A compound bow is a delicate piece of equipment and if it is not correctly looked after, this can result in it not operating as well as it otherwise would. At worst, the bow could end up becoming completely unusable.

When you purchase a compound bow for the first time, one of the most important things to learn is how to maintain your bow. While there are a lot of things to do, each of these is important and should be taken seriously.

In this article, we are going to be looking at how to perform routine maintenance on your compound bow so that it always performs at its best.

Read more:

• How Long Does A Compound Bow String Last?
• How Does A Compound Bow Work?
• How to Tell if a Compound Bow is Left or Right Handed?
• Best Arrows For 40lb Compound Bow
• How to Restring a Compound Bow The Easy Way

Why Compound Bow Maintenance Is Important

Compound bows are a mechanical type of bow and unlike their recurve counterparts, these bows have a lot of moving parts that can quickly become ineffective when they are not taken care of.

Your compound bow has an intricate system of strings and cams and if these are off, even slightly, this can affect the performance of the bow. A poorly maintained bow can result in your performance being reduced.

Many archers buy a bow and find their way around it, learning to shoot with accuracy and consistency. However, it isn’t long before that same bow has an extremely negative effect on your ability to shoot in a straight line all because it has not been properly taken care of.

Furthermore, if your bow is not in good working order, it could actually be dangerous. There is a significant chance of the bow causing injury to your or someone in the vicinity and you don’t need us to tell you that that could be devastating.

If you take good care of your compound bow, you will notice that it lasts much longer and retains that ‘like-new’ appearance for much longer.

Understanding The Parts Of A Compound Bow

If you have been used to working with more conventional archery equipment then using a compound bow might seem a little alien. But in order to be able to correctly maintain your bow, you must be aware of the different parts.

• The bowstring is the part of the bow which is drawn back and then released in order to shoot the arrow.
• The limbs are the parts of the compound bow that bend and flex as the bow is drawn, storing energy in them ready for release.
• Compound bows have either one, two, or hybrid cams. These are wheels positioned at the ends of the limbs and their function is to reduce the weight of the draw and create what is known as let off; we will explain this in a little more detail shortly. *
• The riser might be referred to as the ‘body’ of the bow and is where you would take a grip on the bow. Various accessories can be attached to the riser such as sights, arrow rests, and stabilizers.
• Compound bows have cables that ensure the limbs and the cams remain tied together.

*You will often hear about let off when talking about compound bows and this term simply refers to the amount of reduced draw weight. Compound bows, by design, are used to make drawing the bow easier for the archer. If the bow has a let-off of 50%, this means that it will hold 50% of the draw weight, making it 50% easier for you to handle.

Tips For Maintaining Your Compound Bow

There could be endless things you could do to keep your compound bow in good working order but there are some that are considered to be essential.

How often each of these things needs to be performed will vary but we will detail this in each of the following sections.

Bowstrings

One of the most important parts of your compound bow is the bowstring. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to release your arrows so it is vital that you pay close attention to the condition of the bowstring and regularly maintain it.

It might not seem like it when you are shooting but the bowstring goes through an incredible amount of trauma every time it is fired. This component stores a lot of energy and with each shot, it loses some of its elasticity.

That being said, your bowstring should serve you for quite some time but it is always a good idea to check the string after every shooting session; even if it has only recently been replaced.

You may notice small signs of wear on your bowstring. Most commonly, this will be fraying but in the worst cases, the string may snap entirely. It’s pretty obvious that at this point, the string will need replacing.

All too often, archers, especially new archers will see that there is a small amount of damage to the string and continue shooting with it. It is essential that you do not do this. While you may be lucky and have a bowstring that does well under pressure, it could just as easily snap, mid draw. If this happens, someone stands to get injured.

What’s more, if you continue using a bowstring when it is not fully functional, it could damage your bow, and the cost of repairing this will be far greater than merely restringing it. On average, you can expect to pay around $120 to have your compound bow restrung.

A good bowstring will typically last for around two years although this can vary dramatically depending on how much it is used and how well it is looked after. A bowstring should be replaced after this length of time, even if it appears to be in good working order.

You may find that in the early days, you need to replace your bowstring more often as you will typically take more shots as your practice and hone your archery skills.

To get the most out of your bowstring, you will need to make sure that it is waxed regularly. Bowstring waxes can be brought for a very reasonable price and are a great way to prevent premature fraying and give your bowstring the best life possible.

When you apply wax to your bowstring, it will cause it to feel slightly tacky, and this is good. If it loses this feel, you will want to reapply. As a general rule, you should wax the string every couple of weeks but if you are using it more than usual, you can up this to once a week.

Wear and Tear

A compound bow goes through a lot and as such, it is going to sustain lots of signs of wear and tear. Some of these will be purely aesthetic and won’t have an impact on the bow’s performance whereas others will need to be addressed.

Every time you use your bow, get into the habit of giving it a quick once over before storing it. You can check for any signs that the bow may be compromised or any components that have come loose.

If you do notice that there are any loose parts, then you should make adjustments to these immediately. It can be tempting to say ‘I’ll do it later’ but later often never comes and eventually, what was an insignificant, easily-fixed problem can become something much more damaging.

If you hear any strange noises or feel any sort of unusual vibration when firing your bow, this could be a sign that there is a problem. These problems are not always obvious, especially to the untrained eye so you may need to take the bow to your local archery shop to have it checked. But we will look at this in a little more detail later in the article.

Some of the things that you can check after each shooting session are:

• The condition of the bowstring, as we have already discussed.
• Look over the riser grip to make sure that there are no cracks or other visible damage. If your riser is fitted with a grip rather than having one carved into it, you should make sure that this is secure and not coming away from the main body of the bow.
• Next, take a look at the limbs and how they are attached to the riser. In the case of a compound bow, these should be incredibly secure and should not wobble at all. If they do, this is a clear indication that something is wrong and you should have your bow inspected by a professional.
• You will likely have several accessories attached to the riser and it is imperative that you check these are securely attached and not coming loose. If they are, make sure that you take the time to reattach them properly.
• You may also notice that over time, parts of your bow ‘erode’ away. This is especially common on the arrow rest. In this instance, you would need to replace any parts that have begun to wear.

A compound bow will wear far more quickly if it is not stored correctly and this is one of the most common mistakes that new archers make. If you want to ensure a long life for your bow, it is important to get off on the right foot and take good care of the bow, even when it is not being used.

Compound bows do not do well when they are exposed to high temperatures. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t store your bow anywhere that the temperature will exceed 100ºF.

