Bow Hunting

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Bowhunting And What You Need to Know

Table Of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: More Than A Bow & Arrow

Chapter 2: A Shot In the Past

Chapter 3: What’s New with Bow Hunting?

Chapter 4: The Future of Bow Hunting

Chapter 5: Other Matters: Cost And Legalities

Chapter 6: End of the Game

Conclusion

Introduction

First off, I really want to thank you for downloading this book. This book is for people who are interested in learning about bow hunting and are not sure where to start, or what information to rely on. I made this book in response to the high demand of people wanting to know more about bow hunting as a sport and why it is becoming so popular.

The Internet today has many articles and misinformation about bow hunting that sometimes can confuse beginners who are interested in learning about this revolutionary craze and possibly interested in experiencing it themselves. This book is meant to be a short, concise guide for everything you need to know before getting started with bow hunting.

Most importantly, we will go through the history of bow hunting, how it started, the current state of the sport, and the gear you will need, so that you can understand everything you need to know before taking the plunge and trying it out for yourself. Whether you plan on trying it out yourself or you just want to know more about why this trend is becoming so popular, it is important to know about all the benefits and risks involved.

We will discuss the physical and emotional attributes of a bow hunter that beginners would need to know. Of course, basic standard techniques and tips on bow hunting and instructions on the proper attire are included. There is also information regarding other matters of bow hunting, such as cost and legalities that will be essential for you to know.

I recommend that you take notes while you are reading the book. This will ensure that you get the most out of the information in here. I want you to feel that you made a purchase that is worth your money and to look over the notes of this book even after you’ve finished reading it. The notes will help you to pinpoint exactly what you need to remember and by writing things down, you will be able to recall specifics.

Lastly, remember that everything in this book has been compiled through research, my own experiences, as well as the experiences of others, so feel free to question what you have read in this book. I encourage you to do your own research on the things that you want to look deeper into. The more you understand about bow hunting, the more educated your decision-making process will be when it comes to trying it out or giving advice to others.

Chapter 1:

More Than A Bow & Arrow

The Bow and Arrow In Pop Culture

What do the characters of the following box office hit movies and TV shows like Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger Games, Hawkeye of The Avengers, Daryl Dixon of The Walking Dead and Brave’s Merida all have in common? They all used a bow and arrow as their weapon of choice.

Katniss, of The Hunger Games, used a bow and arrow to provide food for her family. Later in the movie, she chose the same weapon for eliminating predators and competitors to survive. Disney’s character, Merida, used a bow and arrow for hunting in the family picture, Brave. She was the boyish princess who was rebelling against the norms of society during the Viking era.

The popular series, The Walking Dead, has Daryl Dixon as the brave zombie apocalypse survivor who uses a crossbow to kill the zombies. It was the perfect weapon too, because the zombies were stimulated by sounds and the use of the bow and arrow was technically soundless. Who could forget the performance of Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye? He was the sharpshooter who used a bow and arrow in the movie, The Avengers, to save the world from the handsome but evil Loki and his cohorts. It can come as a surprise that a primitive weapon, like the bow, could still retain its popularity amidst the availability of thousands of new gadgets and weapons.

The Appeal of Bow Hunting in Modern Times

Many people are under the misconception that the bow and arrow would be obsolete by now, but the truth is, bow hunting remains popular even in the 21st century. Would you believe that even the young generation is familiar with bow hunting? How? The popular computer game Skyrim features a bow and arrow as one of its choice weapons for combat, as well as for hunting animals such as deer and elk for food. Ask these young gamers and they can even describe the advantages of this weapon compared to other options.

The bow and arrow, previously used as a weapon for hunting and combat, is gaining popularity even in this 21st century of hi-tech weaponry. The bow and arrow has not lost its appeal among those who enjoy the thrill of hunting and surviving in the wild. Bow hunting provides the feel of what it is like to be in the Stone Age era, once more, and be like the cave men who hunted to survive. Others have enjoyed working to master the skill of precision that the sport of archery can offer. Archery is even part of the Olympics.

The resurging popularity of the bow and arrow has led to the continuous appreciation from people to the skill of bow hunting. However, little is known about bow hunting when it comes to the masses. In this book, we will attempt to give you all the information you may need as a beginner to the world of bow hunting. Let’s start!

Requirements for Bow Hunting

It is often said that bow hunting looks easy to do for those who are observing from the outside. In reality, it is more than just holding the bow and releasing the arrow. Shooting an arrow comes with various challenges.

