When doing archery, there are a lot of things to think about, but one of the things that are often overlooked, especially by beginners, is the stance.

Standing and holding yourself correctly can make an enormous difference to your overall performance and allow you to improve your aim.

There are several things that you can do to improve your stance, and you should always make sure that you are working on your stance every time you practice.

In this article, we are going to be looking at the correct way to hold yourself when doing archery, as well as looking at some of the common mistakes relating to stance and how you can fix these.

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Why Is A Good Stance Important In Archery?

You may have heard beginners complaining that they cannot consistently get their arrow into the center of the target. Similarly, if you are a beginner, you may have wondered why things aren’t going quite as you had planned them.

The truth is that if your equipment is working well, then it is likely your stance that is the problem.

Having a good stance when shooting a bow and arrow is vital as this gives you a solid foundation for your shot. In turn, this will allow you to have a much more accurate shot. Furthermore, you will notice that using the correct stance gives you much more consistency and, therefore, fewer missed shots.

A Proper Archery Stance

Before we look at tips to improve your stance, it is important to think about what a proper archery stance looks like. In the main, there are four stances that are considered to be correct. However, you should also think about how you feel comfortable. If you are not entirely comfortable, the chances are that your shot will be off anyway as your mind will be more focused on any discomfort you might be feeling.

It can be challenging to remember the finer details of each of the main archery stances, but there are some basics that you can keep in mind to give you a perfect stance.

• Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and you should not be slouched – stand up straight.
• Try not to lean to one side or another; this can be done by making sure that your weight is evenly distributed between both feet.
• Make sure that your legs are relaxed and that you do not lock your knees.
• Don’t let the weight of the bow cause you to lean back or forwards; this can be tempting but try to remain perfectly upright.

Once you have got the basics to a proper archery stance covered, you can begin to look at the four main stances and really start to get a feel for how you should compose yourself.

The Square Stance

This is a great choice for those who are just getting started as it is the most simple. When you begin doing archery, it is crucial to choose one stance and stick with it. You can change this or experiment with others when you are more confident.

The square stance involves standing sideways on to the target. It is essential to make sure that your bow arm is closest to the target. The feet will be perpendicular to the target, and the shoulder and hips side-on.

The Open Stance

Once you have gotten familiar with the square stance, you will likely feel that the open stance is the natural progression from this. The two are very much the same only with the open stance, your front foot will be pointing outwards slightly.

The foot will typically point out at a 25-30º angle, and this will cause the shoulders and hips to open up towards the target a little more. What’s more, when using this stance, archers typically find it easier to keep the shoulders back due to the back muscles being freer to work.

The Natural Stance

This is a good choice of stance for those who want to use an open stance but face towards the target a little more.

In this instance, you will place the feet in a similar position to the open stance but with the back foot pointing more towards the target as well.

Using this stance will open the gap between the bow and your body, which some people find a little easier to work with.

The Closed Stance

For people who find that they need a longer draw length, the closed stance is often a good choice. In this variation, the feet are positioned in the opposite manner to the open stance, with the back foot pointing away from the target.

The Components Of A Proper Archery Stance

Of course, the above stances are a great place to start, but if you really want to get your stance on point, you must practice some of the finer details. It can feel intimidating as an amateur but getting off on the right footing is imperative.

Take a look at these top tips for ensuring that your stance is always spot on.

• The torso should remain in an upright position so that the collarbone is level with the arrow.
• If you find that you have problems with leaning forward, backward, or to the side, it may be that your bow doesn’t fit you correctly, so you should be seen at an archery shop.
• The head should be facing downrange, and your chin should always be level with the ground.
• The release arm elbow needs to be pointing directly away from the target, and the forearm should be parallel with the ground. The bow arm elbow must be pointing outwards and slightly down.
• The shoulder should position naturally if your arms and elbows are positioned correctly. But it is essential to make sure that your shoulders are not leaning forward or backward as this can drastically affect your shot.
• You will also want to think about your anchor point. The type of bow you are using will have an effect on this. If you use a recurve bow, your anchor point will be on the chin, or the corner, whereas those using a compound bow will anchor along the jaw.

Archery Stance Mistakes And How To Fix Them

If you begin your archery journey without ensuring that you are using the correct stance, this can lead to your overall performance being affected every time you shoot.

Whether you have fallen into bad habits from the get-go or want to make sure that you don’t develop any from the beginning, it pays to be familiar with some of the most common archery stance mistakes.

Inconsistency

One of the biggest problems that archers face is that they do not use a consistent stance. Imagine trying to write your name with a different hand or even different fingers every time; you can imagine that the results would vary immensely each time. The same is true for your archery stance.

It is important to find a stance that you feel comfortable with and stick with it. Your center of gravity will change with even the slightest adjustment of the feet, so it is vital that you practice staying in the same position for every shot.

If you struggle to do this, you can place some tape on the ground where you normally practice, and this will give you a reference point for each foot. You won’t always need this. After you have practiced for a while, your stance will become second nature for you.

Elbow Rotation

The elbow may seem like a small and even insignificant part of the body, but it is one of the most important when it comes to archery.

You should always make sure that your bow arm’s elbow rotates straight and not at an angle. Not only can this have an effect on your aim and accuracy, but you could also stand to become injured shooting this way.

The best way to ensure correct elbow rotation is to rotate it before you raise your bow; this way, it will be in position from the off. This will also help the rest of your upper body remain in the correct position.

A Strong Shot

It is not uncommon for archers to aim too soon and, therefore, sabotage what could have been a very effective shot. This happens when you do not produce a strong shot, and in turn, you will notice that your arrow flies lower or veers off to the side.

What’s more, this is something that can be easily resolved. Many archers find that the cause for this is that they are focused too much on their aim and omitting to concentrate on moving in the correct way.

