Arrow Safety

Bow hunting is an extremely fun adventure but can become problematic if safety is the last thing on your mind. There is a lot to remember when it comes to bow hunting but practicing good safety should never be forgotten and is something that should be practiced enough so it becomes second nature. One of the most important pieces of equipment that must be checked often is your arrow. Your arrow is essentially your bullet for your bow and needs to be inspected and maintained. There are a few quick tips that can be done quickly but save a lot of injury or missed shots.

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The Flex Test:

Always inspect your arrows before and after shooting, whether you are target shooting or hunting in the field. Hold both ends of the arrow and flex it away from you while looking and listening for splinters, cracks or nicks. Rotate and repeat a few times to ensure the shaft is not damaged. If you hear or see any irregularities in your arrow you need to get rid of it immediately. Any arrow that has even the smallest of cracks can be unsafe for the shooter as well as lead to inaccuracy, poor arrow flight, and poor penetration on an animal.

Although you should try to inspect your arrows all the time, it is imperative you perform the quick flex test after you have shot an animal, missed on an animal or target and hit the ground, rock, or anything else solid. Manufacturers today have increased the durability and stability of arrows tremendously but always check your arrows for these defects.

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Cotton Ball Test:

I always carry cotton balls in my bow case for another quick and simple test for arrow safety. Many of the cracks in an arrow you will never see or may be unable to hear if the area you are in is noisy or just have poor hearing; this is a great option that anyone can do. Take a dry cotton ball and run it up and down the entire shaft of the arrow, rotating the arrow and alternating the direction of ‘swabbing’. If there are any tiny cracks, nicks, or abrasions, the cotton fibers from the arrow will stick or snag on them. Your cotton ball should never stick, snag, or tug on your arrow – no excuses. If even a single fiber gets stuck (other than on the glue of your fletching) your arrow is bad and should be discarded.

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It is also a good idea to look closely at the ends of each arrow without a nock or broad head in for any cracking. Many times this is the location of cracks and should be inspected regularly. Make sure you take proper care of your equipment to ensure the best and safest hunting experience possible. A few minutes of preparation can prevent negative results.