morning and evening to look for food. Deer do not prefer very warm weather. Once the summer coats are shed, they start getting ready for the cold months, even if the weather is still warm. The more deer move, the less comfortable their situation is. They will try to arrange the patterns so that they do not necessarily have to move more than what is needed. During hot weather, deer usually bed very near sources of food.

Deer usually stream into the fields each evening. The deer were bedding down anywhere between 25 and 75 yards inside the woods from the fields. The precise distance usually depended on how distant the thick cover was from the fields. Hunters usually grab the opportunity where deer bed when the mast is scarce and the weather is hot. The deer has to bed in a secure spot just far away from your stand so you can stay invisible when entering the area.

About Scent

Deer can easily sense your scent when you are sneaking into the area. You can wash your clothes in unscented detergent and soda, as well as bathe using unscented soap. You can also spray odor reducers or eliminators. Hot weather can increase your scent because of sweat, making you very noticeable. You may wear a backpack with fresh hunting clothes packed inside. Once you arrive at the stand, change into clean outerwear. Mesh clothing can help fight the heat, but their body scent usually gives them away. Cotton is also not very useful at wicking moisture out of your skin.

More on Hot Weather

Deer calls can be made by hunters to lure deer into the area, especially during warm weather. The doe bleat call is very effective in bringing in whitetail deer. Bucks are less likely to go near the sound during early season, but does are usually responsive and will try to investigate more.

The Way You Shoot

Some expert hunters advise that you should aim your arrow lower than the level where you intend to hit the deer. It is because whitetail deer usually crawl down before jumping up, thereby causing several hunters to shoot over the deer’s back. The deer will respond as soon as you release the arrow. You can also try practicing your release in a subtler and smoother way. This allows you to stay unnoticeable or give the deer no time to respond.

Sex Attractants

There are a number of doe-in-heat mixtures that you may apply. These come in very handy when the weather is extra hot. Putting out scent trails or canisters can warn bucks that a number of items are not right. Estrous doe scent is not readily available in the woods during very hot season or early fall, so deer can become suspicious.

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Bow Hunting Tools

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1. Bow – There are three basic types of bows: the long bow which is the most traditional, the recurve, and the compound bow. The longbow and the recurve bow are very similar in design and function and have the fewest moving parts. The word “recurve” means to curve backward or downward, the recurve bow is a variation of the longbow with limbs that curve backwards. Most complex is the compound bow which uses a system of cams or pulleys, cables, and the bowstring to shoot the arrow. The bow may include either a single or double-cam design. The purpose of the cams is to increase the effective draw weight of the bow while allowing the archer to hold less draw when at the full draw length. A crossbow is a mechanical bow attached to a stock that fires an arrow. Widely used in bow hunting by the people of Ohio, this may have straight limbs or have a compound design with limbs mounted horizontally on a stock. Crossbows use shorter arrows that are fixed with a release mechanism or trigger. The release mechanism includes a safety that blocks the pulling of the trigger.

2. Broadhead – The broadhead is the sharp point of the arrow. There are two basic types: the one is fixed-edge that you must sharpen yourself, the other is with removable blades that are already sharpened. Broadheads come in many different sizes, designs and weights. They must be kept razor sharp for proper performance. For safety, always use a broadhead wrench to attach the broadhead to the shaft.

3. Arrow – An arrow is a slender shaft or projectile, shot from a bow or crossbow. They have four main parts: the neck, fletching, shaft and arrowhead. The neck is located at the back of the arrow and is attached to the bowstring. The arrow shaft is the main body of the arrow; it may be made of wood, aluminum, carbon, or other materials. Fletchings are located on the shaft and allows stability for the arrow; it can be made of vinyl, rubber, or feathers. Fletchings are designed to stabilize the arrow in flight to make it more accurate. In crossbow, arrows have three main parts: fletching, shaft, and arrowhead. Arrowheads must be securely attached to the arrow. There are two common types of arrowheads: Field points are small arrow tips used for target shooting and broadheads.

4. Quiver – A quiver is a device that holds arrows that will protect you while bow hunting from the arrows’ sharp points. Quivers come in different styles, including some that are mounted on the bow, worn on a belt, or fit over the shoulder. It is important to always use a quiver whether you are using field points or broadheads.