All you need to do is shift your focus, and you will likely find that the problem does not persist.

Hook

Your hook relates to the finger position on the bowstring, and this is an important part of your overall stance. It is a good idea to pay attention to where you place your fingers rather than blindly grabbing at the bowstring.

Doing this will ensure that your shots are always accurate and will prevent you from developing blisters on the fingers, which can be uncomfortable at best, painful at worst.

Conclusion

There is no denying that there are plenty of intricacies involved in archery and getting everything lined up correctly is the secret to a good shot.

But while beginners could be forgiven for thinking that how you hold your bow and how you fire are the most important things, it is a lot more simple than that. The way that you stand, or your stance, is one of the most important parts of archery.

There are several different stances that are commonly used, and it is important to find one that feels comfortable and works for you. However, it goes further than merely your feet; your entire body will need to be perfectly aligned to make sure that you achieve consistency, accuracy, and the best performance.

In modern archery, there are two main types of bow that are used; the recurve bow, which is more reminiscent of a traditional bow and the compound bow which is a more mechanical and modern piece of equipment.

Many archers opt for a compound bow due to their ease of use and great build quality. However, if you really want to get to know your equipment well, learning how it works is a great step forward.

In this article, we will be looking at how a compound bow works as well as everything you need to know before using one.

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What Is A Compound Bow?

A compound bow is a modern piece of archery equipment that is used to shoot an arrow at a target; they are frequently used in both target archery as well as out in the field for bowhunters.

This type of bow operates on a system based around a series of cables and pulleys; this might sound complicated, but the technology behind it might not be as mind-boggling as you might first think.

What Is The Difference Between A Compound Bow And A Traditional Bow?

Humans have been using a bow and arrows for as long as 60,000 years, potentially more so it stands to reason that when we talk about ‘traditional’ bows, we could be referring to a vast number of items. For the purposes of this article, the traditional bow is a longbow or a recurve bow. These pieces of archery equipment are very useful and are favoured by many archers the world over. However, the energy is stored within the bow and in short, the further back you draw the bow, the more energy is transferred into the arrow; thus sending it further. However, if you have ever used a recurve bow, you will know that you, the archer, are responsible for taking the entire weight of the draw and this can be something of a challenge, especially if you aren’t going to release the arrow right away.

In contrast, a compound bow features an intricate system of pulleys and cams, and these will take much of the weight of the draw. This makes it far easier to hold the bow steadily and release an arrow that hits the target. In most cases, a compound bow will take as much as 80% of the total draw weight, so it isn’t difficult to see how much simpler it can be to use one.

Where Did The Compound Bow Come From?

As far back as time itself, men and women have been using bow and arrow equipment for hunting and for sport. However, it was not until quite recently that the compound bow was developed and it has undoubtedly changed the way that we shoot.

In the 1960s, a man named Holiss Wilbur designed the compound bow and in 1969 was given a patent for this design. Since this time, the compound bow has grown in popularity, so much so that in the Olympic games, archers are required to use this type of equipment if they want to compete.

But the original compound bow differed rather significantly from the compounds bows that we are used to working with today. Initially, Mr Wilbur simply removed the curved ends from the recurve bow and attached a simple pulley system. Unfortunately, this did not function in the way he had imagined, and he needed to go back to the drawing board. At this point, he started working on the pulley system that we are familiar with today, and despite having undergone several updates throughout the last fifty years, the compound bow he created then is much the same as what archers are using in modern times.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Compound Bow?

There are people who prefer to use a more traditional type of bow, and this is mainly because they choose to go for a more conventional type of archery, and there are many benefits to this.

However, there is no denying that the unique and modern technology that is used on a compound bow delivers an incredible number of advantages.

Primarily, you will notice that when shooting a compound bow, the speed at which the arrow travels is far greater than a recurve bow. Furthermore, a compound bow has a much more significant amount of power, and this directly translates to arrows being able to travel over a further distance. In fact, it is commonly accepted that while a recurve bow can fire an arrow to around 30 yards, an archer using a compound bow might be able to fire their arrows double this distance, with an average of 60 yards.

In addition to this, a compound bow offers a much more accurate shot, and this is mostly in relation to how the bow works. When you draw your compound bow, the cams and pulley system takes much of the draw weight. With you less focused on maintaining this weight, you are able to hold the bow more steadily and for a longer time. This gives you the chance to perfect your aim and keep each arrow precisely on target.

A compound bow is far easier to use, and many modern archers go straight to this type of equipment when starting out in the sport. You would not need anywhere near as much practice when using a compound bow, and this relates, once again to how the bow functions.

Finally, since these bows are built with the modern archer in mind, they are a lot easier to customise meaning that you can add a variety of different sights and other accessories far more easily than on a recurve bow.

How Does A Compound Bow Work?

Admittedly a compound bow is a little more complex than any other sort of bow, but in order to understand how it works, it is essential that we look at the various parts of the bow. Once you have an understanding of these, it can be far easier to get to grips with the operation and function of the bow.

The Pulley System

As we have discovered, the compound bow uses a pulley system which is hugely adept where shooting arrows is concerned. The reason for this is that regardless of the poundage of the bow, you won’t need to take the draw weight, at least, not the pull draw weight and this is where the pulley system comes in.

Where a recurve bow would have the archer taking the weight of the draw, a compound bow has what is known as a ‘let off’ and this is the amount or percentage of the draw weight that it will take. The pulley system takes a lot of the stress off the other parts of the bow and therefore, off the archer.

The Cams

When you go to purchase a compound bow or move in archery circles, you will frequently hear talk of cams. The cams can be found at the tip of the limbs and in general, are asymmetrical in shape. These are small mechanisms which slide as you draw the bow.

