For showing your glory in the hunting ground, buying a premium bow is not enough. You need to ensure proper maintenance also. Thus, knowing how to store a bow is vital for any passionate hunters.
Bows are like a child to any bow lover. At the end of the season, you want to ensure secure storage. Depending on the type of bow you have and your convenience, you should pick the right method of storing your bow.
In today’s sharing, we will go through all essences that can enhance bow durability. At the end of the discussion, you will learn how to get your bow back without damaging it after this long break.
How to Store Bow in Non-Archery or Non-Hunting Time
At the end of the season, every bow hunter hunts for proper methods of storing their bows. There is no doubt about the paybacks of ideal maintenance. But following every step is vital.
Secured storage of bows relies on three necessary factors. You can pick a storage unit first. Then follow the right guidance to pack a bow. And lastly, identify a safe storage place. Let’s go through each of the steps –
Choosing the Right Storage Unit
Wondering how to store a recurve bow? Or maybe it is a compound one? Depending on the bow type, you have to choose a storage option.
Compound bows are tough to unstrung. And recurve bows have a traditional long structure. One might work for compounds but might not be the right pick for recurve. Before choosing one, consider the followings –
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Size
It is recommended to first measure the length of the bow from end to end. In the case of a compound bow, you need a storage system that fits perfectly with the shape. The case should have a mount option inside for related accessories.
You can unstring recurve bows and keep that separately. If you have a takedown recurve bow, measure the length after taking-off the string. According to that size, get a storage case. The advantage of these bows is you can separate every part.
Before getting one, talk with a bow expert. You can order your first bow both online and offline. It is safe to get online your first bow if the recommender website is reliable. You can get our recommendations here.
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Soft/Hard Case
For transportation, both soft and hard cases are the right choices. Choose your case depending on your convenience and the wildness of your journey.
As made of damage-resistant fabric, the soft case provides sufficient protection to your bows. Advantages of soft cases are –
- Within $10-$20, you can get a starter case
- Easy to carry
- Included with pouches for arrows and other gigs like rangefinders, bow stabilizer, archery sight, hunting gloves, release aid etc.
For both outdoor and indoor storage, hard cases are the best option. These are made of plastic and resists high impact damages. The benefits are –
- Beginner price range is between $25-$30
- Very durable and sturdy
- Provide adequate safety from excessive moisture
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Bow Stands
Just like a guitar stand, these stands are good for in-house storage. The typical bow stands are designed to hold any type of bows properly. As the frames keep your bow open, any external damage can occur.
You can find bow stands online at a very reasonable price. We would suggest getting a bow stand if you often go hunting. It will reduce daily packing-unpacking stress.
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Wall Pegs
If you are looking for a method of how to store a compound bow without a case, then wall mounting is the best path. It is a cost-efficient way to keep your bows using wall pegs. You have to install these on the wall and then hang the bows on.
There are some wall pegs too that come with a rack. These are also needed to be installed through hammering. Wall pegs are useful if you want to showcase your gears to the guests. Besides, the storage system is hassle-free.
Packing the Bow
We are assuming you have picked the best bow storage option that suits your situation. If it is a case, you might need to depart the bow. We will cover other consideration also if you do not have a case. Let’s get the bow ready for storage.
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Take The String Off
As recurve bows are made of wood, these tend to be deformed if you keep the string on for long. So, we suggest taking these off before storing them. You can use string wax. Wax-coated string lasts longer and stays safe from fraying.
If you have a compound bow, there is no need to detach the string. There are pulleys to take care of the string, even for a more extended period.
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Separate The Limbs
As we mentioned, you can detach the limbs and other parts of takedown bows. It is a better way to store if your case has isolated areas for every piece. If your case gets outer damages, there is less chance of crooking the whole bow.
First, loosen and untie the bowstring with a stringer. For parting the limbs, you can use an Allen key to take the bolts off. Allen keys are mainly used for this purpose. You can use a wrench instead if you do not have one.
Before storing these inside the case, make sure to clean the parts with a microfiber rag. Use bow polishing oil to remove all the dust and debris.
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Use Bowstring Wax
If you want to store the bow for a longer period, waxing is essential. It prevents the string from fraying. Remember, it is not a regular wax rather specialized ones for the bowstring. You can get these from any archery shop.
Apply wax on the string first. Then gradually rub the wax thoroughly on every portion of the line. Please keep it for half n hour in the open and then store inside the storage option you have chosen. We recommend applying wax to your bowstring every 15 days.
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What If You Have A Wall Mount?
A Wall mount or stand is the best way to store bows if you regularly go on the hunt. If you do not have a bow case, it is ideal hanging it on the wall with a base.
While hanging, make sure to keep the proper balance of the weight. Between both ends of pegs, keep the same distance as your bow ends.
You should keep the main body on the opposite of the base. However, you have to keep the other components separately in this case.
Choosing A Storage Spot
Keeping in a safe case is vital to enhance the longevity of your bows. But if the place is not secure, the case investment would be meaningless. From mini to major, every aspect needs serious attention. Let’s learn why and what you should do then.
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Stable Temperature
In the case of a wooden bow, the too high temperature might affect the bow most. It will crook the shape of the bow. Even a cold environment also cause harm to your bow.
So, keep your bow where the temperature is consistently the same. It can be inside a closet or shelf.
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Humidity Measures
Whether you have a recurve or compound bow, high moisture or humidity will affect its durability. Interaction with water may cause rust in bolts or screws. Avoid storing your bow in places like the garage, besides AC, etc.
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Careful About Steeping On The Bow
It might sound unusual, but many bow owners faced this incident. Your kids might step on your bow unwillingly.
It happens, especially if you are storing in a soft case and putting it on the walking path. We suggest even if you hold it in a backpack, keep it away from others’ reach.
While traveling with your bow, store it in a hard case must. There are more chances to crush your bow otherwise.
Conclusion
Bravo! It seems like you are a real bow hunter who cares the most about the gears. Indeed, modern bows are made to be protected from external impact. But getting impacts frequently might not keep safety assurance. Thus, knowing how to store a bow is inevitable to keep it harmless lifelong.
Above, we have discussed how to store a compound bow. We have also shared the critical tips about recurve bows. If you can follow all the guides properly, there will no impact occur to your bows
