Bowhunting Glossary

Bowhunting Glossary

Learn something you never knew or brush up on some terminology you forgot. This basic bowhunting and archery glossary takes you through many common terms associated with the sport.

Anchor Point - The point to which a person pulls back the bow string before releasing.

Arm Guard - Fabric or leather shield worn on the forearm to protect the arm from the bowstring when releasing a draw.

Arrow Shaft - The long, straight body of the arrow. Usually made from aluminum, wood, or a composite of some sort, the arrow shaft specifically refers to the rod not including the tip, nock, or fletching.

Arrow Shelf - The place on a bow upon which the arrow sits.

Blunts - Flat, non-pointed arrow tips that are genearlly used for small game and practicing.

Brace Height
Cable Rod - A rod on compound bows that keep the string away from the bow center so the arrow does not hit the strings when fired.

Cam - Wheel/pulley on a compound bow.

Center Shot - Bow with a sight window that runs end to end along the bow, in line with the string.

Cock Feather - The one odd-colored feather on an arrow.

Compound Bow - A complex bow comprised of pulley, spring, and frame that maximizes pull and power when firing.

Draw Length - The distance the string is drawn by a shooter.

Draw Weight - Amount of weight the string must be pulled to fully draw the bow.

Field Points - Rounded arrow points. Tip is sharp and pointed, but has no blades.

Fixed Blade Tips - Also known as a broadhead, this is an arrow tip with 2 or more wide blades, usually used for hunting larger game.

Fletching - The feathers on an arrow shaft.

Limb - Ends of the bow which bend when the string is drawn.

Longbow - A bow with no pulleys/cams. It consists of a single-piece bow with one string attached to either end.

Mechanical Blades - Arrow tip with blades which mechanically open when arrow strikes a target.

Nock - Grooved piece found on back end of arrow shaft. It is the notch which the bow string fits into.

Nocking Point - The guide on the string where the arrow is nocked at, usually a small metal ring which is pinched onto the string.

Quiver - A container for your arrows that are ready to be used. Quivers come in many forms, and may attach to your belt, the bow itself, and just about anywhere else.

Recurve Bow - A non-compound bow, similar to a longbow, but with curved ends where the string attaches.

Shooting Glove - Three-fingered glove, usually leather, worn to protect fingers when drawing and releasing the bowstring.

Spine Weight - This refers to a rating an arrow shaft has. Measured in pounds, the rating pertains to the pull weight of the bow. It is important to only use arrows which are rated for the draw-weight of your bow.

Trigger Release - A tool used to grab the bowstring when drawing, which consists of a clamp and a trigger, which is squeezed to release the string. This often proves easier on your fingers, and allows you to hold a draw for longer before releasing.