Whilst these are small components of the compound bow, they are potentially one of the most important. The reason for this is that the shape of the cam can drastically affect several things. Primarily, the shape of the cam will determine the speed of the arrow, but it can also count towards how comfortable the bow is to use. This means that when making a compound bow, manufacturers must think carefully about the shape of the cams.

The cams further contribute to an overall lower drawing weight but also make it easier to continue drawing the bow as it reaches its peak. Conversely, when you use a recurve bow, you will notice that the draw begins relatively easily but the further back you draw the bow, the more difficult it becomes.

This makes compound bows an excellent choice for archers who are lacking in strength, younger archers or those who do not want the added pressure of drawing a high-poundage recurve bow.

One of the most important aspects of purchasing a recurve bow is choosing the right cam; there are a lot of factors to consider, and this is something that should take priority.

Cam Systems

There are various setups that can be used where cams are concerned on a compound bow and which you choose will largely depend on your personal preference. However, it is worth being aware of each of them so that you can understand the benefits or drawbacks associated with them.

To begin with, there is a single cam system, and this is widely accepted to be the least complex setup owing to the low amount of maintenance that is required. In this system, the compound bow would feature a unique cam that is located at the top limb and a conventional cam located on the bottom limb. The cam at the top is generally referred to as an idler, and this is because it does not take any of the draw weight but rather unravels as you pull the bow back. In contrast, the bottom cam will take much of the draw weight and stabilise the bow.

This is a good option for bowhunters as it will deliver an exceptionally quiet shot when the arrow is fired. However, the arrow will travel at much slower speeds.

Secondly, there is the twin-cam system, which, as its name may suggest, makes use of two cams at either end of the bow – located on the ends of the limbs in much the same way as the single cam system.

Whilst this is a superior setup where speed and accuracy are concerned, you will likely notice the increased noise when shooting the arrow, therefore, if you are shooting wild game, this may not be a preferable setup.

Furthermore, if you are not experienced in archery, this type of system may serve as more of a hindrance. This is because it requires far more maintenance than the single cam system. If you do not perform this maintenance when it is needed, this could mean that the cams do not move in unisons and this can be disastrous for the arrow.

A binary cam system uses a similar setup to the twin system but rather than the cams being attached to the bow limbs, they are connected to one another. This is great if you want to make use of the speed and accuracy of such a system but want a quieter shot. Furthermore, where you may have issues with the cams syncing up with one another in a twin system, this problem is eliminated when using a binary system.

Finally, archers have the option to use a hybrid cam system which gives the best of both worlds – it would seem insane, would it not, not to use this system? And whilst this is true to a degree, this could be seen as the most complex setup and therefore, not ideal for less experienced archers.

This type of system uses both the idler from the single cam system as well as the linked nature of the binary system which, when combined, come together to deliver one of the most accurate and speedy shots out there.

The Limbs

Since a compound bow operates on a pulley system, it is essential that the limbs are durable and able to withstand an incredible amount of pressure. These lengthier parts of the bow are responsible for storing the energy that is built up when the archer draws the bow.

The Riser

The riser can be seen as the backbone of the bow. It is the point at which everything is held together and is positioned in the centre of the equipment. Everything comes back here, the limbs, the pulleys, the sight – everything.

For this reason, it is crucial that the riser is solid yet flexible and able to withstand the incredible amount of pressure that is put on the bow.

Other Essential Parts Of The Compound Bow

When you purchase a compound bow, you are getting exactly that; a bow. However, any experienced archer will tell you that there are some optional accessories on the recurve bow that when using this type of equipment, could be seen as mandatory.

• An arrow rest is a small accessory that attaches to the bow and keeps the arrow in place while you draw the bow. There are several types of arrow rest, and we have written a more in-depth guide on this. But in the main, if you are practising target archery, you will need a minimal contact arrow rest, whereas bowhunters will do well with a whisker biscuit.
• A D-loop is used to nock the arrow.
• A peep is attached to the bowstring and can be used as a rear sight which will allow you to align the bow correctly.
• A release is not a crucial piece of equipment for any type of archery, but it certainly does make the process far simpler. There are two main types of release; the hand release and the wrist release, but for the most part, archers using a compound bow will fare better with a wrist release. In short, this small accessory is attached to your wrist and can connect to the bow, releasing it as opposed to using your fingers to draw.

The Process Of Shooting A Compound Bow

Now that you are familiar with the various components that make up the compound bow, you are ready to start shooting. If you have ever used a traditional bow before, you will be familiar with the overall process of firing an arrow; that being said, shooting a compound bow is vastly different, and you will likely notice this.

• To begin with, you will arm the bow with the arrow. For the most part, you will have installed an arrow rest, and this makes it far easier to keep the arrow in place while you find your aim. However, there are some cases that archers prefer not to use an arrow rest, and in this case, you would arm the bow using a traditional method.
• The next step to firing a compound bow is to bring it to full draw. Unlike a recurve bow which will rely on your strength and power to draw it, your compound bow will likely feel much easier. This is because, as you pull the bowstring back, the cable which is connected to the cams, moves back as well, therefore dispersing the energy across the entirety of the bow. As this happens, the limbs are compressed, and these take a huge portion of the draw weight.
• You might imagine the limbs as being similar to a spring, the energy is stored within them, and this causes them to flex. In a similar way to a coiled spring releasing its energy and bouncing back, the limbs of your compound bow will spring back to their default position once the arrow is fired and the energy is released.
• This is the point at which you will notice the let off; this is the amount of weight that the compound bow can hold. If you have been used to using a traditional bow, this can feel strange at first but try to go with it. This is all basic physics and is thanks to the cams moving with the bowstring and taking that high poundage, making it easier for you to gain control over the shot.
• Once the arrow is released, you will notice that the limbs flex once again. This is down to the energy being transferred into the arrow and what is responsible for the extreme speed that can be achieved when using a compound bow. But potentially the most exciting thing about this process is that in the few minutes that it has taken you to read these steps, this process could have been repeated multiple times. That is down to the fact that this process happens over an extremely short amount of time; that’s quite incredible when you think about it.

