Bow hunting is considered by many hunters to be an elite form of hunting. Unlike firearm hunting that is quick and somewhat imprecise, bow hunting requires precision, patience, stealth, and skill. In addition to developing these skills, hunting with a bow and arrow also requires the right equipment. You want a bow that is suited to your needs and is also an appropriate size for you to work with.

M & M Archery Range and Pro Shop in Independence, Kentucky, has been providing area residents with quality archery supplies and lessons for several years. Below, their staff explains everything you should look for when purchasing your bow.

What to Look for When Purchasing Your Hunting Bow

Eye Dominance

Your dominant eye is the eye you would use to look through the cross-hairs when shooting your bow and arrow. Your dominant eye may be the same as your dominant hand, however, there are cases where left-handed people shoot with their right eye and vice versa. You can determine your eye dominance by extending both arms and forming a triangle with your thumbs and forefingers. Place the triangle over a fixed mark such as picture frame or doorknob, and close your right eye, then your left. Whichever eye allows the object to stay in its position, even with the other closed, is your dominant eye. When purchasing a bow, select one that corresponds to your dominant eye, rather than dominant hand.

Draw Length

Your draw length is the distance you’ll be able to pull your arrow back when you are loading it in your bow. The draw length of your bow should be properly tailored to you and can be measured at most archery pro shops. The pro shop will measure your wingspan from the tip of one middle finger to the other, with your arms outstretched. This measurement divided by 2.5 is your ideal draw length.

Draw Weight

As previously mentioned, bow hunting is a swift and stealthy skill. In order for you to succeed as a bow hunter, you need to be able to shoot quickly and easily without having to struggle. The key to doing this is too choose the correct draw weight. If the draw weight is too light, your arrows won’t go very far. If the draw weight is too heavy, you won’t be able to pull your arrows back far enough to release them. Unfortunately, there is no calculation to determine your draw weight, so your best bet is to visit an archery pro shop and experiment with different weights until you find one that is right for you. Having the correct draw weight can help prevent injuries to shoulder muscles and improper form.

If you are planning to go bow hunting and need a new bow, visit M & M Archery Range and Pro Shop located at 10112 Toebben Drive Independence, KY 41051. The range is always first come first served so you can drop by anytime. If you want to improve your skills or schedule archery lessons call (859)-282-6333. For more information on available archery supplies, visit their website.