Traditional Archery Hunting

Modern technology has improved the efficiency of archery equipment, but traditional archery, also known as bow-hunting, uses custom-made wooden bows and arrows. Rather than using electric range finders and site pins, traditional archers use their knowledge and experience when hunting. This means that traditional archery hunters must calculate the distance, angle and draw in their head when shooting at prey.

  1. Equipment

    • Traditional bows and arrows are hand crafted and may be ideal for hunters looking for more of a challenge when hunting prey. Archers who use traditional equipment are looking to hunt like their ancestors did and shy away from bows and arrows made of synthetic material. Modern equipment allows archers to shoot with more power, accuracy and ease. Traditional arrows are made of cedar or walnut, and can be cut to fit draw length, shooting style and bow weight. Other traditional archery hunting equipment includes quivers and arm guards.k

    Hunting

    • Prey is often going to be found near water or known trail areas. According to OldBow.com, traditional archery hunters need to remain at least 20 yards away to get an ethical shot; however, ethical shooting distances remain an individual choice and may depend on one's skill set. An ethical shot means that archers wait until the prey is a certain distance away to get a challenging shot, but also do their best to make sure the shot is lethal. Lethal shots ensure the prey does not suffer and is easily found.

    Shooting

    • Hunters using traditional archery equipment are able to hunt all types of prey, and shooting distance is going to depend on size of animal, equipment strength, weather and individual ability. Prey may include wild hogs, whitetail deer, moose and elk. When shooting a traditional bow and arrow, it's important that hunters sight their bow, which requires them to use the tip of the middle finger to anchor the shot to ensure the arrow is leaving at the same point every shot.

    Laws

    • Each state has laws for bow-hunting that are determined by the season, the hunting equipment used, and the type of prey. In New Hampshire, hunters are required to obtain an archery license and are allowed to take one deer per season. Hunters may also be required to have their name and address listed on the arrows.