Silence Your Bow's Shot

When hunting, it is imperative to remain quiet. Animals are alert and aware of their surroundings, and a deer will hear the sound of a bow firing and jump out of the way before the arrow reaches it. To solve this problem, you must make your bow as quiet as possible. Modern compound bows are designed to be quiet, but there are different means of suppressing sound according to your personal needs. Here are some common solutions to reduce the noise of your compound bow:

Use a string silencer

The most common source of noise during a shot is the bowstring. One way to quieten your compound bow is to use a string silencer. This will absorb the sound and vibration of the string.

There are different types of string silencers available. You can install a DIY bow string silencer with animal fur, which is very effective for hunting bows. Small pieces of animal hide or fur tied onto the bowstring can absorb the vibrations and silence the sound of the string firing an arrow. This method may not be suitable for an Olympic target shooter, but it won't noticeably affect a hunter's accuracy.

If you're an Olympian or professional archer, you should opt for a cat's whisker string silencer. This is made of rubber instead of animal fur, so it's effective in all weather conditions. Cat's Whiskers are inexpensive, easy to install, and proven to quieten the sound of your bowstring.

The position of the silencer on the string is important. It should be placed where the vibrations are high so it can absorb them. For a compound bow, the best placement is usually 3 or 4 inches from the cam. However, you should be flexible with these measurements and focus on finding the spot that maximises noise reduction.

To install a cat whisker silencer, first cut a strip of the material into two pieces, each about 1 inch to 1.5 inches in length. Place one strip on top of the other, then put them on the string from one side and roll them onto it. Don't force it too tight, just let it be loose. Use a clothespin or a plier to pinch the rolled strips so they stay in place.

Now, take a serving string about 0.018 to 0.021 inches in thickness and tie a constructor knot in the centre of the rolled strip. Adjust the roll by moving it up or down, then tighten the knot. Make a half knot, trim the excess string, and melt down the extra serving with a lighter. Finally, pull each strand on the strip to separate them and form a ball shape.

Other popular string silencers include the Pine Ridge Wishbone, Monkey Tails, Apex Double Down, and Bow Jax Ultra Silencers. These have different installation methods, but they all work to reduce string noise and improve your hunting experience.

Attach a limb dampener

Limb dampeners are an effective way to reduce the noise and vibration of your compound bow. They are easy to install and affordable, making them a great option for reducing noise.

To attach a limb dampener, first, ensure you have purchased the correct type of dampener for your bow. There are different types of limb dampeners available, such as the LimbSaver Broadband Dampener for solid limb compound bows, and the LimbSaver SuperQuad Split Limb Dampener for split limb bows. Check your bow's limbs to determine which type you need.

Once you have the correct dampener, the installation process is simple. Start by cleaning the area where you will attach the dampener to ensure that it adheres properly. If your dampener uses adhesive, remove the backing and carefully stick the dampener onto the limb, following any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some dampeners may require screwing into place, so check if you need any additional tools before beginning the installation.

Limb dampeners work by reducing the vibration of the bow limb as it bends during firing. This, in turn, reduces the noise generated by the limb. They are an essential component for minimising noise and ensuring a stealthy hunting experience.

Limb dampeners are available from various manufacturers, including LimbSaver and Bowjax, and can be purchased online or from archery supply stores. Be sure to follow any maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your limb dampeners.

Install a bow stabiliser

The primary function of a bow stabiliser is to equalise the weight of the bow's front and back, allowing for a more comfortable hold. Adding weight to the bow also helps to reduce vibrations, which is another purpose of balancing.

There are many compound bows that come with a stabiliser, but you may also have separate stabilisers for different bow types.

When choosing a stabiliser, try to test a few different models. Generally, you will get what you pay for. Pine Ridge Archery, Trophy Ridge, New Archery Products, and Octane are some of the archery accessory companies that produce popular stabilisers.

It's important to note that target shooting style bow stabilisers can often be too bulky for hunting grounds. Hunting stabilisers are designed to be compact, allowing you to move through underbrush without getting tangled, while still providing a reasonable balance and silencing effect.

Regular maintenance

Lubrication

Firstly, ensure that you are regularly lubricating the moving parts of your bow. Proper lubrication will help to reduce friction and prevent unwanted noise. Pay particular attention to the cams and ensure they are well-oiled.

Tighten Screws and Attachments

Over time, the vibrations from shooting can cause screws and attachments to loosen. Conduct regular checks to ensure that all screws and adjustments, such as the string, limbs, and arrow rest, are tightly assembled. A loose assembly can cause unwanted noise and even render your bow faulty or unusable.

Wax the Bowstring

Waxing your bowstring is crucial for maintaining a quiet bow. Use a bow string wax, such as Allen Bow String Wax, to rub over every inch of exposed string. This will not only quiet your draw but also extend the life of your string. It is recommended to wax your string each time you use your bow, as this will make a significant difference in reducing noise.

Use Moleskin

Moleskin is a soft, fleece-like material that can be used as a buffer between metal parts of your bow. It acts as a protectant, eliminating any "metal-on-metal" contact noise. Use moleskin to cover any problem areas, such as the shelf and riser, to reduce or eliminate unwanted sounds.

Quiver Maintenance

The quiver, or arrow holder, is often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Ensure that your quiver is tightly attached to your bow, as a loose quiver can rattle and create noise. If necessary, use silencing material, such as moleskin or stuffing, between your quiver and bow to reduce any noise.

Check Accessories

Finally, ensure that all accessories are securely tightened and free from rattles. Regularly check that your bow stabilizer, string stopper, and any other attachments are in good working order and not contributing to unwanted noise.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your compound bow remains quiet and performs at its best.

Use heavier arrows

When it comes to archery, silence is key. Whether you're hunting or target shooting, a quiet bow can give you an edge. One way to achieve this is by using heavier arrows.

Heavier arrows make your bow quieter because they require more force to shoot, which eats up more vibration. This results in a quieter shot with less noise and vibration. Light arrows, on the other hand, produce a distinct crack as they leave the bow.

When choosing arrows for hunting, heavier is the way to go. They will not only make your bow quieter but also provide more power to take down your target. This increased weight will also give you more impact energy at the point of contact.

While heavier arrows are ideal for hunting, it's important to note that when target shooting, you'll want to use lighter arrows. Lighter arrows are designed to shoot fast and flat, which is beneficial when aiming at a target.

By switching to heavier arrows, you can significantly reduce the noise of your bow and improve your hunting experience. This simple adjustment can make a big difference in your archery setup, helping you achieve a stealthier and more effective shot.

In addition to using heavier arrows, there are other techniques you can employ to make your bow even quieter. This includes using string silencers, limb dampeners, and ensuring regular maintenance of your equipment.

Frequently asked questions