Conclusion

The compound bow was invented in the 1960s, so has not been around all that long, especially when we compare it to the more traditional styles of bow that have been around for many thousands of years.

However, due to modern technology and the use of a simple yet effective pulley and cam system, the compound bow is much easier to work with and will take most of the draw weight, leaving the archer free to concentrate on his or her aim.

This system works because when the bowstring is drawn back, this causes a system of cables and cams to move with it, therefore dispersing much of the weight across the limbs of the bow. This allows for more incredible speed, accuracy and consistency, all of which are important elements of archery.

Setting a nocking point on your bow is one of the most important parts of the bow setup, this is because your nocking point will keep your arrow in place allowing you to fire the bow accurately and precisely.

However, if you are new to archery, you might have never even heard of nocking points, never mind a bow square. So you may be wondering where to begin.

In this article, we will be giving you detailed instructions on how to set your nocking point with a bow square as well as introducing you to everything you need to know about this aspect of archery.

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What Is A Nocking Point

When you buy a compound bow, your nocking point will typically already be in place. However, on a recurve bow, it is very likely that you will need to install this yourself. But, regardless of the type of bow that you are using, the nocking point is a small component on the bowstring that helps to keep the arrow in place.

An arrow has a nock on its base; this is a small cut out that allows the archer to place the arrow onto the bowstring. However, alone, this still leaves a lot of room for instability and therefore, an inaccurate shot.

A nocking point not only keeps your arrow in place while you line up your shot but it also ensures that your arrow is always fired from a consistent position.

One of the most critical parts of becoming a good archer is maintaining consistency in everything you do. From how you stand right through to where you nock your arrow.

In the most simple form, the nocking point is merely a knot in the bowstring which many archers use successfully. However, you can also purchase a metal or plastic nocking point which is attached to the bowstring.

Whichever method you use, you will likely notice a much greater degree of consistency and accuracy in your firing.

Types Of Nocking Point

As we have mentioned, nocking points can come in all shapes and sizes and much like anything else, there are pros and cons to each one. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of figuring out how to use a bow square to set your nocking point, we must understand the different types of nocking points.

Most often, you will see brass nocking points, they are clipped onto the bow and attached using a pair of specially designed pliers. One of the main advantages of this type of nocking point is that they fit very securely onto the bowstring and it is rare that they will ever loosen before you take them off.

Furthermore, many people who have not been practicing for very long find that a brass nocking point makes life much easier. This is because they do not require the arrow to be loaded quickly so you can take your time getting things right.

Conversely, since brass is a rather heavy metal, this can slow the arrow down significantly so if the type of archery you do relies on speed, it might be a wise idea to steer clear of a brass nocking point.

You should also be careful when using a brass nocking point as some archers find that they cause friction on the fingers.

Another common type of nocking point is the tie and these are often used by Olympic archers thanks to their simple design and easy to install nature. What’s more, they are much lighter and will not adversely affect the speed of the arrow.

A tied nocking point is great for those who need to load their arrows quickly and they are also great because they do not rub the fingers. Furthermore, a tied nocking point is even more secure because, short of untying it, they will almost always stay put.

What Is A Bow Square?

If you have never practiced archery in your life, you might be surprised at the sheer volume of equipment and gadgets that are needed to make the sport a success. Many laypeople are under the false impression that all an archer needs are a bow and a quiver of arrows. But this could not be further from the truth.

In reality, if you are going to take up archery as a hobby, or even a profession, you need to be prepared to invest in a wide range of equipment.

One of these pieces of equipment is a bow square. Of course, this isn’t a necessary bit of kit because it is entirely possible to install your nocking point without one. That being said, having one will make the process a lot easier and more straightforward.

A bow square, which is sometimes called a T square is a small accessory that is used for measuring the bowstring. It can be clipped onto the string and is sometimes used for tuning the bow.

Where Should The Nocking Point Be?

It’s all well and good us telling you that you need to install a nocking point on your bowstring but where on earth are you meant to put it? The string of your bow is relatively long and you could be forgiven for thinking that the nocking point can be placed anywhere.

But this is not a correct assumption. The good news is that there is a pretty simple way to locate the nocking point on your bowstring.

You should always use an arrow with a bare shaft; this essentially means that the arrow has not been fletched. You may think that this is counterproductive as many people believe that a fletched arrow will fly better and while this is true, to a degree, a bare arrow will fly just as well.

The reason that it is better not to use a fletched arrow is that there is far more room for error. Unfletched arrows allow for a more precise locating of the nocking point. But even more importantly, if you use a fletched arrow to find your nocking point, you will likely find that any mistakes you make are amplified significantly.

Furthermore, using an unfletched arrow means that the arrow will have no help in flying during the release and this means you will get a much more precise location. Here are some handy tips for finding the nocking point.

• If you draw with your thumb, you should set the nocking point above the arrow, whereas archers who draw with the fingers will need to place the nocking point below the arrow.
• If you use an arrow rest, it will be much easier to find a starting point. However, for archers who do not use a rest, you will need to use your eyes to locate the point on the bowstring where the shaft lies horizontally and rests on your hand.
• It is always a wise idea to start off with the nocking point too high. This is because as you fire the arrow if it is too low, it will bounce off the arrow rest or your hand and fool you into thinking that it is too high, when in reality, it is not.

How To Set A Nocking Point With A Bow Square

We are now familiar with the importance of a nocking point and have gained an understanding of what a bow square is used for. Now we are ready to start looking at how you can use this handy piece of equipment to set a nocking point.

