Bowhunting and archery safety rules cover every aspect of using a bow and arrow, such as handling, storing, and shooting.
In several states, a bow and arrow are thought of as a firearm. Therefore, the same rules that apply to firearms also apply to bows and arrows.
- You should check local laws and follow the archery safety rules.
- A bow and arrow should only be pointed in a safe direction.
- An arrow should only be nocked when it’s safe to shoot.
- Be sure of your target and what is in front of it, right behind it, and beyond it.
- Never, ever shoot over a ridge.
- Only shoot when you have a safe range or shooting area, as well as a safe backstop or background.
- Don’t dry-fire a bow (releasing the bowstring without a nocked arrow). It might cause serious harm to the bow and can injure the archer.
- Never shoot an arrow vertically.
- Wear finger protection and an armguard while shooting bows and arrows.
- Handle arrows cautiously. Safeguard yourself and the arrow points by using a covered arrow quiver.
- Use a bow-stringer for recurve bows and stringing longbows.
- Quickly fix defects in equipment.
- Before each use, inspect your bow for dents, cracks, breaks, separating laminates, peeling glass, and defects in mechanical parts.
- Inspect the bowstring regularly and replace it if it is frayed or worn. Frequent use of bowstring wax extends the life of a bowstring.
- Check arrows for dents, cracks, or bends. Discard any that have permanent damage.
- Store your bows in bow cases, possibly hard cases and store recurves and longbows unstrung.
- Store arrows in quivers and accessories in a padded bag or durable box.
- Check your emotions and think about safety first.
- Don’t drink or take mood-altering drugs before, during, or after shooting a bow.