Bows

Compound Bows: The Modern Bowhunting Standard

Compound bows use a system of cables and cams to reduce the holding weight at full draw to a fraction of the peak draw weight—a 70-pound peak draw bow may hold at only 10–15 pounds at full draw with an 80% let-off cam. This mechanical advantage allows hunters and archers to hold at full draw longer and more steadily than a traditional recurve or longbow, improving accuracy under field conditions. Modern compound bows are available in hunting configurations (short, compact, quiet) and competition configurations (longer axle-to-axle for target archery stability). For deer, elk, and big game hunting with a vertical bow, a compound is the practical standard choice for most hunters.

Draw Length and Draw Weight: Getting Fitted Right

Draw length is the single most important measurement in compound bow setup—a bow set to the wrong draw length is nearly impossible to shoot accurately regardless of how good the bow is. Your draw length is determined by your wingspan divided by 2.5, and most compound bows offer draw length adjustment of 2–3 inches within a module or cam system. Draw weight for hunting should be a minimum of 40 pounds for small game and 50–70 pounds for deer and larger game. Choose a draw weight you can draw smoothly and hold comfortably—an archer who can barely draw 70 pounds will shoot more accurately at 55 pounds. Many beginners start too heavy and develop poor form compensating for the weight.

PSE Bows: Value and Innovation

PSE (Precision Shooting Equipment) is one of the largest and most innovative American bow manufacturers, offering a full range from entry-level youth bows through professional-grade competition and hunting bows. PSE consistently introduces technical advances—their Evolve cam system and carbon riser bows have pushed the performance envelope at competitive price points. For hunters who want well-engineered, American-made bows without paying premium prices, PSE is consistently among the top recommendations. The PSE Stinger and Archery Drive series are popular entry and mid-level hunting bows; the PSE Mach series represents their flagship performance tier.

Bowtech and Prime: Premium Performance

Bowtech and its sister brand Prime Archery represent the premium tier of compound bow performance, used by professional hunters and 3D archery competitors who demand the smoothest draws, most forgiving back walls, and tightest out-of-the-box tune. Bowtech’s DeadLock cam system and binary cam designs have set accuracy standards that competing manufacturers benchmark against. Prime’s parallel limb geometry and Center Grip technology deliver some of the smoothest drawing bows available. For serious bowhunters and competitive 3D archers who want the best, Bowtech and Prime represent genuine performance at a premium price.

Archery Targets: Practice Makes Permanent

Consistent archery practice requires quality targets that stop arrows reliably, allow easy removal, and hold up to sustained use. Foam block targets are the most common for backyard practice with field points—they stop arrows at all draw weights and allow clean removal without damaging arrows. 3D animal targets provide realistic hunting practice for shot placement at varied distances. Bag targets are portable and work well with field points for casual practice. For high-poundage compound bows, choose targets rated for the kinetic energy your setup generates—undersized targets may pass through or be damaged by powerful setups.