A Guide to Bow Care After the Hunting Season

Let's take a closer look at what you should be doing with your archery tackle as you care for your bow and think about storing it for a while.

Maintenance Tips for Bow Care After the Season

For most hunters and average archers, deer season ends in winter, and many will wait to put things away until closer to springtime. So, what should you do before storing your bow, arrows, and release?

First, give everything a good cleaning. Remove all dirt, dust, and debris from the limbs, cams, strings, and sight. Cleaning provides a wonderful opportunity to look over everything to make sure there is no damage to the bow. Keeping the bow and strings clean and in working order contributes to better, safer archery experiences.

Check for warping, cracks, and string damage, and make sure there are no loose nuts or bolts. When checking for string damage, look for frayed strings, serving that is loose or coming undone, stretched cables and strings, and dried strings. If you notice any of these things while cleaning your bow, address them right away.

Of all these issues, dry strings are the easiest to fix yourself by rubbing bow string wax into your strings and cables. If you aren't comfortable doing your own bow work, leave the other repairs to a professional at your local pro shop. Taking these steps will go a long way toward preparing your bow for storage.

How Do You Store a Bow and Arrows?

Knowing how to store a compound bow (or recurve bow) is a simple but essential part of caring for your archery equipment. Once you have inspected your equipment for any damage, it's time to store it. Lay bows flat and in a bow case, or hang them up to put pressure on the limbs and cams for long periods of time.

A closed bow case is ideal for bow hunting gear storage and preventing excess dust and dirt from building up on a freshly waxed bow string. However, it's not an absolute must to have it in a case, and you can hang it up if need be.

Another good thing to think about when storing gear is how you store your arrows. It's a good idea to remove broadheads from your hunting arrows to prevent future accidents. Check fletchings to make sure none are ripped or torn after a long season.

Store your arrows in a tube or quiver for safekeeping, and make sure they are not in an area where they could be easily broken. A lot of bow cases also have a place for arrows if you do not have a storage tube or extra quiver. 

Where you store your bow and arrows is definitely an important factor as well. Try to avoid leaving your archery equipment in your vehicle or an uninsulated or non-temperature-controlled garage. These areas can fluctuate in temperature a lot, which can cause major problems later as things repeatedly heat up and cool down.

Look for an area with cool, consistent temperatures and low moisture and humidity. These places will help ensure that your gear does not undergo constant heating and cooling cycles while being stored away. 

Do Bowstrings Lose Their Poundage?

Bowstrings don't lose poundage, but they can stretch over time, affecting draw weight and accuracy. String creep, or gradual stretching, can also impact brace height and draw length.

Regular inspection and maintenance can help, along with replacing strings roughly every 1–2 years, depending on how much you shoot. The more you shoot, the sooner they need to be replaced.

How Often Should You Wax Your Bowstring?

Proper bow string maintenance includes waxing your bowstring every 2–3 weeks when you're using it often and before you store the bow for a long time. If the strings are dry, fuzzy, or rough, it's time to wax—but don't overdo it, as too much buildup can attract dirt.

When Should You Get Your Bow Serviced?

Though every archer can take certain precautions at home, you may need help to work on your equipment. If you notice any imperfections, take your bow to a pro shop for inspection. Even if you do not see anything wrong with your bow, it is still a good idea to take it in for inspection every 1–1.5 years to ensure you can shoot at your best and that everything is working as it should.

Took Good Care of Your Bow and Use HuntWise for Better Hunts

Keeping these tips in mind as you wrap up your season will help you get ready for the next season, whether you'll be hunting turkeys or bears in the spring or enjoying TAC (Total Archery Challenge) shooting and backyard practice when summertime comes around.

If you are ever in doubt about post season bow maintenance, always err on the side of caution and take your equipment to a professional. You do not want anything to go wrong in the heat of the moment when hunting a trophy buck or a big ol' Tom.

Along with keeping your bow in great shape, download HuntWise for better hunts. The ultimate hunting app provides valuable hunting resources and essential tips for bowhunters, ensuring you make the most of your well-maintained archery equipment and have a safe, enjoyable hunt. Use the mapping features, animal movement predictors, and the WindCast feature to hunt with the wind in your favor so your arrows find their target every time. 

Download HuntWise and plan your next hunt free during your 7-Day free trial!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to common questions about bow care after the season!

Q: How do you maintain a compound bow?

A: To maintain a compound bow, keep it clean and dry, regularly inspect cams, limbs, and bolts for wear, check timing and tuning, and keep the string and cables properly waxed.

Q: How do you store a bow and arrows?

A: Store your bow and arrows in a cool, dry place, ideally in a bow case. Keep arrows straight, dry, and protected from bending or impact.

Q: Do bowstrings lose their poundage?

A: Bowstrings don’t “lose poundage.” However, they can stretch over time, which affects draw weight and tuning.

Q: How often should you wax your bowstring?

A: Wax your bowstring every few weeks during regular use, or whenever the string feels dry or fuzzy.

Q: When should you get your bow serviced?

A: Have your hunting bow professionally inspected at least once a year, or sooner if you notice unusual noises, limb damage, tuning issues, or string wear.