What Is a Sling Bow (and How Do You Use One)

Bowhunters and the wider hunter community will be most familiar with the compound and recurve bows. However, the handheld compact sling bow is also designed to shoot arrows as a more "modern" game hunting tool. 

So, how do you use one? Can you really hunt with it? Today, we explore the basics of sling bows, their advantages, and tips on effectively using them in the field.

What Are Sling Bows?

A sling bow is essentially a slingshot modified to shoot arrows. It uses a grip, wrist brace, and elastic bands to propel an arrow towards a target or game.

The elastic bands attached to the fork build energy, which releases the arrow. A specialized string helps set and propel the arrow, and an arrow rest balances the arrow before release. 

Sling bows originated as slingshots modified to fire arrows and standard ball ammunition and became the modern hunting tool some utilize today. They're cheaper, simpler, and far more intuitive: load the arrow, pull back the strings, and let it go.

They're also highly valued for their compatibility, fit nicely in a backpack, and are great for hunting while traveling. 

The Components of a Sling Bow

These bows have a relatively simple design with a solid frame of strong materials such as metal composites or high-strength polymers. It's shaped in the typical "Y" formation with elastic bands or tubing, often offering higher force than a traditional slingshot to ensure sufficient propulsion to shoot the arrow.

These bands are attached to the top of the Y-shaped frame and connect to the arrow rest or pouch. The arrow rest is designed to hold the arrow in place, and the pouch grips it when it is pulled back. 

Regarding sighting, sling bow hunters must align the edge of the band with the target, much like a traditional firearm. 

How To Use a Sling Bow

To shoot the sling bow, attach the arrow by placing the nock in the pouch or D-loop, and be sure to check that it is secure and that the fletchers aren't going to catch anything on the way through to disrupt the flight of the arrow. Then, position your body ready to fire with your feet shoulder-width apart and draw the pouch or D-loop back with your dominant hand to an anchor point such as your cheek.

Focus on getting even tension on both sides of the band for more stability, and align your body and the bow with the target (think right angles) and the pouch or D-loop smoothly and without a rapid jerking motion. 

If you're new to sling bows, it's important to spend some time getting familiar with them. Adjust the band length and tension to your preference, but always remember to follow safety precautions. Treat a sling bow with the same respect as any other bow type, and only shoot when the arrow's path is clear.

What Are the Advantages of Using a Sling Bow? 

One of the critical advantages of these bows is their versatility.

These compact tools are perfect for travel, making them ideal for long hunting trips. They can be used for various hunting applications, from small game to target shooting. Some designs can even be quickly modified from a traditional sling to a sling bow, expanding their range of uses. 

This bow is a decent option for stealth hunting due to the low noise level compared to traditional bow types and the simple drawing method. 

Additionally, due to their simplicity, the bows can be a great DIY project at home. They can be constructed with basic materials such as tubing and a forked branch. 

Challenges and Limitations of These Bows

While great for some uses in the field, the elastic bands of a sling bow simply do not provide the same energy as those of a compound or recurve bow. These bow types are more intricate in their designs and can build more pounds of force. 

This shortfall impacts the velocity, accuracy, and range, meaning there will be better options for large game such as deer. A poor shot or taking a shot from too far a distance can lead to inadequate penetration, wounding the animal instead of killing it. 

Shooting sling bows effectively can also take some time to learn. Building up accuracy with this tool will require practice and fine-tuning. 

Legal Considerations 

When applying their regulations and restrictions, many states will only recognize compound, recurve, and crossbows as legitimate bow types. Due to this, you'll need to verify whether slings are legally recognized as hunting equipment in your area.

Additional restrictions may exist if permitted, such as the type of game you can target with these tools. For example, smaller game like rabbits or squirrels might be allowed, whereas deer hunting with a sling bow may be prohibited. 

Whatever You Use to Hunt, Let HuntWise Help You Find Your Game

Sling bows are handy to chuck in the backpack, and you never know when you might need one on your next hunt. They're an excellent survival option and the perfect "Plan B" on your next hunt. 

No matter what tool you use to hunt, you'll need to find the game you're after to tag out! If you're ready to head out into the field and break in your sling bow — or stick with your compound bow or firearm — download the HuntWise app for animal movement and weather insights, mapping features, and markers to plan your hunt.

You'll also gain access to gear discounts, hunting tips, and more!

Start your free trial and explore the app — free — for your first week.