Bow Hunting
Bow Hunting Season Prep: Essential Gear Checklist and Practice Routines
Sep
Well over 14 million Americans are hunters according to a recent survey by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and a growing number of parents and grandparents are getting the rising generation involved. Some go hunting for the sheer experience while others do so to put food on the table. For many, though, it’s a combination of the two.
Many hunters swear by their rifles and shotguns. Still, quite a few prefer the challenge of bow hunting. There’s no denying that hunting with a bow takes more patience, accuracy, and steadiness than hunting with a gun. Besides that, archery season starts before firearms season, so bow hunters can get out in the field earlier.
Among bow hunters, some like the power and distance they get from compound bows. On the other hand, many insist there’s nothing better than fine-tuned, lightweight, low-maintenance recurve bows for hunting. At Bob Lee Bows, we tend to agree with them.
Archery is in our blood and is also our family business. Bob Lee Bows was co-founded by my father, Bob Lee Senior and myself. Now, Jonathan “JJ” Jackson is the third generation in the family business. Bob was the original founder of Wing Archery back in 1951, and he made history in bow hunting in numerous ways. He fought hard for Texas’ first archery-only season. He liked to say that he donated countless Red Wing Hunters to the people in charge to get it pushed through.
JJ and I are carrying on the family legacy as you read this. We fully understand the value of a high-quality, beautifully crafted recurve bow, and that’s exactly what we deliver. We’re here to help you get the most out of your bow hunting seasons. In addition to our world-famous bows, this bow hunting season prep guide should fill the bill.
Must-Have Bow Hunting Equipment
When you’re going on a hunting trip, whether you’re venturing into the woods behind your house or going out of town for a week-long adventure, having the right equipment is essential. Obviously, a well-tuned and well-maintained bow is one of the most important things to pack. Having plenty of arrows on hand is also a good idea. They should be rated for the bow’s draw weight and your draw length and appropriate for the types of game you’ll be hunting.
Those are only the basics, though. Several other pieces of equipment also enter the mix. Consider taking the following extras along with you.
- Extra String and a Bow Stringer – In case your string gets damaged or breaks
- Nocking Points, Serving Thread, and Bow Wax – For repairing and maintaining your bow and string while hunting if necessary
- Finger Tab or Glove – To protect your fingers from the bowstring
- Arm Guard – To protect your forearm and keep your sleeve out of the way
- Rangefinder and Binoculars – Binoculars can help you find game and scope out the landscape, and a rangefinder measures distances. Rangefinding binoculars combine the two functions in a single device.
- Fixed-Blade Knife – A high-quality one for field dressing and general use (keeping a sharpening stone and honing oil on hand is also recommended)
- Game Bags and Drag Rope – For packing out meat and getting it back to base camp
- Tree Stand or Portable Blind – If you plan to use one and don’t already have it set up
- Safety Harness – For safely getting into and out of your tree stand
- Game Calls – To attract your game and draw it into range
- First-Aid Kit – You never know what might happen, and it’s always best to be prepared. (add your prescription medications to it if you take them)
- Headlamp – Hands-free light to help you find your way in the dark
- Multitool – It’ll come in handy for countless reasons.
- Phone/GPS – In case you get lost or need help (consider bringing along a charger and small solar power bank too)
- Blaze Orange Vest or Hat – If required where you’re hunting but a good idea even if not required
- Zip Ties – Good for everything from marking your path to tying back limbs and securing splints if someone gets hurt
- Backpack – Get a good backpack to make carrying all the essentials easier.
- Hunting License and Permit – In case you need proof that you’re hunting legally
- Tags – If you’re hunting game that requires tags, be sure you have them and take them with you.
Those are some of the basic essentials for bow hunting in general. Of course, different types of game require specific types of equipment, and the best arrows to hunt with depend on what you’re hunting. With that being the case, let’s dive into some of the distinct equipment you’ll need for various types of game.
Whitetail Deer
For whitetail deer, 100 to 125 grain fixed-blade broadheads are recommended. Put those on 400 to 500 spine carbon or aluminum arrows. You’ll need to pair those with a minimum of 40-50 pounds of draw weight. All of that will give you the speed and force you need for clean pass-through shots. It’s also a good idea to use scent control when hunting deer; otherwise, they’ll smell you coming from half a mile away.
Elk and Moose
Elk and moose are bigger and sturdier than whitetail deer, so you’ll need more speed and force to take them down. Working with at least 55 to 75 pounds of draw weight will give you better penetration. That’s especially true if you use heavy arrows with fixed-blade broadheads. Those with 125 to 200 grain single bevels are best for this type of game, and try to aim for a total weight of 450 grains. As is the case with deer, blocking your human scent is important.
Wild Boar
Wild boar have tough shoulder shields that are hard to pierce. For them, it’s best to use fairly heavy, sturdy arrows with strong, thick, fixed-blade broadheads. Some recurve hunters prefer shorter arrows for wild boar. It’s a good idea to balance length with weight for optimal penetration. Use a draw weight of at least 50 pounds. Remember that wild boar have been known to charge, so have a backup firearm with you if it’s legal and make a mental note of possible escape routes on your way to prime hunting spots.
