Recurve Bow Hunting: A How to Guide

Bows are some of the first ranged weapons used for hunting and sport since ancient times.  Bows get their strength and range from the tension between the drawstring and the bow. Recurve bows have become increasingly popular over the years thanks to their added power and range.

Hunting is an exciting way to spend your time outdoors.  While you could start hunting with a rifle, the thrill won’t be as exciting compared to bow hunting. The good news is that all a hunter needs to get into bow hunting is a bow, the right arrows and broadheads, and the proper clothing. With these essentials, combined with knowledge and patience, you are guaranteed to have memorable hunts for a long time.

Choosing a Bow

A bow should weigh approximately 5 lbs or less and have a draw weight of 45lbs or higher. Recurve bows are faster compared to longbows. Recurve bows are available in two types and are comprised of mainly take-down bows and fixed limb bows. Take-down recurve bows are easier to transport as you can remove the limbs, while the fixed limb bows feature laminated hardwood and can be difficult to carry around.

When selecting a bow, it’s important to remember that the bow speed is not an important factor when shooting at yardages. Rather, precise shot placement is considered critical to any hunt.

A How to Guide for Recurve Bow Hunting is important for any beginner.

Learning the Art

Getting the right bow and gear is only the first step. You need the know-how to be able to hunt with precision.  Game animals start their day with the sunrise and end it with the sunset; this means that they accomplish everything during the daylight. What’s more, animals do not gather enough food, and the first thing on their mind is getting food.

Knowing where they sleep and their feeding spots can help you find a suitable location that can be used as an ambush point.

Remember that you are limited to a range of fifty yards or less. You also have to choose where to set up your tree stand carefully. You should place your ground blind or stand adjacent to a well-used trail near a food source or the bedding area.

Avoid using the same trail as the game you are hunting when approaching your blind or stand as this could expose your human scent.

Bow hunters are now using both decoys and calls, combined with food attractors and urine as a way of drawing the game close enough for a deadly shot.

To learn the art of bowhunting, you need to observe the pattern the game species you are targeting takes. You can then use this knowledge to position yourself at a strategic point where you can easily take the perfect shot. Once you have mastered this, hunting will be a thrilling adventure every time you go out.

If you are just starting out, you can start with the least expensive gear and slowly upgrade your gear with time.

Taking the Shot!

Start with a proper stance

The key to shooting your recurve hunting bow is proper positioning. Simply standing and shooting won’t do the trick.

To properly position yourself, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your whole body, including your hips and chest, should be faced perpendicular to the area you’re shooting.

Your head should be facing the target head on.

Preparing for your shot

Once you mastered the perfect shooting stance, you’ll need to prepare yourself for the shot. You’ll start by lifting the bow to about your shoulder. The arm holding the bow should be perfectly straight, with your elbow locked.

Your hand should be holding the grip of the recurve bow firmly, but not tightly. Imagine that you’re holding a hammer. Keep your wrist and fingers relaxed.

Keep the following in mind as you’re preparing for your shot:

  • Your shoulders are down and not hunched.
  • Nothing is in the way of the string, for example, your elbow or the bow itself.
  • Your head is turned toward the target and the rest of your body is perpendicular. This will keep your aim accurate.

Once you’ve mastered the positioning and made sure that the surrounding area is safe, you’re ready to shoot the bow.

Shooting A Recurve Hunting Bow

It’s important that while you’re shooting your bow, that you’re keeping in the same sturdy positioning. Once you’re set, pull the string of the bow backward. You should be pulling the string until it reaches your mouth. The hand pulling the string should be around your jawline.

When you’re pulling the string back, make sure to use as much of your back muscles as possible. This will give you a stronger pull.

Close one eye, and use the other to focus on your target. Once you believe you’ve aimed properly, release the string.

Releasing the string of the bow should not be immediate. You should gradually relax your fingers that are holding the string so it slowly releases. This will keep your aim. Should you quickly release the string your arrow will not fly straight.

Hunting with a recurve bow is very enjoyable.

After you’ve released the arrow, stay still for a few moments. This will prevent any jerking reactions you may have. It will also improve your aim if you stay still.

What Makes a Recurve Bow Perfect for Hunting?

Recurve bows are great for hunting. However, there are certain considerations you need to look out for before investing in one. These considerations include:

Minimal Noise

You don’t want to lose your prey because of the noise generated by drawing the string on your bow. To tackle this problem, choose a bow with limbs made from quiet and fine-tuned material. You will notice dampeners or other items made to silence the string.

Scent Elimination

As a hunter, you will be doing the relatively close-quarters shooting; this means that you need to get a scent eliminator to avoid losing the prey. You can get this scent eliminator in spray form.  If you are hunting from a blind, you can opt for the electronic scent eliminator.

Draw Weight

A drawing strength of forty pounds or less is recommended; this weight allows you to pierce your prey and penetrate the body deep enough. A draw weight of forty or more pounds could mean that you will injure the animal without killing it.

Moreover, choose a draw weight that you are comfortable handling.  A heavy draw weight could be too much for your muscles, and this could affect your ability to fire.

Length

A recurve bow should have a minimum length of 58 inches; this is because the longer the length of the bow, the more accurate your shots will be.

Ease of Transport

Ease of transport may not seem like an issue if you are a beginner, but you will soon realize that it’s a critical element that shouldn’t be overlooked. You need to ensure that the limbs are not broken.   A takedown recurve bow is easier to transport.

Top Recurve Bows

Samick Sage Recurve Bow

This takedown bow is one of the fastest traditional bows that can be used for several purposes aside from hunting.  Samick Sage competes with other expensive and high-end bows in the market regarding precision and silence.

With the ability to break into three pieces, this bow is highly portable and takes minutes to assemble and disassemble.  Weighing only three pounds, the Samick Sage has ports that provide minimal hand shock, smooth draw, and the right balance.

Check out our in depth review article here!

SAS Courage Recurve Bow

While this recurve bow is one of the most affordable options in the market, it doesn’t sacrifice quality. Made from durable types of wood, the SAS takedown recurve bow comes with a three-year warranty, ensuring that you have confidence when using it. Being lightweight, the bow is perfect for beginners starting out in archery.

Check out our in depth review article here!

Spyder Takedown Bow

Being an upgrade from the previous Sage bow, the Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow features rounded edges on the riser, lighter limb pockets, and edgy redwood. With a year’s warranty, the Spyder also features an optional package that includes a stringer tool, string, bow, three premium carbon arrows, armguard, and a hard case.

Check out our in depth review article here!

Recurve bow hunting has numerous benefits such as

  • Ability to shoot faster than straight bows
  • Easy to store and transport
  • Affordability
  • Provide traditional archery experience
  • Offer an element of challenge

Recurve bows are great whether you are a beginner or you are more experienced in target practice and archery competitions.  Determine your budget and find a bow that matches your current needs.

For More Information Regarding Some Of The Best Recurve Bows Ever Made, Check Out Our Recurve Bow Buying Guide

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