Why does the State Duma want to legalize bow hunting, and what could this lead to?

Our ancestors obtained their food with the help of a bow and arrow, but even now this type of fishing is popular, although it is considered the least productive. The fact is that hunting with a bow requires certain skills and enormous patience, because learning to shoot accurately from this weapon will require more than one month of training. But this is also the special attractiveness of such a fishery, because tracking down prey and shooting awakens real excitement.

If you are also interested in this type of fishing, be sure to read the material in this article. In it you will find detailed information about selecting a suitable model of bow and arrow for hunting, learn basic information about the tactics of such a hunt and get tips on making a hunting bow with your own hands.

Choosing a bow model for hunting

To master this type of fishing, first of all you need to choose the right bow for hunting, the parameters of which will be ideal for the future owner. As a rule, indicators such as learning difficulty, mining efficiency and cost are taken into account (Figure 1).

When choosing a bow, you must also take into account the strength of its tension, because the legality of hunting will depend on this.

Figure 1. Bowhunting requires patience and skill.

The approach to choosing a weapon should include an analysis of the type of bow. They are simple, complex and block. Since each design has its own characteristics, it makes sense to dwell on them in more detail.

Simple

A simple bow is also called traditional, as it consists of a solid arch with a bowstring stretched over it. The disadvantage of this model is that the arc is solid and cannot be disassembled for transportation (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Simple models are inexpensive, but inconvenient to transport

In the past, such classic bows were made from natural wood, but modern manufacturers use not only wood, but also other materials. However, you should not be fooled by the simplicity of the design of such weapons.

It is really difficult to use such a budget bow, so it is rarely used in real hunting. But it’s better to learn to shoot on it. In the future, once you have mastered the necessary skills, it will be much easier for you to harvest game using more modern models.

Recursive

A recurve or compound bow for hunting looks similar to the previous model, although it differs from it in many respects (Figure 3).

Figure 3. The recursive model is considered more modern

First of all, it should be taken into account that its arc is not solid, but consists of three parts, and they can be made of different materials. This increases the shooting power, which is why such bows are often used for hunting wild animals. The most popular modern model is with hangers bent in the opposite direction. This type is called recursive.

Blocky

Compound bows are the most powerful and professional. A high-quality model of a compound bow is excellent for hunting, since an arrow fired from this weapon is capable of completely piercing the carcass of a large animal from a distance of several tens of meters (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Block models are great for hunting.

The tension and force of the shot in this model are quite high due to the elongated bowstring and the rollers that are used to tension it. In addition, it has a very high rate of fire, and in order to shoot an arrow in the forest, no serious physical effort is required. Naturally, the cost of such models is much higher than the previous ones.

How to properly hunt with a bow and crossbow?

There is a lot of interesting material on the World Wide Web about hunting with a bow and crossbow. But not all Russian hunters know how to properly hunt game using such weapons, because the vast majority, when going hunting, take firearms with them.

Almost everyone knows what to do when hunting with the usual double-barreled shotguns and carbines. But how to hunt with a bow or crossbow? We decided to prepare a material for our readers that explains the legal aspects of hunting, which is so atypical for Russians. To do this, we used an article by a blogger from the website “Nepropadu.ru”. “This topic is also close to me because part of my childhood and youth was spent practicing archery,” the author writes.

The fact is that bow hunting is carried out in more than 132 countries around the world. In more than 85 of them, this is written into law as an inalienable right, and in 20 developed countries it constitutes such a significant share of the income of the hunting segment that the number of archers (bowhunters) in such countries reaches 70% of the total number of hunters, as cultivated and encouraged governments specifically. As for, say, the USA, with more than 13,700,000 hunters, the number of even huntress (female hunters) today is more than 30% of the total number (which is unthinkable for Russia), and of these, more than 1,850,000 are active archers acquiring seasonal licenses.