If a compound bow is left in extreme heat for long periods of time, this can have a devastating effect on the limbs, potentially causing them to fail entirely. Furthermore, this kind of excessive heat could impact the bowstring material, causing it to wear far more quickly than normal.

The cables may also be affected since the heat may cause them to stretch and ultimately, weaken.

Water should also be kept as far away from your bow as possible and we don’t just mean immersing your bow in water but storing it in humid conditions. When you store your bow, even in a bow case, it is vital to put it somewhere dry.

If the bow is exposed to any sort of moisture, this could result in the various components becoming damaged.

Cam Care

The number of cams that your compound bow has will depend on how you care for it but regardless of how many there are, you will want to regularly check that they are working as they should be.

Compound bows with two cams are very common but they can also present a problem when the cams become misaligned. If they are not synchronized, this will result in you not being able to fire your arrow accurately.

If you ever notice that your aim is suddenly off and nothing has changed, it could be something as simple as realigning the cams.

But before anything goes wrong, it can pay to check the cams every time you finish shooting. Finding out whether the cams are in sync isn’t as difficult as you might first think. The best and easiest way to do this is to draw the bow and watch the cams as you draw. If they are in sync, they should both reach the let-off point at the same time.

If they do not, this will mean that you will need to adjust them. This is not overly complicated and can be quickly learned even by those who are new to archery.

Your aim here is to make sure that the top and bottom cams are moving in unison; their movements should reflect one’s another perfectly. To alter this, you need to tweak the cables and keep checking the movement of the cams. Once you are happy that they are synchronized, test out the bow and you will likely feel the difference.

Dry Firing

Dry firing a bow is one of the most potentially dangerous things that any archer can do. Would you believe that there are people out there that do this for fun? We can’t either, but it is sadly the case.

If these people want to damage their bows then dry firing is a good way to go about that but the biggest concern is that dry firing can cause serious injury to both the archer and anyone standing nearby.

In a nutshell, to dry fire a bow means to fire your bow without an arrow. A lot of people are tempted to allow their friends to take a turn with the bow without using an arrow. But we need to think about the physics of doing this.

When the bow is drawn, an incredible amount of energy is built up. Normally, when you release the bow, this energy is transferred into the arrow. However, if there is not an arrow present, this energy gets transferred back into the bow itself.

No archer is exempt from accidentally dry firing a bow, it happens to the best of us and if you have ever experienced this, you will know what a terrifying noise the event creates.

The problem is that the massive amount of energy going into the bow can cause permanent damage to the riser, limbs, or the string. This damage is often irreversible but not always immediately apparent. For this reason, you should always take your bow to an archery shop for inspection after a dry fire.

Transporting The Compound Bow

In the same way that storing your bow should always be done correctly, transporting your bow should be done with great care.

Many archers will take their bows to shooting ranges, tournaments, hunting areas, and even to another country. That’s great that you are able to explore the world and enjoy archery at the same time but this shouldn’t be done at the expense of your equipment.

It is always worth investing in a quality bow case, and one of the most important things to look for is a case that is incredibly tough on the outside. It should be built to protect the bow in all events.

The case should also be padded to protect the bow from the inside and seal easily so as to keep out moisture.

When transporting your bow, always lie the case flat rather than propping it up. If you are traveling by air, the airline should have policies in place on handling delicate equipment but it never hurts to talk to the staff about how you would like your property to be treated; you are paying them for a service, after all.

Know When To See A Professional

As we have mentioned, there are times when you will not be able to complete the relevant bow maintenance and there is no shame in admitting that you need the assistance of a professional.

There are archery shops dotted around the world but it is a good idea to make yourself familiar with one and get to know the staff. This allows you to build up a good degree of trust with them.

These shops have all the right equipment for handling and fixing bows and those who work in them are fully trained. It is especially important to see a pro when you have dry fired the bow or if it begins behaving in an unusual manner.

Furthermore, going to an archery shop will give you the opportunity to learn new skills and get advice on all aspects of archery. You might also meet like-minded people with whom you can share your archery journey.

Every year, you should take your bow to an archery shop to receive its annual tune-up. This will ensure that the bow is fully fitted to you and that any problems are addressed so that they do not cause further issues.

Conclusion

Compound bows are one of the most modern types of bow and work on a mechanical system of cams and strings. They are extremely effective and much easier to use than some conventional bows.

However, if you want your compound bow to serve you for a long time, it is vital that you take good care of it. Regular maintenance and annual tune-ups as well as quickly checking your bow every time you use it are all excellent ways to improve its performance and increase its lifespan.

Archery requires a great degree of skill and practice if you want consistent shots. However, one of the things that come as a surprise to many people that are just starting with the sport is that accuracy can be thrown off if there is even the smallest interference.

One such interference is the anchor point. If you do not anchor the bow correctly, this can make your draw much more complicated and will cause your arrow to veer off track.

Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that your anchor point is always spot on and your shots are consistent and accurate.

In this article, we will be exploring the best anchor point for drawing a bow and how you will benefit from finding this.

Read more:

• How To String A Recurve Bow
• The Importance Of Adjusting Bow Sights
• How Long Does A Compound Bow String Last?
• How To Tell If Your Bowstring Is Bad
• Why Do Compound Bows Have Three Strings?

What Is An Anchor Point And Why Is it Important?

One of the first things you will hear about when taking archery lessons is your anchor point, and this can sound confusing if you have never heard of this before.

Before we get started on learning about where your anchor point should be, we must understand what an anchor point is.

In archery, an anchor point is a spot on the face where you draw the bow. This allows you to anchor the bowstring to a specific place, and this will help to keep each shot consistent and accurate. Without anchoring, you would have far less control over the bow and would notice that the arrows did not go where you intended.

The location of the anchor point may vary from person to person, and this may be down to their level of experience or how they prefer to do it. Furthermore, the type of bow that you are using will have an impact on the best location for your anchor point.

How To Find Your Anchor Point

There are common anchor points which are used by archers all over the world, but it is vital to keep certain things in mind when locating your anchor point.

When finding your anchor point, you must be easily able to identify every time you take a shot. If you are hunting animals, then this needs to be done quickly to avoid missing your target. You should aim to find an anchor point that you can commit to memory.

Many skilled archers will tell you that after some time, the movements and intricacies of archery begin to come naturally and where at the beginning, you would have to think about everything when getting ready to draw the bow, after some practice, it would become second nature. Having an anchor point that allows for this is essential.

Furthermore, you should make sure that your anchor point is comfortable to reach. There have been many people who have had to contort themselves just to attain their anchor point, and this will not allow for an accurate shot, nor would it appear as if you were using the bow correctly.

