By Jill Oliveria
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] compound bow is a modern hunting weapon that relies upon technology as well as traditional elements in its design. Since a bow can be expensive, it is important to learn how to properly store it. Safety is another important consideration, particularly if you have children in your household who might try to use it. Storing a compound bow is not a difficult task once you have the proper materials and systems in place.
Step 1: Think about your storage needs for your bow. Ask yourself if you will be traveling extensively with it, if it needs to be protected from water, and whether you will be storing it long-term.
Step 2: Look for a case that is the correct size. The case should be sturdy enough to handle years of use, as well as meet other needs such as travel. An airline-approved case will be sturdy, of the correct size and long lasting. Purchase the right case for your needs.
Step 3: Clean the bow, wax the string and place it inside the case according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: Place the stored bow in a safe place with a locking door such as a closet, safe, or cabinet. To keep your bow in the best possible condition for years to come, store it in a dry area with stable temperature. You can also visit your local archery pro-shop to further help you out with long term storing of your bow, for example storing the bow disassembled. If you want to take the bow apart, please see your local archery pro shop to familiarize yourself with the complete breakdown and disassembly of the bow.
Proper recurve bow storage and maintenance will simply help keep your arrows shooting straight for next year’s hunt or archery tournament.
The topic of bow string care is one you may hear frequently. Most experts will explain how to properly keep your string waxed, which is a preventative measure intended to avoid excessive wear of the strands. This is an excellent practice, which I perform on a regular basis. The correct wax for the type of string you purchased is necessary and worth researching. For questions or concerns on this topic, visit your local archery shop.
We all wish we had the extra time to shoot every day, and though some of us are lucky enough to be able to, the rest of us need to make sure proper storage and care of our bow is executed. First, I would like to note that if your bow is sitting and collecting dust you should unstring it for the year and tightly wrap your string away so it does not fray and come part.
I invested in a bow sleeves for my older bows that sit longer. Although I get more practice in than the regular archer, I use the sleeve to save on space. If you are going to store your bow most of the year I would suggest keeping it out of the basement. Excessive exposure to mildew and moisture can wreak havoc on any bow. Keep it in a fairly warm dry spot of the house. For storing the bow, I suggest hanging it up on two hooks or laying it flat on a shelf.