Archery Archives - A Straight Arrow Everything on Archery, Hunting, Outdoors Thu, 23 Mar 2023 04:00:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://astraightarrow.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/cropped-favicon-arrow-jpeg-32x32.jpg Archery Archives - A Straight Arrow 32 32 10 Essential Pieces of Archery Hunting Gear for Beginners https://astraightarrow.net/10-essential-pieces-of-archery-hunting-gear-for-beginners/ Thu, 23 Mar 2023 04:00:37 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=79664 If you are a newcomer to archery hunting, knowing what gear to buy can be confusing. Just like a guided hunting trip, you need some expert guidance to ensure you don’t invest money in gear you don’t need. If you want to make the most of your archery hunting experience, consider investing in the following: […]

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If you are a newcomer to archery hunting, knowing what gear to buy can be confusing. Just like a guided hunting trip, you need some expert guidance to ensure you don’t invest money in gear you don’t need. If you want to make the most of your archery hunting experience, consider investing in the following:

1. Bow Sights

Expert and ancient hunters can hunt without any bow sights. However, if you are still finding your way around, bow sights can be a game-changer. This is especially true for long-range shots. Bow sights work by helping you point out where the arrow is headed.

There are different designs and types now available in the market.

Bow sights can vary based on the sophistication you need and your hunting level. Many prefer single-pin sights since they won’t have to remember the range set for each pin. Single-pin bow sights can be set to a specific range. You need to hold high or hold low, depending on whether you want to shoot beyond or within.

2. Arrow Spine

As a general rule of thumb, your chosen arrow spine needs to match the power of your bow. This is important for better shooting accuracy and safety. Keep in mind that incorrect spine specifications can impact the flight of your arrow. For instance, under-spine ones often veer to the right of the target.

Arrows that are under-spined or too limber for your bow may cause it to wobble. This is referred to as fishtail flight and it can be dangerous. Many archers prefer stiff arrow spines over ones that are too weak. However, one problem with too stiff arrows is that it can result in a poor grouping on target shooting.

3. Broadheads

Picking a broadbend with a good design can help you achieve two things: increase your shooting efficiency and minimize flight deviation. Arrows will fly straight into the target, and a broadbend that will cause the arrow to wobble is not good. When choosing a broadbend, keep in mind the type of game animal or target you are hunting.

For example, mechanical broadbends are ideal for game animals like slender deer and turkeys. Mechanical broadbends have wider blades that can cause larger wounds but less penetration. If penetration efficiency is your priority, it is recommended that you get fixed-blade broadbends.

4. Archery Targets for Practice

While archers only used sacks of grain and hay as targets before, they can choose various materials and designs that match their arrows, broadhead, and bow type nowadays.

  • Sack Targets: Also known as bag targets, block targets are often used for archery practice. Designed to be tough, it can easily withstand repetitive shots.
  • Block Targets: Block targets are usually made of foam so they are easier to carry around. 

5. Archery Release

Shooting accurately with your fingers will require practice. Fortunately, an archery release can make your life so much easier. No wonder many consider it a must. An archery release can be handheld, attached to your wrist, or controlled by your fingers.

6. Stabilizer

If you want to significantly increase your shooting accuracy, you should invest in a bow stabilizer. Most modern bows can be equipped with a stabilizer. Stabilizers work by balancing out the bow’s weight so it remains steady at full draw and after you shoot. Stabilizers come in various sizes and they can be screwed into the bow.

Many veterans recommend stabilizers, especially when shooting on long-range targets and in stiff winds. Using stabilizers is also ideal when standing in one spot or hunting from a tree stand. However, you can consider it optional if you are mobile hunting or running.

7. Bow Quiver

The handy case that holds the arrows is called a quiver. Some quivers are designed to stand on the ground, while other types can be attached to the body. The most common bow quiver comes with a strap that the user can wear on the side or back. 

8. Bow Case

If you need a place to store your bow to ensure its safety during transport, you can never go wrong with a bow case. A bow case is also considered a great investment since it can protect your bow and gear from the weather and impact. It can also help ensure that everything stays organized.

Ideally, you need to invest in a high-quality bow case that is water and moisture resistant. If you are going on a hunting trip, a good backpack bow case would be ideal as it allows you to carry all you need while on the move. Fortunately, many bow hunting backpacks now come with hydration-ready compartments.

9. Climbing Tree Stand

Want to hide your scent from the ground and get a good vantage point for hunting? Consider investing in a climbing tree stand. There are various tree stands that will suit your needs. Always consider the hunting location, tree types, terrain, and portability when looking for one.

10. GPS Devices (For Tracking and Hunting)

Boundaries, hunt waypoints, and topographic contour maps are just some reasons you should invest in a GPS device. Many GPS devices now come with barometric altimeters, hunting calendars and can provide data for elevation, distances, temperature, and latitude and longitude coordinates.

Final Thoughts

Not everyone may know it, but some archery equipment can be costly. You must do your research to figure out if you can borrow the equipment or purchase a second-hand one. The list above should give you a good insight into the archery hunting gear you need, whether bought, borrowed, or rented.

About the Author

Maren McReynolds is the Content Marketing Director of Black Mountain Outfitters, a company that offers world-class guided hunts in New Mexico, Arizona, and South Dakota. When not working, she spends time swimming with her two kids and giving back to the community.

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Archery at the Olympics https://astraightarrow.net/archery-at-the-olympics/ Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:30:56 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=79580 When we see athletes participating in athletics, swimming, or soccer at the Olympic games, the sports feel instantly familiar. Other sports – such as Archery – are largely a mystery to most people. Archery began as a necessity for hunting, but the modern sport has come a long way from those beginnings. The International Olympic […]

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When we see athletes participating in athletics, swimming, or soccer at the Olympic games, the sports feel instantly familiar. Other sports – such as Archery – are largely a mystery to most people. Archery began as a necessity for hunting, but the modern sport has come a long way from those beginnings. The International Olympic Committee call it a prestigious sport that values strong focus and technical precision, archery requires absolute concentration to perform at the highest level.

The term “archery” comes from the Latin “arcus”, meaning bow. The simplest definition of archery is the act of using bows and arrows, and it is believed to have been invented roughly 12,000 years ago. Whilst the hunters of the middle-ages built their own bows and arrows from the wood they could find on the land, modern archery uses a variety of equipment and multiple disciplines. 

Getting to know a sport is the best way to improve your odds when participating in sports betting, so stick around and we’ll investigate what it takes to make it as an Archer at the Olympic Games.

Target Archery

The most well-known form of modern archery is Target Archery, and it is the discipline that is used at both the Olympic Games and the World Archery Championships. Target archery requires archer to shoot at a stationary circular target from a set distance and is the basis for calculating the world rankings of the sport. For a recurve bow (see below) the regulation distance is an enormous 70 meters, whilst compound archers will usually shoot at a distance of 50 meters in a standard competition.

The target has five colored rings with 10 scoring zones presented in red, blue, black, white, and gold rings. The innermost golden rings score nine and 10 points, red rings score seven and eight, blue rings score five and six, black rings score three and four, and finally the outermost white rings are worth either one or two points. At a distance of 70 meters, most people will struggle to hit the target at all without significant practice and training with their bow.

Others Forms of Archery

Two other common archery disciplines are field archery and indoor archery, however neither of these are contested at the Olympic Games. Instead, the Indoor Archery World Series and World Archery Field Championships are held every one or two years, each of which has their own league tables and rankings.

Indoor archery is similar to target archery, but the regulation distance is much smaller at 18 meters, as you might expect for a sport that is played indoors. 

Field archery is a little more complicated; circular targets are still used, however each archer is required to shoot at several different targets of various sizes to score points. These targets are positioned at different angles, heights, and distances, testing an archers’ skills to the absolute maximum.

