Deer hunting using the help of a recurve bow is very rewarding as well as a demanding sport. It is not just about skill using a bow that is traditional and defiant on the part of the hunter but also an in-depth understanding of the animal that is being hunted. Of all the large game animals hunted, the most well-known is the white-tailed buck for many reasons. Deer of this kind are plentiful across the United States and are all over private and public land. The location of the bowhunter is located, they can find great deer hunting within a few minutes’ drive or, in most cases, just a few steps from the backyard.
But just because deer are available in large numbers doesn’t mean that they’re easy to hunt. A lot of experienced hunters will inform you that when hunting with a recurve bow the whitetail is one of the most difficult trophy species, no matter if it’s a record-setting doe or a mature buck. The deer have adapted to human activities and can quickly discern a negligent hunter. Their vision and hearing are only outshined with their smell. Deer hunting is a short-range game that means that the hunter must be close enough to make a great shot, which can be often seeming impossible. Let’s review some of the main features of hunting equipment and other considerations which can assist hunters using recurves to improve the odds of success to their advantage.
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The traditional Deer Hunting Gear Needed
A bow that is traditional or hunters recurve is sufficient for taking whitetail deer, or a bigger game. Elephants, Cape buffalo, and most African big game trophy hunts, elks or moose Alaska brown bears, and much more, have been shot using traditional archery equipment. In every case the equipment chosen must be matched to the game being hunted and, in this case, we’ll be focusing upon the deer with whitetails.
A Recurve Bow Weight Draw for Deer
When you are considering drawing weights for whitetail, excessive weight isn’t necessary, but the heavier you can shoot comfortably and accurately, the more efficient. In general, 45 pounds is a good place to begin. Bows with lighter weights can kill deer too, however, they may not have the extra force needed to achieve maximum penetration when the arrow comes into contact with a massive muscle mass or bone. Bows with 45-55 pounds draw weights will provide enough force to get to the vitals of a whitetail an average bow shot that is just 20 or fewer yards.
How long is the Maximum Distance you can shoot a Deer using Recurve Bows?
When bow weights are an important aspect, another is precision. Bowhunting is a sport that requires close range and the typical shot from the whitetail deer ranges from 15-to 17 yards. The bowhunter must never shoot beyond their effective range which is the distance at which they can maintain their shots within a 6-inch radius. The distance that a bowhunter can shoot is different for each bowhunter. For some, it could be as little as 15 yards, while other bowhunters could have up to 30 or 25 yards. It is entirely dependent on the amount of practice, experience and degree. Every bowhunter needs to know that distance, and then work towards increasing it once it is achieved by a yard or two yards. Consistent shooting style and practicing will increase the range you can shoot at. Whatever you can shoot it is always best to set up your hunting spot to be close to the game. The shorter distance you can travel increases the chances of successful shot positioning. Learning to hit targets at a higher distance is not a requirement to attempt long shots while hunting. However, improving your ability to shoot at higher distances will greatly increase the chances of hitting the target when you are presented with a greater possibility.
Hunting Arrows for Recurve Bows
Be sure that your hunting arrows are in line with the draw weight and length, as well as the other, ‘s weight and stiffness as well as spine for a better grouping and consistency. Hunting arrows must be cut slightly longer to ensure that the broadhead has sufficient clearance when drawing back and does not touch the bow or the hand of your bow. Strong helical fletching is best using traditional equipment. It assists in stabilizing the arrow quickly, which is essential when shooting shorter distances. The arrows that are heavy for hunting won’t fly as quickly as lighter ones, but as mentioned earlier, bowhunting shots are short-range so the speed isn’t as important. But, the extra weight increases the penetration, and this is vital for ensuring that the arrow gets to the vitals and/or creates the longest wound channel that is possible.
Broadhead Select
In terms of broadhead choice, traditional shooters work best by three or two fixed bladed heads, in contrast to mechanicals, which is more suited to faster high-energy materials. Take note of the design of the tips. Pyramid-style points such as cut-on contact, bone busting tips are far superior to cone-shaped tips. The broadhead tip makes an entry point for the blades. The objective is to do this using the least amount of force needed to guarantee the maximum perforation. Always check your bow’s sight using broadheads, regardless of whether you shoot naturally or using the aid of a bow sight. Field tips and broadheads rarely shoot the same, even if they weigh the same because of their aerodynamic differences. Arrows kill through hemorrhage. The larger the hemorrhage, the more quickly the animal succumbs to the wound and more than a humane shot. Always use an extremely sharp and well-groomed broadhead. If you are using broadheads that could be sharpened, make sure they’re sharp before heading out. Broadheads that have replaceable blades must-have new blades installed.
Shooting a Deer Using the Recurve Bow
Learn how the body of the whitetail works as well as important organ positions. The information is accessible on the internet and within the library. Bows are not a rifle. It lacks powerful force and can be deflected by muscles or bones. The typical target of bow hunters must always remain in the heart-lung region of the deer. The heart-lung area is the highest amount of blood vessels, and the arrows that strike the area can cause a fatal injury.
Take a look at videos and pictures of deer to determine the best place to hit the heart-lung region Be aware that the route to this region varies based on the angle at the deer’s position when the shot is made. Avoid frontal shots or shots taken that are taken from behind an animal since they can just result in a wounded animal. Broadside shots are recommended however, you should wait to let the arrow go until the deer’s legs are in a forward posture as it allows for easier access into the chest cavity. Shooting using the leg of the deer in a rearward-facing position could cause the arrow to strike the bone of the leg or shoulder blade. Both of these can hinder or even stop the arrow’s penetration. Any of these impacts typically result in a wounded deer. The best shot to use the recurve bow on deer is an arrow that is quartered away. The arrow can penetrate the animal’s soft meat and ribs that lie within the chest cavity and move into the heart-lung region without much resistance. If you are hunting from an elevated position, this angle is more advantageous since the arrow is more likely to be able to penetrate high into the animal and then angle downwards through the chest cavity. It will also have an exit hole located on the back of the animal, allowing for an easy-to-follow blood trail.
The best chance to get shots in hunting with a bow is to set up an ambush on trails that connect feeding and bedding areas, or around those edges that border feeding zones. Choose the location for your blind or stand. Even though nothing is certain, take into consideration the direction of travel of the deer and prepare according to the expected direction. Positioning yourself in the direction of the anticipated path of the deer could produce an open shot that should not be attempted using bows. Set up your camp in a secure area on the trail or in the feed area to permit the deer to come by at a slight angle and present an open shot or the more popular shooting quarters away.
Always “pick an area” before shooting. Don’t aim your arrow into the deer. Concentrate on the area where your arrow will take you towards the middle of the chest cavity. Always assume that you’ve had a stroke. If you don’t notice that your arrow missed the animal, or discover your arrow without evidence of blood, you should think you hit and act to react accordingly. Concerning the position of the shot, deer can be killed without leaving a blood trail. If you discover blood, do not assume that the blood is a small hit. Any blood that is found deserves an exhaustive search of the animal.
A deer shot with an arrow may be retrieved within 50-70 yards if the right shot is made. Deer, however, can travel long distances even if vital organs are injured before being recovered. In both cases following the animal’s movements is necessary. There are numerous books and instructional videos that cover the tracking of deer wounded. Every bowhunter is advised to know as much as they can on the process of tracking to make sure that the game is recovered. It is also advisable to team up with a hunter who has previous experience and learn about this art on the field if it is available!
Every bowhunter with a moral stance should do their best to retrieve the wounded game. It’s an exciting aspect of hunting and something that everyone must be accountable for to make sure we put in the effort to recover as much as possible.
