SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hunt-never-dry-fire

What does it mean to 'dry fire' a bow, and is it okay?

Releasing the string with no arrow. Never do it.

  1. Shooting in the rain; fine with a cover
  2. Releasing the string with no arrow; never do it ✔
  3. Shooting a practice tip; fine at a range

Why: Hunter education says to always use an arrow when firing a bow. The arrow is what carries the bow's stored energy away. Without it, that energy goes back into the bow.

Huh, didn't know that: Hunter education also says never to shoot bent, cracked or broken arrows.

The dad joke
Why was the archer always calm? She knew how to take a bow.
Like this card?
Play the game

Sources

  1. TPWD Hunter Education, Archery https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/hunter-education/online-course/primitive-hunting/archery
  2. CT DEEP Hunter Safety Exam Answer Key https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/hunting_trapping/pdf_files/Hunter_Safety_Manual/ExamAnswerKey.pdf?la=en

Test yourself in the game

Hunting SafetyHow should arrows with broadheads be carried in the field?Hunting SafetyUnder the primary rules of firearm safety, how should you treat every firearm?Hunting SafetyWhen carrying a firearm, where should your trigger finger be?

That's stuff everyone should know.