How to Make Hunting Arrows
Making your own arrows for hunting will save you money in the long run. Hunters know that lost or broken arrows happen all the time. This is a problem that can be easily fixed by learning how to make your own hunting arrows. You will save money and get the satisfaction of quality workmanship. It is quick, easy and economical to make your own hunting arrows.
- Choose the type of wood that you choose to make your arrow with; this will determine the strength of your arrow. For that reason you will want to choose a piece of wood such as birch or maple that is known for their strength.
- Inspect your wooden dowels for straightness. If your dowels are not straight it can cause your arrow to veer off target. A good way to check if your dowels are straight is to roll them on a flat level surface ensuring that you do not see any bowing.
- Cut down each dowel to the length of 28". This is the standard arrow length for hunting. You can add or subtract an inch or two depending on the length of your arm so that it is more comfortable for you.
- Inspect the dowel closely to determine which end is the straightest. Mark this end of the dowel; this is the end where you will be attaching your arrowhead.
- Shave the last 6" off the opposite end of the dowel from the arrowhead with a hand plane.
- Heat your dowel over a fire until hot and then carefully bend out any stubborn kinks in your dowel. Be very careful not to exert too much force so that you do not break your dowel.
- Sand the end of the shaft where you will be applying your plastic nock. This is the piece that will hold the string of your bow to the arrow.
- Sand the tip of the arrow until it is to your desired sharpness.
- Apply strong waterproof glue at the end of the shaft where your arrowhead is going to go. Gently attach the arrowhead and apply pressure until the glue begins to cure.