Finally, you must be able to repeat the action over and over. As we have already discussed, doing this will come as second nature after a while, but when you are learning, you should be able to repeat the action easily.

Developing A Consistent Anchor Point

It is no use merely putting the bow up to your face and hoping for the best; one of the most important things about finding your anchor point is to follow a commonly used three-step process. This includes release to hand, hand to face and string to face. Let’s take a look at what each of these means.

Release To Hand

Before you do anything else, you must concentrate on the location of the release in the hand. It is also essential that you always have the release in the same place on the hand as not doing so can vastly affect your accuracy and your consistency. Many archers complain that one moment their aim is excellent and the arrow goes precisely where they had planned, and the next moment, arrows are flying off in all directions. This is usually because they have not remained consistent in their stance, and this includes the anchor point.

When finding the right place for the release in the hand, you must think about two things; being comfortable and being able to repeat the action.

You must be comfortable when shooting your bow; if you are not, likely, you won’t be able to remain still and calm when taking your aim. For this reason, be sure to find a place to hold the release that feels good.

Secondly, you will need to be able to remember this location every time you shoot; consistency is everything where archery is concerned and even minor details like where you hold the release must remain consistent. If you are struggling to remember where you should have the release in your hand, it is entirely acceptable to mark it with some tape or a marker.

Hand To Face

Now that you are holding the release comfortably, you are ready to bring the bow up to the face, and it is necessary, once again to remain consistent with this. It pays to spend some time practising this movement. It might feel like a minor detail, but it certainly is a crucial one if you want to avoid being inaccurate.

Different people will find that they prefer different anchor points, and we will look at these in a little more detail later on, but right now, it is essential to focus on making contact with the face.

Your hand should lightly touch the face, but it should not press too hard. If it does, this can massively interfere with the shot and can contribute to a lack of precision. Conversely, you should be mindful of not making enough contact as this can make you much more unsteady. Finding the right balance is key, and again, this may take a little practice.

String To Face

The final motion that you will need to think about when finding your anchor point is bringing the bowstring to your face. In most cases, the string will make contact with the nose, but where on the nose is another consideration entirely.

This very much depends on your personal preference, and usually, archers will go for either the side of the nose or the tip of the nose.

You will need to focus on consistency again, and this means finding a point where you can bring the string to the nose time after time. To remain consistent, most people find that using the tip of the nose makes things easier. However, if you are going for comfort, you might prefer to use the side – just be sure that you can locate the same spot every time you draw the bow.

Common Anchor Points

Now that you are aware of how to find the perfect anchor point, you may like to decide which is most comfortable for you. Whilst anchoring the string on the nose is considered an anchor point, your actual anchor point will be where the index or middle finger that is holding the release, touches the face.

In the main, there are two common anchor points and which you use will depend on several factors; the type of bow you are using, your level of experience and what you find most comfortable.

The Corner Of The Mouth

When you are first starting on your archery journey, you will probably find that anchoring the bow feels most comfortable when done at the corner of the mouth. This is one of the main reasons that it is the most common anchor point.

Furthermore, unlike other areas, the corner of the mouth is very easy to commit to memory, and you can’t go wrong with it. Moreover, it will likely feel more natural and less forced.

To achieve this, you simply need to draw the bow and rest the index finger of the hand that is drawing at the corner of the mouth. A lot of people say that it feels a little odd, to begin with, but over time it will start to feel much more comfortable.

If you use a compound bow, you can use this method, but when using a mechanical release, you may not find it suitable and may be better relying on other reference points. Those using a recurve bow would benefit from using this method.

Underneath Your Jaw

Those who are very experienced archers or who compete at a professional level may prefer to anchor the bow underneath the jaw. However, it is not advisable for beginners since this can be a little more tricky to achieve, and if you do not get it right, this will affect your accuracy.

This method involves drawing the bow and placing your bowstring underneath the jaw. One of the most notable benefits of using this anchor point is that you will have many more points of reference. This includes the bowstring on the mouth as well as the hand at the chin. You do not get this when using the corner of the mouth. What’s more, it is widely accepted that this method will improve your accuracy far better. But it will require a lot more practice, and as ever, consistency is critical, so spending some time getting it right will pay off in the end.

Conclusion

Finding the right anchor point when drawing your bow is one of the most essential aspects of archery. The accuracy of your aim relies on several factors, and this includes how you anchor the bow. Not doing it correctly can cause your aim to be off.

There are two common anchor points, these are below the jaw and at the corner of the mouth and which you use will largely depend on your level of experience, the type of bow you are using and which you like best.

There is also a necessary process to follow to find your anchor point, and this should be practised so that it becomes automatic.

Having your sight in the right position will allow for improved accuracy, yet there are still many archers out there who are not familiar with how to do this.

Fortunately, adjusting bow sights is an easy task to learn, and once you get the hang of it, you will understand how important it really is.

In this article, we will be looking at the importance of adjusting your sight and giving you some handy tips on how to do this.

Read more:

• Bow Sight With A Built-In Rangefinder
• Best Single Pin Bow Sight for Hunting
• When do Bow Sights Work Best?
• How to Aim a Bow Without Sights

Why Do I Need To Adjust My Bow Sight?

When you purchase your bow, you will likely have an in-depth conversation with the expert about maintaining your bow and how to adjust the various components. They will probably talk you through how to adjust the sight, but when you are in such an excited hurry to get the bow home and play with it, this information might slide by the wayside.

Of course, you could return to the archery shop every time you need to adjust your sight, but this is hugely inconvenient. It is essential to learn how to do this yourself.

When we talk about archery, we often refer to precision and accuracy. It is common to understand that these two terms mean the same thing, but there is a crucial difference.

• Accuracy refers to where you aim the arrow, i.e., its intended landing place.
• Precision is where the arrow actually lands.

You may have noticed that your arrow consistently lands in another location despite aiming at a specific spot on the target. It may always land in this location regardless of the place you are aiming for. There could be a number of issues at play, but most likely, your sight needs adjusting.

With your sight correctly adjusted, you will notice that your accuracy and your precision go hand in hand rather than being passing acquaintances.

How To Adjust Your Bow Sight

There are two main types of bow sight that you will commonly see on modern bows, so we are going to take a look at both to give you a good idea of adjusting both.

These types of bow sight are known as the single pin sight and the multi-pin sight. Before we begin, it is essential to look at the basics and some top tips for getting your adjustments right every time.

