Safety First
(Just because some safety rules or tips are not listed,
do not try something if it is unsafe to you or others)
GENERAL ARCHERY SAFETY RULES
ALWAYS inspect your equipment before shooting your bow. This includes bow, string & cables, arrows, and all accessories.
NEVER point a bow or shoot an arrow at another person.
NEVER shoot an arrow straight up into the air. You can end up hitting another person or yourself.
NEVER shoot an arrow off into the distance where you cannot see where it will land. You could end up hitting another person.
Only use archery equipment in places that are especially set up for target practice - such as indoor and outdoor target ranges. Targets should be set up to insure that no one can be accidentally hit by a stray arrow.
Allow at least 20 yards behind the targets and a 30 degree cone of safety on each side of the shooting lane. Try to place targets against a hill or rising terrain as a safety measure.
If you are looking for a lost arrow behind a target, always leave your bow leaning against the target face so that it will be seen by other archers coming up. If possible, have one archer from your group stand in front of the target to prevent anyone from shooting.
When on an archery course, be sure to stay on the marked path and travel only in the direction in which the targets are laid out while shooting is in progress. Going backwards on the trail or across an unmarked area could place you in the path of a flying arrow, resulting in serious injury.
If you are shooting wooden arrows, check them regularly for cracks. If one is found cracked, break it immediately to insure that it will not be used again. Shooting a cracked arrow can result in its breaking and causing painful injury to the shooter.
Check your bow regularly for cracks or twisting. If in doubt, have it checked by a professional before shooting it any more.
Check the condition of your bowstring regularly. It's cheaper to install a new string than to replace the bow.
Don't draw a bowstring back further than the length of the arrow for which it is intended. Overdrawing can break the bow and injure the shooter in the process. There is an old saying that a fully drawn bow is 7/8 broken!
Don't draw the string back except with an arrow on it and, especially, don't release the bowstring with no arrow on it. Doing so is called dry firing and can damage the bow.
At practice ranges, the only safe place is behind the shooting line.
Never shoot an arrow until you are positive that no one is in front of you or behind the targets.
Never stand in front of a bow while it is being shot, even if you are to one side of the shooter.
Arrows should be placed on the bow only when you are on the shooting line and pointing in the direction of the targets.
After you are done shooting, wait for word from the other shooters before going toward the targets to retrieve your arrows.
WALK, don't run toward the targets. Remember that the arrows are sticking out and can injure you. When pulling arrows out of a target, stand to one side and insure that no one is directly behind you.
ALWAYS know your target and what is behind it. If you aren't sure, DO NOT SHOOT! Wait until you are certain of what you are shooting at.
BE Sure to let someone know where you will be hunting and what time you expect to be back in case anything were to happen. This way someone will know where to find you.
ALWAYSwear a safety harness when in a tree stand of any kind.
Never carry your bow while climbing to your stand, or when using a climbing stand. Tie a rope to your bow and gear, get to your stand, then pull up your bow and gear. Make sure arrows are secure in their quiver when doing this. Keep equipment on the other side of tree so that if you do fall, you won't land on them.
Use caution on days after a rain or early morning hunts if dew has developed. Water makes trees, shoes, and equipment slippery and can be the cause of a fall and possible injury.
Being careful to do so, clear out any limbs that can get in your way or cause injury.
When using a tree stand, pick a tree that is not dead or dying, too small or bare for the kind of stand you are using. Practice using your stand before taking it to the field and trying to figure out how it works in the dark.
If you start getting sleepy, try eating something (if you brought a snack with you), or climb down and walk around.
Use a broadhead tool when installing, removing, or just tightening your broadheads.
Pre-cut a path to the tree you will be using. This will make it easier and safer to reach the tree in nolight or lowlight situations.
Never nock an arrow while carrying your bow, unless you are actively stalking your prey. This is usually done by traditional archers.
Be ready for the hunt. Know the weather for the day and area you will be hunting and dress accordingly.
Most important: Remain calm.
Carry a survival kit which contains: signal mirror, matches (in a waterproof container), compass, whistle, pocket knife (a knife no matter how small is better than no knife at all), first aid materials (snake bite medicine, bandages, turniquet, rope/string, water tablets, emergency blanket, pocket version of a survival guide book (this not only will contain important survival skills and techniques, but will give you something to read to overcome boredom). These are the essentials. You may want to carry more like extra clothing, a portable wiresaw/hacksaw, flashlight with fresh batteries, pot for water, tube tent, emergency food/water, radio.
Don't wander off if lost. It can make your situation more difficult. If you told someone where you would be hunting, then they will find you faster if you are there.
