Horizontal vs. Vertical Bows

When considering a hunting bow there are two types of bows to consider. A vertical bow or a horizontal bow. A vertical bow is a category of bows that includes compound bows, recurve bows and traditional bows. A hunting crossbow is considered a horizontal bow. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of bows.

Vertical bows offer the benefit of being easier to carry and are therefore an option if you plan on stalking your prey. The design of a horizontal bow makes it too cumbersome and heavy to use for stalking. Instead, you will want to use a tree stand or ground blind when hunting with a crossbow.

A horizontal bow can be used more effectively with less time and energy. Because you don't have to hold the bow in position as you do with a vertical bow, you have more time to focus on your target. The downside of the crossbow is that the cycle time is greater than it is with a vertical bow. With a vertical bow you may be able to get a second shot off. But with a crossbow there is virtually no chance of you being able to re-cock the bow, load an arrow and get off a 2nd shot. The deer would be long gone before your second shot would be released.

You really can't go wrong with either type of bow you choose. It all comes down to personal preference. Whether choosing a hunting crossbow or compound bow, don't forget that preparation and practice will be critical to your success.

How To Buy A Hunting Bow: Step Three

For the 3rd step in buying a bow, you need to determine how many pounds you'd like to be able to shoot. If you will primarily be using your bow for target practice, you will want to buy a bow that has fewer pounds. That way you will have the ability to shoot more arrows in a shorter period of time. If you are planning on using the bow for bow hunting, you will want to go with a higher poundage bow. This will give you the ability to achieve good penetration by generating a faster, flatter arrow. Now that you've figured out exactly what type of bow you need, you can start shopping. A bow hunting package is typically a good place to start as it will give you the bow, arrows and quiver.

How To Buy A Hunting Bow: Step Two

When purchasing a hunting bow, you will need to determine the proper draw length. A general rule of thumb is that a person who is 6 feet tall will typically use a 29” bow. Every inch of height affects draw length by about ½ inch. That would mean that if you were 5’10” tall then you would use a 28” bow. The proper bow size is critical to your success as a bow hunter. If it is too small you won't be able to pull the bow back far enough. If the draw length is longer than what you should be using, you will end-up overextending your bent arm (i.e. the arm that will be pulling the bow) and you will tend to miss to the left. Proper fitting for your bow hunting equipment will help you get off on the right foot and to have a more successful hunting season.

How To Buy A Hunting Bow: Step One

The first step in buying a bow is to determine your dominant eye. Your dominant eye determines what type of bow you will purchase. For instance, if your right eye is dominant you will need to purchase a right-handed bow. This will mean that you will hold the bow with your left hand and your right hand will draw the bow string, which will put it behind your dominant eye. Some people assume that if they are right handed that their right eye will be dominant. This is not always the case. Therefore, you'll want to do a quick test to determine your dominant eye. There are several ways to do this. Here are two testing methods.

1. Point to an object with your finger. For instance, look straight ahead and point your finger at a door knob. Close your left eye so that you are now looking at the door knob with only your right eye. Take notice to whether your finger remained on the door knob, or whether it moved off the target. Open your left eye and now repeat this process by closing your right eye and focusing on the door knob with your left eye. The side where your finger remained on the door knob is your dominant eye.

2. Hold your arms out straight and at shoulder height. Raise both hands as if you are telling someone to stop. In other words, your arms will be parallel to the floor and your hands will be perpendicular. Focus on an object in front of you. For this example we'll use a door knob again. Slowly move your arms to the front of your body until your hands overlap and the hands form a small hole over your focal point. Bend your arms to bring your hands up to your face, while continuing to focus on the door knob through the hole formed by your hands. The eye that you are now looking through is your dominant eye.

Now that you know your dominant eye, you are off to a good start in selecting your new hunting crossbow.

Getting Ready For Deer Hunting Season

It’s the middle of July and you may only be thinking about where to find the coolest pool, lake or river in which to cool off. But it can also be the perfect time to start prepping for the upcoming deer hunting season. After all, Labor Day will be here before we know it and that means that opening day won’t be far off.

So what can you do in the pre season?

1. Inspect your bow hunting equipment. If you didn’t take a look at everything before putting it away at the end of the season, now is the time to check it out and see what items need to be repaired, upgraded or replaced. If you use a hunting crossbow, that may mean replenishing your supply of bolts. You can often find some good discounts before the season begins.

2. Inspect your stands. I am willing to bet that this is one thing that hunters don’t put enough time into doing. However, it can potentially be one of the riskiest things to overlook. After all, who wants to be sitting in a tree and have the stand give way on you? A season of being exposed to the elements can weaken the structure of the stand. Be sure to check yours to make sure it’s ready to go.

3. Start scouting. The pre-season is the perfect time to pick-up some aerial photos and maps of the area where you’ll be hunting. You can scout out the perfect spots for the upcoming season. Check-out our additional posts on strategies for picking a hot spot for bow hunting.

Your hunting crossbow or compound bow may be away for the summer, but there is no need to neglect it. Pull out your bow hunting equipment and start planning your first hunt.