Check Your Equipment

In addition to the scouting trips mentioned in the previous article, now is also the time to start practicing for the upcoming hunting season if you haven't already started. You owe it to the animals you hunt to become proficient in whatever you are hunting with to ensure a quick, humane kill. The last thing you should want to do is shoot at something and not be completely confident you can hit where you want to hit.

However, before you head out to practice or to hunt, be sure to ALWAYS check your equipment. You owe it to yourself and others to be safe...not just in making sure of your target, but also insuring that your equipment is in good working condition before trying to use it.

Here's a list of things I check before heading out:

• Bow limbs - check for any cracks or deep scratches
• String - check for any fraying or cuts on the string; be sure to keep the string waxed
• Cams/Pulleys - make sure all are secure with no gashes and all screws are secure
• Sight - make sure the pins are straight and all moveable points are tight and secure
• String/Limb Leeches/Silencers - make sure they are present and that there are no tears and they are attached securely
• Peep sight/tubing - make sure they are present and tied securely
• Silencer - make sure it is attached securely
• Nock points/loops - make sure they are attached securely
• Grip loop - make sure the loop is the right size for your hand and it is attached securely
• Quiver - make sure the quiver is securely attached and that all arrow tips are covered
• Overall - make sure everything that can be tightened is tightened all the way
• Arrows - check each arrow for any cracks, creases, dings and dents
• Fletching - check to make sure all the fletching/vanes are glued down and none are loose or missing
• Nocks - make sure each nock is inserted into the arrow all the way and that there are no cracks or breaks
• Tips - make sure all tips are securely fastened (if threaded, be sure to tighten them down all the way)
• Release - whatever type of release you use, be sure it is in good working order

If you're not sure about something, don't use it. If you don't know how to fix something correctly, bring it to a professional. Be safe, not sorry.