For the purpose of this article, we are going to be using the tie nocking point method.

Step One

Choose the thread that you want to use for your nocking point; some people use dental floss or you can buy purpose-made string for nocking points. Much like other aspects of archery, this is down to personal preference.

Take your chosen thread and run it through a hot glue gun. It is important to note that this is not necessary but it will make things easier later in the process. This is because it will be more straightforward to bind the thread to your bowstring.

Step Two

Now take your bow square; (in some cases, as we mentioned, this might be referred to as a T square or even a bracing height gauge) and place this onto the bowstring at a point just next to your arrow rest. It should rest lightly on the arrow rest without putting pressure on it.

Step Three

You will now need to choose a location that is above the bottom line of the bow square. It might be a wise idea to start at a location that is around 5mm up from the bottom line.

This location is where your arrow will connect to the bowstring but you may not instantly find the right place. You will need to be patient and experiment to find the perfect position.

Once you have chosen where your arrow will sit, you will need to loop your thread around the bowstring and secure it with a knot.

Step Four

Next, you will need to tie another knot underneath the original one, keeping most of the knot on the opposite side of the bowstring. Once you have done this, start tying the third knot over the first knot and keep this facing the same way.

Step Five

You should now continue tying knots, one above, one below and so on until your nocking point is the size and shape that you would like it to be.

Of course, you are going to have some loose thread so you will need to cut this with a sharp knife or pair of scissors. You will want to leave around 5mm.

Step Six

Now take a lighter and burn the 5mm you left over, this will take flame and melt, allowing you to mold it down. For this step, you must be very careful not to damage the bowstring with the flame.

Step Seven

Now you will need to nock an arrow into the bowstring and tie another nocking point on the other side of the arrow.

It is crucial that you leave a small gap so that the arrow does not catch on the two nocking points during a shot.

Conclusion

A nocking point is a small component that is added to a bowstring. This helps to keep an arrow in place giving you a much more consistent and precise shot.

There are various types of nocking points but most commonly, a tied nocking point is used. This is easy to install using a bow square to help you measure and several other pieces of equipment that you will likely already have at home.

Let’s face it, a bow is not the smallest piece of equipment but when you are out in the field, you must be able to comfortably carry it.

One of the best ways to do this is to carry the bow on your back, but a lot of people want to know how to do this without it being difficult or causing strain.

In this article, we are going to be looking at the best way to carry a bow on your back, freeing up your hands and giving you a more comfortable archery experience.

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Why Carry A Bow On Your Back?

One of the main reasons that carrying your bow on your back works so well is that it is easily accessible. If you are hunting game, you never know when a target might appear. You will need to be able to access your bow quickly and more important, quietly. When it is on your back, this is easily done.

On top of this, when you are out and about, you will not want any extra weight dragging you down. If you have to carry your bow in your hands, you will quickly become tired and this can have an adverse effect on your shot.

Furthermore, your hands will be free to do other things. This is so important for bowhunters because out in the wilderness, you may need to climb or use your hands to support yourself over uneven ground and this is almost impossible when you are carrying a bow in them.

However, a bow is not designed to fit onto the back without using the correct equipment and if there is an issue with height, the task can be almost impossible.

Before you get started, you must ensure that you have been properly fitted for your bow. You wouldn’t believe how many new archers pick up any old bow and assume that they will get on well with it.

There are many things to think about when it comes to choosing the right bow height, and we have written more detailed guides on this. But for the purposes of this article, all you need to know is that a professional archery shop will be able to help you find the right size.

Not only will this make it easier for you to carry the bow on your back but it will also make it easier to use.

The Best Way To Carry A Bow On Your Back

Whether you are using a recurve bow or a compound bow, you should be able to comfortably carry it on your back. Using a bow sling is the best way to do this without damaging the bow, or yourself.

But before you choose your sling, it is vital that you measure your bow to ensure that you will find a sling that fits. If the sling is too big, you will find that the bow moves around and this defeats the point of carrying your bow on your back for convenience.

To measure for the sling, you will need to know the length of the bow, preferably in inches. To do this, you will measure the distance between your chest and fingertips of an extended arm, before adding one inch to this measurement; this will be the size of the bow sling.

Homemade Bow Slings

You can, by all means, purchase a bow sling but the truth is that it is incredibly easy to make your own. All you need is a piece of material that is soft and durable, such as a cotton towel, and the knowledge of how to properly fit it to your body.

• Take the towel and gather it together before wrapping it around the bowstring.
• The sling should be fitted across your back and under your shoulder. You will see how the bow sits at an angle, making it much easier to carry.
• You should test the bow to make sure that the string does not move around. If it does, you may notice that it irritates your throat or neck. If everything is correctly positioned, the bow should rest on your back without moving around, even as you move about.
• When it comes time to use the bow, you will need to take the bow by its bottom end and bring it over your head and arm.

Testing The Sling

Once you have gotten your bow sling and fitted it onto your body, you must test how it feels before going out on a hunt. The last thing you want is for the bow to slide around or for you to be uncomfortable.

You can easily test the bow sling by walking around and moving as naturally as possible. Some people like to exert themselves a little but running or jumping, as you never know when you might need to pull out these moves when out in the field.

Once you are confident that the bow feels secure and that you are comfortable, you are ready to try it out for real.

Pros And Cons Of Carrying Your Bow On Your Back

Carrying your bow on your back is one of the most convenient methods, however, as with anything, there are pros and cons to this way of transporting your bow.

In favor of carrying your bow this way, the most obvious plus point is that you will have your hands free for other tasks.

Furthermore, if you are hiking over long distances, having your bow on your back will be much more comfortable. It might be easy to carry a bow in your hands for a few minutes but try doing it for a few hours and we guarantee you will feel the burn.

