How to Make a Survival Bow
When it comes to surviving in the wilderness, knowing how to make a survival bow can be a game changer. A well-crafted survival bow enables you to hunt for food and protect yourself from any potential threats. In this article, I will share some insights on how to create a reliable survival bow using simple, readily available materials.
Before diving into the actual process of crafting a bow, it’s crucial to select the appropriate wood. Any hardwood should work for this purpose, such as maple, beech, oak, ash, yew, hickory, black locust, or orange source. Identifying good bow wood is essential, as it will greatly impact the effectiveness and durability of your creation. Not only should the chosen wood be flexible, but also sturdy enough to withstand the repetitive stress of drawing and firing arrows. In the next paragraphs, I will walk you through the process of turning a suitable piece of wood into a functional survival bow.
Choosing the Right Wood
Best Wood for Survival Bows
When I’m looking for the best wood to make a survival bow, I consider several hardwood species. Some top choices include osage orange, black locust, and hickory. Many other hardwoods, such as maple, beech, oak, ash, and yew, can also work well for constructing a durable and efficient bow.
Selecting a Tree
In order to find the right wood for my survival bow, I search for a relatively straight sapling or branch that’s about 6 feet long and 2 inches in diameter. It’s important to choose a piece with as few knots, side branches, and twists as possible, as these imperfections can affect the bow’s performance. A good bow stave should have a natural bend, which will help in achieving the desired curvature of the bow.
Seasoning the Wood
Once I have selected the perfect piece of wood, it’s crucial to season it properly before getting started on crafting the bow. Seasoning involves allowing the wood to dry out, reducing its moisture content and increasing its strength and durability. I usually let my chosen stave dry for about six months, though this duration can vary depending on the specific type of wood I’m using and the environment it’s stored in. To get the best results, I store the wood in a cool, dry place, ensuring it’s elevated off the ground to allow for proper airflow.
By paying close attention to the type of wood I choose, selecting the right tree, and properly seasoning the wood, I can ensure that I’m well on my way to creating a strong and effective survival bow.
Creating the Bow Stave and Shape
Finding the Middle Point
Once I have my bow stave (the piece of wood that the bow is made from), I need to find the middle point of the branch or sapling. This is crucial to maintain balance and symmetry in my survival bow. I measure the entire length of the stave and mark the middle point with a small notch.
Marking and Shaping the Limbs
Next, I need to determine the upper and lower limbs of the bow. Generally, the thicker end of the stave will be the lower limb, and the thinner end will serve as the upper limb. Each limb should be a mirror image of the other to ensure consistent and reliable functionality.
With both the middle point and the limbs of the bow defined, I proceed to mark the general shape of the bow on the stave. My aim is to keep both limbs symmetrical and properly aligned. It’s essential to ensure the back of the bow (the side facing away from me) has a smooth, unbroken surface. The belly of the bow (the side facing towards me) will be where most of the shaping and tapering happens.
When working on shaping the bow, I carefully remove wood from the belly, taking care not to remove wood from the back. This maintains the bow’s structural integrity and helps avoid any weak spots or breakages. As I shape the limbs, I test the flexibility of the bow frequently to achieve the desired bend and balance.
Once I’m satisfied with the shape and flexibility of my survival bow, I can move forward with any additional steps, such as adding a bowstring, smoothing the surface, or applying any protective coating to extend the bow’s life.
Tillering the Bow
Preparing for Tillering
To begin tillering, I first ensure that I have a tillering rack to support and hold the bow during the process. I also prepare a bathroom scale to measure the pull weight of the bow. I check the bend of the limbs, looking for any inconsistencies or problem areas. A satellite dish is not necessary for this process but having one in your workshop can help in picking up some radio signals for entertainment while you work.
Adjusting Bend and Tension
As I start the tillering process, I pay close attention to the limb bends and adjust them accordingly. My goal is to create a smooth, even bend along each limb, resembling the shape of a parabolic curve. While working on the limbs, I constantly check the tension and pull weight of my bow using the bathroom scale.
It’s essential to maintain a consistent pull weight, making sure the bow is not too heavy to draw comfortably. As I adjust the bow, I primarily focus on the following areas of the limbs:
- Near the handle: This area is typically stiffer, but I ensure that it still bends slightly for a balanced curve.