Considering that in Russia not all registered hunters actually go into the forest (that is, they simply have a hunting license that gives them the opportunity to purchase and have hunting weapons), and some even go hunting once a season and often return from it with nothing. It turns out that there are even more female archers in America than there are hunters in Russia in general. If we compare the territories, it turns out that on an area that is many times larger in Russia there are many times fewer hunters and, alas, hunting for a number of reasons. But the Americans managed, first of all, thanks to bowhunter archers, to increase the number of, for example, red deer in the Rocky Mountains from tens of thousands to 11,000,000 heads today, while having a notification licensing procedure and the free circulation of bows and crossbows as weapons for hunting objects of the animal world (animals). Western Europe has an industry that is many times larger than Russia, where the bowhunter is a welcome guest and there are many times more hunts. Yes, this is breeding, but on what scale? Why is it possible - because there is a demand, because the consumer is allowed to consume it. Thus, he pays money for this, which creates an even greater opportunity for the client.

So, what do you need to know and do in order to successfully hunt and gain skills that will be useful during a theoretically possible period of absence or shortage of firearms and components (desire and practice are already implied).

Firstly, if the process is called hunting and takes place on hunting grounds, including private ones, the hunter automatically falls under the possibility of being held accountable on the simple grounds that hunting with throwing weapons is prohibited (throwing weapons are not included in the list of hunting weapons). However, there is the possibility of interpreting hunting with a bow that is not a weapon. On the other hand, the existing number of uncertainties in the current legislation makes it possible to prove that the use of a bow in hunting may be possible. That is, according to one provision, bow hunting is prohibited. At the same time, basing your arguments on other provisions of the current legislation, you can prove that bow hunting in Russia is possible.

Bows with a draw force of up to 27 kgf, as well as crossbows with a draw force of up to 43 kgf, have the status of devices not related to throwing weapons. A compound bow with 27 kgf is a “cannon for an elephant”, which even a teenager can stretch, and a recurve crossbow up to 43 kgf is a children’s toy for entertainment, hardly suitable for hunting at all. At the same time, a block crossbow up to 43 kgf is quite sufficient for hunting wild boar and more than excessive for small animals. At the same time, a recurve or straight bow of 60 pounds (27 kgf) - two policemen and a couple of generals cannot stretch together into 4 hands.

The purpose of civilian devices permitted for circulation is not hunting. Therefore, the hunting department can quite legitimately object to hunting with non-weapons, even in the status of hunting devices (like traps), on the simple grounds that these devices are not intended for hunting and are not documented hunting tools. However, in accordance with the Russian legal system, in which the law is not precedent, but the presumption of innocence is the basic norm, and everything that is not prohibited is permitted. But there are no formal prohibitions for hunting with a bow (as well as for a crossbow). The hunting law does not mention either bows or crossbows at all, so it cannot directly prohibit hunting with a bow and crossbow. The hunting rules speak about this only in relation to the weapons section, that is, for bows and crossbows with forces above the established:

53. When hunting, it is prohibited: 53.6. Use of: b) other weapons not classified as hunting weapons in the established order, with the exception of bows and crossbows for carrying out research and preventive work related to the immobilization and injection of animal objects.

That is, formally this paragraph speaks only about weapons, although not classified as hunting weapons. Bows and crossbows, which are structurally similar to weapons, are not weapons, therefore they cannot be regulated by this clause simply because this clause speaks specifically about weapons, which can be either hunting or non-hunting. And crossbows and bows for injection can have forces above 43 and 27 kgf, respectively, and shoot not necessarily with arrows or bolts, but with darts, syringes, capsules and anything else, while being a weapon, and not being exactly a hunting weapon, which is what this one was made for insert exception. This paragraph does not in any way regulate the section of devices for hunting, that is, hunting animals, which may well be considered both bows and crossbows not classified as weapons. And there are no prohibitions in this regard, the author of the material assures. And since, for example, for certain devices for hunting, the same bag, a trap, and so on, the hunting rules have a whole permissive formulation that refers to them as: devices, devices and (or) structures for restricting the freedom and (or) hunting of animals , - then in fact, a bow and a crossbow are not weapons, but being a device (device) for hunting animals (having, in accordance with GOST, a function for household purposes) - are completely legal.

And, of course, the following documents are required for any hunt:

• hunting license;
• permission to hunt, and, if necessary, a permit (license, permit), if it is a private (public, with a special regime, etc. hunting area);
• documents for a bow and (or) crossbow that is not a weapon.