Bows

There are three common types of bow used in modern archery – recurve, compound, and barebow. The recurve bow is the only one of the three that is used at the Olympic Games. A recurve archer pulls the string towards their face with their fingers and then aims at their target through a sight. An additional sight pin is used to help the archer position their arrow before shooting, and different rod sizes are permitted which can help in windy conditions. The archer will wear basic protective gear such as finger tabs and arm-guards to ensure they are protected from the bowstring. 

A compound bow looks similar to a modern recurve bow but uses a pulley system rather than having the ends of the bowstring wrapped around the bow. This makes compound archery less physical and allows the archer to put more power into their shots at a greater accuracy. 

The barebow is a much more primitive form of bow that is rarely used in modern sporting archery. No additional equipment is permitted in a barebow archery event, so participants have to be extremely well practiced to compete.

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What Do You Learn In A Hunter Safety Course? https://astraightarrow.net/what-do-you-learn-in-a-hunter-safety-course/ Sat, 22 Jan 2022 10:56:54 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=79298 Image credit: Learning In A Hunter Safety Course Hunting is quite a fun and exciting experience for adventurous and daring people. Many firms are offering proper hunter safety courses since safety and well-being come first when you plan a hunting trip. However, people often avoid taking such courses because they often don’t have enough time […]

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Image credit: Learning In A Hunter Safety Course

Hunting is quite a fun and exciting experience for adventurous and daring people. Many firms are offering proper hunter safety courses since safety and well-being come first when you plan a hunting trip. However, people often avoid taking such courses because they often don’t have enough time to physically attend the courses; hence, many firms are offering them online. For example, ilearntohunt offers Texas hunter safety courses that are online and interactive. You might be wondering how a hunter safety course might help? For this, you need to know what you learn in a hunter safety course. 

Field Dressing

Field dressing is something that you need to be adept at before hunting. It allows you to protect the animal meat and yourself from many diseases of the wild. The process involves the removal of the internal parts of the hunted animal and the cleaning of meat. By dressing up the meat timely, you can prevent heat loss and preserve the meat from rotting as well as bacteria. So, when you attend a hunter safety course, you can learn field dressing tips and techniques properly.  

Hunting Techniques 

Hunting is not an easy job at all. One has to learn several techniques and hunting strategies for a successful experience. By learning these techniques, you will enhance and improve your hunting skills. In this way, you would be more confident and accurate with your target, which will make your experience safer as the chances of injury or getting hurt due to animal attack reduces. 

Basic First-Aid

Learning the basic first aid skills is essential as it can help you save your life and those who accompanied you. Life in the woods could be pretty dangerous and challenging. Therefore, learning these basic first-aid skills is very important before stepping down into the woods. 

Wildlife Identification 

Before you step into the wildlife’s habitat, you need to know the characteristics of some of the wild animals you might encounter or at least the animal you will hunt down. It includes the shape, size, color, nature, speed, or any other feature that could help identify. In the learning safety course, you would learn in detail about the three ways of wildlife identification, i.e., tracks, signs, and scats. 

Safety Tools 

Last but not least, you would learn the types of hunting tools required during the process. There are many hunting equipment in the market that you might not be aware of, but in the online hunting safety course, your instructor will discuss them in detail and even tell you how and when they are to be used.  Besides this, they will even give ideas related to hunting backups that are life-saving. 

So, these are some things that you are going to learn in a hunter safety course. If you plan to go for a hunt in the near future but are not so confident about your hunting skills, it would be a wise thing to enroll yourself in an online hunting safety course. 

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6 Effective Exercises for Archers https://astraightarrow.net/6-effective-exercises-for-archers/ Fri, 10 Dec 2021 04:06:35 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=79206 Archery is a fun choice for hunters, sportsmen and hobbyists alike, giving you the tools to hone your body while still being able to kill things silently at range. It uses a very specific set of muscles and a very specific type of motion.  If you’re considering taking up archery, here are some exercises that […]

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Archery is a fun choice for hunters, sportsmen and hobbyists alike, giving you the tools to hone your body while still being able to kill things silently at range. It uses a very specific set of muscles and a very specific type of motion. 

If you’re considering taking up archery, here are some exercises that you should consider adding to your regular workout schedule to help you improve both your overall fitness and your archery skills.

1. One and Two-Arm Dumbbell Exercises

Your arms aren’t the only muscles you need to consider when you’re trying to work on improving your archery. You should also include exercises that target your back and shoulder muscles. These include: 

  • One-arm dumbbell rows — Put one knee on a bench or other flat surface. Keep the dumbbell in the opposite arm and, leaning over and bracing with your other hand on the bench, draw the dumbbell up to your chest. Repeat for your chosen reps, then switch sides. 
  • Two-arm dumbbell shrugs — Shrug with a dumbbell in each hand. It sounds simple but it helps to target and strengthen your trapezius muscle.

You can also accomplish back exercises on various different types of equipment at the gym, but if all you have is a couple of dumbbells at home, that’s really all you need.

2. Lateral Lifts

Now we’ll start getting into the shoulders. Our favorite exercise for strengthening your shoulders for archery is the lateral lift. All you need is a dumbbell because you’re going to be doing these one arm at a time. Hold the dumbbell in one hand and stabilize yourself against a table or bench with the other. Slowly lift the dumbbell until your arm is perpendicular to the floor. Hold for a moment, and slowly lower back down. Complete your reps and then switch sides.

3. Push-Ups

Pushups are a fantastic bodyweight exercise for your arms as well as your shoulders and chest, making them the perfect choice for archers. 

Start on the floor and slowly lift yourself up until you are in a plank pose with just your palms and the tips of your toes are the only things touching the floor. Then lower yourself as far as possible, until your chest nearly reaches the floor, before pushing back up into your plank pose again. If this is a hard place to start, consider starting with knee-pushups — where your knees touch the floor and help support your weight — or various types of inclined pushups until you can work up to regular reps.

4. Pull-Ups

Pull-ups are another exercise that is simple to learn and hard to master. In theory, all you need to do is hang from a bar by your hands and then, using the strength of your arms, chest and shoulders, lift yourself until your chin is above the bar. 

Repeat as many times as you can — until you’ve reached your rep count or until failure, depending on what is in your workout plan. If you can’t complete a pull-up yet, start with dead hangs where you hang from the bar for as long as you can. You can also use assisted pullup machines at the gym, or hang some assistance bands from your pullup bar at home.

5. Cardio

Strength training is important, but don’t ignore the importance of cardio as well. These exercises help to improve your cardiovascular health as well as improve stamina. Skills like running can also be useful if you’re going to use your archery skills for hunting or survival, though they aren’t as necessary if you’re just shooting for target practice. 

Others, like swimming, can act as a low-impact full-body workout, improving cardiovascular health while putting your muscles through their paces. 

6. Rowing

Rowing is another exercise that can double as both a cardio and strength workout. The movements necessary for rowing can mimic the feeling of drawing a bow, though you’ll be doing it with two hands instead of one. 

For the cardio side of things, just pick up the pace. It’s a popular choice for CrossFit workouts because it gets the heart pumping but is easy to hop on and off so you can switch between exercises smoothly.

Don’t Skip Your Workout Days

Archery is a fantastic workout in itself, but if you’re planning on using it for hunting or honing it as a survival skill, don’t skip your trips to the gym. Strengthening the muscles that you use to draw your bow will make it easier to hit your target every time. 

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How to Efficiently Store Your Archery Equipment https://astraightarrow.net/how-to-efficiently-store-your-archery-equipment/ Thu, 18 Nov 2021 15:24:37 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=79175 Whether you’re a bowhunter, a medieval reenactor, or someone who shoots for a hobby, you’ve probably got quite a bit of archery equipment in your home. Instead of tripping over your bows or knocking over quiver after quiver of arrows, here are some tips to help you efficiently store your archery equipment. Prep Your Gear […]

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Whether you’re a bowhunter, a medieval reenactor, or someone who shoots for a hobby, you’ve probably got quite a bit of archery equipment in your home. Instead of tripping over your bows or knocking over quiver after quiver of arrows, here are some tips to help you efficiently store your archery equipment.