• You will need an Allen wrench to adjust your bow sight. These tools are commonly used for maintenance on various parts of the bow, so it is always a good idea to keep a set on hand.
• Before you attempt to adjust your bow sight, you must consider your sight-in distance. In the main, with a multi-pin sight, this will be 20 yards, but in order to correctly determine this, you will need to start close to your target and gradually move back.
• You should also fire a group of at least three arrows. This will allow you to determine whether the sight is the problem or whether it is your form. Shoot the arrows and see how consistent the shots are. If they all land in the same spot but it is not where you aimed, it is likely the sight.
• When you are sighting your bow, it is vital that your anchor point remains consistent; if it does not, then your shots likely won’t be consistent either, and this can make sighting almost impossible.
• To get the best results from sighting, you may wish to do it over several sessions.
• If once you reach the bottom of the sight, you still want to shoot further distances, you can do this by lowering the entire bracket. This will likely improve the issue, but you should keep in mind that you will need to make sure that there is enough clearance for the arrow or face interference.
• You may have spent a lot of time sighting your bow only to realize that the arrows are still not landing where you aimed. This might mean that there is an issue with your form, and you can check this by filming yourself shooting and looking at where you can improve. 

Multi-Pin Bow Sights

A multi-pin sight allows you to move the sight in all directions; up, down, right, and left. You will also notice that you can move the pins up and down too.

The pin at the bottom will be used to sight the distance that is furthest away, while in contrast, the top pin will be for the point closest to you. It is always advisable to sight the top pin first, and as we mentioned earlier, in most cases, this will be 20 yards, but you should start at 10 yards.

Begin by shooting three arrows, as we have already discussed, to check your form against the sight. If it is the sight that is off, you will need to loosen the screw to allow you to move the housing from side to side. Now move the housing towards the group.

You will now need to shoot another group of three, as this will allow you to check if the adjustment is sufficient. If you need to, adjust the housing once again until you have it just right. It is important to take your time.

The next step is to maneuver the pin either up or down, depending on where the group landed. If the group landed high, then move the pin up. Conversely, if it landed lower than where you have aimed, you will need to move the pin down. It is crucial to remember that the top pin must stay in the upper third of the housing.

You may find that you run out of room to move the pin, and that’s fine; all you need to do is to release the screw that allows you to move the housing up and down. Loosen this, and you will be able to continue adjusting. Make sure to fine-tune your adjustment as necessary.

Now you will need to move to 25 yards and take aim using your 20-yard pin. Try shooting another group of three arrows and check to see what the aim is like. If you don’t notice a significant drop, you can move on to 30 yards and continue with your other pins.

Single-Pin Bow Sight

You will find that the process of adjusting your single pin bow sight is very similar to the previous method. However, most of these types of sight will have some sort of lever or wheel used for adjusting the yardage.

The windage on these sights is used for adjusting the pin from left to right, whereas the elevation is used to move the pin up and down. You may find that you come to a point where you cannot use the windage anymore, but if this happens, simply loosen the screw to move the pin.

Once again, you will need to begin at 10 yards. Move the sight towards the group until such a time that the arrows land where you had aimed.

When adjusting your single-pin bow sight, you might approach the job differently, depending on how you shoot. Let’s assume that you always shoot from a set distance. In this case, you will work your way up to this while making adjustments to the pin as you go.

A lot of people think that they need to get their adjustments perfect every step of the way, but this is not necessarily the case. You do have some wiggle room, but once you reach your distance, you can then fine-tune the sight for the best results.

Alternatively, you may want to shoot from various distances, in which case, you will need to make use of a sight tape.

This is a piece of equipment that will attach to the side of the sight. It features distance markers, and these can be brought from a pro-archery shop, or you can simply print one out. Some archers go one step further and make a sight tape themselves using a piece of blank tape and a marker.

It is important to make sure that you have the correct sight tape when using a pre-printed one. Sight your pin at both 20 and 40 yards before measuring that against various tapes. This will allow you to figure out which one will work for your equipment.

Once you have attached the tape to the bow sight, be sure to check that it is accurate.

Peep Sights

As well as your bow sight, you might want to install a peep sight. This is a small bow accessory that fits into the bowstring and allows you to see through to your bow sight.

As you look through the peep sight, you should see a sort of tunnel with the bow sight at the end.

This will allow you to line up the correct pin to the center of the target, further improving your aim and precision.

A lot of archers like using a peep sight, and they can be very effective pieces of equipment. However, there is no denying that using one does take some practice, so you must be willing to put this in. Give it some time, and you will likely see the benefits.

Conclusion

There are two different types of bow sight that are normally used in modern archery, and each of these should be adjusted in its own way. This is not a difficult job and is an important part of owning a bow. Many people don’t bother to tend to this intricate detail, but they soon find that their accuracy and precision do not line up.

If you find that you are aiming for a certain point on the target, but your arrows consistently end up elsewhere, the problem may be that your sight needs adjusting.

If, however, once you have adjusted your sight, the arrows still do not land where you want them to, it is worth looking at your form as well.

Recurve bows are preferred by those who like to do a more traditional type of archery thanks to their conventional design. However, restringing them does take some practice but if you want to be the best archer you can, it is important to learn how to do this properly.

In this article, we will be looking at how to string a recurve bow by hand as well as using a bow stringer.

Read more:

• Tips for at home archery targets
• The best bow release for achery
• How long will my bowstring last?
• How to set a nocking point

Stringing A Recurve Bow

Knowing how to string your recurve bow is an important part of archery, yet many people do not learn how to do this and instead take their bow to an archery shop.

This is, of course, a viable option but just think how convenient it would be to do this yourself and not have to make a special trip or fork out any extra cash just to restring your bow.

Another important thing to think about is that restringing does not only need to be done when the string wears out or breaks. There are a lot of recurve bows that can be taken apart for storage and the string must be removed in order to do it.

Using A Bow Stringer

One of the easiest methods for restringing your bow is to use a bow stringer. This is a piece of equipment that not only makes restringing the bow easier but also makes it much safer. A lot of people prefer to use this method for these reasons.

Furthermore, if you speak to any archery shop technician, they will tell you that this is the recommended way to do the job. What’s more, they will be able to help you select a bow stringer that is right for you.

Step 1 – Buy A Bow Stringer

As we have mentioned, you can speak to your local archery shop where you will be able to source the right type of bow stringer for you. They do come in several varieties but essentially, they all have the same purpose; to help you restring your bow.

The most common types for a recurve bow are the double pocket bow stringer and the pocket and saddle bow stringer.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Bow

When you are doing any maintenance on your bow, it is vital that you take your time and make sure that everything is prepared. You don’t want to rush the process and risk damaging any part of your equipment.

To get the bow ready to be restrung, you must first install the limbs, if it is a new bow. If you are restringing an old bow, you must first remove the old string.