Bears
Bears have a lot of fat and muscle to get through, so you’ll need heavy arrows and sharp, fixed-blade, 125 grain (or more) broadheads. Use at least 55 pounds of draw weight when hunting bears, but more tends to be better here. Once again, scent control is crucial. Be sure to brush up on how to react if a bear turns on you as well.
Turkeys
Turkeys are a bit easier to kill. For them, standard hunting arrows are fine, and small game heads or even field points can work well. You generally only need 30 to 40 pounds of draw weight for turkey hunting. You don’t really need to worry about scent control with turkeys. They have excellent hearing and eyesight, though, so stealth and camouflage are crucial.
Small Game
For small game, like rabbits, squirrels, pheasants, and grouse, you don’t need a great deal of speed and kinetic energy. Small game heads or judo or blunt points will do nicely, and you only need around 25 to 35 pounds of draw weight. Some hunters use flu-flu arrows to limit how far they travel when hunting small game. Try to hunt downwind, and as is the case with all game, try to be as still and quiet as possible while you’re waiting for these animals to come to you.
When Does Bow Season Open?
Now that you know what you need for hunting trips, you need to know when bow hunting season opens. That’s a more complicated question than it was in the old days. At this point, hunting season varies by state and even by zone in many states. The following table will give you a good idea of when bow season opens in the areas where you’ll be hunting.
| STATE | 2025-2026 BOW HUNTING SEASON OPENING DATE |
| Alabama | October 1 (Zones D and E), October 15 (A, B, C, and CWD Mgmt Zones) |
| Alaska | Generally August 1 but divided into several units, game types, etc. |
| Arizona | August 22 but varies by unit and other factors |
| Arkansas | September 27 |
| California | July 12 (A, B-1), August 16 (B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, and certain D-Zones), August 23 (specific X-Zones) |
| Colorado | September 1 (Turkey and certain small game birds), September 2 (Deer, Elk, Black Bear), September 6 (Moose) |
| Connecticut | September 15 |
| Delaware | September 1 |
| Florida | August 2 (Zone A), September 14 (Zone C), October 19 (Zone B), October 26 (Zone D) |
| Georgia | September 13 |
| Hawaii | Year-round for certain types of game, others vary by island and other factors |
| Idaho | August 15 |
| Illinois | October 1 |
| Indiana | October 1 |
| Iowa | October 1 (first season), December 22 (second season) |
| Kansas | September 15 |
| Kentucky | September 6 |
| Louisiana | September 20 (deer areas 3, 7, 8, and 10), October 1 (other areas) |
| Maine | September 6 (expanded, designated areas only), October 4 (regular, Wildlife Management Districts) |
| Maryland | September 5 |
| Massachusetts | October 6 |
| Michigan | October 1 (regular), December 1 (extended) |
| Minnesota | September 13 |
| Mississippi | September 12 (Delta, North Central, and Hills Zones), October 1 (regular), and October 15 (Southeast Zone) |
| Missouri | September 15 through November 14, and November 26 through January 15 |
| Montana | September 6 (deer and elk) |
| Nebraska | September 1 (deer) |
| Nevada | August 1 (mule deer in Units 011, 012, 013, 014, 015, 031, and 051), September 17 (antlered elk in Units 161-164, 171-173, and 241-242) |
| New Hampshire | September 15 (deer and fall turkey) |
| New Jersey | September 13 (specific early zones), October 4 (statewide), November 1 (permit bow) |
| New Mexico | September 1 (deer and elk, specific units), dates vary by game type and area |
| New York | October 25 (Northern Zone, regular), November 15 (Southern Zone, regular), different dates for specific counties and areas |
| North Carolina | September 13 |
| North Dakota | August 29 |
| Ohio | September 27 |
| Oklahoma | October 1 (deer, elk, turkey, bear, antelope) |
| Oregon | August 30 (additional late seasons and varying dates in specific units) |
| Pennsylvania | September 20 (WMUs 2B, 5C, and 5D), November 21 (statewide), December 26 (late season) |
| Rhode Island | September 15 (Zone 1), October 1 (Zone 2), different dates for Zones 3 and 4 |
| South Carolina | August 15 (Zones 3 and 4), September 15 (Zone 2), and October 11 (Zone 1) |
| South Dakota | September 1 |
| Tennessee | September 27 |
| Texas | September 27 |
| Utah | August 16 |
| Vermont | October 1 through November 14, late season December 1 through 15 |
| Virginia | October 4 |
| Washington | Generally September 1 with variations depending on different GMUs and types of game |
| West Virginia | September 17 (deer, wild boar, black bear) |
| Wisconsin | September 13 |
| Wyoming | Generally August 15 though several factors come into play |
*Keep in mind that regulations can vary by area and game type. Be sure to check the specifics via the Department of Fish and Wildlife or Department of Natural Resources for the state where you’ll be hunting.
