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 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.