Archery Safety

Archery and bowhunting safety rules cover all aspects of using a bow and arrow, including storing, handling, and shooting.

In some states, bows and arrows are considered firearms and ammunition and the same rules and regulations that apply to firearms and ammunition also apply to bows and arrows. Always check local laws, and follow these archery safety rules.

• Only point the bow and arrow in a safe direction.
• Only nock an arrow when it’s safe to shoot.
• Be sure of your target and what is in front of it, immediately behind it, and beyond it.
• Never shoot at a skylined animal.
• Only shoot when you have a safe range or shooting area, and a safe backstop or background.
• Avoid dry-firing a bow (releasing the bowstring without a nocked arrow). It may cause serious damage to the bow and can injure the archer.
• Do not shoot an arrow straight up in the air.
• Wear an armguard and use finger protection or use a release aid while shooting bows and arrows.
• Handle arrows carefully. Protect yourself and the arrow points with a covered arrow quiver.
• Use a bow-stringer for stringing longbows and recurve bows.
• Immediately repair defects in equipment.
  • Prior to each use, check your bow for cracks, dents, breaks, separating laminates, peeling glass, and defects in mechanical parts.
  • Check the bowstring regularly, and replace it if it becomes worn or frayed. Frequent use of bowstring wax greatly extends the life of a bowstring.
  • Check arrows for cracks, dents, or bends; discard any that have permanent flaws.
• Store your bows in bow cases—preferably hard cases—and store recurves and longbows unstrung.
• Store arrows in quivers and accessories in a sturdy box or padded bag.
• Keep your emotions under control, and think about safety first.
• Do not drink alcohol or take mood-altering drugs before, during, or after shooting a bow.