Prep Your Gear for Storage

The first step with any archery equipment when you’re putting it away for the season is to prepare it for storage. That will look different depending on the type of bows you use.

For example, if you use a traditional crossbow, it should be unstrung at the end of the season to allow the limbs to relax. Longbows should be unstrung if they’re going to be set aside for more than two weeks. Compound bows or compound crossbows, on the other hand, can and should be stored with their string and accessories — such as the sight or arrow rest — still attached.

Organize Your Garage

Next, you’re going to want to have room to store your equipment. For most people, that means making space in the garage — and no, we don’t mean by just shoving some boxes out of the way. For most of us, the garage has become a catch-all for the things that won’t fit in the rest of the house.

Instead of using it for junk storage, take the time to clean and organize your space so you can make the most of it. Sort through your junk, sell or throw away anything you don’t need anymore, and invest in some organizational tools to help make sense of what’s left.

Make a Storage Space

The exact details of your storage space will vary depending on your particular needs. In general, you’re going to want:

  • Racks for hanging bows or supporting them horizontally if they are unstrung. Don’t store a bow — even an unstrung one — on one of its tips.
  • Quiver hangers or storage boxes for arrows to keep them from spilling all over the floor.
  • Drawers or something similar to store arrowheads, treated bowstrings, and other small to medium-sized accessories.

These storage spaces don’t have to be complex or expensive. They’re also infinitely customizable. If you’ve got a particular bow that you want to showcase above everything else, tweak your design to give it a place of honor. Shift and change it as necessary to meet your current needs.

Cases vs. Racks

It’s nice to be able to store your bow in a place where you can appreciate it, even during the off-season, but it’s important to remember that these types of equipment — especially if you’re using traditional bows or crossbows — can be extremely susceptible to humidity and changes in temperature. A good rule of thumb is if your storage space isn’t climate controlled, you need to use a hard case for your bow instead of a rack.

You don’t have to hide your cases away in the corner. Hang them up on the wall. Make an entire shrine to your archery equipment if it tickles your fancy. Just make sure you’re protecting your equipment from things like humidity and heat.

Don’t Forget to Wax

The body of your bow isn’t the only thing that needs attention before you store it for the winter. Make sure to wax your bowstrings before you put them away. Not only will this help them store better, but it will also prevent them from drying out and cracking. You may not need to unstring your compound bows, but waxing them is just as important to protect the cables while the bow is unused for long periods.

Make Sure You’re Ready for Next Season

Don’t stick your archery equipment in the closet or the corner of your cluttered garage when you’re done hunting or shooting for the season. Take the time to create a storage space for your archery equipment, whether that means hanging a case on the wall or showcasing your favorite bow on a well-organized rack when it’s not in use.

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How to Hunt with a Recurve Bow: Hands-on Guide for Better Hunting https://astraightarrow.net/how-to-hunt-with-a-recurve-bow-hands-on-guide-for-better-hunting/ Tue, 27 Jul 2021 08:32:39 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=79050 It is believed that the Mongolians invented the recurve design and used this type of bow for hunting. Recurve bow is one of the most effective and famous bows for hunting even today. Traditional bows such as the recurve and longbow are famous for hunting. Recurve bow is more popular among beginners and intermediate archers. […]

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It is believed that the Mongolians invented the recurve design and used this type of bow for hunting. Recurve bow is one of the most effective and famous bows for hunting even today.

Traditional bows such as the recurve and longbow are famous for hunting. Recurve bow is more popular among beginners and intermediate archers. But first, you need to know how to hunt with a recurve bow. This article is a step-by-step guide for recurve bow hunting. You will also get to know the benefits and drawbacks that recurve bowhunters face.

So, let’s get to it!

What Type of Bows are Used for Hunting

A smooth hunting experience requires a bow with accuracy, silence, power, and decent range. In general, there are four types of bows used for hunting.

A Traditional Bow or longbow is the oldest bow for hunting. It has a D-shaped laminated wooden pole and a flexible string. This bow is popular among traditional bowhunters, but it takes a lot of practice to master this shooting style.

The Recurve Bow is suitable for target practice and hunting. Both the tips (limbs) in a recurve bow curve away from the archer. The central part (a.k.a. the riser) stays flat or curves inwards. Recurve bow can store more energy than a traditional bow and deliver arrows more efficiently.

A Compound Bow is perfect for hunting any game animal due to its power, wide shooting range, speed, and accuracy. It features mechanical strings with a pulley system, cables, and rotating wheels.

Lastly, we have a crossbow, which is perfect for bow hunting as it’s easy to use and has high accuracy. Like a firearm, a crossbow uses a trigger release mechanism and can accommodate heavier draw weights.

How to Hunt with a Recurve Bow

The recurve bow is well-suited for hunting a wide range of game animals, from small rabbits to white-tailed deer. You can also bag game like birds, quails, chukar, and pheasants using a traditional recurve bow. All you need is high quality recurve bows. Below is a step-by-step guide for traditional bowhunters to learn how to hunt with a recurve bow.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Kit

Choose a recurve bow that matches your age group, sex, body weight, and structure. This is due to the draw weight. For example, a large-frame male archer (120-150 lbs) may require a 45-pound minimum draw weight for large game animals. However, smaller games require reduced draw weights.

Besides, your hunting arrows should match your draw weight and length. Use helical fletching as it is more stable for short-distance shooting. Also, you can use flu-flu fletching arrows for hunting birds.

Selecting your broadhead is tricky as different heads work differently. As a beginner, you can use pyramid style or bone bursting style tips for better penetration.

In addition, takedown designs are the best option as you can disassemble them (if needed).

Step 2: Holding the Perfect Stance

The stance is an essential part of bowhunting. For recurve bow, you have to pull the string with your dominant hand facing side by side with the target with the opposite side of your body. Keep your body upright and your shoulders aligned with your back and hips.

While drawing the arrow, keep the bow steady with your non-dominant hand. And then, push the other hand all the way to create a straight and parallel line between your dominant arm and the arrow. Use your index, middle, and ring finger as drawing fingers. 

Step 3: Maintaining Precise Distance

Recurve bow hunting is a close-range sport. But the shooting range you need to maintain depends on your experience, skill, and effective range. However, you can get proper shot placement from a shorter distance. For example, white-tailed deer is best shot from 15 to 17 yards away to avoid a bad shot.

Step 4: Shooting a Recurve Bow

The first thing to remember is that you need an accurate broadside shot. So, it’s better to study the anatomy of the game animal you plan on hunting beforehand. 

Wear a finger tab or gloves if you are a beginner archer. Now, maintain your stance and pull the string close to your face. There are different shooting styles, but you can follow the Olympic style for a starter. 

Whether you are instinctive shooting or using a sight window, point the arrowhead straight towards the game. Keep your focus, and then let the arrow fly!

Step 5: Following the Regulations Guide

Every US state has a set of rules that you must follow. For example, you can not shoot an arrow within 150 yards around a school building. There are many other rules and regulations you need to study precisely before going on a hunt.

In addition, never leave your wounded game unattended. Generally, a game can travel 50 to 70 yards away from the spot, even if it’s a clear shot. But it may go even farther if wounded. It’s an ethical duty to track down any wounded animal.

Advantages of Hunting with a Recurve Bow

You may be wondering, “why should I choose recurve bow hunting instead of other shooting styles?” So, here are some of the benefits you’ll get from hunting with a recurve bow.

  • Recurve shooting style is comparably easy for beginners. It takes some practice and strength, but not as much as with a longbow or compound bow.
  • Takedown recurve bows are highly portable and easy to maintain. Besides, the takedown design always leaves some room for upgrades and additional accessories such as arrow rest and arrow shelf.
  • A recurve bow stores more energy than a longbow and supports a wide range of draw weights.
  • Recurve bow is shorter than a longbow and lighter than a compound bow. It is also quite fast due to its efficient recurve design. 
  • This shooting style offers a wide shooting range perfect for hunting small to medium game animals and game birds.

