Bow hunting is becoming more and more popular due to the challenge it presents hunters. However, just because a bow doesn’t fire as loud as a Winchester, it doesn’t mean it’s any less dangerous. No one wants to get injured whilst out on their favorite activity, so I’m going to explain the most important hunters safety tips you need to know when handling a bow. 

Check That Equipment!

Before you leave the house, hell, even before you throw on your lucky hunting hat, make sure you give your bow and arrows a thorough maintenance check. How’s that bowstring? Looking a bit frayed or is fighting fit? What are the bow laminations like? Secure and in place or a little wobbly? How about them arrows? Bent and damaged or ready to fire? If there are any doubts then get these rectified before hunting. An unpredictable bow could potentially cause a LOT of trouble.

Keep Your Arrows Covered!

The broad head of even the poorest quality arrow broad head is exceptionally sharp and capable of doing great damage. Carrying arrows by hand may seem like a great idea because, surely, it’s going to save you a few seconds compared to carrying them in a quiver. And you know, yes, you might save 3 seconds, but do you really want to risk tripping and that arrow going through the palm of your hand? Or someone’s leg? OUCH! That’s why I always keep the broad heads safely covered by a hood in a secure quiver.

Never Dry Fire Your Bow

Dry firing your bow is when you fire it without an arrow loaded. Maybe you want to practice drawing your bow or maybe you just love the whip crack sound the string makes, but NEVER EVER dry fire your bow. There’s a good chance that the resulting stress from dry firing can damage the limbs of the bow; in some cases the limbs may fracture leaving fragments flying everywhere. Remember that there may be no apparent damage at first, but the dry fire may have led to tiny hairline fractures forming in the bow. This is literally a ticking time bomb.

Make Your Tree Stand Safe

Tree stands provide a great vantage point for a hunter, but height plus weaponry can be a dangerous combination. Do you really want to fall even a meter or two whilst clutching an arrow? I didn’t think so! The best type of stand to invest in is a portable tree stand. Fixed tree stands may seem convenient, but don’t forget they’re at the mercy of the elements 24/7. You want your tree stand to be as secure as possible with no deterioration. So, you’ve got your portable tree stand, what’s next? Finding a tree! Make sure it’s one that will hold your weight and set the stand up, but don’t climb up there with your bow and arrow on your person – it’s just asking for trouble should you slip. Create a pulley line to safely pull them up to you instead.