Bowhunting Safety and Skills

Many states require a bowhunter education course to hunt legally with archery equipment. Even if not required, taking a course will give you an excellent start to becoming a safe and skillful bowhunter. Archery Equipment Safety Before practicing or hunting, an archer must examine each arrow to make certain there are no cracks or breaks in the shaft and that the nock is in good condition. A cracked or broken nock can be replaced, but a shaft that has cracks or breaks should be discarded. Never use a cracked arrow. The shaft may shatter on release and be driven into the shooter’s wrist or arm. Some common types of damage to look for are: Cracks and splinters in wood arrows Creases, dents, or cracks in aluminum arrows Crushed sidewalls on fiberglass or graphite arrows Always keep broadheads in a covered quiver.

Bowshooting Safety

An arrow is as deadly as a bullet, so the basic safety rules that govern firearm shooting also apply to archery. Although shooting accidents are rare among bowhunters, they do happen. Archers must obey a few common safety rules, whether on the range or in the field.

• Release an arrow only when the path to the target and beyond is clear.
• Make sure there’s something to stop the arrow if you miss—never shoot over the horizon.
• Avoid shooting an arrow in the general direction of another person. Arrows are easily deflected. A small twig, unseen by you, can cause an arrow to veer dangerously off course.
• Don’t shoot straight up. A falling arrow carries enough force to penetrate the human skull.
• Carry arrows in the nocked position only when slowly approaching game—never nock an arrow or draw a bow if someone is in front of you.
• Use a haul line to raise a bow and quiver into a tree stand to avoid serious injury (see Hauling Hunting Equipment into a Stand for more on elevated stand safety).

Broadhead Safety

Many archers’ injuries come from broadheads. Broadheads must be kept razor-sharp for hunting, which creates a safety problem if they are handled carelessly. To prevent injury:

• Use a special wrench to screw on broadheads. This device covers the blades while a broadhead is being tightened on an arrow. If a wrench isn’t used, the slightest slip can cause a serious cut. When sharpening broadheads, always stroke the blade away from your hands and body.
• Keep broadheads covered with a quiver while traveling to and from the field. Many arrow injuries occur while loading or unloading equipment in vehicles.
• While dressing bow-killed game, remember that the broadhead may remain in the animal. Use great caution until all parts of the broadhead have been found.

Broadheads kill by cutting blood vessels, unlike the high energy shock of bullets. Hemorrhage is typically the result. A responsible bowhunter will use razor-sharp broadheads and only take shots that allow a clear, close shot to the vital area of the game animal.