You will now need to put the string loops onto the limbs. You must begin with the top string loop which can be easily recognized because of its larger size. Simply slide this loop down the limb and then take the bottom string loop and put this onto the bottom limb.

These loops must sit on the string grooves which are very distinct grooves at the tip of both limbs; you can’t miss them.

Step 3 – Putting The Bow Stringer On

You will need to put the bow stringer on in a similar way to the string loops, beginning with the top limb.

The saddle end of the stringer, which is the part that lies flat on the bow should be installed slightly behind the string loop that you have just installed.

Now you can move on to the pouch end of the bow stringer which will be put onto the lower limb. You can place this over the tip of the bottom limb, you will notice that the design allows this to be put on securely and enclose the entire end of the limb.

You are now ready to string your bow.

Step 4 – Stringing Your Bow

With the bow stringer on the floor, step onto this with both feet; keep your feet shoulder-width apart to make this process as easy as possible. Now take the bow by the grip and lift it straight up towards you so that the limbs become flexed.

The job of the bow stringer is to hold the draw weight of the bow while you get on with installing the string so don’t worry about whether you can hold the weight yourself. All you need to do is to slide the string loop into the string grooves on the top of the bow.

For the first few times doing this, you may feel a little intimidated and may also have a lot of questions about whether you are flexing the limbs enough, or perhaps too little.

However, following these instructions should give you the results you want. But if you do feel nervous, you can take your bow to an archery shop and have an expert talk you through the process and give you tips on the best methods.

Step 5 – Check Your Bow

Even if you are the most adept bowperson in the world, it is still essential that you check your bow once you have finished installing the new string, failing to do so could result in damage to the bow, or worse, injury to you.

Start by removing the bow stringer and turning the bow around so that the limbs are facing away from you. It is important to hold the bow this way while you are checking it because if the strings were to come loose, the limbs would move back towards you.

Take a look at the string and double check that it is fitted into both string grooves on the bow correctly and securely. If everything looks good, your bow is ready to be used.

What If I Don’t Have A Bow Stringer?

While we would always advocate the use of a bow stringer, there may be times when you simply do not have access to one. Other people prefer to do things the old- fashioned way, so rather than struggling with what could be a dangerous process, we will give you a run-down of how to do it.

This method is known as the step-through method and is one of the more traditional ways of stringing a recurve or longbow.

If it is not executed correctly, it can be dangerous. Therefore, it is vital that you follow these steps to the letter.

• Ensure that the string is the right way up and hook the bottom loop around the bottom limb of the bow.
• Hold the bow in front of you, using one hand to hold the bow and the other to hold the string. Now step through the two.
• Place the bow at the back of your front thigh and in front of your back shin and use your two legs to hold it securely in place.
• Now bend the bow towards the string. You can use your torso to turn if you need help to get the two to meet.
• If you are using a Dacron string; twist the end of the string between ten and twelve times before attaching it to the limb.
• Step out of the bow and check each end of the string to make sure that it is in place.

Tips For Maintaining Your Bow

Of course, one of the best ways to make your bow go the distance is to look after it well. Any archer worth their salt will tell you that regularly waxing your bowstring is one of the most effective ways of prolonging its life.

That being said, we do recommend changing your bow string every two to three years to make sure that it is always functioning as it should.

But looking after your string is not the only thing that you should do to make sure your bow keeps going shot after shot. Take a look at these handy tips;

• Never dry fire your bow; this can cause serious injury to you and others around you and will also damage your bow.
• Remove the string from the bow if you will not use it for a significant period of time.
• Do not store the bow at extreme temperatures.
• Regularly inspect the string for signs of wear or damage.
• Before shooting the bow, make sure that you adjust the finger guard.

Conclusion

There you have it, restringing a recurve bow is quite simple once you know how to do it. Many archers prefer to use a bow stringer and this is the way that most experts would suggest you do this.

However, it is possible to string a recurve bow without a bow stringer, provided that you are careful and follow the step-through method exactly.

There isn’t always the option to head off to the shooting range for target practice so when you have the urge to fire your bow, you need to have a good setup at home; of course, you must make sure that you follow any local laws or regulations for shooting on private property before you start.

However, once you have crossed that bridge, the next step is to make a functional archery target. You might buy one but much of the fun of creating an archery range at home is preparing the equipment yourself.

There are undoubtedly certain materials that are much better for archery targets than others and if you want a target that will be durable but won’t cause your arrows to become lodged, this is an important consideration.

In this article, we are going to be looking at the best material for archery targets as well as giving you some helpful advice on creating a great archery target for at-home use.

Read more:

• What is a bow release?
• Best video games for archers
• Learn how to shoot better groups with a bow
• How long will my bowstring last?

Why Choose A Home-Made Archery Target?

You might be thinking that it would be far easier to head to your local archery store and pick out one of the many targets that you can purchase. While this is likely the most quick and convenient method of acquiring an archery target, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best option.

There are many reasons why making an archery target at home will benefit you. Primarily, this way is far less expensive than buying a ready-made target. Some of these can be seriously bank-breaking and with archery requiring a lot of equipment at the best of times, it makes sense to try to save the pennies where you can.

Furthermore, when you buy a read-made target, your choices are much more limited; the only limit when making a target at home is your imagination. For this reason, a lot of archers enjoy making their own targets as it gives you the freedom to create something that is as close to what they need as possible. The type of archery you practice will determine the best type of target for you.

For the most part, the materials that you use to make your archery target will be recyclable. Often, we use things like hay, cardboard and other materials which can be reused for something else or put in the recycling collection.

In modern times, there is a huge focus on using renewable materials in as many areas as possible and doing your bit with your archery target can help. What’s more, you likely won’t need to invest in any materials as you may already have the lying around the house.

Why Do I Need An Archery Target?

There are three main types of archery; bowhunting, 3D archery and target archery. For bowhunters, when it is not hunting season, in many cases, you will not be permitted to shoot on public land.

However, that is not to say that you do not need to practice, especially if you want to be ready for the next hurting season. Archery is something that requires constant practice.

For target archers and those who enjoy 3D archery, you may not always be able to get to an organised shooting range so having an target at home will surely be an advantage.

But much more than this, practising archery as regularly as possible will help you to hone your skills and keep them sharp.

One of the major parts of being a good archer is keeping your aim spot on, without regular practice, this is something that can diminish quickly. As your aim and accuracy improve, so will your confidence. This means that when it comes to those pressured situations whether in a competition or out in the field, you will be a much better archer.

Using an archery target at home is typically far safer than not using one, unless you are absolutely certain that there is not another person for miles, and you can’t ever be 100% sure.

