[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/archery-hunter-safety-tips\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/archery-hunter-safety-tips\/","headline":"Archery Safety for Hunters","name":"Archery Safety for Hunters","description":"In many states, a bow and arrow follows the same laws and regulations as firearms. Follow these archery safety tips to ensure your hunt is successful.","datePublished":"2016-10-29","dateModified":"2018-08-29","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/emergency-medicine","name":"Trauma & Emergency Medicine","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/emergency-medicine","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/trauma-emergency-medicine\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/102016_ARCHERY.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/102016_ARCHERY.jpg","height":325,"width":751},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/archery-hunter-safety-tips\/","about":["Safety"],"wordCount":386,"keywords":["archery safety","archery tips","outdoor safety","trauma medicine"],"articleBody":"In many states, use of a bow and arrow follows the same rules and regulations as firearms.So, it’s critical that all hunters and target-shooters alike check with local laws to learn about required licenses and programs before you pack up your gear. And remember, many bow-hunting injuries are self-inflicted.Equipment Safety in ArcheryEquipment safety begins before you go hunting. Improper equipment safety can cause damage to the bow, or more importantly, the archer. Some basic rules are as follows:Avoid firing a bow when the arrow isn’t nockedWear an armguard and finger protectionImmediately repair defects in the equipmentMake sure the arrow matches the draw weight of the bowBe careful when sharpening and handling broadhead; they are razor sharpKeep arrows in a quiver as much as possibleIf possible keep bows in a hard case when not in usePack extra water, food, and a bright vest so other hunters can see youRELATED: Hunting Safety: Prevent Hearing Damage This SeasonHunting Safety for ArchersWhen trekking through backcountry, you should be mindful of potential safety pitfalls: The environment, wild animals, and other hunters alike. Awareness safety includes:Only nock an arrow when it is safe to shootWhen preparing to shoot a target, make sure you know what is between you and the target and what is behind the target in case you missNever shoot into bushes or over a ridge where there is no direct line-of-sightBe aware of broadheads that you, and others with you, have exposedAvoid areas where a lot of hunters are trekkingDo not shoot arrows directly up into the airDon’t drink alcohol when huntingKeep a first aid kit handyThink Safety Even After the ShotYou take the shot and it hits home, but that is not the end of the safety process: It’s essential that you remain safe as you’re approaching the target.Do not run to the target. You may fall and injure yourself in the excitement.If the target ran, wait at least 30 minutes before chasing after it. Chasing it immediately will cause it to spook. A spooked animal will either run or turn on its attacker.Get help moving the target. A large male elk can be 700 pounds or more."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/10\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Archery Safety for Hunters","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/10\/archery-hunter-safety-tips\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]