Bowhunting Equipment

Rabbit Hunting With A Bow


A rare few hunters will use a compound bow and shoot instinctively, but it's not common. Although that is the traditional picture of cottontail hunting, many sportsmen these days are going afield with stick-and-string to fill their game bags. Aluminum arrows with inserts allow more versatility by allowing different types of points to be easily interchanged for different hunting conditions. Because of some of the tight brushy areas where most rabbit hunting occurs, a short bow is of great benefit while maneuvering for a clean shot. Both Capps and Goatee use the same bow they will for deer hunting. But as our expert explains, it can be done! Capps has used compound bows for rabbit hunting, but much prefers the versatility of traditional gear. Feathers and vanes are both used depending on the arrow. Following is a look at some of the nuances of bowhunting cottontails along with advice from a couple of seasoned bowhunters who have taken their share of rabbits with archery gear. Goatee likes using judo points in open areas, but said they are not good for very thick cover because they catch on the brush and won't penetrate the thick stuff where rabbits may be sitting. He has been bowhunting rabbits for around 20 years. He said traditional equipment is the only way to go for rabbit hunting. Here are several pointers on how to go about it properly. However, in today's world, bowhunting is confined to only those dedicated archers who like to challenge themselves. It affords much more opportunity, allows the archer to shoot faster, and even to have chances at moving targets. Judo points are a very popular choice with all small-game bowhunters. Many people will also use different types of fletching to slow the arrow's flight, especially if there are concerns about the arrow traveling too far or becoming lost. Of course, lighter poundage bows will work fine for rabbits. Other aspects of bowhunting rabbits involve technique and shot capability. People have done it since the invention of the bow and arrow. Points will vary according to the shooter's preference. Recurve bows are most commonly used, but longbows can work if you don't use one that's too long. The head has a blunted center surrounded by small spring arms, which snag in the brush and grass, thereby flipping the arrow up for easy locating. The setup may include both aluminum or carbon arrows and even fixed-position sights. There are numerous subtle differences, with equipment being the most obvious. They don't mind if the odds of success are slightly less than their gun-hunting friends. Using a bow to hunt rabbits is a challenge, but one filled with excitement and reward. White or other easily seen colors will help with locating hard-to-spot arrows. Wooden arrows are most used with traditional gear, but aluminum and even carbon will work fine.