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Hunting tactics for various animals and birds

A well-made bow allows you to catch even large game. Our ancestors used such weapons to kill elk, roe deer, and even bear. Naturally, in modern conditions and for the sake of one’s own safety, it is better to catch smaller game using this method (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Beginners are better off hunting small game with a bow.

For example, hunting with a bow for a bird or a hare is considered popular, although, depending on the chosen game, the hunt will have certain features. But there are also some general rules that must be taken into account.

Firstly, bows and arrows are not suitable for winter hunting, since the wax-coated string quickly loses flexibility in the cold and it is almost impossible to make an accurate shot. Secondly, it is important to choose the right point of the shot so that the flying arrow hits the target and does not get caught on branches or trees. Thirdly, when hunting with a bow, you need to learn how to quietly sneak up on the game at close range. The optimal shot length is 30-40 m. In addition, you need to actively train in accuracy in order to learn how to kill an animal with the first shot. Subsequent reloading of the bow and aiming will take too much time, and the game will simply leave.

There are some features, depending on the type of game chosen:

1. Hare:
   a very shy and cautious animal. Moreover, when it senses danger, it can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h, so you need to do everything possible to sneak up on your prey unnoticed. To do this, they go fishing in the fall, when the hare is easier to spot in bushes devoid of foliage. You can also use bait and catch a hare from hiding.
2. Beaver:
   This waterfowl rodent is often caught using a bow and arrow. However, for this fishery you need to be especially responsible when choosing an arrow. The fact is that the wounded animal begins to drown and, in order not to lose the prey, a fishing line or rope must be tied to the arrow. Accordingly, the arrows must be heavy and long enough so that the weight of the rope does not interfere with flight, and the hunter does not accidentally hit it when pulling the bowstring.
3. Boar:
   this is an extremely dangerous type of hunting, since a healthy, and especially a wounded boar poses a serious danger to humans. You can only hunt a wild boar with a bow from an ambush, and the weapon must have a tension force of at least 30 kg, but even in this case there is no guarantee that the animal will die after the first shot.

Catching large game with a bow is considered a very dangerous enterprise, since a wounded animal can attack the hunter himself. Therefore, if you do not have sufficient shooting skills, it is better to limit yourself to hunting small animals and birds.

Features of hunting with a bow

It is necessary to adhere to some general rules when hunting with a bow.

1. Firstly, both bows and arrows are not suitable for hunting in the winter, because the bowstring in the cold tends to quickly lose its flexibility, and making an accurate shot becomes almost impossible.
2. Secondly, you need to choose a shooting location so that the arrows do not catch on branches or trees.
3. Thirdly, you need to be able to hunt with a bow, quietly sneaking up on your prey as close as possible. The optimal shot distance is 30-40 m.
4. Also, in order to kill an animal with the first shot, you need to train in accuracy. Because subsequent reloading and aiming will take too much time, and the game will have time to escape.
5. You will have to accumulate considerable experience before the so-called “hunting instinct” is formed in the archer, which will allow you to remain cool and make the only correct, well-aimed shot.

For the hare

Since the hare is a small, fast and quite agile animal, it will be very difficult to hit it from afar, so you need to try to sneak up to it as close as possible.

1. It is best to hunt a hare in the fall, when it cannot hide behind thickets of vegetation.
2. Alternatively, you can use bait and wait for the hare in a convenient place.
3. You can also hunt a hare by hiding near its burrow, if you know where it is.

The hare is a worthy opponent, fast and nimble.

On the beaver

Beaver hunting differs in many ways from hunting other animals. This is a waterfowl rodent, and if it does not receive a mortal wound, it immediately tries to dive under the water, and in this case it will be very problematic to get it.

To prevent this from happening, special reels with fishing line come to the rescue.