Firing arrows is a dangerous business and any archer worth his or her salt will tell you that the first thing you must consider is safety. Having an archery target at home will give you somewhere to aim your arrows, meaning that they won’t merely go flying off into the distance with a risk of injuring or potentially killing someone. 

Finally, having an archery target at home will allow you to make sure that your equipment is functioning correctly. All too often, archers don’t touch their bows and other equipment for weeks at a time and then head out to shoot only to realise that something isn’t working correctly.

By regularly using your home-made target, you will always be certain that your archery equipment is functioning as it should be.

What Materials Can I Use For My Archery Target?

When it comes to making an archery target at home, there are two main aspects to think about; the archery target frame and the body of the target. In some cases, both of these are made from the same material whereas other times, you might combine materials.

From hay to wood or carpet to foam, there are a lot of different things that you can use as archery target material. But before you choose, you must think about a few things to make sure that your chosen material is going to serve its purpose.

In the main, an archery target should be durable, since this is something that is going to take a significant amount of trauma from the arrows, you want it to be able to withstand that for as long as possible. Furthermore, the material cannot be so dense that the arrows risk getting lodged into it. This can result in a lot of broken arrows.

Hay Archery Target

Hay is a really common archery target material, particularly in rural areas where many people will already have bales of hay for farming and other purposes. If you have easy access to hay, one of the huge draws is that this is a relatively inexpensive material.

Whether you are a farmer who has plenty of hay bales at your disposal or you have purchased a hay bale for the sole reason of using it as a target, this is not only a cheap way of doing things but also a very convenient one.

Hay bales are constructed blocks made from compressed, dried plants, typically grasses that are extremely solid. One of the huge advantages of a hay bale target is that you do not need to think about making a frame and target separately, since the bale will serve as a two-in-one.

Hay targets, however, can be less durable than some other options and this is something that cannot be helped too much. As the hay bale experiences the trauma of an arrow hitting it, over time, it will begin to fall apart. You can prevent this from happening too early on but covering the hay with some sort of plastic, but in the end, it is unavoidable.

Furthermore, hay may begin to rot if it is left exposed to the elements and you may find that it ends up being home to small animals taking shelter from the rain.

On the plus side, hay targets are extremely heavy and this means that they will not move around when you are shooting, giving you a very stable target.

Carpet Archery Target

A lot of people consider using old bits of carpet as this is a surprising durable material; it needs to be when you think that its primary use is to be trampled on all day!

In order to make a carpet target, you will first need to construct a frame and this can be done using wooden beams. Typically something like 2” x 12” will serve you well. You should also consider that you cannot merely stick a piece of carpet onto your frame and hope for the best. You will create a baseboard, onto which you will stack your carpet.

The carpet should first be cut into 2” x 11” pieces which can then be stacked on top of one another on the wooden base frame that you have made. Once you have stacked the piece high enough, you will want to compress it to give a little more durability.

One of the biggest drawbacks of using this type of material is that it can be time consuming to construct the target. That being said, if you are making an archery target for your kids to practice, this can also be a nice project to get your teeth into as a team.

Furthermore, the carpet can get a little expensive as you will need quite a lot to make the entire target. However, the best way to avoid a huge cost is to go for cheaper carpet. If you go to a local carpet fitter, you may find that they will sell you the end of roll cut-offs for a reasonable price.

While it could end up costing a little more, once your target is complete, carpet is, without a doubt, one of the most durable materials for home-made archery targets and even when it comes time to replace it, it can be done quickly and easily.

Foam Archery Target

Ethafoam is often used as a form of protection and this is because of its ability to stand up to repeated shock, making it the ideal material for a homemade archery target. However, since this is such an effective material, you will often find that it does come in at a slightly higher price than other materials.

However, if you are looking for something that you can use with your broadhead arrows then this is an excellent solution; but we will look more at that a little later on.

This type of target is created in a similar way to the carpet target, by making a frame and inserting several strips of ethafoam.

For something a little less expensive, you could use foam puzzle mats; you know the type that you might find in a children’s indoor play area? These are much less inexpensive than ethafoam and make a good archery target. That being said, they may not be quite as durable as ethafoam.

Cardboard Archery Target

You might think we’ve gone crazy suggesting a material as apparently weak as cardboard but in reality, when approached correctly, this can make a good archery target. One of the huge benefits of this is that you will not need to make an additional frame.

You can use one large cardboard box and fill this with other pieces of cardboard so that you have a solid structure. On top of how easy this is to do, you will also find that it is one of the least expensive ways of making an archery target at home.

Quite often, businesses will give cardboard away as it saves them the hassle of having to recycle it themselves.

Now, while cardboard does have its upsides, it is important to point out that this is potentially the least durable material. If you only need a temporary target or are happy to keep reconstructing new ones, then cardboard might work well. But if you are looking for something a little more permanent, this isn’t going to be the best choice.

Arrows And Targets

Earlier, we touched on using broadhead arrows with a foam target. This is because there are certain materials that will always be better suited to specific types of arrows.

Broadheads are essential for bowhunters and while you may not be aiming for a prize buck in your backyard, practicing with these arrows will mean that you can recreate being out in the woods as closely as possible.

However, broadheads are also so sharp that they can often get lodged in a target. Removing them can be something of a challenge and even when you are successful, it isn’t to say that the arrow won’t have sustained a significant amount of damage.

For this reason, you should always use a softer target such as foam when you are practicing with broadhead arrows. However, if you use other types of arrow, you should still think about the best material so you can get the most out of your shooting session.

For those who use hay targets, and please keep in mind that you can just as easily use straw in this instance for the same effect, using bullet point arrows will give you the best experience. Carpet targets are particularly useful for these types of arrows too.

We would advise against using a blunt arrow with a weaker type of target such as a cardboard target purely because the force might send the target flying, meaning that you would need to set it back up after every shot.

Tips For At Home Archery Targets

Building an archery target at home and using it are meant to be enjoyable experiences, but as we all know, archery can be a dangerous sport if it is not done correctly. For this reason, we would always advise erring on the side of caution. These handy tips can help you to have the safest at home shooting practice.

• Always install a back stop to catch arrows that miss the target. Even the most adept archer may sometimes miss and it simply is not worth injuring someone.
• Always place your target in a location where people and pets will not be passing behind.
• Make sure that there are strict backyard archery rules in place and that everyone on the property is familiar with them.

Conclusion

There are lots of materials that you could use to make an archery target for your at-home practice. However, it would be unfair to say that one material is better than the next. The type of material that will benefit you most will depend on several things.

