Bowhunting Tips: Traditional, Cross And Compound Bows

Hunting is one of the oldest and most traditional pastimes in the United States, but for a growing number of Americans, the weapon of choice is different than most may think. The rifle just makes things a little too easy for some, and similar to having bumper lanes while bowling, the challenge is just about removed from the sport.

So for a few avid fans of hunting, a great way to test their wits and skill against the wild is to give bowhunting a try. But for beginners, bowhunting could easily turn into a frustrating endeavor as differences between more common forms of hunting reveal themselves.

For those looking for a truly intense challenge, the traditional bow is still used for bowhunting today. Particular discipline is needed to aim and release an arrow accurately from the traditional bow, and a good amount of strength is required to draw the bow and hold it while aiming. This is because the tension caused by drawing the string on a traditional bow is very high.

For those who can't manage the traditional bow well, there are several popular alternatives. The compound bow uses a system of pulleys to reduce the string tension significantly, up to 99 percent. Favored by most bowhunters, the compound bow allows more time to aim and puts much less stress on the arm drawing the arrow.

A third option is the crossbow, which locks a bolt into place and has a firing mechanism much like a rifle. The crossbow has one advantage over other bows in that it requires virtually no movement to fire. Since a bolt can be locked and loaded in the chamber before a target comes by, a crossbow can be fired far more stealthily than traditional bows and compound bows. Other than this, a crossbow really offers no major advantage over any other type of bow. However, for those who are handicapped or have difficulty managing other bows, a crossbow could be the most viable option.

In general the equipment for bowhunting is considered more difficult to handle, and while using a rifle is by no means an easy or surefire kill (just ask Elmer Fudd), the bow presents many problems that a rifle does not. One of the biggest differences between bowhunting and hunting with a rifle is the range. The range for a bow is significantly less than a rifle, meaning the hunter must get much closer to his or her target. By using sound gear and practice, a shot of up to 90 yards is attainable with a traditional bow (around 80 yards with a crossbow), though still very difficult. For those new to bowhunting, a distance of about twenty to thirty feet is a better bet for both a crossbow or traditional bow.

Proximity may give a bowhunter a good look at his or her mark, but it adds a whole new set of problems to take into account. An archer that is near to the target has increased chances of being heard, spotted, or smelled by the animal. To make up for this, a useful tactic is to find a good stand of trees before attempting to call an animal. This helps mask the bowhunter's movements before taking a shot. Another good approach is to set up a partner some 50-75 yards behind to call or lure the prey in. This distracts the animal, opens it up to a well positioned archer, and allows the freedom of movement necessary to make a good shot.

One of the most difficult shots to take while bowhunting is when the target is facing the archer. Even with extremely close proximity to an animal, a frontal shot can be almost too difficult a shot to take, even for the most experienced hunters. More than anything, this is a great example of where knowing the anatomy of the animal can come into play. By recognizing where the windpipe and other weak points of a target are located, and by avoiding areas that are mainly bone and cartilage, the success of bringing down the animal is increased dramatically.

By understanding the animal and practicing the effective maneuvers that are essential to bowhunting, anyone can become proficient and successful. Though the first few times out may not yield the big trophy buck, with patience and dedication, participants will find that bowhunting can be just as rewarding. It may be different from other forms of hunting, but the tradition and challenge at the core of the sport still remains.


Sources:
Haugen, Scott. "The Frontal Shot." Bowhunting.net. 25 March 2006. 7 June 2007. http://www.bowhunting.net/artman/publish/bowtechFr ontalSHot.shtml
Haugen, Scott. "Rattle and Move." Bowhunting.net. 28 Oct. 2006..7 June 2006. http://www.bowhunting.net/artman/publish/BowTechHa ugenRattle.shtml
Haugen, Scott. "Long Distance Shooting." BowHunting.net. 26 Aug. 2006. 7 June 2006. http://www.bowhunting.net/artman/publish/BowTechHa ugenLDS.shtml
"Bowhunting." Wikipedia. 10 May 2007. 7 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowhunting
"Compound Bow." Wikipedia. 22 May 2007.7 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compound_bows
"Crossbow." Wikipedia. 7 June 2007. 7 June 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossbow