While most hunters use guns now, there was a time before the gun was around where all hunting was done with a bow and arrow.
Hunting with a bow and arrow gives the hunter much more of a challenge, and much more skill is involved for a successful hunt.
Hunting with a bow is also more retro; harkening back to the beginnings of man when hunting was necessary for survival.
To start out bow hunting though, a few supplies are required, and doing some research can help a hunter determine what's right for him.
The biggest investment a hunter will make is on his bow and arrows.
A bow should not be an item to go cheap on.
Price is in direct proportion to quality in this instance.
A cheap bow will result in poor kills, or no kills at all.
Browse your local archery store and talk to the expert about what type of hunting you want to do and the best bow for the job, but don't buy just yet.
Find a few favorites in the store, then go home and do your research.
Doing the necessary research will result in an investment you'll be using years down the line.
Arrows are another item you should have in great supply.
Always have extra on hand; wounding an animal and not having enough arrows to finish the job can get very ugly, very fast.
Another supply to always have extra of is bow wire.
It's not uncommon for the wire to break when pulling it back, not having extra on hand will make for a very disappointing trip.
Another item that is often overlooked by the newcomer is a leather glove.
Pulling back on the bow can be much tougher on the hands than most people realize, having the glove to protect it will make all the difference between a good hunt and a bad one.
Many hunters develop blisters and chafing because they didn't realize they needed gloves.
The glove will also help to improve your grip on the bow, which in turn improves your shot.
Bow hunting is an adventure harkening back to ancient man.
There is no better way for a hunter to feel in direct connection with nature than pulling the wire taut, aiming, and then releasing the arrow at the target.
Be sure to wear gloves on every trip, and spend the time and money on a good bow and arrows to increase the chances of a worthwhile hunt.