Will you consider archery for self-defense and hunting? Read on to see how a bow and arrow might be essential for survival.
Survival Archery
History of Bows
Bows have been around for centuries and used by militaries all over the world. Cave drawings and paintings depict them from ancient times.
There is even evidence that they pre-date recorded history.
Bows were a primary weapon of warfare until the widespread adoption of gun power in the 16th century.
However, there are reports that the Kisii and Kipsigis tribes in Sub-Saharan Africa still use them in warfare today.
Bow hunting has also been a part of human history for thousands of years. Furthermore, new Movies like the Hunger Games and shows like the Walking Dead have fueled the imagination of many young people and inspired them to have an interest in archery.
The invention of gunpowder changed the battlefield forever and a man was able to improve his ways of waging war and killing food.
Long before gunpowder was invented, a sharp stick propelled down range was the top of ballistic technology.
For thousands of years, survival archery was the only thing that helped man provide for his family and defend his lands.
Why Should You Consider Survival Archery
In today’s modern world, using a simple bow and arrow might seem useless and obsolete.
After all, we have an incredible variety of guns that would do a much better job, than a simple bow or crossbow.
That might be true, but in a post SHTF world, a bow and arrow are a must-have weapon if you want to survive. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to convince you to give up your lead throwers and stick with just a bow and arrow.
Guns have their place in a doomed world, but there will be times when survival archery will have an advantage over firearms.
Whether you need to be completely silent, have run out of ammo or simply need to send a line over a high tree branch, it is nice to have a tool available that can do all these things and even more.
For most of the readers, their first encounter with a bow and arrow was probably during summer camp and it most certainly didn’t include extended lessons that would improve one’s archery skills.
Survival Archery as A Family Activity
Survival archery is a good way to get your kids involved in emergency preparedness and with the right lessons, kids will learn how to contribute to the defense or the hunting needs of your family.
Not to mention that it is a great bonding experience and one of the few times when you can calmly discuss with them and teach the kids some discipline.
Survival archery requires commitment and you need to learn about the techniques and equipment options.
The advantage is that you can practice survival archery even in suburban or urban surroundings without drawing attention to yourself.
You don’t have the same luxury when using a gun and in many jurisdictions, it is illegal to practice shooting in your backyard.
First, let’s take a look at the different types.
What Type Of Bow Should You Choose?
The Longbow
The first to enter the scene is the longbow. The longbow is straightforward and pure in design, with just an arc and string connecting two points as depicted in the picture below.
How To Shoot With a Longbow
The Recurve Bow
Next is the recurve bow or just recurve. This bow is very similar to the longbow but has some modifications. The ends of the recurve are curved out so as to make an s or serpentine look to them. This enhancement to the longbow shortened the overall height while maintaining the power and force of the weapon. This design became popular because of the versatile advantages of a smaller weapon.
How To Shoot With a Recurve Bow
The Compound Bow
Then came the compound. The youngest and most complex of bows is the compound. This bow is designed to allow ease of aiming. Most have a pulley and cam system that allows let-off poundage so the archer can hold the arrow in the bow more precisely.
How To Shoot With a Compond Bow
So after that quick history, let’s talk about the practicality and use of a bow and arrow..
Reason To Learn Survival Archery #1
No One Will Hear You Coming
The bow and arrow were the first, true stealth weapon system and this characteristic will become useful in a world where you constantly need to stay under the radar.
If you live in a suburban or urban environment and bugging out is not an option for you, keeping a low sonic profile is vital.
After you outlast the first waves of causalities, you will need to defend your home ground or catch your next meal without making a noise. Survival archery will be your main option and it will make sure you keep your base camp protected and your plate full.
If the world will go off the grid tomorrow, you will need to compete with whole groups of starving, unprepared and angry people. Going hunting with a firearm when there is so much competition around is not a good idea, not unless you want to share your prize.
Using a bow and arrow will ensure a stealthy takedown and you will be able to return to your base camp without attracting any hostiles.
Reason To Learn Survival Archery #2
It Is In Many Cases Affordable
We’re living in hard economic times. That being said, you’d want to look for an effective self-defense weapon that does not cost you a fortune.
Despite their effectiveness, the bows come with pocket-friendly prices which make them affordable for all, including those on a tight budget.
Besides the bow, the ammunition (arrows) is also cost effective. Once you’ve fully cultivated your archery skills, you’ll find it easy to retrieve all your arrows after making shots and reuse them again and again.
Even better, you can practice making your own bow using readily available materials – like wooden dowels plant shafts, or even the natural found wood.
Reason To Learn Survival Archery #3
It’s Legal Limitations Are Less Restrictive
You’ll agree with me when I say the legal restrictions tend to be less strict on bows and arrows than with the guns and bullets.
With this in mind, you’ll enjoy the freedom of using an equally deadly weapon without having to deal with any permits and paperwork.
And the less you have to deal with all this paperwork, the better – particularly when things become messy.
Reason To Learn Survival Archery #4
It Is Extremely Portable
One of the things you’ll get to like about using home defense bow is the portability it gives you.
Take for instance the highly efficient takedown bow; it comes in three pieces – middle grip section and two limbs – which you can easily separate by twisting a few lug screws and bam! It becomes extremely portable, unlike most of the home defense options.
You can quickly stash the bag in your bug out bag for easy carry. Plus, it’s incredibly lightweight, adding to its portability.
Reason To Learn Survival Archery #5
It is A Very Versatile Self-Defense Weapon
Survival archery is about versatility and about how one can use a bow and arrow under various circumstances.
A bow is a versatile tool that can be easily carried (especially if you have a takedown recurve bow that can be broken down into pieces) and it will never run out of ammo.
It was the first flamethrower, and using a bow and flaming arrow was not only a war tactic. It was also used as a signal to reach others when in need.
You can also attach a string to an arrow and shoot it over a high limb or a gap. It will help you get a rope out farther than you can throw it by hand.
Attaching a string to an arrow is also a good method of fishing and with a little practice, you will be able to procure dinner.
Conclusions
Now you know, with practice, you can depend on archery for self-defense and for hunting. So take some archery lessons now and improve your archery shooting techniques because you never know when they might come in handy.
Would you consider taking on archery for survival? Tell us your thoughts about it in the comments section below!
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