Hunting compound bows are fun but can be expensive. That’s why it’s important to understand how far the bow shoots.
Shooting an arrow as far as your compound bow can shoot is a test of your skills and is a great time killer while on a hunt.
It’s also a great way to see how well you can control your equipment. If you don’t like your arrow going as far as you think you can shoot it, don’t worry because this article is a walk-through on how far can a compound bow shoot? So let’s begin the discussion.
What is the Maximum Distance of a Compound Bow?
The distance covered by a compound bow depends on the following factors. Make sure to review them and level up your hunting game.
1. Plan Your Hunt:
Planning your hunt is essential, and knowing what you’re going to do when you get there is important, too. Before you hit the trail, you’ll need to decide if you want to use a spotter or not.
It’s also helpful to know your game, so you can figure out where you’ll be hunting (areas with lots of rabbits, deer, or wild turkey would be good hunting grounds), what time the best hunting hours are, and what you’ll be hunting in season or out of season.
We decided to use a spotter. We knew we had to find an isolated location with a lot of games, so we wanted to have someone watching our backs. We had heard that a good spotter could help save your life, so we went with it.
2. Make Sure You Know Where You’re Going:
If you aren’t sure where you’re going, you’re setting yourself up for problems. Before leaving on your hunt, make sure you know where you’ll be going, how far you’ll be traveling each day, and what direction you’ll be headed each time.
This will help you stay safe and avoid getting lost. We recommend making a map of where you’re going and marking all your stops and turns. This way you don’t have to stop to ask someone for directions if you get turned around or something happens to your GPS or phone.
3. Pack the Right Stuff:
If you don’t pack the right things, you won’t be able to see anything on the trail, let alone find any game. Think about what kind of clothing you’ll need, what kind of food you’ll need, and where you’ll sleep.
Packing the right stuff is one of the most important parts of hunting. If you’re planning on being out for more than one day, make sure you have a tent and sleeping bags, a place to store your food, and plenty of water.
4. Don’t Over-Stress Yourself:
When you get out there and get into the woods, you won’t have time to worry about your backpacks or anything else. You’ll have a lot going on, and that’s OK.
Be aware that there’s only so much you can do at once. If you’re not focused on where you’re going or what you’re looking for, you might miss something.
5. Keep Your Head Down and Your Mind Sharp:
Don’t get lost in your thoughts when you’re out there. Be aware of your surroundings. The only time you need to think about what you’re doing is if you’re hunting. Otherwise, you should be thinking about what you’re seeing and experiencing as you hike through the forest.
6. Know When to Stop:
When you go hunting, you need to know when you’ve had enough. If you find yourself going too long without stopping to eat or drink, you won’t be able to shoot accurately anymore. You’ll probably be getting tired of shooting as well, but if you don’t take breaks now, you’ll be too exhausted later on to make the most of your time out there.
Different Types of Compound Bow:
There are so many different types of bows and all these types work differently. Here is the list of bows that you can use while hunting.
Traditional Compound Bow:
Traditional compound bows are made with one or two pieces of wood, called limbs, with the arrow resting in between them.
Hybrid Bow:
A hybrid bow combines elements of both traditional and draws assist compound bows. It uses both the draw assist and the traditional cocking mechanism.
Recurve Bow:
A recurve bow has a similar function to a compound bow but uses a single limb that allows you to aim and shoot with only one hand.
The arrows usually are strung along the center of the limbs and there is usually a “cocking” mechanism at the center of the bow where the limb can slide backward easily.
Long Bow:
Longbows have a similar function to a recurve bow, but use a much longer limb than a traditional compound bow.
Most longbows have a cocking mechanism that moves the limb forward and back. The limb should be made of wood or some other material so it doesn’t break when it’s pulled back.
Cross Bow:
A crossbow is a type of bow that shoots a bolt, instead of an arrow. This post explains how the mechanism works.
A crossbow uses a system very similar to a traditional bow. There is an arm that goes across the bow and holds the limbs in place. When you pull the string back, it pulls on the arms and draws the limbs back.
How to Know Which Compound Bow is Best?
Let’s see how you can figure out which compound bow is best for your needs. First off, you’ll need to determine the length of the bow that you want to use. If you want something to fit your whole body, you’ll probably want to get the longest length you can.
STEP 1 – Determine Your Bow Length:
Measure the distance from where the string connects to your hand to the tip of your arrow. If you’re using a traditional bow, this measurement is measured in inches (24″ or 50cm)
If you’re using a mechanical bow, the measurement will be the distance between the release and the arrow rest. This measurement will also be determined by inches (18″ or 45cm)
STEP 2 – Determine Your Draw Weight:
This is the amount of force required to pull the string back into its resting position. You can usually find this measurement on your bow’s specifications.
A draw weight of 40 pounds is what most hunters use. If you have less than that, you’ll need to use a shorter bow. More than that, you’ll need to use a longer one.
The higher your draw weight, the harder it will be for you to shoot accurately. The lower your draw weight, the easier it is for you to hit your target.
STEP 3 – Determine Your Bow Hold-Back Weight:
The hold-back weight is how much you pull the string back before releasing it. If you pull the string back far enough, you’ll be able to reach farther targets. This measurement will also be determined by inches (18″ or 45cm)
If you pull the string back far enough, you’ll be able to shoot faster and more accurately. The lower your hold-back weight, the easier it is for you to shoot accurately.
STEP 4 – Determine the Draw and Hold-Back Weight for Your Target:
Using the measurements you just determined, you can calculate the draw and hold-back weight for your target.
The Bottom Line:
Most compound bows come with a maximum range of 300 yards. That’s a fair distance but you’ll need to get better at aiming and hold your aim for a longer period to extend the reach.
It’s possible, but it’s also really easy to put a new bow in the ground. So, if you want long-range hunting experience, it’s probably best to invest in a rifle or shotgun instead.
