Hunting season is here.
It snuck up on a lot of us this year. Seems like just yesterday boating and fishing were at the forefront of everybody’s minds, but now it’s football, colder weather, and hunting season.
Throughout much of the country, archery season for deer either opened this past week or will be opening up in the very near future. While using a crossbow can be a great way to get acclimated with hunting with arrows instead of bullets, there is something special special about using a good old fashioned compound bow.
The compound bow was first developed in 1966 by Holless Wilbur Allen from Kansas City, Missouri, and the design was patented in 1969. Since then, compound bows have become the go to option for most hunters and competitive archery shooters around the world.
Compound bows are defined by the cable and pulley system at the end of both limbs. Because of those cables and pulleys, the limbs on a compound bow are much stiffer than traditional recurves of longbows and allow compound models to pack more of a punch and deliver arrows with more accuracy.
Modern compound bows have so many bells and whistles that trying to outfit a rig with the full suite of required accessories can feel a little overwhelming.
Luckily though, many manufacturers now make models that come pretty much ready to shoot right out of the box with all of the accessories you need.
Even though the bows come with everything you need to start practicing, it’s still highly recommended that you check in with the archery service station at your local Bass Pro Shops to make sure your new bow is tuned up with the appropriate draw length and weight which the length you pull back the string and the amount of resistance in the string.
You’ll also need to make sure your new arrows are cut to the right specs and be sure to pick up a mechanical release as they’re necessary for pulling back a compound bow.
Our friends at Bass Pro Shops offer a few great models of compound bows that come that are great for entry level archery hunters.
PSE Archery Stinger Max – $399.97
Diamond Deploy SB -$699.97
Cabela’s Uproar – $549.99
Bear Cruzer G2 – $419.99
BlackOut Pursuit – $499.99
Once you’ve got a bow picked out, you’re going to need to learn how to shoot and get in some ample practice time at the range before you’re ready to take it hunting.
This 3 part series from NockOn Archery covers all the basics and is a great place to start for aspiring new bowhunters.
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Please keep in mind that you are legally required to purchase a hunting license to hunt deer on both private and public land. Always look up the rules and regulations in the state you’re hunting.
The sale of hunting licenses and permits directly funds the conservation of wildlife habitat and public land as well as the development of gun ranges in all 50 states.
Buying a hunting license protects you from potentially being fined, having your gear confiscated, and/or losing your hunting privileges. It’s important to remember that just because you have a hunting license in one state, that does not mean it is valid in another state.
Whiskey mixes well with a lot of things but bow and arrows ain’t one of them. Please hunt responsibly and save the whiskey for the campfire at night.
*This post contains links through the Bass Pro Shops affiliate marketing program. While all products are independently selected by our expert Riff Outdoors team here at Whiskey Riff, if you use these links to make a purchase, we may earn a commission.