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How to Prepare for Bow hunting

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Summer is definitely a great time for bow hunters. It is the season when they could go out and rehearse for the coming bow hunting sessions. A number of hunters fall to the common mistake of having to wait until the last minute to be prepared and get ready. Often, they get unprepared. As the old saying goes, “ppractice makes perfect.” It is particularly applicable when hunting using bow and arrow. Remember that the more arrows you as an archer could shoot with accuracy, the better is your chance of pinning down and targeting any animal game. It could be significant if you would prepare well for the activity.

The first step to preparation is to inspect the overall archery gear. The task of getting bow out and making sure the gear is in good condition is highly crucial. Always make sure to check the bows string to monitor any wear and damage. As you do so, look for any crack at the limb, then check if every screw and bolt is snug. Test if the strap and trigger functions well. The carbon arrows should be checked for any possible stress crack. If you have ascertained that everything is in good condition, then you could proceed to hunt and to shoot.

Next, practice shooting bow for accuracy. Take note that in bow hunting, accuracy comes from confidence. As a hunter, if you know your equipment well and if you at the same time have confidence in your ability to shoot, then you could certainly target any game and pin it down. Strive to shoot at least thrice every week, at least 12 arrows every time. Doing so could help condition you as a shooter. As mentioned, practice makes perfect. Be good and effective in shooting at all possible angle. Shoot from different ranges and distances and then try to change and target shooting positions. When you get better in shooting, you could be a successful hunter.

Always strive to constantly test your own bow hunting skills. Walk around before you pick any unique shot. You may start close then work further away. Spending more time on the actual range could bring about great rewards to a hunter like you. Go out with a hunting partner and try to play a little game so you could match up the challenge. Doing so could be a fun and effective exercise to prepare you well for bow hunting.

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How to Choose Bow Hunting Equipment

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Bow hunting, they say is more art than science. Just as each archer must adapt a shooting style to fit his or her personality and abilities, the selection of bow and accessories will be a highly personal and subjective choice. (Bow hunting Equipment and Skills, 9). As a general rule, it is best to buy the bow you can afford that can match your interest in the sport. Archery shop employees are often trained to choose bows. Request them to allow you to practice shooting before buying a bow.

When choosing a bow, look for a bow that is center shot. A center-shot bow has a bow window cut into the handle which allows the draw arrow to sit a point close to or at the centerline of the limbs. Center-shot bows must be wooden bows that are laminated or must be bows with metal handle risers. A simple wooden bow would not be strong enough if a bow window were cut in the handle. Take a closer look at the draw weight and the draw length of the bow. The draw weight is the amount of force needed to draw back the bow. A reduced draw weight allows the archer to stay at full draw longer. Draw length is the distance from the bowstring at full draw to the front of the bow handle. The most common mistake archers do is choosing a bow with a draw length that is too long which results in poor aim.

The type of bow you choose depends upon your preference. There are three basic types of bows; the long bows, the recurve bow, and the compound bow. The long bows is the most traditional type, it is long, straight bow with a handle in the middle. The recurve bow is similar to the long bow, but the limbs are curved rather than straight. The curve allows more energy to flow through the bow which causes the arrow to travel faster. Most shooters like to begin with a compound bow because the traditional bows require much more time, effort, and practice while compound bows use a system of wheels and cables that work together to reduce the draw weight of the bow. The good thing with compound bow is that it shoots a faster arrow than a traditional bow. If you want to have the feel of hunting just like the way of our early ancestors you can always choose bow hunting using the traditional bows.

Sources:

Archery: Steps to Success by Kathleen Haywood and Catherine Lewis

Bow hunting for Fun by Jessica Gunderson

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All About Arrows

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An arrow is described as a pointed projectile shot by an archer using a bow. It is very common to several cultures all over the world and is known to exist for over 4,000 years. There are several different kinds of arrows, each with its unique strengths and characteristics. Some kinds of arrows work better on certain bows, depending on what you are trying to achieve. Here are some guidelines on how to choose them carefully.

The Parts

A regular arrow has a number of parts, namely the arrowhead, the shaft which is divided into the softwood and the hardwood, the fletching, the spine and the nock. The arrowhead is found at the front end, while the fletching and nock are located at the opposite end. Arrow sizes will differ significantly among various cultures.

These can be as long as 18 inches to 5 feet. Modern arrows are around 2.5 to 3 feet long, just the same as the length of English war arrows. English war arrows are created to be half of the height of the person using these. Very short arrows are also used, which are shot via a guide linked to the wrist of the archer or the bow. Linking to the bow is referred to as an overdraw, while linking to the archer’s wrist is called the Turkish siper. These can shoot longer distances compared to heavier arrows.

