I would like to get out with my buddy this weekend and shoot in a bow I got from my brother. I have never worried about shooting in the cold however, when it is below freezing....is there any concerns with the bow / arrows I should be concerned about? I am thinking the arrows more than the bow itself. Any reason for me to be concerned? Talking temps in the 20's low 30's.
Not at all. You may want to draw a few times and check for any creaks in you bow. The only other concern I'd have is if its raining then freezing or snowing. this can potentially cause issues with either Whisker Biscuits or drop away rests. You just need to make sure you check your gear more frequently, but I've shot my bow in temps colder than -12 degrees without issue.
Shot 2 Turkeys in 08 at 25 degrees below zero. In 08 shot my Mulie at 20 degrees below zero, and.................................... in 09 I shot my Mulie at zero. You have nothing to worry about at all. Like Rob said watch for that ice build up :-) Dan
I would think muscle lock up would be more of an issue than equipment concerns. You HAVE to take periodic practice draws when it's real cold to keep muscles operational. One time I was hunting in Alberta when it was quite cold and I went to draw on a nice wide 8pt after sitting for about 6 hours, but couldn't even draw my own bow back because my muscles locked up!! I watched that buck walk off.
Jeff, That's exactly why I only shoot 60# anymore. I can shoot 80# on the target line on a sunny day, but cold, twisted, stiff? Who knows?? I know 60# will do the job. Dan
Thanks for the thread responses. At first I thought it was a dumb question from the lack of interest and responses. I really want to shoot more over winter so, this is advice feedback gets me a bit excited. I was really most concerned about the limbs and arrows. I learned at an early age to set my bow to a weight that I can draw in multiple situations. * When wearing bulky warm clothing * With a tree stand on my back (Shot once and missed, drew back on two and could not get a shot, tried to draw back on one and could not ) * When I am really cold.
Sorry i missed this earlier. In case you missed it, here's the original thread with a photobucket link; http://forums.bowhunting.com/showthread.php?t=10327
