ARCHERY SAFETY
As in any sport, you should make yourself aware of any potential risks involved with archery. Play it safe, and don't shoot your bow in your backyard. Join an archery club, shoot in a safe environment, and benefit from the knowledge of its members.
RECOMMENDED READING
Here's some vital Arrow Safety information. Please take the time to read it. Or, go straight to the information provided by Gold Tip and Easton, our sources when compiling these safety tips.
Easton Archery Safety Guides
Gold Tip Safety Information
See also the Victory Archery Safety page.
ARROW INSPECTION
You must carefully inspect each arrow shaft, nock, and other components for any damage before each shot. An arrow shaft can become damaged with repeated use. A damaged arrow could break upon release and injure you or a bystander.
To inspect an arrow, grip the shaft at both ends and flex the arrow in an arc (bending it away from yourself and others), listen for cracking noises, and look for nicks or splinters. Do this several times, rotating the arrow slightly between each flex until you have rotated the arrow completely. If you find an arrow shaft to be damaged in any way, discard it immediately.
OVERDRAW SAFETY
When using a bow equipped with an overdraw, the risk of injury to the shooter is high, since it allows the point of the arrow to be drawn past the shelf of the bow. In this case, the arrow should always be cut to a minimum of one inch in front of the arrow rest at full draw. Correct arrow length is the responsibility of the shooter. Using arrows that are too short can result in severe injury, and/or damage to shooting equipment.
ARROW REST SAFETY
It is important to ensure that the arrow rest is properly adjusted to fit the diameter of the arrow shaft being used. Incorrect adjustment may cause the arrow to fall from the arrow rest and/or get jammed in the bow, possibly injuring the shooter or bystanders, and causing damage to equipment.