Disadvantages of Hunting with a Recurve Bow

Despite all the benefits of a recurve bow, there are some disadvantages too. Some of them are mentioned below.

  • Recurve bows are not suitable for larger game animals like the grizzly, black bear, elk, moose, etc.
  • As this bow is not a mechanical device, recurve shooters always rely on their upper body strength. It takes a lot more practice to master recurve shooting than a crossbow and more force than a compound bow.
  • Recurve is not great for long-distance shooting. So, you need to be close to the target and be more precise and silent.

Conclusion

“Practice makes everything perfect”- it is not different when it comes to bowhunting. The compound bow may be the most preferred tool for experienced bow hunters. Still, a compound does not deliver the aesthetics of a recurve bow. 

It’s true that recurve bow is suitable for beginners. But that doesn’t mean you can just aim and shoot. It takes time and lots of practice to master the art of recurve bow hunting. Just keep in mind to follow the state rules and regulations. Recurve shooters go through a lot of trial and error, mistakes, and frustrations. But it’s all worth it in the end.

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What You’ll Need When Getting Into Archery for the First Time https://astraightarrow.net/what-youll-need-when-getting-into-archery-for-the-first-time/ Thu, 01 Jul 2021 06:41:42 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=79015 Archery can be a fun sport to partake in, but it can also be one that some people feel a little daunted to try for the first time. So, what do you need to get started? We’re going to talk about some of the things that’ll help you out as a beginner. Read on now […]

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Archery can be a fun sport to partake in, but it can also be one that some people feel a little daunted to try for the first time. So, what do you need to get started? We’re going to talk about some of the things that’ll help you out as a beginner. Read on now and find out more about them before you go ahead and give archery a go for the very first time. 

A Good Teacher

When you’re first starting out as an archery beginner, you’ll probably want to learn from someone experienced in teaching other people how to safely do archery. 

It can be dangerous if people aren’t taking the safety precautions, so a professional’s guidance will prove useful. Furthermore, you’ll get to learn a lot faster and gain the insights you need when you’re taught by someone who knows what they’re talking about.

You can learn in your backyard. Professionals like ArcheryUp Pros can come to you and provide you with archery lessons. Or you can choose from one of the 1,000 pre-approved locations nationwide.

Archery is easy to learn, but it’s hard to master, so private lessons will be worthwhile. An expert will guide you through the basics. For instance, they will teach you the parts of the bow and help you practice shooting close to the target. Once you have gotten the hang of it, you’ll be able to shoot at longer distances.

A Bow and Arrows

Of course, you’re going to need the right bow and a set of arrows before you get started. It’s good to have your own rather than the ones that a teacher can provide because this helps you to feel more invested in your learning process. 

Start with an affordable recurve bow and take things from there. When buying arrows, visit an archery store because you’ll need to know your draw length and weight before choosing the right shafts for your arrows. You can have the arrows customized too if you like.

A bow should fit you like a glove. With a variety of bows available on the market, you can trust a professional to give you the best advice on which one you should choose. Naturally, the arrows should suit the bow since these two elements could impact your technique and accuracy.

A Desire to Learn and Explore

It’s also good to really throw yourself into the learning process and into the culture and community that exists around archery. There’s a huge online community of people who are passionate archers, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get involved and learn more as you do so. 

Websites like https://unitedbow.com/ will help you understand more about what archery is all about. Connect with other archers and stay on top of the latest events by becoming part of the community online.

A Quiver

A quiver is the name given to the thing that holds your arrows. A simple hip quiver or one that you wear on your back will do the job perfectly well. This kind of quiver is popular among target archers since it offers easy access to arrows by holding all arrows together right at the side. 

It’s more about what you prefer. As long as the quiver is able to hold your arrows and keep them safe, while remaining within easy reach, there isn’t going to be a problem.

Armguards

The right armguard will be really important as well. If you don’t wear an armguard when using your bow and arrows, you’ll most likely end up with bruises and scrapes on your arm, which you wouldn’t want. An armguard is a small, simple, and cheap item, but it’ll help make your experience a little bit more comfortable.

An extra padded armguard is ideal for a beginner because it offers more protection when you shoot your bow. When you’re able to shoot consistently, you can buy and wear a streamlined version. 

As you can see, there are plenty of things you’ll want to make use of as a beginner. Without the right learning strategy and the right equipment, you’ll probably end up giving up before you’ve even given the sport a fair chance. When you have the above things in place, you’ll be in the right position to learn gradually and hone your archery skills.

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What Is a Good Arrow Speed for Hunting? https://astraightarrow.net/what-is-a-good-arrow-speed-for-hunting/ Tue, 29 Jun 2021 07:35:20 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=79007 Selecting the perfect hunting arrow is really critical. It doesn’t matter whether you are using a recurve bow, compounded bow, or longbow, having the correct length and weight is a must. At the same time, arrow speed also is just as critical as arrow length and weight.  If you can select the right hunting arrow, […]

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Selecting the perfect hunting arrow is really critical. It doesn’t matter whether you are using a recurve bow, compounded bow, or longbow, having the correct length and weight is a must. At the same time, arrow speed also is just as critical as arrow length and weight. 

If you can select the right hunting arrow, you can shoot fast and quiet as well. The eternal debate over what is a good arrow speed for hunting will always confuse people. Today we will clear out the debate over arrow speed in this guide. To know more and get a clear view stay tuned with this guide.  

How Fast Can an Arrow Travel?

Arrow speed depends on the bow’s draw weight, arrow weight, fletching type, draw length, broadheads, bowstring materials, and many more. Weather conditions like rain and humidity can also impact the arrow’s speed.  

Usually, the Recurve bow can travel up to 150 mph or 225 fps (feet per second). On the other side, compound bow arrows travel up to 200 mph or 300 fps. But due to the weight of the longbow arrows, they travel a bit slower. These bows take around a second to reach a 90-meter target even at 300 fps. 

To have a better view, look at the following table which compares the arrow speed, KE, and momentum according to the weight.

Arrow Weight Speed KE (Kinetic Energy) Momentum
350 gr. 340 fps 89.75 ft. lbs.  .527 Slug/ft. Per. sec
480 gr. 290 fps 89.54 ft. lbs. .617 Slug/ft. Per. sec
750 gr. 175 fps 50.95 ft. lbs. .582 Slug/ft. Per. sec 

Now, you can get an idea that lightweight arrows can provide you the perfect faster speed. The arrow speed increases with the lighter arrows. Also, the higher speed can ensure more energy than the lower one.

Why Does Arrow Speed Matters? 

Arrow speed matters as an inch too low and low placement can make your shot go in vain. Shooting a faster arrow can improve the accuracy in the field. This small thing can make a huge difference in your hunting sessions. 

Once your arrow leaves the string it ceases to be propelled. At this time the air force begins to work against the arrow which causes the arrow to decelerate. This force has a greater effect on the faster arrow than the slow arrow. 

As a result, it decelerates much faster, and the difference in declarations can impact drastically when hitting an animal. The reason behind it, the heavy arrow usually has a slower declaration rate that penetrates deeper. Therefore, most experts recommend the maximum speed of an arrow should be 260-270 fps.

What Is a Good Arrow Speed for Hunting?

From the above discussion, it is clear why arrow speed matters most. Also, it is clear that faster arrow speed with lighter arrows is better to have successful hunting. Here we are providing 4 more reasons why a faster arrow speed is better. 

Flatter Trajectory

An arrow that can travel faster will drop less between two points and it’s a scientific fact. This doesn’t make too much difference inside of 40 yards. When you are going to take a shot past 40 yards the faster arrow’s fly flatter can get the perfect range making it less critical. Though arrow speed can’t save your shot from a wrong estimate it can definitely help you when you are off by a few yards only.  

