Bowhunting is Different!

It's pretty obvious that a bow looks
a lot different than a firearm,
but what else is different?
Plenty!

Firearm [photo of firearm]	Archery Equipment [photo of bow]
Energy comes from burning gunpowder expanding behind the bullet.	Energy comes from the shooter bending the limbs of the bow.
Wooden or fiberglass stock supports the firing mechanism.	Shooter's body takes the place of the stock (does not apply to crossbows).
Hunter can shoot from far away (depending on the cartridge). Usually far enough away that the animal is unaware.	Game animals must be CLOSE to the hunter in order to get a good shot.
Relies on energy and shock. Game animal may die immediately from shock, or a combination of shock and blood loss.	Relies on cutting and bleeding. Game animal dies of blood loss.

Because there are such major differences between firearm hunting and bowhunting, this section on bowhunting only contains the most basic information that all hunters should know about bowhunting.

If you want to learn a lot more and become a good bowhunter, the International Hunter Education Association recommends that you take a special bowhunter education course. Contact your state/provincial wildlife agency or see the National Bowhunting Education Foundation (www.nbef.org) for more information.