Primarily, you will need to consider the type of arrows you are using as some will not be compatible with certain materials. Furthermore, the cost of the material and how durable it is will play a part in deciding whether it will work for you.

If you are looking for something a little more temporary then a cheap cardboard target may work well. Conversely, if you want a more durable target then spending a little extra cash and using something strong like carpet will work to your advantage.

A lot of people think that replacing their compound bow string should only be done when it really needs it, but were you aware that if you neglect to do this, the life of your bow could be affected?

It is essential to regularly schedule in bowstring changes and get this done sooner if you begin to notice problems with the bow. How often you use the bow and the quality of the string that is installed will have an impact on how long they last but in the main, you can expect your compound bowstring to last around three years.

In this article, we are going to be looking at not only the length of time you can expect your bowstring to last but also what to look for that might indicate it is time for a change – and much more!

Read more:

• Can you use any bow for bowfishing?
• Why is a good stance important in archery?
• Great archery gifts for your spouse
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How Long Will My Bowstring Last?

One of the first questions that archers ask when purchasing a new bowstring is ‘how long does a compound bow string last?’ and in short, you would expect this type of bowstring to last for around three years.

However, several things might impact the length of time that you bowstring will serve you. It may surprise you to learn that something as simple as how you store your bow will affect how long the string lasts. For example, if you keep your bow somewhere that is particularly humid, this will drastically reduce the lifespan of the strings. This is mainly because there is a higher chance of mould developing. Furthermore, if the temperature is too high, this could melt the wax on the strings and cause them to fray and the elasticity to be reduced.

Of course, the frequency that you use the bow will also dramatically affect how long the strings last. Each time you draw the bow, the string takes an enormous amount of pressure, and over time, this will cause it to lose elasticity, loosen and potentially become frayed. In correlation with this, how far you draw the bow will also impact the quality of the string over time; the further back the bow is drawn, the sooner the string will wear.

The brace height will also affect the life of the string. If the brace height is shorter, the string will be under more pressure and will not last as long.

The environment in which you are shooting will also impact the lifespan of the bow. However, it is a wise idea to schedule in a bowstring fitting every three years, even if you think that the strings still have some life left in them. However, some manufacturers would suggest doing it even more frequently than this.

How Do I Know When My Compound Bowstring Needs Replacing?

As you practise archery more, you will become more and more familiar with the signs that your bowstring and any other equipment requires repair or replacing. However, when you are just starting, it can feel a little overwhelming, and you may not be as easily able to recognise the signs that your bowstring is on its way out.

There are several things that might indicate it is time to source a new bowstring.

What Type Of Shooting Do You Do?

Believe it or not, the type of archery you do will impact how long the bowstring will last. In the main, if you practise target archery, you may need to replace your bowstring more frequently since you will likely be taking far more shots than someone shooting a bow for bowhunting. In addition to this, target archers tend to use much lighter arrows, and this means that there is far more pressure and tension on the string, causing it to wear more quickly.

Speed And Accuracy

Two of the critical things in archery and speed and accuracy; if your arrows are not fast and precise, you won’t succeed in hitting your target. However, many people complain that their aim is off, and this could be simply resolved by changing the bowstring.

As the string wears over time, this will affect the bow’s ability to shoot quickly and accurately.

Inspecting The String

There is nothing that will give away a worn string more than the visual clues, but these can be difficult to spot, especially if you are not sure about what you are looking for.

On the cams, you will notice timing marks and these indicate where the bowstring should be lined up. In the event that these are off, this is a clear indication that it is time to replace the bowstring.

Furthermore, the texture of the string is a clear giveaway that it might not be performing to its best and needs replacing. If it is time to change the string, you will notice that it feels brittle, dry and fuzzy. You might also see visual clues such as fraying.

How To Prolong The Life Of Your Bowstring

There are many ways that you might make your compound bow string last longer. One of the most popular and effective is to apply wax to the string. This serves a dual purpose; primarily, it will prevent the string from fraying, but it will also make it far more weather-resistant, which is essential if you are shooting in the great outdoors, which most people do.

Storing your bow correctly is also imperative to make the strings last as long as possible. It can be tempting to store the bow in an outbuilding or shed, but the humidity levels in these environments are not conducive with a long lifespan for the string. If you are not going to be using the bow for some time, it is a good idea to remove the string and store it separately.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Compound Bowstring?

The good news is that restringing your bow might not cost as much as you would think, and when you spread this cost out over time, you will see that it truly is very little.

You can save money by purchasing a bowstring for as little as $20 and fitting it yourself. But if you do not have the relevant experience, you can expect to pay around $100-$150 for the string and fitting.

The cost of the string will also depend on the brand and quality; it is preferable to buy a slightly more expensive string that will last longer than buy a lesser quality one that will need replacing much sooner.

Conclusion

Compound bows are very popular thanks to their power and ease of use, but it is essential to understand that if the bowstrings are past their best, your performance will be affected.

In the main, you should replace the bowstring every three years, although this can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. It is important to regularly inspect the string to check for signs of wear and treat it with care to prolong its lifespan.

If you have been into archery for a while, there is a good chance that you might want to extend your hunting abilities by taking part in bowfishing.

You already have a bow and more arrows than you can count. You have the skills and the knowledge to hit a moving target so the next thing you need to do is to get out on the water and bowfish, right?

Maybe not, first, you need to consider whether you can bowfish with a hunting bow. In this article, we are going to be exploring this so that you can get ready to experience a whole new way of shooting.

Read more:

• How are bowfishing arrows different?
• A proper archery stance
• How to carry a bow on your back?
• How Does A Rangefinder Work?

What Is Bowfishing?

Where hunting with a bow is normally done on land, bowfishing takes it to new heights and archers go to the water to target fish.

It might seem like the two are similar but this is only because the same weapons are used; a bow and arrow. However, bowfishing is a lot more fast-paced than its land-based counterpart and as such, even seasoned archers may find it vastly different.

Can You Use Any Bow For Bowfishing?

There are many bows that are designed purely with bowfishing in mind but if you already have a hunting bow, it might seem pointless investing in another piece of equipment. The good news is that you can use any bow to do bowfishing. However, you may need to alter the bow slightly.

What is even more exciting is that you can modify any type of bow for bowfishing so whether you shoot with a recurve or a compound, you can still get in on the action.

All it takes is adding a few essential accessories onto your bow and you’re good to go. But aside from this, you should consider the fact that this sport is a lot harder on your bow.

If you have a prized or expensive bow that you do not want to become scratched or damaged, it might be best to avoid using this for bowfishing.

When you are on the boat, there is a very real risk of the bow being banged around. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for the bow to fall into the water and while in the main this won’t cause too much damage, it is something that some people may not like.

