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Published September 07, 2017 in Product InfoBy P.J. Reilly

The basics of bow-mounted quivers for bowhunting

The basics of bow-mounted quivers for bowhunting
You’ve seen the pictures of Robin Hood and his merry men running through the woods with quivers of arrows strapped to their backs.robin hoodThat’s a nice look for Hollywood, and it’s cool for traditional archers shooting targets. But it’s not very practical for today’s bowhunters. Broadheads and back quivers aren’t a good combination.Whoever invented the bow-mounted quiver deserves a medal. I mean, you have to carry your bow, and you have to carry arrows in a fashion so they don’t interfere with your shooting or staking. But yet, the arrows need to be handy for loading.The bow-mounted quiver addresses all these issues.TRADITIONALFor traditional archers, there are four basic types of bow-mounted quivers. There are two-piece quivers that slide over the limbs, two-piece quivers that strap to the limbs, two-piece quivers that attach via limb bolts and one-piece quivers that attach to special mounting holes.quivers3quivers4The latter quiver can only be used with bows that have the appropriate mounting bushings or threaded holes. The strap-on and slide-on quivers can be used with any traditional bow, while the quivers that attach via limb bolts can only be used on non-ILF, takedown bows.The one-piece quivers typically attach to the riser, which means an archer can remove the limbs from a takedown bow without having to remove the quiver. Any limb-mounted quiver must be removed to disassemble a takedown bow.quivers1COMPOUND BOWAll compound bows will have accessory holes for mounting quivers. Or, the sights mounted to these bows will have threaded holes for the quivers.quivers6Many compound bow quivers are designed to remain affixed to the bow at all times, and can only be removed using a screwdriver or Allen wrench. But there are some that give the archer the option to remove the quiver in the field.2560740-blk-4These are often favored by tree stand or ground blind hunters, who like the convenience of a bow-mounted quiver for carrying their arrows afield, but want to remove the quiver for taking a shot. Unless you shoot your compound bow with the quiver always attached, the addition of the quiver will change the balance of your bow.quivers7Whether you hunt with traditional gear or with a compound bow, there are a few aspects of a bow-mounted quiver you’ll want to consider.
  1. How many arrows does it hold? There are quivers that hold anywhere from two to eight arrows. Think about how many arrows you want to have with you when you’re out hunting. Remember, the more you have, the more weight you have to carry.
  2. How does it keep the broadheads in place? There’s a variety of material used in quiver hoods to secure the business ends of your arrows. Some are sturdier than others. Take a look at what’s in the hood of the quiver you’re thinking about and imagine inserting and removing broadheads. Will the material hold your arrows firmly?
  3. Is the quiver made for your arrows? Small diameter arrows are becoming increasingly popular among bowhunters. Not all quivers are made to hold these tiny shafts. And the ones that are, don’t work well with normal shafts. Make sure the quiver you’re looking at is made for the shafts you shoot.
  4. Does it make the bow loud? The only way to figure this out is to shoot your bow with the quiver attached. Some will increase the bow noise at the shot. Is it too much for your taste?
  5. Can the quiver be removed in the field? As noted, only some offer this option. It’s up to you to determine if that’s a desirable feature.
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