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Get Your Archery Gear in Shape

Previous Page > Overview & Bow Checklist > Page 1, 2

Getting your archery gear in shape before the hunting season is not only smart, it's necessary.

After ensuring that my bow and all integral equipment is okay, I move on to my accessories:

- Check your arm guard, if you use one. This fairly inexpensive item can save you from a world of hurt if it's in good shape... check straps, buckles, etc.

- Check your release, if you use one. I use a TruFire X-caliper release that came with my bow when I bought it second-hand, and I have been very pleased with it. Whatever release you choose, make sure it's operating properly and there's no overly worn parts. A release that lets go too soon can be a real pain, both literally and figuratively.

- This is a big one: check and maintain your broadheads. Sharpen or replace dull blades, this is a must! I will probably be buying new broadheads this year, simply because Cobra decided to stop making blades for mine, and I'm tired of resharpening them. Razor-sharp blades are necessary to ensure a quick & clean kill, which we all strive for.

Next, I give my arrows a good going-over, checking for things like:

- Bent or warped arrows
- Loose or damaged fletchings (repair or replace these)
- Cracked, broken, or badly worn nocks (replace these)

After that, I head out for some practice, to make sure I still know how to shoot this thing. If you hunt from a treestand, practice from a treestand! There's absolutely no substitute for practicing the types of shots you will be taking in the field.

Related links:
Tree Stand Safety - how to stay safely above it all.
The Miseries of Southern Bowhunting - It's not all that bad... is it?
FL Hunt for Online Archers - my experiences hunting with some folks I met online.
Preparation is the Key to Success - get familiar with your gear before the hunt.
Archery & Bowhunting Links - selected links for the hunting archer.
Online Archery Sales - Links to folks selling archery & bowhunting gear.

Russ Chastain

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