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BOWHUNTING Making the case for protective bow cases BY BRAD FENSON
Even with a locked hard case, thoroughly inspect your bow once you arrive at your destination. A hunting buddy of mine once flew to South Africa for a Cape buffalo hunt only to discover someone had dry-fired his bow while it was in transit. Fortunately, the bow didn’t require a bow press to restring, and the limbs were not cracked.
SOFT CASES
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A soft carrying case is mostly suited for trips to the bow shop or range, but it can also work well on trips afield. They’re less bulky than hard cases and easy to strap down on an ATV, yet still provide protection from the elements and immediate hazards. By otherwise carrying an uncased bow into the backcountry, you risk catching the string or damaging the limbs on a branch, for example, or getting mud or other debris in the cams. Just know that a soft case is only a frontline of defence, not something you can sit on or handle roughly, as you can with a hard case.
ACCESSORY STORAGE
Before making a purchase, determine what and how many accessories you want to fit into the case alongside the bow. Some cases allow you to practically bring along a portable archery shop. A good-sized case can provide portable storage for extra arrows or broadheads, slings, releases, wax and a set of Allen keys, keeping everything you need in one place.
INVESTMENT CHOICES
Any case is better than no case, but you typically get what you pay for. If a case feels flimsy, it is. And with less expensive options, there are often problems with the latches and fasteners. It’s best to match the case to your investment in your bow and accessories. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but consider the gear the case will be protecting, and what it would otherwise cost to repair or replace—that will help you put the price into perspective. OC
Case study
A HARD CASE CAN WITHSTAND THE ELEMENTS
THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT YOUR PRECIOUS BOW WHEN YOU’RE ON THE GO
WHETHER YOU SHOOT a compound, recurve or crossbow, it only makes sense to protect your expensive gear, and that’s where a bow case can be indispensable. It’s the first line of defence against damage to a bow’s limbs, cams or string, which are all vital to its operation. A case can also keep your bow clean and free of clutter—grass caught between the cam and string, for example, can cause the rig to derail when drawn. And if you travel with your bow, especially by air, a case is a must-have.
So, what kind of bow case is right for you? The level of protection you need essentially comes down to if, how and where you plan to transport your bow. For starters, hard cases are ideal for situations in which you don’t have complete control over your gear, while soft cases are good for protection in the field or during trips to the range. Here’s what else to consider before making your choice.
HARD CASES
A buddy once sent me a picture of a baggage handler throwing his bow case toward a luggage cart, only to see it careen off the cart and across the tarmac. Understandably, he was furious about the mishandling, but his bow remained unharmed because it was in a well-protected case—a good example of why an airlineapproved case is so necessary for air travel.
Some hard cases are built like vaults, but there are also lightweight, durable options. Look for pillar supports within the case, which provide extra protection and ensure the case doesn’t get crushed. If you expect to be travelling or hunting a lot by boat, also consider a waterproof hard case that floats.
Even with a hard case, add a layer of clothing in and around the bow for a snug fit and to ensure crucial accessories such as the sight are not compromised; some bowhunters even construct a small cage or box to fit around their sight. International travelers will also need to lock their bow cases; if you’re heading stateside, get a latch approved by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. And if you plan to be in airports and on the go a lot, get a case with wheels to help ease the burden.
