When it comes to hunting deer, there are different methods you can use to capture your prey. While it may come down to personal preference, there are advantages, as well as disadvantages of using bows over other types of weapons. If you’re thinking of using a bow to hunt deer, read on so that you can have the best and most successful hunt.
Advantages of Bow Hunting Deer
While some may assume hunting with a bow is more tedious than hunting with a gun, it can actually be more relaxing. This is because there may be less hunters going after the same prey since bow hunting season is longer than rifle hunting season. This tends to thin out the crowd, making more deer available. Without the presence of guns, the woods are a much quieter place, which can work to your benefit. Many hunters find more peace by just sitting in their tree stand, with their bow and arrow, as they wait to take their shot.
Disadvantages of Using Rifles to Hunt Deer
When people think about hunting deer, they immediately think hunting with a rifle will be the most successful method. But, that is not necessarily the case. Hunting with a gun can immediately increase the “spook factor” in the woods, leading to an unsuccessful hunt for you and anyone else around you.
Also, you need to make sure you have plenty of ammunition readily available seeing as though you don’t know how long you’ll be out there. When you compare bows to rifles, rifles can be more expensive because of the cost of ammunition. But, when trained properly, some hunters have more success hunting with rifles over bows because they lack the precision needed with a bow and arrow.
Types of Bows Used in Deer Hunting
If you’re thinking of deer hunting using a bow, you should know that there are four different types of bows.
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Recurve Bow
A recurve bow is pretty easy to point out as it has limbs that curve away from the user. This type of bow was commonly used by warriors during ancient times. If you’re a beginner, this is a good bow to start off with because you don’t need a lot of strength to draw it. But, if you draw the string for a long time you run the risk of losing your aim. Generally speaking, this type of bow is best for smaller creatures, not deer.
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Compound Bow
This tends to be the bow of choice among hunters who prefer deer hunting with bows. Its shots are more powerful, accurate, and precise. The compound bow has cables and pulleys in a levering system that allows them to make a full and heavy draw. Compound bows are also less likely to be affected by the elements, making them a great choice for hunters who may be out in the woods for a long period of time.
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Traditional Bow or Long Bow
The traditional bow or long bow takes a lot of precision and aim and is often reserved for the more experienced bow hunters. The arrows used in this type of bow also don’t have the speed that comes along with other bows, making it less useful for hunters.
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Crossbow
This bow is widely used by hunters because it’s light and easy to carry in the woods. It is also quiet which means you’ll be less likely to spook your prey. You do need a good deal of strength to pull this bow and make it successful, so keep that in mind. But, if you have the strength, the crossbow can deliver in big ways.
Where to Shoot a Deer with a Bow
The location of your shot is just as important as the weapon you choose. When it comes to where to shoot a deer with a bow, you want to aim for a deer’s vital organs (heart, lungs, and liver). This will result in a quick kill if placed correctly. If the shot is too far forward, it will penetrate thick muscle and possibly even heavy bone. If it is too far back, it will cause a slower death.
Practicing on a 3-D deer target is a good idea because you can improve your shot so that you are hitting the correct area for a higher success rate.
Best Bow Shots
Knowing the best bow shots is just as important as knowing where to shoot a deer with a bow.
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Broadside shot
This is the best shot for deer hunting with bows. This angle exposes the vital organs which is essential for the best shot. A broadside shot occurs when either side of the deer is perpendicular to the hunter.
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Quartering Away shot
This is another favorable shot for bow hunters. This shot also exposes the vital organs while presenting a large target when the angle is correct. It usually targets the area near the liver.
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Quartering Toward shot
When the deer is angled, but not head on, a quartering toward shot is made. This may not be the best shot when deer hunting with bows because without accurate precision this shot tends to miss the vital organs.
- Straight On Shots
These shots are not ethical for bow hunters and should be avoided at all costs.
When hunting whitetail deer with bows pass-through shots are often best. This type of shot typically leaves a larger blood trail, making it easy for hunters to find their prey.
Bow Hunting Deer in Texas
If you’re planning on heading to Texas to hunt deer, you can get a positive experience at Squaw Mountain Ranch. During a whitetail deer hunt at Squaw Mountain Ranch you can expect a one to one buck to doe ratio which allows hunters to see several deer to choose from during their hunt. The staff at Squaw Mountain aims to accommodate all hunters including those with physical disabilities. There is a variety of hunting packages to choose from, but no matter which you choose we ensure a fair hunt resulting in a trophy any hunter would be proud to display.
If you are planning a trophy hunt at Squaw Mountain Ranch, you just need to bring your weapon of choice, hunting clothes, a Texas hunting license, cooler to transport meat and any other desired personal items.
Call Squaw Mountain today at 830-275-3277 to find out more about the variety of white tail deer hunting packages available.