- Mid-limb: I pay close attention to the mid-limb section, as this is where most of the bending should occur. A smooth curve in this area is crucial for efficient energy transfer during the shot.
- Tips: I make sure that the tips of the limbs are slightly stiffer than the mid-limb to prevent excessive bending and possible breakage.
If I notice uneven bending or stiffness in certain parts of the limbs, I gently remove wood from those areas using a rasp or other appropriate tools. I always have patience and take my time during the tillering process, as rushing may result in an imbalanced or weak bow.
Making the Bow String
When making a survival bow, the bow string is an essential component that needs to be crafted with care. In this section, I will guide you through selecting and preparing bow string material, tying loops, and attaching the bow string to the bow.
Selecting and Preparing Bow String Material
To begin with, it is important that I choose the right material for the bow string. Natural materials such as animal sinew could work well for a survival bow. For example, sinew can be extracted from the upper jaw of a deer, and it is strong and durable. Extracting sinew from an animal might prove challenging in a survival situation, but if it’s available, it’s a preferred choice. Alternatively, strong fibers from plants such as yucca or dogbane can also be used.
Once I have my bow string material, I need to prepare it. If using sinew, I should dry and clean the strands by removing any leftover flesh. After that, I can twist or braid multiple strands together to create a stronger, more durable bow string. If using plant fibers, I should peel, dry, and then twist them together into a strong cord.
Tying Loops and Attaching to Bow
Now that I have my bow string material ready, I need to create loops at both ends of the string to attach it to the bow. Here’s how I do it:
- Prepare the loop: Fold the bow string in half, leaving a small loop at the folded end. Then, twist the loop to form a tight structure.
- Tie a secure knot: While keeping the loop tight, tie a firm knot using the loop, leaving some space at the end of the bow string to attach it to the bow.
- Repeat on the other end: Using the same method, create another loop and tie a knot at the other end of the bow string.
Finally, it’s time to attach the bow string to the bow. First, I should fit one loop around one end of the bow. Then, lifting the other end of the bow, I need to twist it slightly and fit the second loop of the bow string securely onto the other end. Maintaining tension on the bow string, I carefully release the bow, allowing it to curve naturally and hold the string in place.
With these steps, I have successfully made and attached a bow string to my survival bow.
Selecting and Preparing Arrows
Arrow Shaft Material
When it comes to choosing arrow shaft material for my survival bow, I prefer using woody coppice growth, shoots, and saplings that are sturdy and close to the final diameter I want for my arrows. Some good materials include maple, beech, oak, ash, yew, hickory, black locust, and orange. I’ve found these woods to be strong and reliable for arrow shafts1. Utilizing a drawknife or rasp, I can easily shape the shaft material to get the perfect size and straightness necessary for my arrows.
Creating Arrowheads
To create survival arrowheads for my arrows, I have a few options to consider. I could use natural materials such as stones, bones, or even pieces of glass. If available, I can also create makeshift arrowheads from scrap metal or other materials. The key is to ensure that the arrowheads have enough weight to provide the necessary force and penetration when fired from my survival bow.
Fletching the Arrows
Fletching the arrows is crucial for providing stability and accuracy in flight. I usually use feathers, as they are lightweight and easily available in nature. To fletch my arrows, I first split the feathers into thin, even portions. I then carefully attach these to the nock end of the arrow shaft, making sure to distribute them evenly around the shaft. This helps ensure that the arrows will fly true when shot from my survival bow2.
In conclusion, by carefully selecting the right materials, creating effective arrowheads, and properly fletching my arrows, I can ensure that my survival bow and arrow setup will be both effective and reliable in any situation.
Footnotes
Types of Survival Bows
When it comes to survival bows, there are several types that I can consider. Each type offers unique features and benefits, which I’ll discuss below. The four main types include Traditional Bows, Recurve Bows, Takedown Bows, and Compound Bows.
Traditional Bows
Traditional bows, also known as longbows or straight bows, are the simplest and most basic type of survival bow. These bows have a straight design without any curves or complex features. Traditional bows are typically made from a single piece of wood, making them easy to craft in a survival situation. They may not have the same power and accuracy as other bow types, but they can still be an effective tool for hunting and self-defense.
Recurve Bows
Recurve bows have a unique shape, with the tips of the bow curving away from me. This design allows for more energy to be stored in the bow, enabling it to shoot arrows with greater power and accuracy compared to traditional bows. While crafting a recurve bow in a survival situation might be more challenging, using a well-made recurve bow can greatly improve my chances of successfully hunting prey, making it a popular choice among survivalists.
