7.2 Bow Types

Man has hunted with a bow and arrow for thousands of years. Approximately 20,000 hunters in Washington use a bow and arrow to hunt bear, deer, elk, and other game.

Historically, only the three types of bows below have been legal for bowhunting in our state.

Long bow

Recurve bow

Combound bow

The most popular bow today for hunting is the compound bow. The compound bow is so popular because it is easier to draw and hold than the long bow and the recurve bow. The long bow and the recurve bow require greater strength to draw and hold. All three bows require much practice before a person can develop the shooting skills necessary for hunting.

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