Caution: Check Your Bow Hunting Gear Before Going Out

Summary: If you are a bow hunter, you'll know when that time of the year comes that you have to start thinking about checking all of your equipment and make sure everything is in tip-top condition for when you go out. It is a sad truth that equipment doesn't last forever, so double check everything you have. Since the bow is the one single piece of equipment where most problems are found, that will be the first thing you'll want to take a look at. Instead of just giving it a quick ...

If you are a bow hunter, you'll know when that time of the year comes that you have to start thinking about checking all of your equipment and make sure everything is in tip-top condition for when you go out. It is a sad truth that equipment doesn't last forever, so double check everything you have. Since the bow is the one single piece of equipment where most problems are found, that will be the first thing you'll want to take a look at. Instead of just giving it a quick look at, you'll want to look at the strings to see if there has been any wear or corroding. If so, you'll want to replace them as well as wax. Also you will want to inspect your kisser, peep and nock points. Once again, replacing anything that isn't in good shape is a must-replace right away. You don't want to be taking defective equipment into the field with you. If there are any rusty spots anywhere on your equipment, you should clean it off. Dry graphite lube is what you might want to use any part that moves. Apply lube to the pivot points of any moving part as well, such as a pendulum. If you use string silencers, check and replace them if needed. Also check your quiver to see if the mounting on it is tight and if can efficiently hold your arrows still. You don't want it moving around while you are out hunting. The hood of the broad heads is another thing you'll want to check the state of. If a guide rod is worn down or unusable, replace is immediately. You'll want to make sure that you're bow has still retained all of its finish. You don't want to go into the field and have a bow that is not camouflaged properly. If there is a glare anywhere on it, you might want to think about using tape to put over the affected areas. It's important to note whether or not the limbs have any fissures or cracks on them. Anything that looks different than normal you'll want to observe and identify. For your own well-being and for that of the hunting experience, you want to make sure there is no chance that your bow might crack on you as it could cause serious injury. See what kind of state your arm guard is in and also look at the strap and buckles. If you use a release, check that. If you do not, you should certainly think about it is, as it may double your accuracy because of the relaxation it induces. Any dull blades should also be examined and sharpened. Have the sharpest blade in the world does not necessarily mean a quicker kill, but you will also want to take into consideration the humanity of the sport, which is to say that making animals endure more pain than necessary isn't something you may want to contribute to. Your arrows are the last thing that you will want to check. Make sure none of them are warped or bent. Any damaged arrows should be replaced; after all they are a crucial part of archery and the hunting experience.