How to Make a Hunting Bow

If you've wondered how to make a hunting bow, the answer may be easier than you think. In fact, it's so easy a caveman could do it, because, well, they did. The hunting bow is one of the greatest tools man created, and it played an incredibly important role in human development. Let's take a look at how you can make one like our ancestors did.

How to Make a Hunting Bow
The hunting bow is a fairly simple device comprised of two major components: the stave and the bowstring. Bows don't obtain their power through the flexibility of the drawstring, but rather the flexibility of the stave. For this reason, you must choose a flexible wood in order to build an effective hunting bow. A sapling of a cedar, elm or hickory tree will work best. Try to find one that stands straight and is between five and six feet in length and one to two inches in diameter.

Making The Hunting Bow
Cut a notch on both ends of the sapling about one inch from the tip. These notches are where you will fasten the bowstring. The bowstring should fall a little less than one inch shorter than the length of the stave. You can use something like a shoelace for a bowstring, or you could go to a bow hunting store and pick up a modern string. Once the string is fastened on the notches, give it a few pulls to test out the stability and the tension.

There you have it! You know how to make a hunting bow and all you need are the arrows. Once you're done, you may want to add hunting bow accessories, such as a quiver to hold your arrows.

Of course, modern hunting bows are a lot more complicated. They are made from special cherry wood that is reinforced with fiberglass, heat treated and compressed in a vice to form its current shape. But a skilled hunter can use a homemade bow to take down even some of the biggest game, such as bears and moose. That said, whatever you do, use caution and follow good hunting practices so you don't injure yourself or anyone else.