There are so many reasons to carry a bow comfortably but the main two reasons are accessibility and convenience. In the time of hunting, you should be prepared to move swiftly. You would need to secure your bow and arrows while moving. The way of carrying your bow would determine the effectiveness of your shots. In fact, you might be exhausted after catching the sight of your targeted game animals. So, you need to keep your bow in track to easily use it when needed.
Learning about the way of carrying your bow is not as easy as many of us may think. You should make sure that you are using the proper technique. Here are the most effective ways of carrying your bow safely step by step.
Different ways to carry a bow (H2)
All of the ways to carry a bow serve specific purposes and particular needs. As an archer, you should consider the differences among a recurve and a compound bow and also the different roles they play while choosing the way to carry your bow.
Compound bows have delicate pins, adjusted rests and machined cams that should be protected always. On the other hand, a recurve bow comes with a more rugged design that could damage the parts if it comes in touch with brushes and limbs while hunting. Thus, it is important to follow the right way to carry these different bows.
- Carry your bow using your hand (H3)
The simplest method to carry a bow is to carry it by your hand. Your bow would be ready always if you carry it in your hand. You could make a shot in seconds when you find the opportunity. You don’t have to carry other additional equipment with you if you are carrying it by your hand that makes your journey in the field efficient and lightweight. But this way would be hard for a long hike and makes it quite impractical. Because your hands would start to cramp while walking miles. There are some pros along with a little con as well.
Pros
- Always ready to shoot
- Simplistic
- No additional gear is needed to carry
Cons
- Possibility of damaging your bow
- Cumbersome and tiring
- Carry your bow using a shoulder sling (H3)
Carrying a bow by a shoulder sling could give you the opportunity to pack other needed gears and keep your both hands free during a long walk in the field. You would need a little physical effort because the bow is lightweight usually. You should be careful and aware of the surrounding as squeezing among the trees could damage your bow dangling on your shoulders.
Pros
- Not physically difficult
- Lightweight makes it easy to carry
- Keeps your hands free
Cons
- It Is exposed to possible damage
- Your bow is not ready always to shoot
- Carry your bow on the back (H3)
There are many offers in the market to carry a bow on your back by using a field sling. They are like a hunting rifle sling that wraps over your chest and shoulder and attaches the bow on your back. They also keep your hands free to do other tasks as your bow is attached elsewhere. This makes your hunting more convenient to carry a compound bow in time of hiking. But it may take some moment to get accustomed and by slipping, you could harm your bow if not fitted perfectly.
Pros
- Lightweight makes it easy to carry
- Keeps your hands free
- Convenient for long distance hiking
Cons
- Takes some time for getting used to
- Leaves limbs and other mechanisms exposed for creating damage
- Carry your bow in a case (H3)
If you want to protect and keep your archery tools safe, carrying your bow in a case would be the best for you. By following this way, your bow would be enclosing fully into a case that reduces the possibility of damage. You could handle the case easily as it comes with a built-in handle. One major thing about carrying your bow in a case is that it could add a heavy weight to your hand in long distance hiking. You would have an extra piece of equipment that should be concealed and stored after reaching your destination.
Pros
- Handle of the case allows you to transport easily
- Keeps your bow protected and safe from damage
Cons
- Bulky to conceal and store
- Increase extra weight in the time of hiking
- Carry your bow on other vehicle or ATV (H3)
If you want to carry your bow on another vehicle or ATV, you should carry it inside a case. It would help to protect your bow against any harmful impacts that could arise while travelling. You would need to prevent shifting and thus, you have to secure the case by binding it with the vehicle or use gun racks. You could also set it on the handlebars that would hold it to avoid moving around much.
- Carry your bow by the string (H3)
Carrying a bow by the string is most suited for the beginners and it is an easy way by holding the bow string. To follow this way, you don’t have to buy anything. Carrying by a string could cause problems like stretching out the bow string prematurely in warm weather. So, experts recommend not to carry your bow by the string.
- Hang your bow on a backpack (H3)
This way is similar to the sling and you could attach your bow with your backpack. This is perfect for those who carry a crossbow. It could provide you the opportunity to walk without any worries about the weight as this method distributes the weight equally on your back. You should wrap it with the backpack’s straps and secure it. Be careful to place it safely before heading out on a way. The only problem of using this method is that you would not always be ready for a shoot.
Tips and precautions (H2)
- Make sure that you have adjusted your bow and the sling considering your height. Adjust in such a way that you feel comfortable and minimize your physical pain that could be caused by your sling or bow.
- If you find the sling comfortable on your back, it could reduce the possibility of shifting.
- Your backpack should be sturdy and strong enough to carry your bow securely before the attacking moment.
- You should tie your recurve bow more securely as there always remains a possibility to damage it amidst the trees.
- If you are uncomfortable carrying a bow on your back, find another shoulder sling to make you easy.
- Place your bow in a way that could be easier to take it when necessary.
- Sling the bow at an angle on the back and above your arm.
Conclusion
I hope that after reading this article, you could understand all the ways of carrying your bow properly. If you follow the steps properly, you might not face any major problems while hunting or when you are in the woods. Don’t rush and take enough time to enter into the backwoods. Monitor all boulders, shrubs and other unseen areas that could damage the bow. You should always keep in mind that an unfitted bow could cause pain in the neck, arms or your back. For successful hunting, you have to make your archery equipment ready all the time.