Bowhunting: Definition & Guide | Legend Archery

Bowhunting (also written bow hunting) is the practice of hunting game animals using archery equipment. Indigenous peoples worldwide have used the technique as a primary hunting method for thousands of years, and it continues today as both a sport and a functional hunting discipline.

A Brief History

Hunting with a bow predates recorded history. Long before firearms existed, archery was the definitive tool for taking game at range. That legacy carries forward into modern bowhunting seasons recognized by wildlife agencies across North America and beyond.

Core Equipment for Archery Hunting

Successful bowhunting depends on properly matched gear. A few fundamentals every hunting archer should understand:

• Draw length: Compound bows have a mechanical stop set to a specific draw length. A common estimate is wingspan divided by 2.5 — a 60-inch wingspan suggests a 24-inch draw length.
• Arrow spine: Spine ratings such as 300, 400, 500, and 600 indicate stiffness — the lower the number, the stiffer the arrow. Higher draw weights require stiffer arrows. Adding heavier broadheads or inserts weakens effective spine, which can cause erratic arrow flight if unaccounted for.
• Brace height: The distance from the pivot point of the grip to the string at rest. A taller brace height increases forgiveness — a practical advantage when hunting under adrenaline pressure.
• Bow tuning: Paper tuning is a standard diagnostic for compound setups. The goal is a clean bullet hole through paper at roughly six feet. Horizontal tears can indicate rest alignment issues or incorrect arrow spine.

Bowhunting Accessories and Arrows

Beyond the bow itself, essential gear for hunting archers includes release aids, arrow rests, and sights. Arrow choice matters equally — carbon arrow straightness is graded in tolerances of .001, .003, and .006 inches, with tighter tolerances commanding higher prices.

Some hunting archers also choose barbed arrowheads designed for specific game, while flu-flu arrows built for short-range shots are a traditional option for small game and birds. The bowstring and cable system on a compound bow directly affects draw length and cam timing — keeping cables in good condition is part of any serious bowhunter's maintenance routine.

Who Is a Bowhunter?

Anyone who pursues game animals using a bow qualifies — from traditional longbow hunters to modern compound archers. If you want a closer look at the person behind the practice, see our entry on the definition of a bowhunter.