Getting a new bow can be quite exciting but setting it up can be a different proposition altogether. The best hunting bows rarely come assembled. You will have to assemble it yourself.
However, setting up a bow is easier said than done, especially if it is your first time. You need to know the recurve bow hunting setup process thoroughly.
Recurve Bow Hunting Setup: What You Need To Know
Before you start setting up a bow on your own, examine your archery skills. You do not have to be a fantastic shot but you must be able to hold your own. If you have not used a bow before properly, it is best if you get an experienced person to set up the bow for you.
Setting up a bow can require analyzing the device and making small but minor adjustments to get the best shot. The knowledge to do so only comes after you have handled a recurve bow for quite some time.
The Arrow Rest and Arrow Plate
In most cases, you will have to install the arrow plate and the arrow rest before you can proceed. These items should be installed first before doing anything else.
The arrow rest is meant to be attached to the bow’s arrow shelf. It is like a launching pad for the arrow. The arrow plate is meant to be installed just over the arrow rest on the side of the sight window.
The Bow Stringer
It is vital to have a bow stringer if you are setting up a recurve bow. If the bow you purchased did not have a bow stringer, get a commercial-grade one.
This device can prevent you from hurting yourself when stringing or unstringing a bow. You should never use any step-through method due to the dangers involved.
The bow stringer will typically come with its own set of instructions. Use them to prep the bow and string it.
Shooting In the Bow
Once you have strung the bow, it is time to ready it for actual shooting. Most new bows cannot be used for shooting right away because of the string. New strings are prone to stretching.
You should let your bow sit overnight after stringing. Alternatively, you can shoot a few arrows with it. The aim is to let the string settle into the bow and stretch itself out.
The stretching will also cause the nocking point and the brace height to change. These will have to be adjusted. After the initial stretch, the string will flex more consistently and can be used for actual shooting.
Tuning the Brace Height
Once the string has settled, the brace height must be fine-tuned. The ideal brace height depends on various factors, making it essential that you experiment and practice with the bow to find out. Have some practice sessions with the bow to determine the brace height that is perfect for your shots.
Remember that the type of arrows you use can also affect the brace height. As such, further adjustments might be necessary if you decide to change the arrows you use later.
The brace height can be measured from nearly any point of the recurve bow. Just remember to base your adjustments on the same point. The best way to measure brace height is to get a T-Square. This device can also be used to measure out the nock location.
You can start by using the brace height suggested by the manufacturer of the bow and then make adjustments accordingly. If the brace height is too low, the arrow feathers will end up hitting the shelf before the nock lets go of the string leading to erratic flights.
The string may even hit your wrist. Too high and the brace height will affect your performance. You will have to put in more effort and still, the arrow will not fly as much as it could.
Installing the Nocking Point
The main function of the nocking point is to help you shoot the arrow from the same spot on the string for all your shots. There is a variety of nocking points available in the market. You can even fashion your nocking point with the help of regular strings.
Brass knocking points are quite common. These are meant to be crimped onto the string. When installing them, avoid crimping too tightly. Shoot a few arrows and make the necessary adjustments until you find the best spot. Once you find it, crimp it tightly so that it does not move.
Other Accessories to Consider
After installing the nocking point, your recurve bow is ready for use. However, there are a few other pieces that you can consider installing such as brush buttons and string silencers. These items can improve your shots and the bow’s performance.
The main function of a string silencer is to dampen the vibrations in the string after a shot has been taken. The string returns to normal faster which can help you in your shots.
As for brush buttons, they can help in getting rid of the debris that can get stuck between the limbs of the bow and the bowstring.
Recurve bows are particularly susceptible to this issue, making brush buttons quite essential for them. These items come in different sizes but you can use whichever one you prefer.
The Bow Case
After investing your time, money and effort into prepping the bow, you will certainly not want it to be damaged. A bow case is an essential part of your hunting gear and must be chosen with care.
There are several kinds of bow cases in the market. However, your aim should be to choose one that offers ample protection to your bow from knocks and drops.
After setting up the bow, it is vital that your practice shooting with it for a few days. You need to get a feel of the bow and make the necessary adjustments to improve performance. You do not want to be stuck trying to make the right shot when you are actually out hunting.