The Shaft

The shaft is known to be the main structural feature of the arrow. Other components are attached throughout the shaft. This is usually created from bamboo, reeds or lightweight wood. Modern shafts can be created from composite materials, aluminum or carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Composite shafts are usually created from an aluminum core covered with carbon fiber on the outside.

The Spine

The spine is described as the stiffness of the shaft. The shaft will bend very limitedly when compressed if the spine is stable. A group of arrows should generally have the same spine to shoot consistently. Having a wide array of spines gives consistent shots if the arrow goes through the central vertical axis of the bow riser among center-shot bows. A lot of traditional bows are not center-shot and the arrow needs to deflect around the handle in the archer’s paradox. Higher draw-weight bows will usually need stiffer arrows that have more spine or less flexibility to provide the right amount of flex when shooting.

About Footed Arrows

A shaft made of two unique wood types held together will produce a footed arrow. These are known to be the most finely made. Footed arrows were used by Native Americans and Europeans. These usually are made of a short length of hardwood found close to the arrowhead, while the rest of the shaft is made of softwood. When you reinforce the area that is most vulnerable, the arrow will be stronger to afford impact. Overall weight and flexibility is still achieved.

Describing the Arrowhead

The arrowhead is known as the projectile point. This is the main functional arrow part and plays the biggest role. Separate arrowheads should be created from horn, metal or other hard materials. Arrowheads will be divided according to their relative functions. The bodkin points are rigid points having tiny cross-sections. Blunts are unsharpened arrowheads generally used for target shooting. These are usually made of hard rubber or metal to hit small game and tree stumps.

Judo points are characterized by having spring wires that extend sideways from the tip. These hold on to debris and grass to keep the arrow from getting lost. It is common for practice and hunting small game. Broadheads are used for both hunting and war. These are usually made of steel with hardened edges. There are about 2 to 4 sharp blades that cause bleeding among targets.

The Fletchings

This is one of the signature parts of the arrow, usually made of feathers. These are located at the back of the arrow to cause a small amount of drag that will stabilize the arrow’s flight. These are made to make the arrow stay along the direction and preventing the tendency to pitch or yaw. Some cultures may not use fletching in their arrows. Modern arrows make use of plastic. Copper vanes were also used in the past. Razor blades may also be used to reduce air resistance.

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Bow Hunting And Mental Discipline

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Bow hunting, like any other sports, needs both the physical and mental discipline of an athlete. The physical part comes into play because you need the strength and the right skills in archery. The mental part is the concentration needed to hit the target.

Focus

Just like any good athlete, you need to practice your shots. Like any other sport, no matter how excellent your sporting gears are, your accuracy still depends on your focus.

The world’s greatest athletes who are thought to be naturally gifted in their sports are the world’s most intensely focused personalities. Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Roger Federer are just some of them.

For one, focusing is said to be a skill. Just like any other skill, it can be developed and can be bettered through frequent practice, just like what you do with your muscles and your other physical skills.

As one expert said, a hunters preparation does not end in the physical preparation of shooting in the practice range. It should develop the mental mindset which might include, for instance, wearing the actual hunting clothes during the practice sessions.

Visualization

One proven way of improving ones focusing skill is through visualization. Discovered by old shamans before, visualization is now proven by clinical and sports psychology studies as a very effective performance-enhancer, especially in sports.

One way to improve your focus in bow hunting is to visualize your target buck present during your practice shots at the range. Imagine how your perfect shot hit your buck right where you want it.

You can visualize this scenario as many times as you want. Doing so will make you more confident. You will then be able to focus on where you want your arrow to be, instead of, say, the antlers.

When the big buck finally appears during the hunt and faces you, you will be able to look at nothing else but the place where you want your arrow to go. If you had visualized the double-long shot, there is a good chance you will achieve it in real time.

Accentuate the positive

Another discovery that increases the mental focus is the emphasis of positives instead of negatives. It had been shown that anything positive registers better and stays in the mind longer.

In times of stress, it is calming to say to oneself to “Keep quiet” than “Don’t make noise!” or to say “Stay calm” than say “Don’t be hasty!”

Mental discipline

You may not have the natural talents of our top world-caliber athletes. You can always use their mental training techniques and benefit from them. And bring your bow hunting skills one level up through mental discipline.