Selecting A Bow
There are three primary types of bow, listed in order of descending difficulty:
- Traditional (recurve, longbow)
- Compound
- Crossbow
Compound bows sit right in the middle in terms of difficulty and functionality. They draw the best from both worlds. That was a pun. Get it?
In addition to the degree of challenge, you’ll also need to consider state and local regulations allowing and/or restricting certain classifications of archery equipment.
For example, some states may allow hunters of all ages and abilities to use a crossbow for hunting deer, while others might restrict crossbow use to youth hunters, persons over age 65, or those with an injury or permanent disability.
Check out this article from Ten Point Crossbows which directs you to the page on every state government website to clarify crossbow regulations in your area.
Our recommendation for roughly 90% of new hunters?
Compound Bow
Two reasons you'll likely wind up with a compound:
- More user-friendly than recurve and longbows
- More commonly permitted for deer hunting than crossbows
Photo credit. A crossbow rests on dead fall this hunter is using as a blind.
Make no mistake.
Hunting with any type of bow is more challenging than using a rifle or shotgun for reasons we'll discuss in the video, but the compound bow was invented to alleviate some of the added pressures of using traditional archery equipment.
Ultimately, the advent and technological progression of the compound bow over the past century has led to a better balance between the degree of difficulty and rate of success among bowhunters nationwide. That's meant greater accuracy which leads to quicker, more ethical kills
Even today, if you look at data from traditional archery hunters vs. compound bow and crossbow hunters, traditional archers are statistically far more likely to wound an animal and not recover it. That's not what we're here to do, which is why we're advocating beginners use a compound or crossbow (where legally permitted) to start.
Let’s go over some examples of what you might find when you visit your state DNR website, and dig into why we think a compound bow is going to be the right call for a majority of aspiring bow hunters.
Next Steps
Before you shop, complete the "Arrows & Broadheads" and "Bow Accessories & Set-Up" lessons to ensure your bow is properly tuned and fitted for your size and ability, and that you've got everything you need to get started when you leave the shop.
Links cited in this video:
https://gothunts.com/hunting-age-requirements/
https://www.cabelas.com/category/Crossbow-Hunting-Regulations-North-America/107361180.uts
https://www.fieldandstream.com/new-compound-bows-from-2019-archery-trade-show#page-2
https://beararchery.com/category/compound/
https://missionarchery.com/bows/mxr/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG0nb01SGMA&t=25s
Disclaimer
Except where expressly otherwise stated, Sportsman 101, its owners, personalities, guests or affiliates are not employees, members or agents of any government organization. Said company, owners, personalities, guests and affiliates are not registered attorneys or legal professionals, licensed physicians, or any other profession which would qualify them to provide legal, health or safety advice; especially when said advice contradicts the advice of any legal, health or safety professional.
The views, opinions, instruction and examples provided throughout this course are designed to make the research and learning processes easier and more accessible to every student. They are NOT substitutes for students doing their own research with regard to matters concerning the health, safety and legal compliance of themselves and/or any associated persons or property.
While the safety, well-being and good legal standing of its students and the people/property around them are the very top priorities of the company, neither Sportsman 101 LLC nor any of its owners, personalities, guests or affiliates will be held liable for damages resulting in physical, psychological, financial or legal harm to any student, person or property; even as a direct result of implementing instruction found in this course. Health, safety and legal compliance are the sole responsibility of the students themselves.
Sportsman 101 is not affiliated with any accredited school, high school, college, university or other higher education institution. By purchasing this course, students are not enrolled at a state or federally recognized institution. The lessons provided herein are for the personal enjoyment and enrichment of those who choose to complete them, and the examples and materials provided are strictly for illustrative purposes. These examples are not meant to construe actual laws or regulations in real time, as such laws and regulations vary widely by state, province, region and country; and all laws are subject to change. No example should be considered legal advice, even if said example illustrates a law, regulation, or common practice in your specific state, country or region. Do your research. Know the law.
This course and any other offered now or in the future from Sportsman 101 was designed to make outdoor recreation more accessible to more people by teaching them HOW TO LEARN about best practices, local regulations, etc. NOT by teaching students any specific practice, regulation, law, etc.
Sportsman 101 uses state- or region-specific examples to illustrate common practices and/or regulations as a means of assisting students who may not know what to expect or where to begin their research. The research process may often begin with information and/or examples found in this course, but it should never end here.
All questions pertaining to the health, safety or good legal standing of any student, associated person, entity or property should be directed to the appropriate professionals, including but not limited to: State resources such as websites, up-to-date print materials (hunting/trapping digest or handbook), or employees of Department of Fish & Game, Department of Fish & Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Parks & Wildlife or State Police; federal resources such as National Forest Service, National Park Service or Bureau of Land Management; legal resources such as a licensed attorney; and health resources such as a licensed medical professional.
Participating in outdoor recreation of any kind can pose legal, health and safety risks. Hunting is no exception, and often represents an even greater degree of challenges and risks. The responsible sportsman/woman is one who takes ownership for the safety and well-being of themselves and those around them.