You’ve been a rifle or muzzle loader hunter all your life, but you’re interested in transitioning over to bowhunting. This is a major change that requires buying the proper gear. The following gear list will get you prepared for the best bowhunting experience.
SKIP AHEAD
The Bow
Purchasing your first bow is a difficult task for many bowhunters, because there are so many available options. There are so many aspects to consider, such as how easy it is for you to pull back the bow and how comfortable you feel handling it.
Typically, you’re going to want a bow with a draw weight of no less than 10 pounds. Any lower and it’ll be tough to do much damage to the deer. However, if even 10 pounds is too tough, try five. With a very accurate shot in the kill zone, you should be able to take out a deer.
Generally, you’re going to want your draw weight to be as high as possible without challenging your strength. Pulling back should be an easy and smooth process, one that uses no excessive energy.
You also need to match your wingspan to a proper draw length to make it easier to pull back. Spread your hands out as far as they’ll go, holding them parallel to the ground. Measure their length in inches and use that information to guide yourself towards the best draw length.
If your wingspan is 61 inches, 23 is your draw length. Every inch of wingspan higher than 61 requires a half-inch increase in draw length.
Don’t forget that there are three different kinds of bows from which you can choose: the recurve, the compound, and the traditional. For a first time hunter, the compound is the best choice, as it’s easier to use than a recurve and more accurate than a traditional.
The Arrows
Investing in arrows is one of the most potentially expensive aspects of bowhunting. Your instinct will tell you to buy the heaviest and most high-quality arrows you can find. However, when you’re new to the sport (and maybe not yet the best aim), you are almost literally throwing money away every time you miss a shot.
Since even long-time bowhunters lose a lot of arrows, it’s best to choose a nice middle ground between quality and price. Typically, your best bet at the beginning is to invest in carbon arrows. They are less expensive than aluminum arrows and a little quieter in the air. This will make it easier for you to take multiple shots, should you miss the first time. Any Cabela or Easton carbon arrow is a good investment.
Now that you’ve bought some arrows, you need to invest in broadheads. These are the part of the arrow that matters the most, as the will be the part causing the killing damage. There are two types you can invest in: fixed blade and mechanical blades. Mechanical blades are folded in until they strike a target, theoretically offering more accuracy.
The Release
Modern bowhunting relies heavily on the release. This tool helps keep your drawback more even and smooth and makes your release more effective. A typical release has a strap that goes around your wrist and a small clip that attaches to your draw line. Pull back on the draw line with the release attached, let go of the wire to put the pull on the release, aim, and pull the release to take your shot.
There aren’t many major differences between release brands, beyond how the release is activated. Some people prefer the sliding release, but the trigger is probably the best bet for a beginner. It gives you the most stable release and is the strongest, yet easiest, to activate.
Camouflage
Any good bowhunter needs great camouflage, as they need to blend in with their surroundings. There are two different routes you can go with camo: expensive or inexpensive. Inexpensive camouflage is typically a little shinier than expensive camo, making it easier to see. However, it should still blend in with the forest surroundings, making it a useful option if you’re tight on cash.
However, more expensive camo not only blends in better, but offers a variety of comfortable amenities, including storage pockets, easier-to-open zippers, and hand warmers installed directly in the hand pockets. We suggest investing in the best camo you can afford to get the best protection.
Gadgets And Gear
Last, but not least, are the gadgets and gear that you bring along in your hunting pack. There are two routes you can go with your gear: minimal or maximal. Minimal bowhunters pack just the bare necessities in order to keep their weight down. By contrast, maximal hunters bring along as much as they can, in order to stay prepared for any situation. Typically, your bowhunting pack should include most of the following items:
- Tow rope
- Headlamp
- Folding handsaw
- Deer call
- Tree stand
- Allen wrenches
- Rain gear
- Multi-tool item
- GPS
- Extra arrow heads
- Beef jerky, granola bars, water, and other snacks
Feel free to leave any items you don’t think you’ll need at home. For example, you may not need rain gear if the weather is supposed to be quite sunny. You also probably won’t need to use a GPS system if you are very familiar with the area on which you’re hunting.
With this gear, you can become a master bowhunter in no time. It might also be worth investing in some targets, in order to practice your shooting and improve your aim. Bowhunting is a sport of inches, making absolutely accuracy a must.
top image credit: Flickr/Cowgirl Jules
