As deer season opens around the country, you’re probably getting eager to get out to your blind or stand and sit for your first hunt of the season. If you’re a brand-new bowhunter, you’ll need to get set up with the right bow at your local archery shop. From draw weight and draw length to compound, recurve and crossbows, our tips below will help you select the right bow for your ultimate experience.
Your draw length is the wingspan distance between the tip of your middle finger on one hand and the tip of your middle finger on the other hand when you hold your arms out in a “T” shape, divided by 2.5. If you have a wingspan distance of 60 inches, your draw length would be 24 inches. This determines how far you can pull back your bow. This measurement is the distance from your nocking point on your face, along your jawline, to the deepest part of your grip on the riser — also known as the “pivot point” — plus 1 ¾ inches.
A correct draw length ensures that your body is in proper alignment when you’re at full draw. Your non-dominant hand should be able to hold the bow with your arm comfortably stretched out straight, without locking your elbow, while your dominant hand is pulling back the bowstring to the anchor point on your face. A draw length that is too long will cause you to overstretch and pull the bowstring past your jaw. A draw length that is too short will cause the bowstring to stop in front of your face. Each of these would cause improper form, which would misdirect the arrow from the target, so having the right draw length is important for success.
Your draw weight is the amount of force you can pull back with the bowstring, measured in pounds. The heavier the draw weight, the faster the arrow will go. This is why states set a minimum draw weight in their hunting regulations. A draw weight that is too low may not impact the deer with the force necessary to harvest the game ethically, wounding the deer instead of killing it. This is why it’s important to respect the regulations. Once you know your draw weight and draw length, you can choose the appropriate arrows. Research arrows and broadheads that are designed for speed and penetration to ensure that they have enough force to result in an ethical hunt.
Compound bows are naturally more accurate than recurve bows because of the cams. Cams are wheel-like gears that are attached to one or both ends of a compound bow. In addition to cams, compound bows have unique strings. They have a buss, or “Y”, cable and a control cable that attaches to the bowstring and runs through the cam. The extra cables take the brunt of the weight from the draw weight. As you come to full draw, the cams will hit a point where they “let off” and take the full draw weight, relieving pressure from your arm muscles. This will allow you to pull the string beyond your set draw weight, making it easier to finish the draw, set your anchor point, and hold. Compound bows made for bowhunting are also smaller and lighter than other bows.
This isn’t to say that you can’t harvest wild game with a recurve; many people do every year, including members of our ATA staff! Recurve bows have a single bowstring, so the gear is simpler and has the look of classic archery. As long as you meet the minimum draw weight for your state and use the correct broadheads, you can use either type of bow.
Crossbows are also legal for bowhunting in some states. Crossbows are unique in that they don’t require you to pull the draw weight. You’re not pulling back the string on your own. Once you string a crossbow, you hold or prop it up in front of you and pull a trigger to release the arrow—similar to shooting a rifle. Crossbows are a good choice for hunters that don’t meet the draw weight requirements or want a more casual hunting experience. Check your state’s regulations to verify whether you can use crossbows in your state.
Visit our store locator to find an archery shop near you. Once you’ve been properly measured by a bow technician for your draw weight and draw length and selected your bow, become a member of Bowhunters United to receive discounts on your gear. Then you’re ready to go out on your first hunt. Check out our articles on Bowhunters United for more advice and hunting tips and tactics.
