Should You Use a Bow Sling?

So, should you consider using one as a bowhunter? Today, we look at what a bow sling is, the different types of slings, and what to consider when choosing one to enhance your shooting experience and accuracy, whether you bow hunt turkey, deer, or any other game.

What Is a Bow Sling?

A bow sling is a hands-free way to carry your bow. It can also help you keep your bow in your hand when shooting.

Bow slings come in a few main categories: wrist, shoulder, and backpack.

Wrist Slings

Wrist slings are the most common and are extremely useful even if you are just target practicing in the yard.

A wrist sling helps keep you from gripping your bow while shooting (and the bow from falling). This limits your point of contact on the grip and prevents you from torquing your bow, which causes less consistent accuracy.

Many pre-built compound bow packages now include these as standard, such as a D-loop or a peep sight. Wrist slings can also double as small carry handles on shorter hikes or walks to the blind.

Shoulder Slings

Shoulder slings, like rifle slings, go over the body with a single strap. Some are fairly sparse and made of woven paracord, while others can be more elaborate and contain built-in padded cam and string covers.

Backpack Slings

Backpack slings transfer the weight of the bow to the pack, usually attaching through riser hooks or to the pack's draw straps. This can make for a more comfortable experience, especially if you are already wearing a backpack to hunt.

Why Should You Use a Bow Sling?

Next, let's talk about why you may want to consider using a bow sling on your next hunt.

Comfort 

I've found carrying a bow long distances just by the grip can be tiring on your hands — and that can be the last thing you want when an unexpected shot opportunity presents itself and your hand starts to cramp up when you should be on your "A" game.

Modern compound bows are designed to be balanced when held up vertically in the shooting position, not so much when you need to huff it over to the next ridge. Any offside added weight, like a quiver or large adjustable sight, however small, can cause your hand to twist slightly.

While it's not much, do that all day while hiking, and you'll see why carrying your bow with a bow sling comes in handy.

Convenience 

It probably doesn't get any easier than to throw on your bow and go. Bow slings are an easy way to transport your bow anytime it is out of its case. 

Protection

This is a big one.

A bow sling with a cover will help protect your cams and strings. A good knick in a bowstring can not only spell the end of a hunt, but it can also be downright dangerous if it is big enough to cause your bowstring to fail.

I was once hunting through an old burn on the side of a mountain in the Gila Wilderness. The burn scar, after several years, had filled in thick with chest-high desert scrub oak (full of elk sign and several good mule deer bucks, too!) that pulled and clawed with every step.

I don't think you could have hiked through there with a bow not covered and had any strings left intact. I was a long way from any bow press or pro shop.

Better Mobility 

A bow sling allows you to move your hands freely, letting you climb better and move through your environment. This can be very useful on uneven ground or steeper terrain where trekking poles or using your arms for balance may be necessary. 

Why Would You Choose Not to Use a Sling for Your Bow?

Now that we've covered how bow slings are useful, let's discuss why you may choose not to use one.

Added Weight 

While most slings weigh only a few ounces, that is still added weight.

On long backcountry hunts, every ounce adds up. If you can reduce one more piece of gear, you may choose to carry one of the creature comforts of home that can keep you in the woods longer.

Noise 

Many brands make slings out of nylon, which can be noisy.

Neoprene fabric bow slings don't make much noise, but plastic clasps and buckles that help cinch tension and hold the sling over the bow can accidentally bang against a riser and make noise at an inopportune time.

How to Choose Your Sling

When choosing a bow sling, consider your particular hunting style.

• Are you hiking for extended periods of time?
• Are you hunting from a blind or spot and stalking?
• Do you need extra protection for your bow from the elements?

Answers to these questions can help you pick the best sling for your needs.

Practice With It

Regardless of your style, any gear or accessories you add to your kit must be practiced with before heading into the field. Every new piece I add gets put through testing in the summer months on how I want to use it or eventually modify it.

Loud buckle? Put some fabric tape on it to dampen any sound.

Practice with your sling, taking it off and putting it back on as silently and efficiently as possible for when the moment counts. 

With or Without a Bow Sling, Use HuntWise to Improve Your Hunt

Regardless of whether you choose to use a bow sling or what kind, download HuntWise! With its numerous map layers and private and public boundary lines, you'll find your next secret spot and tag out this season.

HuntWise is the ultimate hunting app. With various map layers (including LiDAR or "Hillshade"), markers, WindCast, HuntCast, and sharing capabilities, you can plot out the ideal hunting area, set up your tree stand, and enter the area without deer detecting your scent.

Now's the time to gather the gear you need (including a bow sling) and download HuntWise to plan your hunt! Try the app — free — for your first week.