Finally, if your bow falls into the lake at a great depth, short of jumping in and going looking for it, you might have to admit that it is gone forever.

Can I Use My Hunting Arrows For Bowfishing?

While you may be able to adapt your bow so that it is suitable for bowfishing, there is no getting away from the fact that the arrows you typically use may not be suitable for bowfishing. For this reason, this is something that you will need to invest in.

Arrows that are used for bowhunting are not designed to move through the water and this can render them almost useless when it comes to bowfishing. If you want to be successful then you will need to look for alternative arrows.

Unlike hunting arrows, bowfishing arrows tend to be made of much heavier materials and do not have fletchings, this helps them to move through the water more efficiently.

Furthermore, bowfishing arrows feature a mechanism that allows you to attach a line, in a similar way that you would attach a hook to a traditional fishing line. They are also barbed so that once they hit their target, they will not dislodge, allowing you to reel in your catch.

But Wait; Is Bowfishing Legal Everywhere?

If you are keen to get out on the water and try your hand at bowfishing, you are going to need to make sure that you are doing it within the law. The last thing you want is to incur a penalty but the good news is that there are not too many restrictions on where you can and cannot bowfish.

In the USA, it is legal to bowfish in all 50 states as long as you are shooting non-game fish species. However, in some states such as Nebraska, there are game reserves where you can go to take part in an organized event. But it is worth keeping in mind that many of these reserves prefer you to use a more traditional angling method.

It is also worth considering the type of fish that you are permitted to legally catch when bowfishing. In the main you can count yourself as being within the law when shooting common carp, grass carp, buffalo, gar, and catfish but this can vary depending on your location so it is helpful to explore this before getting started.

Many of these fish are large species which is a huge advantage when bowfishing as it means that you have a better target. It is no secret that shooting a quick moving fishy target does take some practice, so the bigger, the better.

The early spring is typically the best time to go bowfishing since this is when the fish are spawning and can be found in shallower water. There is very little point trying to bowfish in deeper water as you will likely not get very far.

Fresh water is usually the location where bowfishermen can be spotted but there are several salt water locations where bowfishing can be done. In Louisiana, you will find some particularly lucrative spots.

Again, the targets that are legal will vary depending on where you are but in the main, things like flounder, sharks, redfish and rays are all acceptable fish for bowfishing.

Bowfishing Bows

Now that you know where you can bowfish and what type of fish you are allowed to target, you will likely be keen to get your bow set up and get started.

As we mentioned, it is possible to use a normal hunting bow to do this activity, but you will need to add a few things.

Bowfishing is a lot more fast-paced than traditional archery so if you have been used to carefully lining up to hit your target, you will need to shake that habit right away. WHen bowfishing, you will make a lot of speedy, off the cuff shots. If you don’t, you’ll likely miss your target.

It would stand to reason, therefore, that a lighter bow would be more beneficial when bowfishing. Most people would recommend using a bow with a draw weight between 30 and 50lbs as this can be the most effective. Something with a heavier draw weight may be too challenging for this fast action sport.

The type of bow that you use for bowfishing comes largely down to personal choice. Many people prefer a compound bow because they are much easier to use. Conversely, a recurve bow tends to be shorter and a lot easier to take apart, which is essential if you are going to be travelling around a lot.

You can, of course, use a longbow which is typically much more lightweight but these are also much bigger so can be difficult to transport on a boat, especially if it is a smaller vessel.

What Accessories Do I Need?

When you switch from bow hunting to bowfishing, you will need to be prepared to modify your bow and there are some accessories that are crucial for this sport. Adding these to your bow will mean that you don’t need to invest in an entirely separate piece of equipment.

But before you begin adding accessories, you might want to think about removing some of those that are already installed as you might not need these.

Primarily, you will need to remove your sight, sight rest and peep sight; unlike regular archery, these are not necessary for bowfishing and will only serve one purpose – getting in the way.

You can also remove other components such as the D-loop and stabilizer as these are not needed either.

Bowfishing Reel

One of the key differences between a normal bowhunting bow and one that is used for bowfishing is that the latter makes use of a reel.

This add-on is very similar to the reel that you would be a traditional angler using and without it, your bowfishing trip would not be hugely successful. It allows you to reel in your catch.

There are three different types of bowfishing reels to choose from and which you go for will depend on your level of experience and your personal preference.

The three main types are spinning reels, bottle reels and hand reels.

• Spinning reels are very similar to push-button fishing reels and are attached to the bow using a device that is similar to a stabilizer. They use a braided fishing line and if you prefer, you can add a laser sight or other accessories.
• A bottle reel is a very convenient type of reel since, as the name suggests, the reel is kept inside a plastic bottle, keeping it out of the way. Many bowfishers use this type of reel for this reason. They use a heavy braided line and are attached to the bow using screws.
• Hand reels are very lightweight and easy to use. They are popular with people who are using a more traditional type of bow. You can install the hand reel using screws in the location where your stabilizer would typically be located.

Arrow Rest

You may already have an arrow rest installed on your bow but it may not be ideal for bowfishing. With this sport, it is widely accepted that something simpler is better than a complex piece of equipment.

One major consideration is that if you have a drop away rest, this can be dangerous when used in bowfishing so it may be wise to remove this and go for something a lot more straightforward. As the drop away rest comes away, there is a risk of it becoming tangled in the string attached to the arrow and this could cause an injury.

Otherwise, you are free to choose the type of rest that feels most comfortable to you. SOme people prefer something that encloses the arrow completely, whereas other people like an open or shelf rest.

Additional Equipment

Aside from the essential pieces of kit that you will need to convert your bow from a regular hunting bow to a bowfishing bow, there are a few optional extras.

If you plan to do your bowfishing at night, and a lot of people prefer doing it this way, you might need to install a light. These lights can be installed in the same location as your stabilizer and are normally operated by batteries.

Furthermore, a lot of people like to install a laser sight. While a regular archery sight will be useless for bowfishing, a laser sight is great for refracting the water, making it a lot easier to hit your target.

Conclusion

Bowfishing is a great alternative to normal hunting, especially out of season and more and more people are taking an interest in this fast-paced and exciting sport.

However, there is a lot of misunderstanding where the equipment is concerned. While you cannot use the same arrows that you would when hunting, you can use the same bow. But there is a catch; you will need to add some accessories.

Once you have done this, you can get out onto the water and enjoy your newfound hobby. The good news is that there are many locations around the US and the globe where bowfishing is perfectly legal. You must check local regulations however, as there may be some restrictions as to the type of fish you are permitted to target.