SSAA NSW

18 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. Introduction to Bowhunting An ancient tradition for the modern-day hunter If you're considering trying your hand at bowhunting or just interested in learning a bit more about this ancient tradition, there are a few things you should explore. Joining an archery club that facilitates bowhunters would be a great first step. It would give you the opportunity to meet experienced archers and bowhunters, learn the intricate details of the sport and absorb invaluable information from people who live and breathe the pursuit. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Australian Bowhunters' Association provide contact information on their websites for clubs that focus on bowhunting. Do some research into bowhunting. The most important thing you'll need to work out is what type of equipment you'd be most comfortable using. Chat to current bowhunters, archers and the staff at reputable archery supply shops to take advantage of their knowledge and experience. The staff at archery supply shops will be able to accurately measure up your draw length, determine the correct poundage, arrows, arrow length and broadheads you would be suited to. They'll also be able to assist you with tuning the bow to your specifications. There are three main types of hunting bow to choose from: a longbow, a recurve bow or a compound bow. The longbow is one of the oldest projectile weapons in history, dating back as far as 3,300BC. It is made traditionally from a single piece of yew wood. The design comprises a simple 'stick and string' configuration where the force is generated by the 'stick' trying to return to its near straight origin after the string has been pulled back. It is the most challenging but most pure of the available bows, with no sights or additional technology; using a longbow utilises all the hunters' natural ability and instincts. The earliest record of recurve bows was in 800BC. Unlike longbows, the recurve bow arms are curved in two directions, giving them their distinctive shape and the ability to store more energy and deliver it with greater efficiency than the straighter wood of their predecessor. Advantages of recurve bows include the ability to add devices like sights and stabilisers which can improve the accuracy and general performance of the bow. Designed in the 1960s in America, compound bows are the most modern of those commonly used for bowhunting. Utilising cable and pulley systems to mechanically maximise the draw weight applied to the bowstring, less effort is required from the archer to maintain the same amount of stored energy used in a longbow or recurve bow. The biggest advantage of not using as much effort to draw the bowstring is that you can easily hold the bow drawn if you need to wait for a clear shot. There is a large variety of accessories available that will help make your hunt both a successful and enjoyable experience. From arm guards and quivers, to manual and automated release aids through to sights and string

• Cover