Archery Basics -- Bow 101

by Kevin Lee McIver

Quick introduction to bowhunting

Bowhunting is an exciting sport which conjures up images of proud native Americans stalking buffalo on the Western plains, or fighting for their way of life against Yankee aggressors before the American Revolution.

Going one-on-one with the largest of game animals is challenging in itself -- but do it armed only with a bow and it's the ultimate challenge.

What does it take to get started in this unique adventure? Not much really, in fact it may be one of the least expensive hunting fields -- one which you can purchase the essential for under $150. Here's what you will need:

First, you must buy a bow, of which there are two types -- traditional or compound. Traditional bows are like those used by our native forefathers over 100 years ago -- wood and sinew. Compounds are more widely used, dominating the sport, and are composed of metal and/or fiberglass with one or two pulleys upon which the sting travels.

There are many manufacturers of compound bows on the market, but most states require a bow for big-game to have a minimum pull of 40 pounds. That's a little on the light side these days, and you'll want one in the 60 pound range to effectively take a whitetail.

Depending on the brand, a good bow will cost anywhere from $120 to $300. I use a Bear Archery model, which ran me $100 a few years back, and it is all I will ever need, even though their are fancier and more improved models currently on the market. If in doubt, consult a well-known archery shop for hints on selecting your weapon.

As for arrows, you can go aluminum or graphite (carbon). I like graphite because of the performance and durability, but many hunters stick with aluminum because they are less expensive. It really doesn't matter, as long as the arrows are the right length for your draw.

Broadheads come in as many styles and makes as do bows and arrows. You can opt for two, three or four blade types, along with different weights. Again, ask a pro if in doubt.

The last item you will need is a release or a shooting glove. Most archers now use a release rather than a glove, as it lends to increase control and accuracy for most shooters. A good release can be purchased for $20 to $60, and is well-worth the expense.

That's about it for the "required" items. Of course there are many good to have stuff which make it easier to shoot, but a lot of times these just get in the way.

Bow season in most states begins well ahead of gun season and many areas open to the public are "bow only." If you're interested in getting giving a whitetail a fair shake, try bowhunting. It's not easy, but it gives you a great deal of satisfaction when you take your first bow deer.