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Do you have any tips on making homemade arrows?

Clay Hayes
Archery Expert
Clay Hayes is an Archery Expert based in Idaho. He owns and operates the website Twisted Stave, where he sells merchandise, offers tutorials, and blogs about his life as an outdoorsman. Clay and his family have built an online community of over 440 thousand archery and hunting enthusiasts with their YouTube channel. Clay has authored three books and produced hundreds of videos on wilderness skills, traditional archery, bow building, and bow hunting. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Conservation from the University of Florida and a Master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from Mississippi State University.

Clay Hayes

Archery Expert

Expert Answer

To craft arrows for a bow, your approach can vary based on whether you prefer a more primitive or modern method. My method involves purchasing shafts made from materials such as Douglas fir or cedar, which are common for traditional arrows. Begin by selecting shafts with an appropriate stiffness, considering factors like bow weight, draw length, and the desired tip weight of the arrow. Taper the tail end of the shaft and attach the nock, angled backward. Afterward, immerse the arrow in a sealing solution to maintain consistent moisture content and prevent changes in weight due to moisture absorption. Attach the nock and use a fletching jig to secure the shaft, typically with three fletchings spaced at 120-degree intervals. Apply glue to each fletching, allowing them to dry individually. Once complete, cut the arrow to the desired length, taper the tip, and affix your chosen field tip or broadhead. This overview provides a simplified guide to the arrow-making process.

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Question

What is the length of a longbow?

Jean Luc Sirius

Community Answer

A longbow is usually about your own height; usually between 5–6 ft (1.5–1.8 m).

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Question

Can you use this for hunting?

Jean Luc Sirius

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Depending of the power of your bow (draw weight and such), you can hunt from rabbits to venison. However, you should check your local hunting laws, be careful, and never aim at people.

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Is it legal to shoot people with it?

Jean Luc Sirius

Community Answer

No, except maybe in self-defense, and in that case aim at extremities, not at the main body.

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