What Kind of Gear Do I Need to Go Bow Hunting?

Though traditional hunters use rifles to bring down game, bow hunters use bows and arrows to kill their prey. Because bows possess less power and accuracy than rifles, bow hunters typically have to keep their quarry in close proximity before attempting a shot. To effectively hunt with a bow, hunters must have specific equipment, some of which they can upgrade as they increase their level of expertise.

  1. Hunting Bows

    • There are many kinds of hunting bows, and choosing one depends on your proficiency level and the kind of features that are important to you. If speed is a factor, you should purchase a bow with a quick release. If comfort is your primary concern, buy a bow that has padded grips. Test your bow before you buy it to make sure it fits comfortably in your hand and performs well when you shoot it. Things to look for include a good draw length, the right amount of stress when you pull back on the bow, and either a strap release with an index finger trigger or a thumb-triggered, handheld release.

    Bow Sights

    • Every bow hunter, regardless of experience, needs a good bow sight, which is a device that helps you track your game and increase the chance of a direct shot. The most basic kind of bow sight features sighting pins that are adjustable based on the distance of your prey, and a mounting bracket, which lets you attach the bow sight to your bow. If you are left-handed, you have to make sure the bracket can be adjusted to fit on the opposite side.

    Arrows

    • A bow hunter's arrows are like a regular hunter's bullets, and must be selected with the same kind of care. Arrow options include carbon, full-metal jacket (which have a carbon core) alloy/carbon, alloy and aluminum. Your skill level and the kind of game you are hunting will determine what kind of arrows you choose. A lighter arrow will travel quicker, but may not penetrate with as much force as a heavier, slower arrow, which is built for maximum damage upon impact. If you are just beginning, you may want to visit a hunting shop and ask a representative to help you size your arrow based on the draw force of your bow.

    Arrow Rest

    • An arrow rest is essential for effective bow hunting, because it fixes your arrow in a center-shot position when you draw and then release. This stabilizes the trajectory of your arrow and helps guide it toward the game you are hunting. The most basic and inexpensive type of arrow rest is a "flipper," which is designed with a folding arm and is ideal for hunters who shoot with their fingers. More expensive and complex are "drop away" rests, which hold an arrow in place, but drop away immediately at release, so that the fletchings never touch the rest, giving the arrow a steadier trajectory.