The first is the physical challenge. As a beginner, you need to assess your physical capability to determine if you are qualified for bow hunting. For one, you need exemplary vision. To even be able to have mild success as a bow hunter, your vision needs to be sharp, whether you need to use contacts, glasses, or any other aid.

Hunting is very much dependent on the ability to see clearly, even beyond the natural camouflage of the animals. And although the distance to the animal is nearer with bow hunting than rifle hunting, good eyesight is still a must. You, as the hunter, will usually be between 3 to 43 yards away from the target. That is also around 2 to 38 meters away.

In rifle hunting, you could be as far as 200 yards or 180 meters away from the target you are shooting at. The use of corrective eyeglass is allowed, although it could affect hunting and targeting especially if they are not fitted properly. Your hands should not be frequently used to adjust your glasses because the precision of the shot is dependent on how you handle the bow and arrow with both hands.

Contact lenses can be used as well, provided you apply solution regularly to keep it from causing dryness to the eyes and other complications. Contact lenses are preferable compared to eyeglasses when bow hunting.

How to do the proper targeting? Remember, in bow hunting, the eye is more important than the hand. First, you need to determine which of your eyes is the dominant one. The dominant eye is the eye that you use more often. Most of the time, it is correlated with your dominant hand. So let’s just say that your dominant eye and hand is the right, you would hold the bow with your left hand and the right hand is the one with the arrow that would pull the string and release the arrow.

Another thing to consider is the weight of the bow. This varies according to the animal that you are hunting. Approximately, the average weight of a normal-sized bow and arrow is around 35 pounds. The bigger the animal, the heavier the weapon usually is. In game hunting, like moose or elk, the weight of the equipment would usually be around 50 pounds and up.

So for female bow hunters, be prepared to carry around 30-40 pounds, and for males, 50-60 pounds. There is good news if you are a little bit on the side of a small frame and cannot carry such heavy equipment. You could opt to carry a lighter bow and arrow. It is actually faster and has a flatter trajectory and there is a possibility that the penetration of the shot on the animal would be deeper. Still, it weighs, more or less, around 20 pounds.

As you may have expected, the next important factor is your strength and endurance and the ability to keep still. Bow hunting usually takes hours. The weather conditions are not always perfect. It is not the most convenient place to be, especially for those who are not used to the outdoors. It can be very tiresome, with all of the walking, stalking, and carrying of the heavy equipment. You will need strength and endurance to thrive out in the fields.

You will also need the patience to wait for the game (animal) to come and to remain very still, as not to scare it away. Most often, the hunters camouflage themselves and go near the places where the animals are expected to come. An example of this would be to stay near water or food. There will be times that you might need to climb trees and position yourself where you can have a view of the animals that you are hunting. If you are afraid of heights and of climbing, you will have to overcome these things in order to increase your odds.

A person’s sense of timing should be accurate as well. You will have to determine the perfect time to aim and to shoot. But most importantly, you have to remain very still. The animals are very sensitive to even the slightest of movements. The skill of aiming, shooting, and timing are all things that you will learn and develop through practice, so worrying about these in the beginning is pointless.

Another important thing in bow hunting, in terms of your physical responsibilities, is your stance. When aiming at the target, your feet should always be slightly apart. You will need to learn to have an imaginary line between your legs up to the target. Balance is very important. When drawing the arrow, the feet should be able to support the weight of the body and the bow and arrow completely.

The last challenge will be safety, both from the animals and from other hunters. There have been many reports of attacks and accidents, not only in bow hunting but in different kinds of hunting, as well. Nature is it’s own beast. The terrains, slippery edges, strong currents, nasty weather and other animals are things to watch out for and to be careful of. Although various regulations are being implemented in order to maintain safety for all hunters, cases of accidents and sometimes, even death, still occur every now and then. These occurrences are not so common, but they could be traumatic and even fatal. So take heed and always observe safety measures at all times.

After all of these challenges listed, you have probably realized by now that bow hunting is challenging and exciting. It is a sport that requires intense planning and strategies. It is not just about going to the woods, locating your target and bringing home the prize. Planning could take months and it includes checking the gear and gadgets that you will need, the people you will be going with, the location of hunting and the proper ethics of hunting at that location. Familiarizing yourself by attending hunting simulation and basic hunting lessons will prepare you for the actual bow hunting itself. 

If you think you have the physical, emotional and intellectual make up to become a good bow hunter, then you should read on. The great thing about the sport of bow hunting is the fact that it is so gratifying. After spending hours or even days trying to complete your goal, there is nothing sweeter than taking home your prize and the feeling of fulfillment that comes along with it. The next chapter will bring us back to the past to better understand the present status and predict the future of bow hunting as a sport.

