Protect Your Bow After Bowhunting in the Rain

The temptation and the desire just wouldn't allow you to stay out of the woods; you ignored the weather reports, your significant other shaking his or her head and you waddled your happy butt to your favorite bowhunting location. Chances are you're the typical bowhunter, your time is limited and regardless of weather conditions you are going to be hunting in the rain. Besides, a rainy day will change deer patterns and that wily old boy you've been after might just make the mistake you've been waiting for.

While out in the field hunting, the rain isn't going to cause damage or affect your archery equipment. However, once back in dry conditions it's important you take the proper precautions to prevent your bow and equipment from dangerous deterioration. Without taken certain steps to dry your bow, the next bowhunt you find yourself on could be one of the less pleasant variety.

In most cases bow should be sealed almost water tight, but if you have doubts then apply a couple of thin coats of Polyurethane, use a little steel wool rubbing between coats and that should protect it. Pay particular attention to the shelf area and limb edges. Look for small scratches that might be deep enough to let water under the finish and cause decay in your riser or limbs.

Immediately upon returning home, wipe your bow down with a dry towel or rag. Get every nook and cranny you can find. Even the smallest bit of moisture can cause the beginning of rust on the many small screws that hold your equipment together. Remove any removable pieces of equipment from your bow and dry them as well, in addition to their mounting locations.

Another option is to use a can of compressed air; the exact can you use for blowing those potato chip crumbs out of your computer keyboard. Use this to easily blow the water out of your cams, sights, peep, your rest and any of the harder to reach areas you weren't able to get at before. Leave no area to chance.