Shooting Through Holes

A fast arrow can pass through every brush’s smaller hole without any deflection than the slower arrows. For example, you are lining up to take a 40-yard shot to hunt an elf. But there is only one issue and that is you have to shoot through a hole in the brunches. 

In that case, solid broadheads for elk with 480-grain arrows would be an asset as it can travel at 290 fps speed. Because when it goes through the hole this arrow will be 8.3 inches above your sightline. In this way, you can shoot through the hole conveniently that is nearly 4-inches smaller. 

String Jumpers

As animals are very sensitive to even minimal sounds, so there is a huge chance of miss a hit while loading up the shot. Here comes the importance of the fastest arrow speed. When it comes to shooting potential strong jumpers a faster arrow can hit the target sooner than the slower one. This is especially required when the shot distance is 25 to 40 yards.  

More KE 

Most experts agree on the fact that KE, which refers to Kinetic Energy is the best measure of an arrow’s penetration potential. However, without changing the arrow you can increase the KE by going to a faster bow. Let’s say you are shooting a 450-grain arrow at 240 fps speed. Here, your Kinetic Energy is 57.5 ft. lbs.

Now, using the same arrow, if you increase the speed of your arrow up to 290 fps the KE will go to 79.3 ft. lbs. In this way, you can shoot the same arrow out of a faster bow to increase the penetration energy by 38%.  

Final Verdict

Still, arrow speed is a major factor for the overall success equation of hunting. We agree faster bows are not for everyone. For beginners, it will be difficult to measure speed and weight. But when you get experienced by practicing regularly, the fastest arrow will work great for you. 

For regular hunting, you can stick with the medium weight arrows with a speed of 260-270 fps will be fine. We have shared all the necessary information about the arrow speed, its importance, and its range. Hopefully, now you know what is a good arrow speed for hunting. So, get the perfect one and make the best out of it.

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Mounted Archery and Horseback Riding: What You Need to Know https://astraightarrow.net/mounted-archery-and-horseback-riding-what-you-need-to-know/ Sun, 30 May 2021 14:05:29 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=78960 If you’re familiar with archery but you want to step it up a notch and try something new and challenging, you could look into mounted archery as something different to add to your repertoire. Archery on horseback is an ancient and skilful art that requires a lot of practice and dedication since you’ll need to become the […]

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If you’re familiar with archery but you want to step it up a notch and try something new and challenging, you could look into mounted archery as something different to add to your repertoire. Archery on horseback is an ancient and skilful art that requires a lot of practice and dedication since you’ll need to become the master of not only the bow but the horse as well. Horseback archers need to keep both hands on their bow which leaves the horses reigns untouched, so understanding your horse is a key step in becoming a pro at this sport. We’d recommend practising horseback riding on its own for at least a few months before combining the two sports. Here are a few key things you’ll need to know if you’d like to try it out.

Gear and Equipment

Getting into horseback riding will come with an entirely new set of terminology and rules to learn and some gear to invest in – but that’s all part of the fun, right? Depending on where you’re riding and what gear is provided for you, as well as how serious you are about investing in the sport, you might want to grab some things like bridles and reigns, riding crops and grooming equipment, especially if you’re looking to own a horse. You’ll definitely need some good riding boots and gloves, as well as some appropriate pants and shirts for your riding lessons – but a comfortable pair of jeans will usually do. 

Safety First

Although archery has its own safety regulations you’re probably familiar with, those of horse riding are entirely different and you’ll need to combine the two if you. Investing in the proper safety gear for getting on a horse is an important first step. A good quality helmet is the most important consideration to make, as this will protect your head if you end up in a fall – which isn’t entirely uncommon in horseback riding. Your riding boots (which were previously discussed) will be important to protect your feet. You’ll also want to invest in a safety vest to soften the blow if you do end up in a sticky situation. 

Next, you’ll need to consider some safety precautions such as learning how to safely approach and lead a horse and then mount it. As a beginner, this will usually be addressed in your first lessons. Keep in mind that it’s important for both you and the horse to feel comfortable and safe to avoid any potential mishaps.

Get Clued Up

Before you even start horse riding lessons, you might want to delve into some research and familiarise yourself with some of the basic information and terminology. Watch some videos online and try to perhaps talk to a friend or acquaintance who has experience with horse riding to assess whether this is really a commitment you want to make. Learning horseback riding and eventually training to become a mounted archer will entail a lot of hard work and dedication but it will definitely be worth it if you have a passion for both sports! 

 

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What Pound Recurve Bow Should I Get? https://astraightarrow.net/what-pound-recurve-bow-should-i-get/ Thu, 17 Dec 2020 04:24:27 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=78674 Poundage or draw weight is a critical figure to remember when buying a recurve bow. It helps determine if you can handle the bow correctly, if you are using the right posture, and if your chances of experiencing soreness and fatigue while shooting are significantly reduced. We know recurve bow options can be overwhelming, especially […]

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Poundage or draw weight is a critical figure to remember when buying a recurve bow. It helps determine if you can handle the bow correctly, if you are using the right posture, and if your chances of experiencing soreness and fatigue while shooting are significantly reduced.

We know recurve bow options can be overwhelming, especially with high-end choices and affordable picks you can find at thebodytraining.com. For this reason, you want to be sure you select the one best suited for you.

Today, we will be sifting through trusted methods for determining the correct poundage for your recurve bow. That way, you can acquire one that caters specifically to your shooting needs.

Two Main Methods for Finding the Right Draw Weight

Figuring out the appropriate draw weight for a recurve bow will usually involve one of two methods. There’s the method that entails using your body weight, which correlates loosely to the bow poundage, and the 30-second test.

The former varies based on muscle growth and form improvement and increases through practice. The latter involves drawing and holding the bow for 30 seconds and seeing if the archer can manage that with little trouble.

People often debate which technique is more effective, so we will discuss each in detail to help you decide for yourself which one that is!

Body Weight and Gender Method 

You will find all kinds of charts online drawing connections between gender and body weight and the right recurve bow poundage. One such is the chart below, which displays the archer’s weight and gender and the corresponding draw weight that fits them best.

  • 70 to 100 lbs. children: 10 to 15 lbs.
  • 100 to 130 lbs. children: 15 to 25 lbs.
  • 100 to 130 lbs. small-framed adult females: 25 to 35 lbs.
  • 130 to 160 lbs. medium-framed adult females: 25 to 35 lbs.
  • 120 to 150 lbs. small-framed adult males: 30 to 45 lbs.
  • 150 to 180 lbs. medium-framed adult males: 40 to 55 lbs.
  • 160 lbs. and above large-framed females: 30 to 45 lbs.
  • 180 lbs. and above large-framed males: 45 to 60 lbs.

There are also charts that take into consideration the skill level of the archer as well as their gender and body weight.

Despite these charts’ popularity, many still claim their failure to accurately determine the appropriate recurve bow draw weight. That is because they believe so many more factors come into play to determine such a figure.

For them, even when you fall within the weight range capable of handling a 60-lb. bow, that won’t necessarily mean you’ll be strong enough to do so. The same holds true for lighter individuals whose strength and fitness may allow them to handle heavier bows.

Enter the 30-second test to bridge these gaps. 

The 30-Second Test

Sometimes, when you navigate a pro shop in search of the right bow, you pick up some of your options and get a feel for them. You draw the bow back, hold it a bit, and if it is lighter than you realized, you think it is within your capacity to manage its draw weight. However, this actually isn’t enough to go on if you plan to shoot a bow several times.

In reality, when you are trudging through the wilderness or shooting competitively, you don’t just shoot a bow once. So, even if you can do a full draw on a particular recurve bow, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can sustain that for a full shooting session. You need to be able to handle a specific bow with little to no trouble for several shoots.

To avoid falling into this trap that comes from selecting an inappropriate bow, try the 30-second test. It is as simple as its name suggests; you just draw the bow fully and hold it for all of 30 seconds. If you can manage that without feeling like your muscles are being strained, then you should be capable of handling that specific bow.

