Johnny Kennedy

Well, you can tell that the approaching Bow season is coming upon us, due to the amount of 3-wheelers and tractors, bush hogs, disc, ladder stands etc. being hauled down the road in front of my shop. So now the insanity starts among us, won't be long until we will be headed to the closet to pull out the bow we put up from last year that killed all the deer or in some instances missed. First thought and misconception, "Well now I know when I put that bow in the case and in the closet it was in perfect shooting shape and hitting exactly what I aimed at SOMETIMES."

Here are a few tips to help from driving you crazy as you get ready for the coming season and prepare to stalk the monsters of the woodlands.

First, always check your strings and cables before pulling back on your bow to make sure they are in good shape. Oh, did you remember to wax that string before you put it in the bow case and house? MOST LIKELY NOT! But it is not unusual for most hunters. It seems it is not on their priority list when the bow season is over. Also check the little E-clips that hold your axle and cam to the bow and make sure they are in place before drawing your bow as it can cause major problems if not and is a major safety factor to check before you sling your first arrow.

After you have started practicing and getting in the grove and your bow is shooting good and your arrows are hitting where you want, mark all your major components with a pencil or white out or a white pen so you can check these little things if you encounter your bow seems to be shooting different the next time you practice. You may start shooting left or right of your aiming point when you were dead center, or your arrow is hitting up or down from the last time. Here are a few checks I do once my bow is tuned that I can just glance at and tell if it's the bow or me. HAS TO BE THE BOW! You know it couldn't be your perfect form. Yeah, right!

1. Mark where you cam goes through between the limbs at the bottom of your bow. This lets you know when your string is stretching and when you may need to take a twist or two to bring it back to its mark on your cam.

2. Mark your rest so you can see if it has moved or not.

3. Mark your cable guard; they have a tendency to move out with the carbon type cable guards. It will cause you to shoot left and right big time if your rest has not moved from its mark.

4. Make sure your center shot is still in line.

These are just a few tips to help you keep from loosing your mind when practicing and getting ready to head into the wonderful world of the outdoors. Taking care of your bow is no different than your gun. They are expensive and need the same type care as a gun or another piece of your hunting equipment. Wipe off the water, mud, and muck you get while hunting it makes things more pleasant the next time your ready to head for the woods. Best of luck this year as we all begin to seek the thrills of being outdoors.