Official Alaska bowhunting safety course Link to Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Chapter 3: Safe and Responsible Bowhunting
Archery Safety

Archery and bowhunting safety rules cover all aspects of using a bow and arrow, including storing, handling, and shooting.

Do not drink and hunt

Do not drink alcohol or take mood-altering drugs before, during, or after activities associated with bowhunting.

In many states, a bow and arrow are considered a firearm, and the same rules and regulations that apply to firearms also apply to bows and arrows. Always check local laws, and follow these archery safety rules.

  • Only point the bow and arrow in a safe direction.
  • Only nock an arrow when it’s safe to shoot.
  • Be sure of your target and what is in front of it, immediately behind it, and beyond it.
  • Never shoot over a ridge.
  • Only shoot when you have a safe range or shooting area, and a safe backstop or background.
  • Wear an arm guard and finger protection while shooting bows and arrows.
  • Avoid dry-firing a bow (releasing the bowstring without a nocked arrow). It may cause serious damage to the bow and can injure the archer.
  • Do not shoot an arrow straight up in the air as doing so is unsafe.
  • Keep your emotions under control, and think about safety first.
  • Do not drink alcohol or take mood-altering drugs before, during, or after shooting a bow.
  • Handle arrows carefully. Protect yourself and the arrow points with a covered arrow quiver.
  • Use a bow-stringer for stringing longbows and recurve bows.
  • Prior to each use, check your bow for cracks, dents, breaks, separating laminates, peeling glass, and defects in mechanical parts.
  • Check the bowstring regularly, and replace it if it becomes worn or frayed. Frequent use of bowstring wax greatly extends the life of a bowstring.
  • Check arrows for cracks, dents, or bends; and discard any that have permanent flaws.
  • Immediately repair defects in equipment.
  • Store your bows in bow cases–preferably hard cases–and store recurves and longbows unstrung.
  • Store arrows in quivers and accessories in a sturdy box or padded bag.

nock:
A slotted plastic tip that serves as the attachment point to secure an arrow on a bowstring

covered arrow quiver:
A device with a shatter-resistant cover or hood that holds arrows, protects the shooter and others from accidental contact with arrow points, and provides safe transport of arrows in the field

Alaska Department
of Fish and Game
Course Overview
Course Chapters
Get Certified
Wildlife Glossary
Bowhunting Resources
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Official bowhunting safety course for Alaska bowhunters last modified: March 17, 2008
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