The first factor to consider is the weight of the arrow.  Today it is popular to choose the lightest, fastest arrows available.  But most hunters don’t realize that in bow hunting speed is overrated.  Accuracy is key.  An arrow traveling 280 feet per second that is on target will kill more often than one going 330 fps that is off the mark.  Some lighter arrows have a tendency to wobble and lift while slightly heavier arrows may fly more true.  There’s another reason to consider a heavier arrow – they are easier on your equipment.  Light arrows do not absorb as much of the energy a compound bow stores and releases, so that energy is dissipated through string and bow vibration.  Multiply excessive vibration by a hundred practice shots and you may find your sight being off, your cams loose or damaged or your string wearing faster than you expected.

The American Manufacturer’s Organization (AMO) has proposed a guideline for bow hunting arrows—how to choose the right ones.  They recommend an arrow that is equal to 6 grains for each pound of the bows maximum draw weight.  This means that a 50 lb bow would ideally be paired with a 300 grain arrow (60 lb = 360 grain, 70 lb = 420 grain).  The heavier arrows on the market today range in weight from 8-10 grains per pound while the lightest arrows the International Bowhunters Organization recommends are 5 grains per pound of draw weight.  When deciding how to choose bow hunting arrows realize that you won’t lose much speed with a slightly heavier arrow and you may gain longevity for your equipment and in some cases 10%-15% greater accuracy.  Heavier arrows are also more quiet than lighter arrows.

The second major factor to consider with bow hunting arrows – how to choose the right one for your hunt is  match the shaft stiffness with your draw weight and arrow length.  Most arrow manufactures offer a calculation chart online for you to determine the right shaft stiffness for your setup.  If you release with your fingers choose arrows in the stiffer part of the range that will overcome any lateral movement in the string upon release.  If you use a mechanical device to release, arrows throughout the range will work well.

When considering the price you want to pay for arrows keep in mind how likely you are to miss your target.  If you hunt small game you may miss more often, hitting trees and the ground more frequently.  This is hard on arrow shafts and you’ll go through more of them than when hunting deer or other large game.  For bow hunting arrows – how to choose the right ones, stick to these tips and you’ll be on target more often.

For sportsmen that are new to bow hunting getting started may not begin with a bow!  Lots of experienced hunters suggest that new hunters begin with a DVD.  Watching pro hunters on video is a great way to learn about the equipment you need, how to set it up and use it properly, and how to improve your skills.  Plus, you’ll get a serious case of buck fever from watching these professionals take some really big racks!

Secondly, you need a bow that matches your size.  Lots of guys do the macho thing and pick up the most powerful bow they can find, falsely thinking that the faster the arrow speed the better the chance to bag the game.  When it comes to quality bows from Horton, PSE, Bowtech, Martin or other top makers, accuracy trumps speed every time.  If you’re a brawny guy go ahead and use a compound bow with a 70 draw weight that can whistle them at 330 feet per second.  But if you’re an average Joe, you will be more effective bow hunting getting started with a 50 or 60 pound draw and a weapon that shoots in the 245-275 fps range.  You will be more accurate with your Alpine, Mathews, Hoyt or Browning when you can handle it easily.  When you’ve got a 10-point hanging on the buck pole no one will care how fast the arrow was going – how true it was flying will be the key.

Keep in mind too, that for bow hunting getting started with a crossbow is now a possibility in most states.  If you have physical limitations or just prefer the lethal accuracy of a crossbow they are available from all the leading manufacturers including Horton, Crosman and TenPoint.

A few accessories will up your opportunities for success and your enjoyment as you get started bow hunting.  The first is a good set of sight pins or a scope.  The target zone that you want to hit on a deer is fairly small, and with an arrow you’ll need to be very precise, so practicing with your scope or sight pins is essential to success.

Since practice is so valuable for bow hunting getting started with a 3D target isn’t a bad idea.  You’ve seen them in yards as you drive by – life-sized deer replicas that offer the best opportunity for effective practice.

The next accessory for getting started bow hunting is a side mount quiver that attaches to your bow or a hip quiver that you carry on a strap.  Either one keeps your arrows handy at the range or in the woods.  Additional accessories to consider include a case for your bow, a stabilizer, and, of course the right arrows or bolts to use with your specific bow.

When new to bow hunting, getting started doesn’t have to break the bank.  Quality equipment is available to match any budget so you can hit the woods with what you need to bring home the venison.