Chapter 2:

A Shot In the Past

Weapons that can be thrown from a distance, like darts and spears, were actually invented much earlier than the bow and arrow. They were called projectile points. The bow and arrow were invented during the Late Stone Age, also known as the Upper Paleolithic age. The date is roughly between 10,000-50,000 years ago. It was in Germany, that the oldest indication of the use of archery was documented. However, some people claim that it was in Denmark that the oldest known bow was created.

In Greek mythology, many characters also used the bow and arrow. The most popular being Cupid and his arrow, whose targets were lovers, as the story goes. There was Apollo as well, the Greek God of Archery.

From the Stone and Bronze Ages, the use of the bow and arrow continued all over Europe, to the Middle East and Asia, as a weapon of warfare. However, the emergence of firearms would later cause the decline and eventually the disappearance of the bow and arrow. The revival of archery, however, was in the form of recreational activity for the elite in the late 16th century in Britain, and not anymore as a weapon for war. Robin Hood, with his bow and arrow, was also introduced during these times as a form of entertainment, especially as it was during a time of tension in Europe during those years.

During the mid-18th century, the image of bow hunting as a recreational activity was converted into a modern sport. Many people of different races have contributed to what it has become now. During the 19th century, archery was included in the Olympic Games and after three decades, the first known bow hunting activities began in the United States. Dr. Saxton Pope, author of the book, “Hunting with the Bow and Arrow”, has popularized modern bow hunting in the United States. In the 1950’s Fred Bear, Earl Hoyt and Ben Pearson further added to the rising popularity of bow hunting, when they filmed their adventures in hunting and were able to produce bow hunting equipment that the public could afford. Ever since then, bow hunting has experienced its ups and downs but has remained to what it is today, both a recreation and a sport.

Needless to say, bow hunting has truly evolved in its looks, function, rules and purpose throughout history. The thrill and enjoyment it brings to the hunters have remained the same, however. This is one of the reasons why its popularity and demands continue to rise. People just can’t find sports as challenging as bow hunting. It encompasses all of your physical senses and mental alertness, combined with the fact that you need to train in order to be physically fit enough to succeed.

Chapter 3:

What’s New with Bow Hunting?

Bow hunting has truly evolved so much that you would not recognize it from what it used to be. It has changed based on comfort and durability. Science, mathematics and the latest technology have also played a role in the changes, as well.

The Bow

Firstly, the bows are now made from fiberglass and aluminum. Sometimes, the materials used are carbon fibre and wood shafts. Our ancestors made bows from the shafts of trees. The present day bows are much lighter, yet stronger, compared to those of the past. Whereas there was one type of bow before, there are now different types of bows for use.

The basic bow is known as the traditional bow. This is the kind of bow that the prehistoric hunters used. A more powerful tool is the recurve bow. However, the most popular bow today is known as the compound bow. This is more convenient among the modern day hunters because the amount of force needed to pull the string is reduced.

The Arrows

As with the bow, the arrows have evolved in their makeup as well. The same materials used for bows are also being used for arrows, making them lighter and stronger. The arrowheads were formerly horns or bones of animals. Now, the arrowheads are made of steel, though you can sometimes still see wood being used. The addition of fixed blades, and removable and expandable blades on the arrowheads are now available for the large hunting game, thanks to the latest technology.

Targeting

The ancient bow hunters aimed and shot at the target. That was it. Today, everything is calculated. Just to name a few, the following were analyzed, measured and calculated in bow hunting–the force exerted by the archer, the tension of the strings, the energy released by the bow hunter, the weight of the archer, the equipment, and the distance of the target. Even the wind current is a vital consideration, as well as of course, the size of the game.

Bow Hunting Terminology

To be assured of a successful hunting experience, you must also be familiar with the following terminologies and the correct style of using them.

Knocking

The first one is knocking, or the placement of the arrow in the bow. While your non-dominant hand holds the bow, the fingers of the dominant hand place the arrow in the bow.

Drawing

The next term is drawing. Drawing is the act of pulling back the arrow into position.

Anchor Point

This is the steadying of the bow and arrow against your body. Balance, posture and proper stance are all taken into consideration.

The Follow Through

The last one is release and follow through. This is when you release the arrow while you maintain your stance after the release.

Bow Hunting Methodology

One thing that the ancient and modern day hunters have in common is the methodology of bow hunting. We know them now as the following: Still method, Stalking method and the Glass method.

Still Method

As the name implies, when you use the Still method, you remain very still until the game arrives. Consider the distance of the target and your position. If everything is within the correct parameters, then that’s when you aim and take the shot.

