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Article by: Claudia - 8/30/2007

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Bow hunting was once the province of a few highly skilled archers. But new designs have made the bow easier to shoot accurately and opened the door to any archer willing to put in time at the target range.

Bow hunters enjoy longer seasons than gun hunters and, during archery-only seasons, face considerably less competition for prime hunting spots. Also, many hunters relish the challenge of bow hunting with a bow and arrow.

Today, more than 80 percent of deer hunters use compound bows. Available with solid or laminated-wood limbs, compounds use cams and pulleys to shoot arrows faster than long curves, resulting in a flatter trajectory and delivering more energy to the target. Most compound bows reduce draw weight at full draw by 50 to 65 percent. This let-off allows you to hold a powerful bow much longer at full draw, an important feature when you're waiting for a deer to move into position for a clear shot. A compound bow set at 60-pound draw weight with 50 percent let off, for instance, requires only 30 pounds of hold at full draw.

Adjust the draw weight of a compound, so you can start practicing at a comfortable level. Then increase the draw weight as you build your strength.

A bow's draw weight must meet your state's legal minimum, usually from 35 to 45 pounds. Shoot a bow several times to determine if you can handle the draw weight. Don't assume the draw weight is right just because you can hold the bow at full draw. You must be able to overcome the initial resistance with power to spare. Otherwise, you'll shake when trying to hold your draw and shoot erratically. A heavy bow can wear you down so you won't practice enough, or you may find yourself in the exasperating position of seeing a deer but being unable to draw the bow and make any shot at all.

If the draw length is too short, it's impossible to pull the string back to your anchor point; too long, and you won't be able to draw the bow to full power.

Common bow types:

• Recurve
• Longbow
• Straight limb

To shoot more accurately, most bowhunters use pin sights mounted just above the arrow rest. Pins are commonly set for 10, 20 and 30 yards. Despite the popularity of compounds, some hunters still prefer traditional bows. Longbows and recurve bows are lighter and quieter than compounds, but re¬quire more practice to shoot accurately.

If the draw length is too short, it's impos¬sible to pull the string back to your anchor point; too long, and you won't be able to draw the bow to full power.

To shoot more ac¬curately, most bowhunters use pin sights mounted just above the arrow rest. Pins are commonly set for 10, 20 and 30 yards.

Despite the popularity of compounds, some hunters still prefer traditional bows. Longbows and recurve bows are lighter and quieter than compounds, but re¬quire more practice to shoot accurately.

Longbows have long limbs that store and release energy. Recurves have double-flexed limbs that store even more energy with less length. Most recurves and longbows are made of fiberglass-laminated wood, although some longbows are solid wood. Either bow with a 60-pound draw weight requires 60 pounds of pull to hold at full draw - too much for most hunters to hold more than a few seconds.

Choosing the right arrow for the bow For consistent accuracy, all of your arrows must be straight and uniform. Shafts should be identical in length, weight and diameter, and made of material that won't warp, such as aluminum or carbon. Once you've determined your draw length select arrows about an inch longer. If an arrow is too short, you may overdraw and the arrow will fall off the rest, possibly causing an injury. If you shoot ar¬rows longer than necessary, the extra weight will af¬fect velocity and trajectory.

Other important considerations when selecting ar¬rows include shaft size, weight and stiffness. Shaft size refers to the outside diameter and the wall thickness, which determine the weight of the shaft (measured in grains) and its stiffness, or spine. Large-diameter, thin-walled shafts are light, fast and have a flat trajectory. Small-diameter, thick-walled shafts are heavier and slower, but deliver more ener¬gy to the target.

If your arrows do not have the correct spine, they will fly erratically. Feather or plastic vanes, or fletching, help rotate and stabilize an arrow in flight, making it more accurate. The arrow's notched end, or nock, and the fletching should be brightly colored. This will help you follow the arrow in flight and locate it after the shot.

Broad heads come in many styles, weights and sizes. Check regulations to find out which are legal in your state. To ensure that the broad head you select matches the spine of your arrow, consult an archery shop pro. Test several recommended styles to determine which your bow shoots most accurately.

Another consideration: broad heads should weigh and shoot about the same as the target points you use when practicing. Then, you won't have to make a major correction when hunting season arrives. Broad heads must be razor sharp to achieve maxi¬mum penetration and slice blood vessels. On long hunts, carry replaceable blades or cartridges or shar¬pening tools.

As you can see, it is of the utmost importance to research the type of equipment you will use for bow hunting. Whether you hunt for food, for trophy or for the fond memories, the time spent choosing the right equipment will enrich your experience.