If you have held a bow these late summer days or will be holding one in the weeks ahead as bowhunting seasons open across America, you are not alone. Bowhunting is a popular American pastime with millions taking to the woods each fall. Hunters can pursue deer—the most hunted species with a bow—or bear, elk, pronghorns and many species of small game. Those up for a challenge also hunt pheasants and other upland game with bow and arrow. Before you grab your bow and head afield, however, know the requirements—and be prepared.
If you are interested in an archery safety course, more than two dozen states offer the courses on line. Full details are at http://www.bowhunter-ed.com/
Bowhunting can be accomplished with the basic gear, such as bow and some arrows tipped with broadheads, but many archers want much more and are best known as gear junkies. Catalogs, such as the specialty archery catalog from Cabela’s (www.cabelas.com/archery), have many pages of gear. For great information about selecting arrows, visit www.eastonarchery.com. You have to be the best judge of what gear to buy or what to buy and share with a hunting friend.
According to the National Sporting Goods Association, more than five million Americans hunted with bow and arrows in 2010. This was roughly the same as the number of people who went water skiing that year. While bowhunter numbers have fluctuated during recent years, the bright spot is that today more programs are introducing kids to archery. One such program with success is the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Trailblazer Adventure program. More details on courses and events can be found at www.ussportsmen.org/trailblazer.
