Bow-specific accessories, gadgets, or just equipment that any hunter should have, having good equipment is paramount to your preparations.
Some are more important than others, and you can forego some of them if you’re on a budget or simply want the challenge, but it is important nonetheless to keep all of these in mind for your next outing when you decide to pick up the bow.
Tree Stand
Whether you’re a gun-toting casual hunter who prefers to kick back and relax while waiting for the deer to come to them, or you’re an energetic bow using hunter that enjoys the thrill of the hunt, you can never go wrong with a tree stand.
Obviously, as the two types of hunting are different, this means that the tree stand you will be using should be one that you are comfortable with.
Preferably, it is one that you can sit in for long periods of time where no activity is present, as well as one that gives you the advantage of stealth, where you can get into it and out of it quietly. After all, you’ll be moving quite a lot. Finally, it should also allow enough movement to give you flexibility with your shots.
Binoculars
Binoculars aren’t essential compared to other equipment, but they can certainly be really helpful for bow hunters, allowing them to scout out areas of interest from afar without risking scaring any nearby deer or other game animals away.
Proper Hunting Attire
There are many types of clothes out there, all of which suit a variety of tastes and needs. For a bow hunter that requires to move from point to point, clothes that are light and allow a lot of flexibility are ideal.
You don’t want to be over encumbered with too many layers, nor make a lot of noise because of the weight and size of what you’re wearing, but you also want your clothes to protect you from the elements by keeping you warm and dry.
In addition, if you want to conceal your presence, getting 3D camo should help disguise you from the eyes of most deer. It would also help you while you’re sneaking around.
Rangefinder
A rangefinder is a device used by hunters to measure the distance of the observer (in this case, the hunter) to a certain target (usually the game animal they are trying to hunt).
Being that the range of a bow is severely limited (Most bows have an ideal range of 50 yards at most), this means that having a rangefinder can be crucial in pinpointing whether or not a deer is too far or close enough for you to take a shot.
Even if you’re confident in your field vision, having a rangefinder confirm your thoughts won’t hurt.
Just remember that the perception of the rangefinder can change depending on your height. Checking via ground level is different from checking on top of a tree.
Hunting Knife
For when you take down your targets, you’ll probably want to gut and skin them. It also helps you in cutting up the meat.
However, knives don’t have to be exclusively used for hunting. They can be more general purposed too, such as being used to cut cloth or trim bushes that are in the way.
Make sure that you pick a good and reliable hunting knife before going out. It will make things a lot easier on your end.
Archery Targets
Not equipment that you’ll be bringing with you on the hunt, but equipment you’ll need to practice your shooting. If you would rather not deal with having to take down and set up targets, you can settle with an archery range instead.
Arrows
Getting arrows for your bow is easy enough. Choosing the right arrows, on the other hand, is another thing entirely.
Traditional arrows used to be made exclusively of wood, but now there are arrows made of different material, such as aluminum, carbon, and fiberglass. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and when you choose them, make sure you take into account its length, balance, and weight.
Broadheads
With arrows comes arrowheads.
Meet broadheads. These are arrowheads that are known for their very sharp blades, built so to inflict maximum piercing and internal damage on game animals you hunt. These types of arrowheads are typically used for hunting bigger game animals.
There are three basic types of broadheads: fixed blades, mechanical blades, and removable blades. Each has their own pros and cons, and like arrows, you will need to consider a wide factor of things, like their weight, broadhead diameter, and number of blades when choosing a broadhead.
Bow sights
Bow sights are simple in what they do – they are the bow version of gun sights in that they help point your arrow in the right direction when used.
Some people might prefer the challenge or are confident in their aiming skills without this, but others may prefer to have some leeway to make things less frustrating on their end, which is where the bow sights come in.
Bow sights can range from being simple but cheap pins mounted to your bow, to sophisticated (and expensive!) models that already have a rangefinder built inside of them. If you’re an aspiring bow hunter, you may want to lean on the simpler and cheaper option for now, at the very least while you’re still getting the hang of things.
Bow release
Tired of using your own fingers to hold the string while you draw your bow? Then you might find a bow release to be appealing.
Simply put, the bow release is a device that fires an arrow by way of a trigger, rather than through an archer’s fingers. And don’t worry about the accuracy either. They are consistent with their shots, which doesn’t diminish the stability or accuracy of your arrows.
Bow Stabilizer
Bow stabilizers do two things which affect your overall accuracy.
First, they dampen the noise vibration that a bow makes upon release, thanks to its rubber materials.
Second, it makes it easier for a hunter to hold the bow steady, thus the name.
You will especially want this if you want to keep your noise at a minimum while still being an accurate shot.
Arrow rest
Arrow rests have a simple function. They hold your arrow in position and give it support until you fire it.
They aren’t necessary at all, but they do give you a little bit of better arrow flight when used.