Does bowhunting sound appealing to you? If so, you might consider taking it up as a hobby. Starting any new hobby can be tough, and especially bow hunting is no easy task. Being a successful bow hunter takes a lot of practice, dedication, and skill.
So, how difficult is bowhunting? Is it hard to start bowhunting? We aim to answer these essential questions.
What Is Bowhunting?
Wikipedia says: “Bowhunting (or bow hunting) is the practice of hunting game animals by archery. Many indigenous peoples have employed the technique as their primary hunting method for thousands of years, and it has survived into contemporary use for sport and hunting.”
But I believe it’s even more than that. It’s the challenge of becoming one with your environment, moving and thinking like the animal you hunt. It’s stalking your prey and getting as close as possible before making a clean, ethical shot.
Is Bowhunting Difficult?
Absolutely! Yes, bowhunting is considered hard. Once you have undergone training and have acquired some experience, it will become easier. However, you will likely find it pretty challenging when you first start. Here are some of the reasons why:
Accuracy
Accuracy is vital in any form of archery. Otherwise, you will be incapable of hitting a target. This is the same in bowhunting.
Hunters always aim to execute a clean kill. Hunters’ ethics will not allow them to wound an animal and let it suffer. When you practice at the archery range, ensure you are honing your accuracy so that you can make a quick and clean kill when bow hunting.
Physical Strength and Endurance
Bowhunting also requires physical strength and endurance. You will be carrying all of your gear with you, which can be pretty heavy. You also need the stamina to hike long distances and stay calm when you are in a position to make your shot.
Patience
Bowhunting requires a lot of patience. You must be prepared to wait for long periods, sometimes in difficult conditions, to get a clean shot at your prey.
Mental Preparation
You need to be mentally prepared for bowhunting. This includes understanding the consequences of your actions. When you take up bowhunting, you are responsible for the life of the animal that you hunt. With this in mind, you must be confident and calm when making your shot. Always look for a clean, ethical kill.
Stealth
Animals can be easily spooked. Because of this, you should attempt to be as quiet and stealthy as possible. This is hard to learn during practice sessions and can often only be achieved by practical learning in the field.
Try finding an experienced bow hunter in your area and see if they would be willing to take you under their wing. Learning from somebody with a lot of experience can make the learning process more manageable.
How Can I Become Good At Bowhunting?
We hope that the news that bowhunting is challenging will not deter you from pursuing it as a hobby. Instead, you should see this as a challenge that you should rise to. There are a few ways to ensure that your bowhunting experience is as easy as it can be.
Take the Hunter-ed Course
This should be the first step that you take. The Hunter-ed course is designed to give you the basic knowledge and skills needed to be a safe, ethical, and responsible hunter.
Link: https://www.hunter-ed.com/
Practice Regularly
As with any skill, you must train regularly to be a skilled bowhunter. You should set a regular schedule with your mentor and stick to it as much as possible. This will require lots of dedication on your part.
Even if you have a busy life, you should be able to find time within your schedule to commit to this.
Find A Good Instructor or Mentor
Instructors will help guide you through the training process. Therefore, it is essential that you find an excellent instructor. They should be willing to experiment with different techniques and tailor the training to your needs. Join a bow hunting society to find somebody who can help you.
Ensure they are experienced and have a good understanding of the sport. Do not be afraid to ask around for recommendations.
Invest In Decent Equipment
When you start your archery journey, you must find the right equipment. We recommend visiting your local archery shop. Those guys know what they’re talking about and
Getting the best equipment for your budget can go a long way to improving your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Easier To Hunt With A Bow Or Gun?
It is easier to hunt with a gun than with a bow. Many people prefer the feel of using a bow and arrow to hunt.
Why Is Patience Essential For Hunting?
Patience is critical to hunting. You need to sit for long periods without getting frustrated or impatient. Impatience will result in you making mistakes which could cost you the opportunity to take your prey.
Final Thoughts
Bowhunting takes a lot of practice and skill to be successful. However, if you are willing to put in the hard work, you can become a skilled bowhunter. You can improve your skills in many ways, including taking a hunter-ed course, practicing regularly, and finding a good instructor or mentor. In addition, it is important to invest in proper equipment.