Stalking Method

On the other hand, in the Stalking method, you move and locate the possible places where the animals will pass through and wait for them to come. You would initially consider the places where the animals get food and water. The ability to move quickly and quietly without being seen by the target is very crucial in the Stalking method. In this, you have to take into consideration the blow of the wind; it should be going towards your face, preferably, so that the game will not be able to smell you.

Glass Method

The third method was definitely not used by the ancient hunters. In the Glass method, you will use binoculars or scopes to locate the targets and then move towards them. There were definitely no scopes or binoculars in early hunting days. Another technique is to climb trees and search for the targets. From there, you can decide whether to use the still or the stalk method.

Bow Hunting Attire/Supplies

The outfit for bow hunting is of utmost importance. A hunter should wear special attire that could stand the wear and tear of bow hunting and at the same time, be effective in camouflaging. The wrist area should be protected from any strain, so wearing an arm guard is highly recommended. The fingers could be hurt as well, especially during the drawing of the arrows, so there should be a finger tab.

The chest of the hunter should be fully covered, so a chest protector is also recommended. The head must not be exposed to the extreme heat or rain, so a hat or any head covering is vital. How about the feet? Never, ever go bow hunting without your boots on.

Let’s not forget to mention the gadgets that you must bring. The Swiss knife is a requirement. Of course, it goes without saying that binoculars are important. A jug of water, at least one backpack, a flashlight, the tent, the radio for communication, and the list goes on.

Bow Hunting and Animal Rights

It is safe to conclude that, for the most part, the ancient bow hunters did not experience opposition from any organizations such as the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Considering the reason for why they were hunting before, and that was for food and survival, versus the reason there is still bow hunting today, as a recreational activity, it is easy to understand the stand of this group and the other organizations against bow hunting in certain areas.

Today, animal rights are being upheld on the grounds of cruelty. Bow hunting can cause prolonged and painful death to the animals, if not done properly. Studies have shown that nearly 50% of those animals that were shot by the hunters, managed to escape even when they were hurt. Since they were already wounded, death was inevitable for them. However, some survived for 5-10 days before death took its place. And this is the concern of the people who are fighting for the rights of those animals. This is why there are various lessons you need to take on the right way to aim and shoot a target before you can actually go bow hunting on your own. 

There are also different regulations on which animals can, or can not, be hunted, shot, etc. Of course, there are some animals that are endangered and there are others that are overpopulated. In some areas around the United States, there are extreme overpopulation issues, where hunting of certain animals is actually encouraged, whereas hunting certain endangered animals can get you in serious trouble with the law. Needless to say, research must be done before going out there with your bow.

Chapter 4:

The Future of Bow Hunting

The future of bow hunting is unknown, but we can have educated guesses based on its current status. The sad news for bow hunters is that the future of this sport as a growing industry is quite dim. Here are the reasons why:

As we move forward, the presence of the animals used for hunting is getting smaller and smaller, despite the strict implementation of restrictions. There are many factors as to why this is. One reason is the loss of the natural habitat due to the industrialization of this generation.

Another is the presence of poachers, or the people who take game illegally or during the off-season, for financial gains. In spite of heavy penalties and months or even years of imprisonment, poaching still continues to thrive. Although many laws and regulations are being enforced to ensure the continuity of certain species for hunting, the decrease in the number of the animals cannot be controlled. If the decrease is not stopped or corrected, then extinction is inevitable. If there are no animals to hunt, there will be no bow hunting as well.

Another reason for the stunted growth of bow hunting is the site for bow hunting is getting smaller. The site, or the habitat, of the animals is becoming less and less due to the construction of various projects and infrastructure needed for development and progress of human life. Lack of quality hunting grounds is becoming a concern for many bow hunters in the community.

With these in mind, we can predict that the future of bow hunting will most likely lean more towards controlled hunts. It would be less authentic than wild hunting but still, it would offer the same hunting experience. For the newbies in bow hunting, this is preferable. However, the professional bow hunters would find this boring. Still, the latest technology could add some spice to it by putting more challenges on to the hunting grounds, or adding more pressure to time and types of shots.

Nowadays, simulation of bow hunting is already being offered. For those who are against killing of animals but enjoy the sport of archery and the thrill of hunting, this may be the best option for you. The environment is set up in a way that a real hunting ground would look like (although in a much smaller set up). There would be interactive archery target shooting with virtual deer or other animals. There would even be a score for each shot.

