How to Prepare for a Successful Bow Hunt

Even though hunting bows have come a long way since the earliest days of history, the traditional type of bow and arrow hunting is still one of the best ways to connect with nature and our ancestry. However, it is far from a simple thing to merely pick up a bow and hunt, as there are a lot of things a potential hunter needs to know and prepare as any type of hunting is far from a simple task. But with a bit of preparation, you can potentially become the great hunter you initially started out to become.

General Physical Fitness

Before you head out and buy hunting bows, it’s incredibly vital to make sure you’re in the correct physical shape and are at least decently fit. That doesn’t mean you need to physically prepare for years on end in order to become a professional athlete, but it’s worth it to have decent stamina and body strength.

As bow hunting can be physically strenuous, this would allow you to be on the hunt much longer and to be more efficient. Even if you are already fit, it’s smart to remember the basics, such as pacing yourself, keeping yourself sufficiently hydrated by drinking more (even if that means using water enhancers), and to not strain yourself too hard so as to quit the hunt early.

Understanding the Differences in Bows

When you start looking at hunting bows for sale, it can be a daunting task to figure out which type of bow you actually want. There are a few different options out there, and it’s important to understand the basics of each. By being thoroughly informed, you can find the appropriate archery bow hunting equipment to make your hunt easier.

Longbow

The most traditional type of bow that has been around for centuries. These bows are usually made with a single piece of wood and have a simple grip area without any sights attached. The physics of this bow means that it’s the simplest to use, but the most difficult to master because you need to hold the bow’s energy with your shoulder. There are archers that prefer to use the longbow, but they are definitely the most difficult to use.

Recurve Bow

It’s fairly similar to the longbow, except the tips of the bow curve upwards. Due to the curved tips, the bow holds larger amounts of energy, meaning shots tend to be more powerful.

Compound Bow

The latest technology when it comes to bows, the compound bow is a powerful and exciting tool that allows you to master the art of the hunt in the most efficient manner. It is still a challenge to use, but the challenge itself is much more appropriate, as the mechanical aspects of the bow allow you to not completely exert yourself in order to make a single shot. It is also significantly more accurate, considering you can attach sights at the grip area.

Sharpen Your Shooting Skills

Archery itself seems simple on paper, but there are many aspects that potential hunters need to be aware of. When you start practising your draw, it’s important to keep a few aspects in mind at all times as to what archery bow hunting truly amounts to.

Remember Your Basics

Feet and shoulders apart, toes slightly aimed towards the target, good grip with your offhand, pull straight back, string held to the side of your face, squeeze to release, and you’re ready to shoot. You might have gotten to the point where you’re comfortable with the steps on an instinctive level, but you should always strive to remember exactly what you need to do.

Get Comfortable with Your Shots

Always observe your stance and shape in every shot so that you’ll be aware of everything you’ll need to improve upon on the next shot.

Practice Your Shooting from a Stand

Hunting from a stand is an extremely efficient way to hunt, so that’s something you should always practice. If you’re unable to practice from a stand, then try to practice standing upright from a balcony, or from an elevated space aiming down. Don’t be discouraged by the weather, as this will only help strengthen your skills.

Practice the Draw

You don’t want to be caught unprepared when hunting, especially when you’re clad in your equipment and the weather is less than ideal. When you draw, make sure to hold the draw 30 seconds to a minute, because animal patterns are largely unpredictable, and you’ll be glad you’ve practised this.

Always Strive to Improve

This should be a given, but it’s important to remember that mastery of archery is difficult to obtain. Every mistake is an opportunity to improve, so don’t neglect this aspect of the hunt.

Work on Your Tracking Skills

Bowhunting practice mostly revolves around shooting the bow, but tracking animals is just as important. Obviously, shooting can only happen when an animal is within sight, so figuring out where your prey is the most crucial first step. Learning where the animal is and isn’t, or understanding where they’re going to go next is just as important as shot accuracy, so interpreting their movement should be a key focus to any hunter.

Water sources are a good starting location, because odds are you’re going to find an animal there, but don’t forget to approach with the wind in your face. The animals’ sense of smell is strong, and when you’re creeping up to the water source, you might happen to see an animal merely a few yards away from you. If they smell you they’ll run away, and you might have to spend a lot more time tracking them from that point. Any and all tracking skills are a welcome addition to the hunter’s arsenal of abilities, so always practice them whenever you get a chance.

It’s great to be prepared before you start looking at hunting bows online, but the best way to become a better hunter is when learning by doing. Try not to put off going on a hunt for too long, because there is no substitute for experience. With a hunting bow in hand and the tracking skills in mind, you’ll easily find just how exciting bow and arrow hunting can truly be.

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