1. The hunter attaches the end of the line to the arrow and when the hunter hits the beaver, he pulls on the line and pulls it onto land, even if it was in the water.
2. But with this method, because of the fishing line, the speed and strength of the arrow decreases, so it is better to shoot no further than from 10-15 meters.
3. It is advisable to choose arrows that are heavy enough.
4. The beaver hides from the heat of the day, so it is better to hunt it in the morning or evening.
5. Also, do not hunt beaver in rainy weather.
6. This rodent has a well-developed sense of smell, so the ambush should be made in a place where the wind blows in the hunter’s face.
7. Sudden movements and noise can scare away the beaver. Therefore, you need to pull the bowstring and aim carefully.

Beaver hunting with a bow.

On the boar

Boar hunting is an extremely dangerous type of hunting, since the boar is a fast and strong animal. It is quite difficult to kill an animal with the first shot.

1. You need to aim for the side of the belly, where the shoulder blade is located. Thus, the arrow will pass through the lung or heart. The front and back of the boar have thick, hard-to-pierce bones and skin.
2. A compound bow against a wild boar will be most effective due to its killing power.
3. Before ambushing a wild boar, you need to find its feeding area, that is, a boar path.
4. The safest thing to do is to ambush the boar from a tree or other elevated position where the boar cannot climb.
5. Towards evening, the wild boars will gather for a meal, then you will need to take aim and make an accurate shot at one of the animals.
6. The killed boar will remain in place, and the rest will most likely run away.
7. If the boar was not mortally wounded, then it will still leave a trail behind itself, and finding it will not be difficult.
8. At the moment the animal is discovered, it is necessary to accurately determine that it is dead.
9. Before approaching him, you should play it safe and shoot in the heart area.

Boar hunting.

Making onions with your own hands

Not everyone is ready to spend money on buying a professional bow and equipment for it. But, if you still want to experience this type of fishing in practice, a homemade bow of a simple design will suit you, especially since it is not so difficult to make.

Figure 7. A simple model of a weapon can be made with your own hands

Before making a bow, you need to take the necessary measurements and select the right material. It is better to make weapons from durable but flexible wood (cedar, elm, birch or oak). To determine the length of the future product, you need to measure the distance from the fingertips of an outstretched arm to the thigh (Figure 7).

Below we will provide instructions on how to properly make a bow for hunting:

1. First, the wood must be cleared of bark and coated with animal fat to soften it.
2. Next, cut out the grooves into which the bowstring will be pulled in the future. They should be drilled one and a half centimeters from the edge of the arc.
3. The bowstring is usually made from rawhide, but other material with similar characteristics will work.
4. Arrows are also made of wood, and their length must correspond to the length of the hunter's arm.

When all the materials are prepared, the wooden arch is bent and the bowstring is attached to it. At this point, the production of the bow can be considered ready. Naturally, this is the simplest model, the use of which does not at all guarantee rich production.

Choosing arrows for a bow

Many, having bought an expensive bow, try to save as much as possible on the purchase of arrows, reasoning that the main thing is a high-quality bow, and the arrows can be anything. Even though bow arrows are a consumable item, choosing cheap ones will hurt your pocket significantly more than choosing quality arrows. Cheap products break after 2-5 shots (some even after the first), but a high-quality arrow can withstand even a hundred shots.

Arrows for traditional bows are made from natural materials, while arrows for sporting and compound bows are made using aluminum and carbon fiber for the shaft. The tips of sporting and hunting arrows also differ significantly from each other. If the tip for a sports arrow is bullet-shaped (which makes it easier to remove arrows from the target), then hunting with a bow requires tips with sharp blades. Modern arrowheads are made from several sharp blades or in the form of stun guns.

If you can make arrows for a traditional bow yourself (of course, not the first time), then you are guaranteed to have to buy arrows for a compound bow, since making them yourself is almost impossible.

The boom consists of the following components:

• The shaft, which is made of wood in the case of traditional bows, or aluminum and carbon for modern models of sporting and hunting bows;
• Tip;
• The shank, which is made of plastic (on traditional wooden arrows, its role is played by a cut in the shaft);
• Plumage, which can be straight, helical or angular;
• A mount into which the tip is screwed for modern sporting or hunting arrows.

Hunting arrows must be of the best quality, because when hunting big game you need to be confident in the reliability of the weapon.