To keep the article streamlined and to the point, we are going to assume that your brand of bow, arrow, broadhead type, release style, and lucky hunting shirt complete with face paint has already been decided.

Basics to consider

• Draw weight and draw length
• Poundage
• Arrow weight
• Kinetic energy
• Broadhead
• Velocity
• Energy
• Trajectory

To effectively succeed as a bow hunter, it is imperative that you know and understand the capabilities of your equipment.

The list above is the bare basics that every bow hunter should know in detail about their bow setup. Getting the correct draw weight and length will not only ensure you are comfortable at the shot with the correct form, but it also ties into the overall formula that provides you with the kinetic energy of the bow.

What is the Kinetic Energy of a bow? Well, I am glad you asked. In essence, the kinetic energy is the overall power potential of the arrow when released from the bow, it provides a numerical value as to the force at which the arrow will hit the target by taking into consideration the mass, speed, and force.

Many an article has been written on the details of kinetic energy, and even though this article is not one of them, we will still provide the formula for context and help further explain how it ties into the question of “How to hunt a whitetail with a bow?”

KE = (m*v²)/450,800

M = Mass (weight)

V = Velocity (speed)

The outcome from the formula will be represented in foot-pounds (ft. lbs.) and that value will determine if the bow setup you will be using will not only propel the arrow fast enough but with enough force to effectively penetrate the whitetail and hit the vitals.

The rule of thumb recommendation for sufficient kinetic energy on a whitetail is between 25-41 ft. lbs, hence if your bow setup is generating less than that, rather head back to the bow shop to tweak your setup and keep practicing. 

Now that you know what force your arrow is capable of producing, the next process is to establish the ideal shooting distance and ascertain the trajectory your arrow will take at various distances.

Why is this important? Another good question, well with maybe the exception of hunting over a feeder, the exact distance at which that big ten point will be standing from you out in the field is unknown and so you will need to know by how much the arrow will drop at certain distances and therefore hold your pin in relation to that drop, to ensure an accurate shot.

Understand the law

Learning how to bow hunt a whitetail deer correctly is important, and doing it the legal way is crucial. Each state is different with regard to how they handle hunting, from the seasons to the methods of hunting and ways of attracting animals. 

So before you begin your bow hunting journey, be sure to check up and know the following about the area you intend on hunting:

1. What are the bow hunting season dates?
2. Are there tags that need to be drawn, licenses bought, or permission granted?
3. Does the area allow bow hunting?
4. What are the legalities when it comes to setting up feeding spots or other methods of attracting deer?

Getting started

You have spent hours sending arrows down range and now have them hitting tight groupings at various distances. You have studied the anatomy of a whitetail and have confidence in yourself that when the time comes you will know exactly where to place your shot.

Equipment for your bow

Your local bow shop technician will be able to help you in determining the correct draw length, arrow length, and draw weight for your bow setup. All of these are important in ensuring you are 100% comfortable and capable of drawing and firing your bow efficiently and accurately.

Below is an essentials list of items that we recommend adding to your bow and carrying with you while bow hunting whitetail:

• 3 – 5 fletched arrows with either mechanical or fixed blade broadheads
• Quiver to carry your arrows
• Arrow rest
• Sight, either a one or three-pin sight
• String silencers
• Stabilizer
• Trigger/Release
• D-loop
• Kisser
• Binoculars
• Range finder
• Comfortable boots and hunting clothing
• Knife
• Allen wrenches
• Hunting license and tags