However, in contrast, when you carry the bow this way, there is room for the limbs to be damaged since they are completely exposed. You will need to be mindful of hitting the bow against things.

In line with the above point, carrying a bow on your back can take a little getting used to. You will need to learn how to move around with this extra piece of equipment in the way. For example, if you duck under a tree branch, you will need to do this so that the bow does not make contact with the branch.

Finally, if you do not take the time to adjust the sling properly, it could chafe on the skin.

Tips For Carrying A Bow On Your Back

While there are some downsides to carrying your bow on your back, in the main, this is an excellent idea. That being said, we have some great tips to help you to make the most out of the experience as well as making it much safer for you.

• Make sure that you take the time to size up your bow and sling so that there is no chance of your becoming injured or experiencing pain.
• When wearing the bow on your back, be sure that the sling fits snugly against your body. This will stop the bow from moving around but will also help to prevent chafing which can be terribly uncomfortable.
• If you feel that a back sling won’t work well for you or will be uncomfortable, there is the option of using an over-the-shoulder method which some people prefer.
• Never attempt to use the bow when carrying it on your back. When it is time to shoot, you must remove the bow and use it in the normal manner.

Conclusion

When you are out on a bow hunting expedition, you could be out for hours, or even days at a time. This is a long time to have to carry a bow in your hands but there is a solution. Carrying your bow on your back.

Doing this will mean that your hands are left free to do other things and transporting the bow will be much easier. You will certainly not feel the fatigue that you would as quickly as when carrying the bow in your hands. Furthermore, your equipment will be much easier to access when a game target appears.

The best way to do this is by using a bow sling. You can purchase these but you can just as easily use a towel or other material and create a makeshift bow sling.

However, since the bow will be exposed, you must be mindful of your environment. If you are not, this could result in your bow becoming damaged.

If you use a recurve bow, you have probably wondered whether you need to use an arrow rest. You will likely have seen other archers utilising this piece of equipment, whilst some might be entirely against the idea. But what is the truth? Do you need an arrow rest on a recurve bow?

In this guide, we will be looking at the answer to this question as well as looking at some of the benefits are drawbacks of using an arrow rest on a recurve bow, giving you the option to make a more informed choice.

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What Is An Arrow Rest?

An arrow rest is a small attachment that can fit onto your bow and is used to offer support to the arrow while you get the bow to full draw. Many people use an arrow rest for the extra stability but also because you are almost guaranteed to get a straight and accurate shot every time.

Arrow rests, whilst all very similar may come in different materials, and the way that they attach to the bow may vary; other than this, there are no complex variations between products which is great news if you are looking to purchase one.

Types Of Arrow Rest

The only variation you will see between arrow rests is how they attach to the bow and the material that they are made from. However, it is essential to familiarise yourself with these as there are some advantages and drawbacks to each arrow rest.

• Thick plastic arrow rests are great for beginners, and you will often see them being used at newbie archery events. Not only are they sturdy and offer an adequate level of stability for the arrow, but they are far less likely to break thanks to their durable nature. However, you should keep in mind that since they are much thicker, there is more chance that they will interfere with the arrow.
• Alternatively, there is the thin plastic arrow rest which is ideal for more experienced archers. They are similar to the thick plastic arrow rests that we have discussed but are more delicate. You must ensure that when you attach the arrow rest to the bow, you do so precisely as these rests cannot be adjusted once they are in place. Furthermore, they are less durable and may break if you are not gentle with them.
• Metal arrow rests are very common and come in two forms; stick on and screw-in. Naturally, they are much more durable and will last a long time and are fully adjustable. Screw-in metal arrow rests will fit into the second screw hole of your bow and are prefered since there is not the risk of them falling off like the stick on models.
• Whisker biscuit arrow rests are incredible for short-range hunting since they can retain the arrow far better than other types. However, they do cause a lot of interference, so they are not a good choice if you enter archery competitions.

Do I Need An Arrow Rest For A Recurve?

Recurve bows are designed so that the shooter can fire the arrow off the shelf, so in short, you do not need to install an arrow rest. However, this is mostly down to your personal preference and using an arrow rest on your recurve bow is an entirely acceptable thing to do.

When we talk about shooting off the shelf, we are referring to releasing the arrow from the bow shelf; you will find this in the middle of the riser. This is how these bows were meant to be fired, but that does not mean that this method is without its problems.

In fact, shooting off the shelf might cause more problems than it is worth. For example, firing in this way will eventually cause wear and tear of the bow where the arrow brushes against it. This will take quite some time and quite a few shots, but it will become an issue at some point or another.

Furthermore, when you shoot without an arrow rest, there is no denying that your shots may not be accurate; this is particularly true if you are new to archery or do not have a steady aim.

Without an arrow rest, you may notice that there is a higher level of interference when shooting. This is because there is a tendency for the arrow to hit the bow and this can cause both damage to the vanes of the arrow but may also throw it off course, further reducing the accuracy of each shot.

Pros And Cons Of Using An Arrow Rest

It is clear to see that using an arrow rest is not a necessary part of using a recurve bow; however, many people would argue that it is undoubtedly advantageous.

But to further aid you in your decision as to whether to install an arrow rest on your recurve bow, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this small, yet effective piece of equipment.

Pros

• Your accuracy is much improved. Using an arrow rest allows the arrow to be held firmly in place as you draw the bow. Once it is released, you will notice that your aim is almost always on target. If you are new to the sport of archery, using an arrow rest might be a great way to practice before moving onto a more freestyle type of shooting.
• The cost of your recurve bow will depend significantly on the brand, craftsmanship and other factors and while you can pick up a bow for as little as $150, some prices can vastly exceed this, and go into the thousands. Either way, you will have invested some money into your bow, and you will want it to last as long as possible. When you use an arrow rest, this prevents the arrow from having contact with the bow and stops it from wearing it away and leaving unsightly marks.
• You will also notice that the condition of your arrows is improved when using an arrow rest since the lack of contact with the bow will keep them intact more easily.