Takedown Bows
Takedown bows are essentially recurve bows with the added benefit of being able to disassemble the bow into smaller parts. This design makes them easy to transport and store, which is particularly useful in a survival scenario. Assembling a takedown bow requires a more advanced skill set, but if I can get my hands on one, it can be a valuable tool in my survival arsenal due to its portability and performance.
Compound Bows
Compound bows are the most technologically advanced type of survival bow. They use a system of pulleys and cables, allowing me to shoot arrows with high power and accuracy while requiring less physical effort to draw the bow. While compound bows offer the best performance, they are also the most complex and challenging to maintain, making them less ideal for a true survival setting. However, if I’m comfortable with the intricacies of a compound bow and have one available, it can be a highly effective tool for hunting and self-defense.
In conclusion, the best survival bow for me depends on my specific needs, skill level, and familiarity with each type of bow. Among the options are traditional, recurve, takedown, and compound bows, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. By understanding these different types of survival bows, I can ensure that I’m well-equipped to face any challenges that come my way in a survival situation.
Determining Proper Draw Weight and Length
Draw Weight for Hunting
Determining the proper draw weight is essential for a survival bow, as it can influence both the speed and accuracy of your shots. For hunting purposes, I recommend having a draw weight of at least 40 pounds. This ensures that you have enough force to penetrate the target and efficiently take down small to medium-sized game. If you are planning to hunt larger animals, like bears or elk, you may need a bow with a draw weight of 50 pounds or more.
To measure the draw weight of a bow, you can use a draw weight scale. Attach the scale to the bowcord and pull down on the scale until you reach full draw. The scale will register the draw weight in pounds, giving you an accurate estimation.
Finding Your Draw Length
Just as important as draw weight is finding your proper draw length. This ensures you can shoot comfortably and consistently. To find your draw length, follow these steps:
- Stand with your arms outstretched to the sides, in line with your shoulders.
- Measure the distance from the tip of one middle finger to the tip of the other middle finger.
- Divide that measurement by 2.5, and you’ll have a good approximation of your draw length.
For example, if my fingertip-to-fingertip measurement was 70 inches, I would then divide 70 by 2.5, resulting in a draw length of 28 inches.
It’s essential to remember that these measurements can vary slightly for each individual, so it’s always best to practice with your bow and make any adjustments necessary. Once you have your draw weight and length figured out, you’ll be well on your way to creating an effective survival bow for hunting or self-defense situations.
Safety and Legal Considerations
Legal Limitations
Before I start fashioning my survival bow and arrows, it’s important for me to be aware of any legal limitations in my area. In some regions, hunting may be regulated, and I may need a license to hunt certain animals, such as big game. Additionally, specific regulations may apply to the use of homemade bows for hunting. It’s my responsibility to check local laws and guidelines before engaging in any hunting or shooting activities with my survival bow.
Safe Bow and Arrow Use
When I’m using my survival bow, safety should always be my top priority. To ensure that I can operate the bow effectively and without injury, I need to establish proper shooting habits and follow safety guidelines. Some important aspects of safe bow handling include:
- Using proper form: I must maintain a stable shooting stance and grip my bow correctly in my left hand if I’m right-handed, or my right hand if I’m left-handed.
- Checking arrows: Before using an arrow, I should inspect it for any cracks or damage. I should never shoot a damaged arrow, as it could break upon release and cause injury.
- Target awareness: I must always be aware of my target and what lies beyond it while shooting. I should never shoot blindly or aim at anything I cannot clearly identify.
- Safe storage: To prevent accidents, I should store my bow and arrows separately, with the bowstring removed when not in use.
As a responsible bow user, my primary goal should be safe and legal hunting or target practice. By being aware of local laws and keeping safety in mind when using my survival bow, I can ensure a fulfilling and enjoyable experience in the great outdoors.
Advanced Bow Crafting Techniques
Improving your Bow Making Skills
As I progressed in my bow making journey, I discovered the importance of understanding the nuances of different types of wood and their properties. Spending time outdoors observing, learning, and experimenting is crucial to becoming proficient at creating survival bows. Outdoor life has taught me that the more familiar I become with my environment, the better I can craft primitive bows that are reliable, strong, and efficient.
