Official Kansas bowhunting safety course Link to Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Chapter 1: Introduction to Bowhunting
Challenges of Hunting with A Bow and Arrow

Bowhunting presents a number of challenges; however, there are three special challenges that set it apart from hunting with modern firearms.

  • Before attempting to hunt, bowhunters should become proficient archers, which requires dedication, practice, and the development of distance-judging skills.
  • Bowhunting is done at a much closer range than rifle hunting; therefore, it often requires a higher degree of stealth and sheer effort to get into position to make the shot (similar to fly fishermen among anglers).
  • Bowhunters must become adept at scouting, tracking, and recovering game, all of which takes perseverance and patience.

While these challenges may be too great for some, many find that these elements add to the pleasure of hunting. Bowhunting is a unique emotional experience because you are so close to the game.

Along with the special satisfaction that bowhunting offers comes the responsibility to master Bowhunting techniques and learn the anatomy and behavior of the game hunted in order to achieve a quick, clean, and humane kill.

Differences between Hunting with Bow & Arrow and Modern Firearms

Power Source: Bowhunting Rifles/Shotguns
Bending limbs Smokeless powder
Support: Archer's body Shouldered stock
Effective Range: Around 20 yards 100 yards or more
Trajectory: High arch Slight arch
Short Long
Killings: Cutting/Bleeding Shocking/Bleeding
Projectiles: Broadheads Bullets/shot
Main Safety Concern: Falls from tree stands Muzzle control & shooting injuries
Kansas Department of
Wildlife and Parks
Course Overview
Course Chapters
Get Certified
Wildlife Glossary
Bowhunting Resources
< Back to Previous Page Table of Contents Go to Next Page >
 
Official bowhunting safety course for Kansas bowhunters last modified: May 7, 2008
Email with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 1998-2008 Today's Bowhunter and Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.
Review the Today's Bowhunter privacy policy.