Above and Beyond Safety Concerns
Bow that has been dry fired
Because of the design and power of an arrow, there are additional safety concerns when hunting with archery equipment. In addition to applying the principles of T.A.B.+1 to your use of archery equipment, you should never “dry fire” a bow. Releasing a string without an arrow nocked transfers energy back into the limbs instead of the arrow. This pressure can cause the bow to fly apart, potentially injuring anyone nearby. Broadheads should be kept sharp and be protected by storing your arrows in a quiver when in the field. Use a special wrench to screw broadheads on. Broadhead wrenches will protect your fingers and hands while affixing them to your arrow shafts.
If you desire to harvest record book game using archery means, record book keepers such as Boone and Crockett Club have restrictions on the type of equipment and accessories you can use when hunting in order to qualify for the record books.