To improve my craftsmanship, I focused on eliminating weak points in my bows. For instance, I carefully selected wood that was free from knots or other imperfections and found that making small notches on the bottom tip of the bow facilitated better tension control. The first step in crafting a high-quality bow is to ensure that the intended flex points are not disrupted, allowing for optimal energy transfer when shooting.
Creating a More Complex Survival Bow
After I mastered the basic principles of bow making, I started experimenting with more complex designs to improve the performance of my survival bows. One technique I found particularly effective was to create a recurve shape. This design places the most tension on the center of the bow, resulting in increased power and speed when shooting.
To make a recurve bow, I carefully made small notches at the tips of the limbs and gently bent them outward. Then, I used heat to set the newly curved shape in place. This additional manipulation required patience and precision, but the end result was a bow with greater accuracy and force.
In conclusion, as my proficiency in bow crafting grew, I developed an appreciation for the nuances of this ancient skill. Continual practice, experimentation, and learning from my outdoor experiences have allowed me to create more effective and reliable survival bows.
Conclusion
As I went through the process of creating my own survival bow, I realized the importance of selecting the right wood. I found that flexible materials such as hickory, ash, or maple are ideal, allowing the bow to bend well without breaking. Wilderness Awareness School has great information on choosing the right materials for your bow.
I also learned that making effective arrows is essential, since a bow is only as deadly as the arrows it shoots. Hardwood, like oak or birch, can be used for the shafts, while natural feathers can be used for the fletching. Straightening the arrows effectively ensures better accuracy and consistency in my shots. A helpful guide on arrow making can be found at members.gunassociation.org.
Crafting my survival bow took patience and practice, but the end result was worth it, providing me with a reliable weapon for hunting and self-defense. I discovered that using simple hand tools such as a knife or hatchet can help shape the wood and create necessary notches. A good tutorial on building a survival bow in just an hour can be found in this YouTube video.
Finally, I found that regularly practicing my archery skills with my handmade survival bow helped me become a more proficient archer. The ability to fashion a survival bow and arrows not only made me feel more self-reliant in survival situations but also connected me with the primitive, resourceful nature of our ancestors. By developing the skill and knowledge required to build a survival bow, I am confident in my ability to both feed and protect myself and my loved ones, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials are best?
When making a survival bow, it is essential to select materials that are strong, flexible, and easy to work with. Wood is a popular choice for both the bow and the arrows. Additionally, you can use natural materials like sinew or plant fibers for the bowstring. Consider using materials found in your surroundings, such as vines, roots, or bark.
How to choose wood?
I choose wood by looking for a sapling or branch that is about 5 feet long and 1-2 inches thick. It is important to select a wood species that has a good balance of strength and flexibility. Some examples include hickory, maple, ash, and elm. To check if a branch is suitable, try bending it slightly. If it snaps, then the quality is not good enough. If it bends and shows fibrous interior, it is ideal for bow-making.
How to create the bowstring?
Creating a bowstring requires a strong, flexible material like dried sinew or plant fibers. I typically look for fibers from plants like yucca, nettle, or dogbane. These can be twisted together to create a durable string that will withstand the tension needed to draw the bow. Alternatively, you may also use paracord or sturdy fishing line if you have them available in a survival situation.
How to shape the bow?
I shape the bow by first roughly marking the center of the stave, creating a handhold area. Then, I slowly and carefully remove wood from the belly side of each limb with a knife or scraper. Once I have reached the desired taper, I test the bow by gently bending it. If there are areas that do not bend easily, I continue to remove small amounts of wood until each limb has a smooth, even curve. Patience is key during this process!
What are simple arrow designs?
Simple arrow designs often involve crafting a straight, slender shaft from wood, which can be either found or carved. I look for lightweight and straight materials like willow, dogwood, or birch. The arrowhead can be made from sharp natural materials like bone, flint, or even a sturdy tip carved directly from the wood. To add support, wrap a binding like twine or sinew around the shaft and arrowhead, and seal the wrappings with resin or glue if available.
How to string the bow?
To string the bow, I first create two notches at the ends of each limb. These notches hold the bowstring in place. Next, I attach one end of the bowstring to a notch and then bend the bow in a “C” shape, carefully attaching the other end of the string to the remaining notch. It is crucial to ensure that the bowstring is taught when the bow is strung, but not so tight that the wood starts to crack or split.