This activity is enjoyable both for kids and adults and a lot safer and convenient, as well. In terms of a budget, this is much more affordable, especially for a newbie. Plus, there would be no issues and concerns regarding ethics and legalities with bow hunting simulation. Still, for those who have had first hand experience with real bow hunting, nothing would replace the real thing. We will have a rough estimate of bow hunting costs in the next chapter.

Chapter 5:

Other Matters: Cost and Legalities

You’ve most likely realized by now that bow hunting is not for everybody. You need to consider your physical, emotional and intellectual attributes, your time and of course, your budget.

Bow hunting can be expensive, relative to each participant. The bow itself can range from $300-$1,500, depending on the quality. Of course, you can rent a bow for much cheaper. If you are not planning to make this a lifetime sport, renting a bow is probably the better option for you.

Depending on where you live in the world, a trip to the hunting site can cost you thousands of dollars in itself. Going to Europe, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, where you can find good hunting grounds and which offer good hunting opportunities during hunting seasons, is definitely costly. Of course, you may opt to stay in the United States and just look for local hunting sites. It all depends on the budget. The thrill offered, though, is unique and worth the financial expenditure.

The cost of the outfit depends on the brand you are purchasing. There are signature brands that can be more costly than others. An outfit can range from $500-$2,000, including the shoes. You would prepare to have the complete set for your comfort and protection.

To go along with your outfit is the paraphernalia of bow hunting. It normally runs an extra $200-$500. A guide is very important and it usually costs around $200 per trip, lower if you are more experienced and/or hunting with a bigger group. Of course, you have to consider the accommodation, food and lounging, transfers and other miscellaneous expenses. These do not include your family members’ expenses yet, just in case you are taking this trip with them.

On the legal side, to protect both the animals and the hunters, there are various restrictions being implemented by the different locations which offer bow hunting. Each location may have its own restrictions so please make sure that you are familiar with them first. Restrictions may include the area to which bow hunting is allowed, as well as the time of the year. The sex and species of animals is usually specified, as well.

Not complying with the restrictions assigned may cause you penalties and even imprisonment. Aside from that, you also need to consider the culture of that particular place and abide by their rules. Reading in advance and getting information on the place and the people where you plan to go bow hunting is beneficial for the total enjoyment of your experience. In Europe, some of the countries allow bow hunting, while others do not. In Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia, bow hunting is being practiced. 

Chapter 6:

End of the Game

Bow hunting has indeed come a long way since its origins. The sport has survived through hundreds of generations and the new technological developments are very fascinating.

This short introductory ebook has given you all the details you need as a beginner to bow hunting. Now it is time for you to decide when you want to begin practicing and then take action. Assess your reasons for wanting to do bow hunting in the first place. This will motivate you as you pursue your passion for hunting.

Ask yourself the following questions. Is bow hunting for you? Do you have the means and the attributes to become a regular bow hunter or do you just want to attempt it one time? Are you ready for the positive and negative encounters you will have during bow hunting practice and out in the field?

There will be opposition from various organizations concerning animal rights, maybe even from your own family and friends… are you willing to face them? Can you assure your loved ones and especially yourself, that you will do bow hunting with the utmost care for yourself and the environment?

If you have answered the questions as honestly as you can and your interest in bow hunting has not diminished a single bit, then it is time for you to take action and start your journey with this exciting sport.

Here are some more tips for you before you begin training. Re-read this ebook. Learning about bow hunting is not a one-time event. It will be a continuous endeavor, so continue to study and read about bow hunting as much as you can.

Try to practice months prior to the actual season, and do not go without at least one other experienced hunter on your first hunt. Attend sessions on hunting, if you have them in your community. If not, you can check online courses. Spend time to familiarize yourself with the styles, with your equipment and with the do’s and dont’s of bow hunting.

Remember, safety is the number one priority. Prioritize this by educating yourself. Make sure that you are properly attired and that you have the important gadgets that you will need. As recommended earlier, observe the professionals first. Again, know and comply with the licensing and regulations of the location where you are hunting.  This is a must.

Start small by aiming at smaller game first and learn to adjust to the terrain and conditions before going on multi-day trips.

Conclusion

Thank you again for downloading this book! 

I hope this book was able to help you to learn more about bow hunting, the history of the sport, the different options you have, and the important information you need before getting started.

The next step is to apply all the things that you learned in this book and find a place to begin developing your skill set with the bow and arrow. Search out proper training facilities and look for instructors that are experienced and respected.

If you are someone not interested in trying out the sport, but just wanted to know about what it entailed, then I guess a little addition to your knowledge didn’t really hurt, right?

Remember to be safe out there, and good luck!