by Tracy Wever

Created on: March 17, 2010

Every bow hunter, beginner or seasoned veteran needs to learn and practice bow hunting safety tips. Too many accidents happen every year that could have been avoided. Many hunters feel that because a firearm is not involved, safety is really not an issue. Nothing could be further from the truth. Bow hunting presents its own unique safety issues. We are going to cover areas where mistakes are made, and how to prevent them while bow hunting.

Many safety mistakes are caused by the hunter that is in a hurry. Corners will be cut in order to get to a favorite hunting area on time. There are a few things that need to be done before you leave the house that are very important to having a safe hunt. First you need to leave a detailed note, or tell a responsible person exactly where you will be hunting and what time you will return. Second never leave home with out your cell phone. The cell phone does not need to be turned on, but does need to be in a pocket of your hunting gear that will always be on your body. This device has in the past and will in the future save a lot of hunters. The main rule here is if you do not have time for these pre hunt safety measures, do not go.

Every piece of your hunting gear needs to be in tip top shape. The smallest thing wrong with today’s compound bows can cause extreme or even fatal injuries. Check the string for frays, if you have not had a string break on a compound bow it is a harrowing experience. Check the cable and pulleys for wear and misalignment. Your quiver needs to be checked, to make sure every part of the razor sharp arrowheads are covered and secure. The arrow rest on your bow needs checked. Make sure it is in alignment and not loose. If loose it could send an arrow off line, maybe into the back of your hand.

A very basic safety kit should go on every trip. This is very important if you are any distance from your truck or campsite. This kit should include, flashlight, map of the area (if hunting in an unfamiliar place), one of those space age safety blankets, two bottles of water, two packages of peanut butter or other cracker, a six foot piece of braided rope, a waterproof lighter, and sharp knife or multi-tool. This will only add a few pounds of weight to your gear, but could end up being the most important things you are carrying. All of these items will fit in a very small fanny or back pack. If you are parking your truck in your barn lot and walking a hundred yards to your stand, you will probably never use

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