Redhead bows and tuning up

Well your deer’s in the freezer and the cold Canadian winter is just around the corner.  You give a bit of a sigh as you reverently hang up your bow till next season.  But, there is no better way to help the winter pass than to break out the bow on a cold winter’s day and spend some time getting up close and personal with your best hunting companion.

On-going maintenance of your bow is an essential component of a successful hunt.  You need to ensure that everything is working properly, efficiently, accurately, and consistently so when the big day arrives you can head into the field with the confidence that your equipment is in peak form.

The modern compound bow has a lot of moving parts.  Each and every part performs an important role in the efficient, accurate operation of your bow.  Your bow is subjected to many adverse conditions both in the field and while in storage; heat, cold, humidity, sunlight, bumps and bangs can all affect the performance and reliability of your bow.  Something as simple as a bit of string stretch can move the nock point far enough to affect the accuracy of your shot.

In order to perform any serious work on your bow a good quality bow press is absolutely essential.  A bow press allows you to replace the string or take tension off the limbs so you can work on the cams or other parts of the bow that are normally under tension.

If you’re not mechanically inclined or simply don’t have the time to spend performing your own maintenance be sure to get your bow to a trained professional for an annual tune-up.  Keep in mind that bow shops are very busy in the weeks leading up to hunting season, so get yours in early to be sure it’s back in your hands in plenty of time for the big day.

Ten Tips for Bow Maintenance

1. Be sure the cams are aligned and lubricated.
2. Check the draw length and ensure the string hasn’t slackened.
3. Fix any worn serving
4. Ensure that all screws are tightened according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
5. Do a visual inspection for any obvious physical damage like cracks or damaged components.
6. Ensure that your sights are aligned properly.
7. Check the arrow and rest alignment with a bow square.
8. And, replace the rubber tubing on the peep sights.
9. Check the fletching on your arrows and condition of your broadheads.
10. Above all…get to the field and practice, practice, practice.

Whether you do the work yourself or opt to take your bow to a professional don’t neglect maintenance; your next shot will likely depend on it.  Don’t miss that trophy of a lifetime…or even worse, risk a wounded animal…because of a poorly maintained bow.