However, if doing the test makes your body feel like it’s burning, take it as a sign that you are to choose another bow. The bow you currently have is simply too heavy to sustain and may make the muscles in your back and shoulders burn and shake as a result. A recurve bow that doesn’t give you any difficulty, even when drawn multiple times over an extended period, is the one you want. It is also the one your muscles will be grateful for. 

The Recurve Bow for You

Draw weight is just one of the many factors to consider when choosing a recurve bow. To ensure your archery journey doesn’t endure too many hiccups, you also want to factor in draw length, bow style, and bow function in addition to this figure.

It’s also important to be aware of things like draw weight egos, which could prove a hindrance to making the best draw weight decision.

Nonetheless, figuring out the correct bow draw weight is a great first step to choosing the right bow. Once you have that out of the way, the rest of the elements should fall into place relatively easily.

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How to Hunt with Recurve Bow https://astraightarrow.net/how-to-hunt-with-recurve-bow/ Wed, 21 Oct 2020 16:20:50 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=78621 Using bows is an ancient hunting method that is still in use in the modern world. Recurve bows are designed so that the limbs curve in a different direction with the archer upon unstringing. A recurve bow gives more energy and speed to the arrow as its shape allows it to store more energy, unlike […]

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Using bows is an ancient hunting method that is still in use in the modern world. Recurve bows are designed so that the limbs curve in a different direction with the archer upon unstringing. A recurve bow gives more energy and speed to the arrow as its shape allows it to store more energy, unlike in the straight-limbed bow. 

The recurves produce some noise upon shooting as they input more stress on the bows. However, if they are extremely curved, they make the bow unstable when strung. Recurves will allow shorter bows than those from the straight-limb bow, as this is how the archers liked it since longer weapons did not work effectively. 

The best recurve bow for deer hunting should have minimal noise. They should also have scent elimination, and are easy to transport. Here is how to hunt effectively with a recurve bow.

 

  • Recurve Bow Weight

 

When hunting, it is important to consider the weight of the recurve bow you are using. If you can comfortably shoot with a heavier recurve, the chances of missing your target are minimal. You only need to be accurate with the shots you make. 

If you use lighter recurve bows, you might still hit your target, but you will lack the proper penetration power if the arrow hits a bone or hard muscle. Heavy muscles and bone can easily deflect an arrow as they lack the shocking power. Try as much as possible to target the heart-lung area as there is a huge blood vessel concentration.

 

  • The Distance

 

Accuracy is the key thing that will enable you to hit your target. Bow hunters should keep the range of their shots. It should be within a six-inch circle. For instance, when shooting a whitetail deer, the approximate shot will range from 15 to 17 yards. 

The distance of shooting with a recurve bow will depend on the bow hunter’s skill, knowledge, and experience. Some may shoot from 15 yards while others can go up to 30 yards. You need to improve the distance you can shoot from now and then. 

This will be made perfect by continued practice. All you need is to set up a shooting site to enable you up to your shooting game. Anytime you reduce the distance, you increase the probability of placing your shot properly.

 

  • Hunting Arrows for Recurve Bows

 

Your hunting arrows should match your draw weight as well as your draw length. This is in terms of weight and stiffness in their spine. It brings consistency to your hunting. The arrows to use for hunting should be cut longer to give enough clearance to the broad head. Long arrows do not contact either the bow or the bow hand when drawn back. 

Heavy arrows will not be as swift as the light ones but will have good shots. Making your arrows heavy will increase the penetration power, producing deeper wounds to the prey and weakening it.

 

  • Broadhead Selection

 

Be keen on the type and design of the tips of your arrows. Preferably, choose those with a pyramid style, bone-busting style, and cut-on contact over the cone-shaped tips. This is because the broad-headed tips allow the blade in through the entry holes, increasing the penetration power. 

Arrows have different aerodynamic characteristics making the broad heads, and the field tips fly differently. Hemorrhage is what makes an arrow to kill the prey.  The more the hemorrhage, the more the animal will get wounded, an implication that the shot made is humane. 

Ensure all the time that your broad head is sharp to enhance proper penetration. If the blade heads are replaceable, always ensure you install new blades before going for fieldwork.

 

  • Pick A Spot

 

You should be specific on the place you want to focus on shooting when using a recurve bow. Let the spot always be around the chest cavity. You may find out that the animal is dangerously wounded and leave no trails of blood, an implication of having a nice shot. 

This, however, does not mean that if there are traces of blood that the animal is not hurt. Animals may go for longer distances if they are not hit on some important organs, and as a hunter, you will have to trace on the possible location of the animal. This is why the chest cavity is the best place to keep your focus. You need to learn the recovery art for a wounded animal.

 

  • Know How to Choose a Bow

 

Hunting will be interesting only if you choose the best bow. The recurve bows have are fast-moving, and this means that the chances of missing the target are minimal. They are also easy to carry along and assemble upon reaching your hunting site. The shot placement of the bow is what you should look for before you purchase one. When shooting at yardages, the speed is not of much importance.

 

  • Learn The Art

 

You may have all the other requirements needed for hunting, but you will be doomed if you lack the art itself. You need to know what the best time is to hunt for the game. Learn their sleeping points, too, as they will always be away from them when searching for food. This will be the best time to get the best location you will use as an ambush point. 

Be careful where you set up your tree stand as the animals usually have a strong sense of things and danger. Do not use the same trail as the game you want to hunt as it will reveal your human scent, making the animal leave or attack you.

Conclusion

Recurve bows get their strength from the drawstring and the bow. Bow hunting is an interesting way to hunt and an outdoor activity that keeps you out of boredom. 

Therefore, as a hunter, you need to have the right arrows, good broad heads, and proper attire. Go through recurve bow review to choose the right recurve bow for you. Your hunting knowledge is also vital as you will be required to use it skillfully to get a catch.

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How To Choose The Right Bow Hunting For Beginners https://astraightarrow.net/how-to-choose-the-right-bow-hunting-for-beginners/ Mon, 05 Oct 2020 15:01:03 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=78583 To enjoy your shooting and bow hunting experience, it’s important to choose the right hunting bow for your needs. Your choice should be influenced by factors such as the type of hunting you’ll be doing, as well as shape and size of the bow itself, among others. It’s essential to note that bow hunting of […]

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To enjoy your shooting and bow hunting experience, it’s important to choose the right hunting bow for your needs. Your choice should be influenced by factors such as the type of hunting you’ll be doing, as well as shape and size of the bow itself, among others.

It’s essential to note that bow hunting of whitetails has different requirements compared to hunting open country game. That’s why you should take the challenge you’ll face into account in the bow you select.

Here’s how you can end up with the best bow hunting for beginners:

 

  • Determine What You’re Going To Use The Bow For

 

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a bow is what you’re going to use it for. For example, if you’re going to hunt in a forest and you plan to only use it on larger animals, such as moose, bears, or deer, you’ll want to choose a bow that has a longer firing distance and a good amount of range. If you plan on hitting a bigger game, you’ll probably want to use a bow that has a long shooting distance. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to go through the bow you’re planning to buy when you visit the websites of specialized archery gear suppliers, like https://www.getyourgunsamerica.com/archery.html.

 

  • Long Or Short Arc?

 

The next consideration is the length of the arc. If you’re in the middle of the forest, a long arch can be ideal. But, if you’re just hunting to take down a small animal, a shorter bow might be better. It’s important to choose a bow with a length that’s comfortable for you and fits well in your hand. You don’t want to end up with a bow that doesn’t go where you want it. Also, make sure to choose an arch with a recessed weight so it doesn’t tip over when you’re in the woods.

 

  • Choose Between Traditional And Composite Bow

 

There are two choices for an arch—you have a traditional arch and a composite one. The pull cycle of a compound bow usually consists of a limb and a head. Each part is attached to the next to create a cycle that allows a hunter to fire from a single limb position. The limbs are attached to a stem with a traditional bow. A bowstring is usually attached to a head at the same time that the bowstring is pulled back so that the leg can be pulled back and forth. 

