Ready for Bow Hunting

With the coming of bowhunting season, it is time again to dig up your good old, trusty gear, do some minor checking and some adjustments and you are now set to go! You would not really want to shoot a misguided arrow in the middle of the hunt so before you set out, it is best to make sure that your archery gear is in tip-top shape for hunting.

You best begin with inspecting the major parts, and start with the bow because more often than not, this is where most problems begin. Also check the string for wear and if necessary, replace it with a fresh piece. Remember to wax it afterwards to complete the treatment. Also check the nock points, peep and the kisser. Again, assess if you need to replace any of the parts since you would not want anything to go haywire when you are already out in the wild.

You may want to clean the steel surfaces using plain gun oil especially for parts where rust has started to take over. It is important that you lubricate all the moving parts of the bow. Archers commonly use dry graphite, a type of lubricant, which is especially great for cleaning the moving sights. Do the same for other moving pivot points.

The next thing to do is to check the rest's adjustment, replace the heat-shrink if necessary. If you use string silencers for your bow string, try using them to check if replacement should also be done.

Do you have a bow quiver? If you are planning to carry one, you have to check the mount. See if it is still tight to avoid vibrations once you shoot and release the bow string. Also, do not forget to check if the arrows are still securely in place.

Take a good look to see if the hooded area of the broad heads is still in working condition. If your bow has a guide slide and/or a rod, replace it or adjust it if it is already worn out. Since you will try to remain undetected during the hunt, it may help to check that your bow is glare free or much better if it is camouflaged. Matte camouflage tape is the first choice of bowhunters to cover up any surface that may end up glaring in the field.

Other things to check include the limbs. Make sure that there are no cracks or fissures. Do not hesitate to get a new one if and when necessary. Why is this so? A cracked limb may break when drawn all the way back. This may prove serious not only because it will cause you to prematurely pack up and call it a day, but also because the sudden breaking of the limb may cause serious physical injury.