Cons

• An arrow rest means adding another piece of equipment to the bow.
• Some people prefer a more traditional method of shooting, and an arrow rest is not conducive with this.

Conclusion

It is not necessary to use an arrow rest with a recurve bow, and some people never use them since they like to shoot in a more traditional manner.

However, it is not difficult to see that an arrow rest provides a lot of benefits such as retaining the quality of both the bow and arrow as well as giving you a more consistent and accurate shot.

If you are fortunate enough to live in a location where there are a lot of wild deer, you will surely have a great experience hunting them. Unlike smaller targets, deer require an experienced hunter, a good aim and an incredible amount of skill to kill.

However, one of the most common mistakes that new hunters make is that they do not hit the deer in a place that will quickly and effectively take them down. Just because we are hunting animals, it does not mean to say that we want them to suffer and by killing them quickly, we can make the shot as humane as possible.

In this guide, we will be showing you where to shoot deer with a crossbow and giving you some great tips for getting the most out of hunting these amazing creatures.

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Are Crossbows Good For Hunting Deer?

A lot of modern archers like to use a crossbow over any other type and there is good reason for this. These are incredibly powerful and robust pieces of equipment that can deliver a very effective kill shot.

However, there remains the question of whether these bows are any good for shooting large game like deers. In truth, any bow will serve well as a hunting tool provided that you have the right kind of arrows, typically broadheads but a crossbow would serve you particularly well.

If you are looking for a crossbow that would be effective for deer hunting then one of the things that you need to think about is the weight of the bow. Generally speaking, a crossbow with a draw weight of between 150-175lbs will be best for this type of archery. However, some hunters prefer to go up to 200lbs, and this is better for when you are shooting larger animals.

On top of the bow that you are using, you will also need to think about the distance from which you shoot. Now, it is important to keep in mind that some of the most powerful and impressive modern crossbows are able to fire arrows up to 500 yards; but of course, this isn’t going to be great when you are looking to hit a target.

For very experienced archers with a great level of skill, you might be able to hit a deer from 80 yards, although in the main, we would recommend standing at a maximum of 60 yards. For beginners, this distance should be halved with archers taking aim from between 30 and 35 yards.

You might feel that you want to go for longer distances from the off but there are two problems with this. Firstly, if you do not have the shooting experience, you are likely to make the hunt much more challenging than it needs to be.

Moreover, you will be extremely unlikely to hit your target from too great a distance and that defeats the entire point of the exercise.

Where To Shoot A Deer

Many rifle hunters make the common mistake of hitting the deer on the shoulder, thinking that this will be sufficient enough to take them down instantly. But this is not the case, the vitals are located beyond this and if you are looking for a quick kill, you need to ensure that you inflict one of two injuries on the animal.

The first is causing massive blood loss, this will quickly kill the deer after it falls. The second way is by suffocating the animal which again, will be a very quick way for it to die.

But there are many things to consider before you take your shot, so let’s take a look at these to ensure that you always get the best kill.

Always Try To Get A Broadside Shot

If you want to ensure that you are going to get a successful hit that almost never fails, you should try to shoot on the broadside. Doing this gives you a much clearer aim at the vitals and just makes the entire experience a whole lot easier.

The reason that it is crucial to get the vitals is because this will cause the most blood loss and cause the deer to die quickly. But we will look at this in more detail later.

Don’t Go For The Shoulder Blades

As we mentioned earlier, there is a common misconception among some hunters that hitting the shoulder blade will produce an effective kill but this could not be further from the truth.

Most hunters use broadhead arrows and while these are incredibly sharp and strong, they are not strong enough to fully penetrate through bone.

They may go part way through and maim the deer but it is extremely unlikely that the arrow will pass through and kill the deer. If it is left injured, you then have the responsibility of finishing it off in a way that you may not have wished for when you set out on your hunting trip.

Don’t Shoot Head On

One of the key aspects to shooting deer is to have patience. Many hunters make the mistake of getting trigger happy, so to speak, and this can cause them to make a premature shot, spooking the deer and going home empty-handed.

While it can be extremely tempting to go in for the kill when you spot a random deer in prime position, you must ensure that you get into the correct position, even if this means stalking the deer and taking your time.

Even if you manage to hit the deer, it is extremely unlikely, unless by some miracle, that your arrow will make enough of a blood trail to effectively kill the animal. What is more likely to happen is that the deer will bolt with a significant injury that will cause it days of suffering before it finally succumbs to death.

Going For The Vitals

You may have heard the saying about going for the vitals and it is likely that this idiom can be traced back to hunting techniques. Hitting the vital organs of any animal is the quickest, most humane and most effective way to take it down without a fuss.

Arrows can cause a significant amount of damage and they do this by creating what is known as a blood trail. This essentially means that they will puncture anything in their path resulting in massive bleeding that cannot be controlled, eventually causing death. Hitting vital organs that cannot function without a good blood supply is the best way to kill.

The best vital organs to go for in a deer are the lungs, this is simply because they are the largest and give hunters a lot of room for error. Furthermore, they do not have a huge amount of protection. Yes, they are covered by the rib cage, but this is certainly not significant enough to resist an incoming arrow, particularly a high-quality broadhead.

In deer, the lungs can be found behind the shoulder and they run from here all the way down to the other end of the deer’s body. Even if you’re a terrible shot, you’re unlikely to miss these huge organs.

Alternatively, you can go for the heart, which is a little trickier but will produce excellent results. The heart is below the lungs and if you want to hit multiple organs, you can also penetrate the liver which lies beyond the heart.