Also, the pull cycle of a compound bow is shorter due to the shorter length of the limbs. That’s because of the large amount of weight needed to generate the tension required to create the pull. However, with a compound bow, a hunter can get the full range of motion necessary to take a powerful shot.

While many hunters prefer a composite bow for their hunting needs, some prefer to use a traditional bow. While a compound bow can be used by a beginner, there are other benefits to using a traditional bow. Hunters with years of experience in the field will generally prefer to use a traditional bow over a compound bow because it doesn’t require such a large amount of force to pull the wire back and forth. Using a compound bow requires a lot of strength and isn’t easy to develop.

Additionally, the amount of weight and length of limbs to be tied down also takes away some of the benefit that a compound bow gives when it comes to accuracy. For many hunters, that can be a huge disadvantage.

 

  • Choose The Right Weight

 

One of the things to consider is the weight of the bow. Bow makers try to come up with very light bows that don’t need a lot of string. It results in less weight and less noise when the bow is fired. The best part is that it’s very easy to control the weight of the bow. You can even tie it to the string and use the bow as a sling.

 

  • Test Handling And Feel

 

One of the things that you should pay special attention to when buying a bow is how it feels in your hands. The right arch should feel nice and should be easy to maneuver. If you’re going to wear this equipment in the field, you want to make sure that it’s easy to hold and that you don’t have to worry about bad spots on the bow or on your fingers. It should also be able to grip your arm well without any discomfort. 

Conclusion

Your bow will turn to a natural extension of your hunter being over time. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a weapon that you can be comfortable and confident with. Selecting a hunting bow that fits your needs will also offer you a more exciting and enjoyable shooting experience. So, examine your options, take your time, and pick the right bow by looking for the things mentioned and discussed above in your search.

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4 Archery Tips For Beginners https://astraightarrow.net/4-archery-tips-for-beginners/ Mon, 28 Sep 2020 15:38:08 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=78557 You’ll be able to enjoy several benefits once you decide to try out archery. Over time, this sport can improve your focus, hand-eye coordination, upper strength, and confidence. Archery can also become your platform to meet new friends as you’ll have the chance to compete in matches. Archery can improve the quality of your life […]

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You’ll be able to enjoy several benefits once you decide to try out archery. Over time, this sport can improve your focus, hand-eye coordination, upper strength, and confidence. Archery can also become your platform to meet new friends as you’ll have the chance to compete in matches.

Archery can improve the quality of your life in many ways, but for you to make the most out of this sport, it’s vital that you learn the basics first. Since you’re still a beginner, you should exert time and effort to learn the ropes of this sport, so you can eventually harness skills that will allow you to become an effective and competitive archer. 

Aside from reading archerxtreme.com archery guide, listed below are some archery tips for beginners:

attractive woman on archery, focuses eye target for arrow from bow.

1. Find Your Angle

One of the most important things to know when trying out archery for the first time is that if you’re using an arrow, you need to be consistent in your releases. This means that you should have the same angle whenever you’re aiming directly at the target. Consistency counts so much in archers, which is why you should make sure that your releases are consistent every single time.

When you practice, make sure you always try and release at the same angle. You want to do this because if you commit the slightest bit of error, the arrow might not hit where you want it to, which can lead to you missing your shot. Finding the right angle will require a lot of practice, so be ready to try out several angles before you can find the right one for your shots. You’ll have to pay attention to your shots and assess which works and doesn’t for you to be able to find the right angle.

2. Invest In The Right Equipment

The next archery tip that you should follow as a beginner is to never forget about your equipment. This means that you should invest in high-quality bow, arrows, and quiver as these are the necessities of archery.

The equipment you’ll need for archery comes in many varieties, which is why you should research first before buying. When choosing bows, for example, you need to understand how recurve bows, compound bows, longbows, and crossbows work, and determine the pros and cons of each. As a beginner, you should only invest in equipment that suit your current skills before upgrading.

Moreover, you should make sure that your equipment stays in tiptop shape as you won’t be able to play the sport properly if you have damaged bows, arrows, and quivers. The equipment you’ll use for archery are made from different materials, so be careful when using cleaning products. A product that can effectively clean your bows might not have the same effect when used for your bows and quivers. 

3. Practice Regularly

You’ll have a lot of things to learn when you’re trying out archery for the first time. And, while the Internet can provide you countless tips on how you can improve your stance and aim, nothing beats regular practice. Putting into action the things you’ve learned about archery can help you sharpen your existing skills and learn new ones.

If you’re serious about learning archery and would want to compete in the future, allocate time on when you can practice. Depending on your preferences, you can practice on your own or pay for the services of a professional to help you out. Regardless, either of these strategies can catapult your journey towards becoming an effective and successful archer!

4. Wear Proper Clothing

As a beginner, you’ll need to wear proper clothing while shooting. Regardless of how expensive your gears are, if you’re not wearing appropriate clothing, it’ll be challenging for you to shoot arrows and aim your target.

As a beginner, you should invest in the right clothes and the right protective headgear. You don’t want to wear anything too bulky or too tight, but you also don’t want something too loose. Wearing anything too bulky or tight can compromise your ability to see your target and shoot arrows. This is especially true if you’re playing or competing in open spaces.

Ideally, you should choose clothing made from high-quality and breathable fabrics so you’ll feel comfortable whenever you’re on the shooting range. Your clothing should also allow you to move freely so you won’t have any problems extending your arms when you shoot arrows. 

Don’t Stop Learning 

Trying out archery for the first time can be challenging, but as long as you know what to do, things shouldn’t be too complicated.

Aside from using this article as your guide, don’t forget to continually improve in the long run. Always strive to learn whenever you practice and be open to criticisms from experts. 

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Crossbow VS Compound Bow 10 Differences You Should Know https://astraightarrow.net/crossbow-vs-compound-bow-10-differences-you-should-know/ Sat, 29 Aug 2020 15:18:38 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=78486 So you are confused whether you should buy a crossbow or compound bow and are worried which is the best one for your hunting needs? Well, both the crossbow and compound bow have the same purpose – to hunt.  But at times, it becomes difficult to choose one of them as both the crossbows and […]

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So you are confused whether you should buy a crossbow or compound bow and are worried which is the best one for your hunting needs?

Well, both the crossbow and compound bow have the same purpose – to hunt. 

But at times, it becomes difficult to choose one of them as both the crossbows and compound bows have advantages as well as disadvantages.

While on the other hand if you ask someone to help you choose between crossbow or compound bow then those who use crossbows will always recommend you to buy crossbows and will prefer them over the compound bow and vice versa.

Since there are many top rated compound bows as well as crossbows in the market that make it harder for beginners to choose the one that suits them the most.

In short, crossbow vs compound bow is a long discussion and can’t be ended without having proper knowledge about both the equipment.

10 Difference Between Compound bow and Crossbow

There are certain things that are different in both types of equipment that can make one choose between one of them.

Price

Crossbows are relatively more expensive than compound bows due to a number of reasons like, they are latest in terms of technology, and they are easy to use and are also powerful. But different models of both hunting equipment can have different prices.

Optimal Use

Crossbows require no prior experience to use it, you can buy it and use it right away – it’s that simple. There are many crossbow models out there which can be used by beginners. 

While compound bows are a bit difficult to use for the first time as they are not as simple to use so you have to get some hands on experience on them and also need to do target practicing before going for a hunt.

Shooting Experience

In case of compound bows, you have to manually nock the arrow and pull the string until you aim and release the arrow. The time you keep the string stretched creates tension in your hand, the more time you take to aim the more tension in your hand is produced. 

While for crossbows you don’t need to pull the string back, instead you can keep your bolt in nocked position for hours and can be released in the press of a single button.

