All wood bows are somewhat different from the modern fiberglass bows. If this is your first time shooting an all wood bow, there are a few things you should know. If this is not your first time, please read this to refresh your memory.

Please keep in mind that wood bows are a hand crafted work of art in and of themselves, and should be treated as such. That means you need to take care of your bow. Don’t leave it out in the rain, or out in the heat. When not in use it should be unstrung, and stowed in a safe pace, preferably in a bow sock to keep it from getting dinged up and scratched.

The bow must be strung correctly to avoid damaging the bow. Use a longbow Stringer, or the push pull method. Please don’t use the “step through” method, as you can twist the limbs, and damage the bow.

Safety Tip:
You must check and make sure that the string is securely placed in the nocks on both ends of the bow before shooting.
Never pull a wooden bow beyond its stated draw length, which is marked on the belly of the bow below the handle. For example, 20# @ 24”, would indicate that the bow pulls 20 pounds at 24 inches, measured from the back of the bow. (The side opposite the pound/draw numbers is the back of the bow). If the bow is over-drawn, it may break. In other words, DO NOT pull the string back beyond the written inches.

Wood bows are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. After stringing a bow, it is necessary to “warm the bow up” before shooting. This is done by pulling the bow to half draw and then easing it back down several times. Then pull it to full draw and ease it back down ten to twelve times. Failure to do so may cause damage to your bow.

You should always use a wood shafted feather fletched arrow which is at least as long as the stated draw length of the bow. On wood bows with out a shelf, the first knuckle of your left hand (if right handed) is the arrow rest. It is a good idea to frequently check your arrows for cracks or loose feathers to avoid injury to your hand. When shooting off the hand, a glove is recommended to reduce the effects of shooting a bow without an arrow shelf.

It is important that draw and release be done as quickly as possible, in one smooth motion. Holding the bow at full draw for more than a second or two will greatly diminish arrow speed and cause the bow to “follow the string.” String follow refers to when the limbs of the bow take a set in the direction that the bow is repeatedly bent in. Some string follow is to be expected, but it can and should be kept to a minimum with proper care, prolonging the life of the bow.

Care and Maintenance of the bow is very important. The string should be checked frequently for wear, especially at the nocks and nocking point.

Remember, this is not a toy, and can cause harm if not handled properly. Even a light draw weight bow can cause severe injury, and should be accorded the same respect as a firearm. Be careful and enjoy this ancient style of archery