Ways to Show Off Your Bow

Walk into the home of a bowhunter and the decor might tip you toward their passion. Many hunters bring their love of the outdoors inside. From shed antlers to European mounts and shoulder mounts to photos from the field, hunting inspires decorations. Mementos from hunting trips can trigger fond memories and prompt storytelling. Your bow makes many of these memories. So instead of tucking it out of sight in a bow case, there are ways to display it inside your home. Here are clever ways to safely show off your bow.

Buy a Bow Rack

You can find bow racks for sale online. Photo Credit: 3Rivers

From traditional equipment to the latest compounds, bows are fun to look at. Instead of hiding them in a case, consider showcasing them like artwork. Archery display racks show off the equipment while keeping it safe. They come in several styles, from a variety of companies. From garages to workspaces and even living rooms, bow display racks can be put anywhere.

Shop for one that suits your taste and equipment needs. Some storage options can hold multiple bows. Others display a bow along with arrows. Arrows should never be displayed with broadheads attached. Etsy is a great place to look for custom bow racks. Just be sure to buy a case that holds your bow safely and won’t damage the equipment. Never hang a bow by its string, a cam or a single limb.

Use a Coat Rack

A wall-mounted coat rack can easily turn into a bow display. The best part about this idea is that you have so many options. You may even have one around the house already. Coat racks come in a wide range of sizes and styles. You can pick up a cheap one or buy one that matches your home decor. You can even find coat racks adorned with images of antlers and game animals like deer and elk.

Hang the frame on the peg, not the string or cam. If you have multiple bows, make sure they’re spaced far enough apart. You may want to remove extra pegs to make space for multiple bows.  Also, choose pegs made of a material that won’t damage the equipment like wood, felt or a rubber-coated surface. Be sure it’s secured safely to the wall. Multiple bows will be much heavier than coats. The last thing you want is for it to come crashing down and damage your equipment, especially in the middle of hunting season.

DIY Bow Rack

You can make your own bow rack with recycled wood and iron pipes, like the one pictured above. Photo Credit: Bowhunters United

A do-it-yourself bow rack can be as simple as a single hook or as elaborate as a custom rack with intricate designs. Some archers choose to hang a simple hook. This keeps all the focus on the bow. Plus, it’s quick, easy and cheap. Just be sure the hook is secured into a stud. Rubber-coated hooks work best. Some archers use shelving brackets, without the shelf. Make sure to coat the hard material with something soft. While many people choose display cases that hang, some build wooden cases that sit on the floor.

Always Follow the Rules of Safe Storage

Always make sure to hang your bows by the frame, not the string or cams. Photo Credit: Bowhunters United

When you put your bow on display, be sure to do it safely. Here are some tips to keep people and your equipment safe:

• Never hang a bow by its string, a cam or a single limb. This will cause unnecessary wear. Instead, hang it by its frame.
• When using a wall mount, be sure it’s secure enough to hold the weight.
• For homes with young children, keep the bow out of their reach or in rooms they can’t access.
• Bows should be stored in climate-controlled areas.
• If you’re displaying arrows, make sure they don’t have broadheads.
• Dust equipment.
• Avoid displays in direct sunlight.

Bowhunting is a lifestyle that doesn’t end with the close of hunting season. Displaying your bow is a great way to bring back special memories from the field.