Accuracy

Accuracy of aim is completely dependent on the archer’s practice. But there is no doubt a good bow can assist you to shoot even more precisely on the target.

In case of Crossbows, you get equipment like scopes which can help you to target far away objects very precisely and accurately while on the other hand compound bows can only use bow sights which lack the power of magnification that a scope can provide.

So, in terms of aiming to far away targets a crossbow is the best option when compared with compound bow.

Draw Weight

Draw weight is the amount of power required to pull the string backward where an arrow can be shot with its full power. It is measured in pounds. 

Because of shorter limbs of crossbows they have much more draw weight then compound bows. Typically crossbows have an average draw weight of 150 to 200 pounds while compound bows normally have 50 to 70 pounds.

Since crossbows have higher draw weight, so hunters often need to use a cocking device to cock the crossbow.

Velocity

In terms of velocity of shooting arrows/bolts everyone wants the fastest bow. As the speed at which your arrow will travel depends on multiple factors such as the draw weight of your bow, weight of your arrow so it is hard to say whether compound bows are fast or crossbows. 

But there are standards for the compound bows called IBO standards. Which can help you determine whether compound bow is up to the mark or not but for crossbows there are no standards which means manufacturers are on their own.

Frequency of Shooting

If you need to make multiple shots very quickly then a crossbow is a big no. The reason is simple, they take a lot of time to load the bolt in them as you have to go through the whole process of cranking and then nocking the bolt again, while compound bows are simple, just pick the arrow from your quiver and shoot it.

Noise

If you have ever been on a hunting field then you would be aware of the importance of silence while chasing your prey. 

Animals like deer can be afraid of any sort of noise made by you or your bow. Since crossbows have more draw weight that means they have more energy stored in them, so they can make much more noise as compared to compound bows on releasing the string.

However, there are certain accessories like limb dampers and string silencers which can be attached to both crossbows and compound bows for lowering the noise.

Regulations

Since you are going to purchase a potential weapon so there are a set of rules out there that allows you to keep any specific sort of weapon.

Since, crossbows are easier to use and can be fatal so there are many states where crossbows are not allowed at all, while compound bows have freedom when compared to crossbow.

So, before making any decision make sure that your state laws allow you to use crossbows on public or private properties.

Safety

In terms of safety, the first thing that any hunters need to know anything related to hunting can be harmful if not used the right way. But as far as the safety of crossbows and compound bows is concerned both are safe, they can’t do any damage to you or anyone if used the right way with the right accessories.

So What to Choose?

Well, compound bows have always been my favorite. The number one reason is they are traditional bows although crossbows offer a few things like scope, more kinetic energy and faster speed but still compound bows are the best equipment for me that I will choose 100 times if I need to.

But as far as you are concerned you shouldn’t make a decision very quickly, go out find a friend or family member and test both the crossbow and compound bow.

Take your time, give a try to both, and look at which one suits you the most and go and buy one that you liked.

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How to Choose a Stabilizer https://astraightarrow.net/how-to-choose-a-stabilizer/ Wed, 05 Aug 2020 10:40:52 +0000 https://nqo.psw.mybluehost.me/?p=78444 Improved accuracy is key to bag more hits whether you are a professional or a beginner. You can go for long discussions about how important and essential bow stabilizers are, but they are, no matter what.  Here’s how they help in upgrading your hunting game to the pro level. Mostly overlooked, but it significantly enhances […]

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Improved accuracy is key to bag more hits whether you are a professional or a beginner. You can go for long discussions about how important and essential bow stabilizers are, but they are, no matter what. 

Here’s how they help in upgrading your hunting game to the pro level. Mostly overlooked, but it significantly enhances the aiming and shooting from a fair amount of distance. 

Let’s have a look at why you need a bow stabilizer and how it is proved to be helpful for hunters!

Benefits of a bow stabilizer

Premium bows come with all kind of accessories built-in by default, but not everyone is capable of affording one. The best you can make out of your current bow is by using a compound bow stabilizer that offers numerous benefits, such as;

  • They help in reducing the vibration in archer when the arrow leaves.
  • It increases the inertia of the bow, thus making it more stabilized.
  • Using a bow stabilizer enhances precision and accuracy while aiming.
  • They help in a consistent launch of the bow.
  • Bow stabilizers are very effective in reducing the noise that helps in better hunting as animals have a greater sense of hearing. Quieter the better!

Well, where these stabilizers help in achieving professional aiming and target, they are only efficient if chosen properly – or else they can be just a nuisance. 

How to choose the best stabilizer?

A little help doesn’t hurt anyone!

Choosing the right stabilizer for your hunting bow can be tricker and misleading if you are not sure about what matters the most in making any stabilizer the best.

Let’s look into some of the most important features that play a significant role in improving your hunting game from nothing to pro.

Personal Preference 

First and the foremost is to understand your personal needs to that you will be able to choose the product that proves to be helpful. 

Ask yourself a few questions to make sure if and what bow stabilizer you need. For instance;

  • Where are going to use the stabilizer?
  • How long will you be using it for per session?
  • Do you have any arm or back injury?

Length

Whether you are buying your stabilizer for the first time or even if you are buying it for the hundredth time, the first thing that you will notice is the size. There are a lot of products in the market that varies greatly depending on their length. 

These sizes start from 3 inches to 20 inches, but the most practical size is between 3 to 12. Stabilizer bigger than 12 inches in length is just impractical when it comes to the open field. 

Shorter stabilizers are effective in reducing the noise and vibrations, whereas longer models are significantly effective in accurate aiming and shooting. 

Weight 

After length, weight plays an important role in better performance of the hunting bow and efficiency of the stabilizer. 

Determining the weight you can handle along with how much weight helps in better performance of the bow is important before finalizing your bow stabilizer.

Bow Stabilizer Setup

A simple setup is mostly overlooked by the users while making a purchase, which causes problems when it is time to set the bow up. To make your hunting experience hassle-free and as convenient as possible it is important to look for a stabilizer that easy installation.

Let’s look into how the weight of the bow can affect your aiming, accuracy, and shooting. 

The more weight at the front of the bow can make it harder to manoeuvre the bow back and forth. 

Additional Accessories

Wrist sling is a good addition to a bow stabilizer. These slings come really handy when it comes keeping better control over your stabilizer. Whereas, some people do not like to use them as they find it as a distraction.

Well, it is all about how comfortable you are using one. 

Besides these technical features, you have a lot of options, talking about colors. It is mostly overlooked but choosing the bow that matches your bow’s camo pattern. Matching color patterns helps in achieving a perfect stealth mode. 

Combining your personal preference along with the best suitable feature, quality, manufacturing, and durability of the product you can find the ideal stabilizer that will last you a lifetime. 

No worries at all, if you are still not sure about which one is the best amongst all the products that are available in the market. 

Best Bow Stabilizer 

We have gathered some of the most amazing hunting bow stabilizers for your convenience. 

  • Trophy Ridge Static Bow Stabilizer – this is an overall best stabilizer; light in weight, available in 4 different sizes, braided wrist sling, and customizable weights.  

 

  • SAS Archery Bow Stabilizer – available in 3 different sizes, extremely vibration dampening technology, and very light in weight, you can also choose from different colors.
  • Axion SSG Silencer Stabilizer – one of its kind; with 80% less wind resistant, reliable camo design, and lightweight, this stabilizer gives ultimate durability and performance. 

 

Beside these stabilizers, there are a lot of other alternatives available in the market that offer the best budget products without compromising on the quality. You can look for the most suitable product on retailoria.com along with trusted customer reviews and product comparison that helps better in choosing the right compound bow stabilizer.

What you need to do is to keep in mind what matters the most over physical appearance and price tag. A little more investment can get you a better product that lasts longer than cheaper alternatives.

We are sure that you are all set to buy your stabilizer after going through this guide. Not only it will be going to help to make the most out of your time, money, and effort, but it will make your purchasing experience fun. Happy shopping!

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