How to Hunt With a Reflex Bow

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Select the right reflex bow. Modern reflex bows are technological marvels composed of an aluminum riser, pivoting arms, cams and a stabilizer to keep your aim steady during a shot. Test a number of models to find one with the bow length and weight, brace height, cams, draw weight and draw length to suit you.
Step 2

Choose small diameter carbon arrow shafts for speed, durability and light weight. Add quality fletching to keep the arrows flying true to your target.
Step 3

Arm your arrows with broadhead cutting tips to match the size game you hunt and to keep the arrows properly balanced. A balanced arrow will balance on your finger tip 7 to 10 percent forward of the center (FOC) of the arrow's length.
Step 4

Equip your bow with an arrow rest. The Drop Zone drop away rest and the Whisker Biscuit rest are good choices for most hunting situations. A good rest keeps your arrow stationary and on target as you aim.
Step 5

Attach a quiver to your bow to keep your arrows within easy reach. A quiet quiver that keeps your extra arrows from rattling around and scaring off the game is vital to a successful hunt.
Step 6

Add a fiber optic sight. This type of sight concentrates all the available light on the sighting pin to give you the best chance to see your target clearly, even when lighting conditions are poor. You can't hit what you can't see.

Step 1

Wear the clothes you plan to hunt in during practice, whenever possible. Most bow hunters wear camouflage clothing to blend in with their surroundings, and this often includes a camo mask. Getting used to shooting with all the gear you'll wear into the field will help you simulate hunting conditions and make any necessary adjustments before your hunt.
Step 2

Practice all the kinds of shots you are likely to make on your hunt. Most bow shots are made within 30 yards of your target. Set up targets at various distances within your range and practice standing, sitting and crouching shots in the open and from behind cover. Set up an elevated stand and practice shooting down on your targets from various angles.
Step 3

Try to get some practice time every day before your hunt and shoot at least 50 arrows each day. Concentrate on your form and on being consistent with every shot. When you have a big buck in your sights and the adrenaline is pumping, good form and consistency will pay off.
Step 4

Hone your stalking skills. Practice walking quietly and slowly in the kinds of locations you plan to hunt. Learn to slow down and minimize your movements, hold your draw and get used to sitting or standing still for long periods at a time.

Step 1

Choose a hunting area with a high concentration of game. Read local hunting reports and hunting magazine articles, and contact state fish and game agencies for success rates in the areas that interest you. Talk to sporting goods store employees, local hunters, local land owners and anyone else who might help you research a particular area.
Step 2

Scout a promising area before you hunt, if possible. Get into the area before daylight and observe animal movements. Watch how and where they move and try to identify feeding areas, bedding and roosting sites, watering holes, game trails and any other places the game may regularly visit. Pay attention to the lay of the land and how you can take advantage of the terrain to get close enough for a shot.
Step 3

Learn to read the signs. Look for droppings, scrapings, wallows, tracks and other indications that mark high use areas. Plan your stalk or set your blind to take advantage of these signs and pay attention to wind direction to keep your scent away from your quarry.

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