A bigger deer will naturally have bigger lungs so if you are taking aim at a smaller deer then you must keep in mind that your target area instantly becomes smaller too. In particular, the lungs can each be as small as a human head, which doesn’t give you a lot of room for error at all. Conversely, the lungs of a fully grown stag might be twice the size.

Aiming In The Right Spot

Now that we know that it is essential to aim for the vital organs, we need to know where on the exterior of the animal is the correct place to shoot. It can be tempting to give yourself a large target area, but this could be problematic.

If you give yourself a smaller target area, any misses that you make will also be small. The same can be said in reverse when we are talking about a larger target area.

While it might seem intimidating, the best way to aim is to find a very small spot on the deer, around the area of the vitals and line your arrow up with this. Some hunters focus on something as small as a hair or a small shadow that is falling on the deer; in short, the smaller, the better.

The best way to compare this is to imagine shooting at a huge wall, you would almost certainly hit your target but it would be almost impossible to hit a small ½ inch area precisely. If you aim for that ½ inch area, you might not fall exactly inside it, but it would be very close.

The reason that we must be so specific about aiming correctly when shooting deer is because if you are just a tiny amount out, this can completely mess up your kill; resulting in no kill at all.

For example, if you were to miss your target by as little as half an inch towards the deer’s leg, this would injure it, but not even touch the vitals. For this reason, a lot of expert hunters will tell you that aiming for a spot that is four inches clear of the front leg, just behind the shoulder will yield the best results.

As you take your shot, you must take your time and trying to picture exactly where the heart and lungs are will give you the best chance. When choosing where to aim on the lungs, you should go for somewhere in the middle as this will allow your arrow to puncture the lung and then pass through to the other one, rapidly killing the animal.

Shooting From A Tree Stand

There are some hunters who like to get an aerial view of their target and for the most part, you can expect to be up to twenty feet above the deer as you take your aim. Of course, this will mean taking a different approach to hunting although your aim will still be to hit the vital organs.

One of the great things about aiming from a tree stand is that you have the power of gravity on your side. An arrow that is travelling with a downward momentum will create a much more significant blood trail than an arrow that is flying horizontally. This is something that hunters can use to their advantage, but you must remember to aim behind the leg.

We talked about avoiding hitting the shoulder blade and in deer, this runs the length of the top of the body so you will need to take extra care to avoid this. If you hit it, all you will succeed in doing is breaking the bone, spooking the deer and not having a successful hunt.

Tips For Shooting A Deer

You can have all the knowledge in the world when it comes to knowing where to aim but there is a lot more to taking down one of these majestic creatures than just hitting them in the right spot.

If you want to make each shot count, it is important that you take your time and plan your kill meticulously. Otherwise you may find yourself with a wounded deer and nothing to show for your outing.

Try To Use Both Hands

There are not many genuinely ambidextrous people in the world and when it comes to archery, attempting to work with your less dominant hand can often end in disaster. Fortunately, most modern crossbows are designed for both left and right-handed people but this isn’t always a good thing.

If you limit yourself to shooting only with your dominant hand, this will also limit you to how far you can turn your body when hunting. If you want to be able to follow your target in all directions, one of the best ways of doing that is by learning to shoot with both hands.

Of course, this can take a lot of practice but in the long run, it could benefit you when using a tree stand.

The First Shot

Cocking a crossbow can make quite a lot of noise and this can easily spook the deer. A lot of hunters will cock their crossbow before getting to the setting but this means that you only have one shot; and you will need to make it count.

This is another aspect of deer hunting that takes a significant amount of patience. You cannot merely expect to head out into the field, stumble upon a deer, line up your shot and be home in time for lunch. Nature simply doesn’t work that way.

If you are planning a hunt, it is a good idea to dedicate the entire day, because, while you may be lucky to get a kill pretty quickly, it could go the other way.

Furthermore, you should think about the distance from which you are shooting. If you want to make the kill with the first shot then you will typically need to be much closer to your target. Some archers don’t like the idea of this and it can be pride damaging to take a shot from 35 yards when you know you have the ability to aim from 60.

However, if you want to get it right the first time, this is a crucial consideration and will almost always yield a good result.

Practice Makes Perfect

It can be all too easy to get into the mindset of ‘I’ve been hunting for years, I don’t need to practice.’ But even the most skilled and highly experienced archers need to maintain their practice in order to remain skilled.

Bow shooting is not something that you can pick up and drop as you feel like it, it is a way of life and requires archers to pick up their bows on a regular basis.

What’s more, target shooting and bowhunting are two extremely different things. With hunting, you are out to make a kill and that requires a lot more preparation and knowledge of the animals you are hunting. For example, hunting a deer will be hugely different from stalking wild fowl.

Hunting season for deer in the USA runs between August and January but this may vary slightly depending on what state you live in. However, while you can get out and enjoy hunting during this time, for the rest of the year, you will need to keep up the hard work and practice.

One of the best ways to practice is to invest in a 3D target, several if you can. There are those that are shaped just like a deer and this gives you the best opportunity to practice before going out into the field.

You should treat your target as if it is a real animal and plan out the exact same strategies and aims as you would when shooting in the field.

The great thing about these targets is that they can be moved around your outdoor space (be sure to check your local laws on backyard archery) and you can take aim from various positions. You might set up hunting platforms around the yard which is great if you intend on using a tree stand while you are out.

Conclusion

Hunting deer is an extremely rewarding experience and the icing on the cake for many bowhunters is shooting a magnificent buck. However, in order to make an effective kill, hunters using a crossbow must be sure to hit the deer in the right place.

Typically, this means aiming for the vital organs which are located just behind the shoulder. You are best to aim for the lungs as these can be quickly punctured and your arrow will create a blood trail that will rapidly kill the deer.

However, you should also keep in mind that this aim is not the only important factor when hunting deer and you must also make sure to be patient and prepared.