Information on Deer Hunting Bows
Deer hunting is a difficult task, and it is made more challenging by using a bow instead of a rifle. However by having the right bow tailored specifically to the user's preferences it can be an exciting new experience. Bow hunting, and hunting in general, can be dangerous and shouldn't be attempted without proper instruction.
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Types of Bows
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There are three types of bows that can be used for hunting: the long bow, recurve bow and compound bow. The long bow is very slender, and has a simple basic curve to it. It is the type of bow typically featured in the Robin Hood movies.
The recurve is similar to the long bow, except that at then ends the bow curves around toward the front of the archer. The shape is similar to that of a W laying on it's side. The recurve is superior to the long bow because it stores more energy which allows you to shoot an arrow further and faster.
The compound bow is the typical bow of choice for a hunter. It is characterized by a more complicated string system and much more sophisticated targeting tools. This bow stores the most energy for shooting arrows further and faster, and also includes brakes that allow the archer to hold the bow drawn for much longer.
Poundage
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When purchasing a bow it is important to select a bow that you can draw, but has high enough poundage to hit a target 80 to 120 yards away. For hunting the minimum poundage that should be used is 50 pounds. Any lighter and there is the risk of the arrow not reaching the deer while hunting. For new archers the draw poundage can be adjusted down, and as the archer gets stronger it can be increased.
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Fingers or Trigger Release
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There are two methods for firing the bow: with fingers or with a trigger release. When using fingers the archer wears a special glove that covers the first three fingers with leather. The bow is drawn using these three fingers, with the index finger above the arrow, and the middle and ring finger underneath.
The trigger release is much more common among compound bow users because it allows for a cleaner release of the arrow, and therefore a more accurate shot. The trigger is strapped to your wrist, and then the release is closed around the string directly under the arrow. The bow is then drawn and when ready the trigger is pulled releasing the arrow.
Accessories
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The compound bow has a number of accessories that make it a much more efficient weapon for hunting. Most common is the pin-sites. The pin-sites are colored pins used for aiming the bow. The second most common accessories are silencers that are designed for keeping the noise on your bow down. The benefit is that if you miss it increases your chances of getting a second shot off without scaring away the deer. These are little pieces of rubber that are placed in the string and in the bow itself to absorb the vibrations from the shot. In addition to that there are also stabilizers you can get that help to balance the bow and make shots more accurate.
Arrow Types
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There are three types of arrows. Wood arrows are common for beginners and are fairly cheap, but are also prone to breaking. Aluminum arrows are quite sturdy and accurate but they are prone to bending which makes them useless for hunting from that point forward. Carbon fiber arrows are the best for hunting, but they are also the most expensive. They are the lightest arrows, which means more energy is transferred into speed allowing them to fly the furthest and fastest. They are also the most durable because they do not bend at all. However if they strike something hard head-on they will break, but this is rare.
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