Getting Ready for Hunting Season
With a better idea of when bow hunting season will start in your area, you can get ready for it well ahead of time. It’s important to prepare in advance rather than heading straight out into the field on opening day. Training and practicing will give you the strength, stamina, and confidence you need to power through days in the field, handle your bow well, and land your shots.
Six to Eight Weeks Before the Season Starts
Starting at least six to eight weeks before hunting season opens, you should consider working out three or four days each week to strengthen your back, shoulders, and core. Those are the muscles that’ll keep you steady while you’re aiming and shooting. You don’t necessarily have to follow the same routines as hardcore bodybuilders; simple exercises like push-ups, planks, rows, and using resistance bands can help build up your strength.
Going for walks and hikes can help build endurance for getting to and from your hunting spots. As opening day draws closer, you may want to gradually build up the length and intensity of those walks and hikes. Practicing with a weighted backpack is also recommended since you’ll be carrying gear when you’re actually going hunting.
Target practice shouldn’t be ignored, either. During those first few weeks of training, practice shooting at close range, like 10 to 20 yards. Consistency and good form are more important than distance at this point. Be sure your bow is tuned properly and customized to your strength and draw length as well.
Four Weeks Before Opening Day
At four weeks before the season opens, start working on distance with your shots. Move back to about 30 or 40 yards, and practice different stances. If you’ll be hunting in a tree stand, be sure to practice from higher positions.
Rob emphasizes that tree stand hunters should practice shooting from up high, like off a ladder, deck, tree stand on their property, or even the roofs of their homes, so they get used to aiming downhill. He says a lot of hunters end up shooting too high if they don’t practice from heights ahead of time. He also stresses the importance of safety and always using a harness when you’re in the stand. It may take extra time and hassle, but keeping yourself safe is well worth it.
This is also a good time to begin shot placement drills. For deer, elk, moose, bear, and other large game, broadside shots through the lungs and heart are best. If you’re hunting wild boar, avoiding straight-on shoulder shots is advised. Straight-on head or neck shots and quartering-away shots behind the shoulders are better for turkeys. For small game, aim for clean upper-body shots. Practice on targets that are marked with the vital zones of the animals you’ll be hunting.
If you haven’t already, start thinking about where you’ll be hunting. Go out and scout locations. Look for signs of the game you’re interested in, like tracks, droppings, and bedding. Focus on potential food and water sources. Look for game trails to learn the routes they’re taking. Along the way, look for nearby areas with natural cover to hunt from.
Two Weeks Before the Season Starts
At two weeks before the start of the season, continue practicing distance shots and doing shot placement drills. Shoot for longer practice sessions to help build up your stamina. Spend more time scouting your hunting areas and learning the lay of the land at this point too. Start thinking about where and how you can get to your prime hunting spots without spooking the animals.
One Week Before Opening Day
During the final week before the season opens, keep practicing, but don’t overdo it. You’ve built up your strength, stamina, and aim. Now, it’s time to keep your skills sharp without wearing yourself out. Get your essential gear packed this week as well, so you’ll be ready to go on opening day.
Keeping Your Bow and Arrows in Top-Notch Condition
No matter how much you practice and how good of a marksman you are, keeping your bow and arrows in optimal condition is they key to successful hunting. Be sure to inspect your bow after each hunt, and even after practicing. Check for cracks, chips, and splinters, and have them repaired as soon as you find them. Minor damage can grow into major problems if you continue to use a bow after it develops.
Keep your string in good shape too. Bowstrings take on a lot of stress and friction, and that can take a toll on them. Check for fraying and other types of damage.
Check your arrows as well. Don’t use them if they’re cracked. You can roll them on a flat surface to ensure they’re straight. If they’re bent, you’ll be able to feel the resulting wobble. Wooden arrows can be straightened using heat or steam. If you use aluminum, carbon fiber, or composite arrows, it may be best to discard them once they’re bent.
Tighten screws, bolts, and accessories on your bow as needed. If your bow gets wet or muddy, be sure to wipe it down with a soft cloth. Leaving moisture and dirt on it can cause damage over time. Consider keeping your bow in a protective case, and don’t leave it exposed to extreme temperatures. That goes for your arrows too.
Gearing Up for Your Bow Hunting Expeditions
If you’re among the millions of people who prefer recurve bows over compound bows or rifles, Bob Lee Bows has what you’re looking for. Our bows are well known for their durability, speed, and accuracy, not to mention their beauty. We give you unrivaled craftsmanship, and our bows give you unbeatable performance.
Of course, maintenance is crucial for keeping your bow in optimal condition. At the same time, practice is the key to getting the most out of it. Keep the information and advice mentioned here in mind to help you get ready for bow season. Every detail matters, and the effort you put in ahead of time will definitely pay off in the field.
About The Author
ROB LEE
