How to Hunt With Wood Bows

The wood bow is used by traditional hunters and archers. The bow requires more maintenance and skill than the modern recurve and compound style bows. The wood bow is often chosen by skilled hunters looking for a more challenging hunt. The bow is deadly but it requires dedicated practice and advanced stalking techniques. Hunting with a wood bow is legal for large and small game in most states. The average archery season is much longer than the rifle season and wood bow hunters must utilize the extra time for a successful hunt.

Things You'll Need

  • Bow stringer
  • Bow string
  • Arrows
  • Binoculars
  • Wool socks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Store the bow in a dry area before and after the hunt to prevent humidity damage. Remove the string to relax the bow and prevent wear while not in use.

    • 2

      Hook each end of a bow stringer on the tip of the bow before hunting. Step on the center of the stringer and pull on the bow handle to flex the limbs. Slide the bow string to the limb tips while holding the flexed position. Release tension and remove the stringer when the string is secured to the notched tips.

    • 3

      Use binoculars to scout for game while hunting. Do not make an approach until you have located an animal and planned the stalk.

    • 4

      Pull thick wool socks over your hunting boots to minimize sound as you stalk the animal. Make an approach using trees, rocks and natural breaks in the landscape as cover. Approach from downwind to avoid scent detection. The stalk may last for several hours with slow movements to remain undetected.

    • 5

      Stop when you are within 30 yards of the animal. Use a rangefinder to gauge the distance if necessary. Shots within 20 yards are preferred for wood bow hunting.

    • 6

      Place the arrow nock on the bowstring and the shaft on the arrow shelf. Grip the string with the forefinger above the arrow nock and the middle and ring finger below the nock.

    • 7

      Pull the string to your chin, align the shot and relax the fingers to release the arrow. Crouch down and hide after the shot. Prepare a second arrow while hiding and wait for five minutes before tracking the animal.

    • 8

      Locate the blood trail from the initial shot. The arrow will kill the animal with an accurate shot to the vital organs. Follow the blood trail and keep the second arrow prepared in case the animal has not expired.

    • 9

      Recover the animal, remove the string and store the bow in a dry area after the hunt.