Bow Hunting Basics

The art of bow hunting is well known on almost every continent in our modern world. The types of bows and the materials used to make them were varied according to what was available. Although most of the bows used today are constructed of composites, many still use wood. Some are a combination of the two for beauty and strength.

In Missouri and other places in the Midwest, Osage orange wood was the material of choice. Other woods such as hickory, black locust, and even walnut could be used if orange wood could not be procured. One of the latest trends in bow hunting is traditional bow hunting. Making the bow, arrows, and even the string, has given some hunters a feeling of adding more sportsmanship into the already difficult sport.

Unlike gun hunting, bow hunters must always be relatively close to their prey to have a chance to bag a turkey or deer. The same techniques used for gun hunting may not work in this sport. The skill needed to hit what you are aiming for is also more demanding. More time is required to master your shooting ability. This sport is obviously not for everyone.

Your age and physical ability also dictates what type of bow you choose to use. To be able to hold a sixty or seventy pound pull bow steady until the arrow is released is not so simple. A compound bow or even a crossbow may be the only alternative to lack of strength in this case. There are many different makers and price ranges to choose from depending on your preferences and pocketbook.

If you have previous experience as a gun hunter you will have to work harder at scent control and camouflage methods. If planning to hunt from a tree stand or high elevation this must be practiced also. Shooting down at a target is different than shooting on a level line of sight. Gravity, as always, has a bearing on a moving projectile.

Archery ranges provide much of the needed expertise for the beginner, but having an experienced bow hunter relate his own hard earned lessons can tell you things you haven't considered. Hunting in bad weather, how deer and turkey hunting techniques differ, and many other questions can be answered.

There are many sources to learn about this ancient sport but it is not the same as experiencing them firsthand. The part of the country you intend to hunt also makes a difference as the food supply can vary from place to place. As you can see, there's more to bow hunting than meets the eye. Your local game and fish department can tell you the best types of food plots to use and also the natural foods available in your area.

This is a very demanding type of hunting, but for the true hunter it has no equal. It takes more skill to harvest a doe using this method than a trophy buck using a rifle. Another plus for bow hunting is an earlier season in many parts of the country. This enables you to begin hunting as much as a month before gun season starts. If you also plan to gun hunt, this allows you to get an idea of the game movement and other helpful information before the gun season starts.

So if gun hunting has started to become blase, then bow hunting may be just the thing to rekindle your interest in deer or turkey hunting. You will also get a feeling of our historical past and a greater respect for our ancestors. As in any other hunting activity, be safe and good hunting.