So I have my first longbow in the mail, a Don Dow Stick I found in the trad gang classys, and I can't decide if I want to put a quiver on it. I have a quiver on my recurve, but that riser has more mass so it seems to "fit" in a way. On the longbow, I like the sleek look. I know back quivers are popular, but I've never used one. Do people hunt with a back quivers, and if so how/why do you prefer it? Any input would be helpful, I like to hear others views. Thanks!
When I had a longbow,For target practice and 3d shoots I used a back quiver. For hunting I used a hip quiver. Now I do not use bow mounted quivers on any of my bows.I'm getting ready to order a side quiver for hunting.
I am not a fan of bow quivers, and I love the look/nostalgia of back quivers, and I have a back quiver that I use for stump shooting, small game, and general target shooting. But, when it is time to go hunting, I like a side quiver.
I don't think the trad police will arrest you if you use any type of quiver, so use what you feel comfortable with. If you have never used a back quiver, know that there is a bit of a learning curve to become smooth with it.
I prefer a bow quiver on my longbow. I use a back quiver for the range, but if I go through brush or under trees I am always hitting the arrows in the back quiver on stuff when I try to duck down under things.
I've always used bow quivers with recurves, and had one on a hybrid longbow, but Ive really gotten used to shooting my Mohawk without one, so I'm gonna try a tube/side quiver this season. Either a Safari Tuff, or Bow Mate. I like my back quiver for 3D, and stumping, but I'm not ready to hunt with one.
All excellent posts. My thinking is when I hunt deer I would just slide it off my back when I stopped anyhow, just like I disconnect my bow quiver with my recurve. Hitting brush while pig hunting is certainly a downside though. In the end I may end up just trying it and seeing how I like it. I have what ammounts to a back quiver on hand.. Just needs a little frontier medicine to get it into shape. I put some new arrows up for trade in the classifieds for a bow quiver, if that works out ill be able to try both.
Good point centaur, I put a back quiver on in the garage and tried to pull out some hunting arrows. Ribin Hood I'm not. I probably looked pretty comical - won't be doing it in public anytime soon. Hahah
I like the looks of a back quiver, but that's where it ends. I had one i used for 3D shoots and never could get comfortable with it. Especially trying to get the arrows back into the dad burn thing.
I found the arrows were always catching on branches and brush too, and every time i bent over to pick up something, or pull arrows from a target i'd spill all the arrows out of it..... I ended up giving mine to my son in law.....
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u301/kirkll/3D%20pics/Blackforestshoot014.jpg) (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/kirkll/media/3D%20pics/Blackforestshoot014.jpg.html)
Funny thing is... he does just fine with it. So i guess it's just me....
For hunting i want my arrows on the bow... always.
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u301/kirkll/3D%20pics/KirksSasLB.jpg) (http://s171.photobucket.com/user/kirkll/media/3D%20pics/KirksSasLB.jpg.html)
I had a Don Dow that I really liked. I always had a GN quiver on it. I killed the buck in my avatar with that bow.
I have since switched to using a Dawgware and love it. I ground hunt and don't like how a bow quiver sits in my lap.
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/100_2727.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/100_2727.jpg.html)
Been hunting with a back quiver since I started...back in '69. I'm so used to how it feels and it's adjusted right so pulling an arrow out for that quick second shot or replacing an arrow is no problem.
Once it conforms to your back, there is no arrow rattle. Sneaking around through brush is no big deal either. I use a bowquiver maybe 3 times during the season, on my recurve only. It's sacriligious to put a bow quiver on a longbow....
Love a quiver on recurves, but It jacks me up on a long bow for some reason..... Best quiver IMHO is a safari tuff when it comes to hunting with a longbow! Good luck with your decision!
I have used bow quivers in the past. I have one that uses velcro strap fastners. I built a longer strap to go over the shoulder & now have my own version of the GFA quiver.
I mostly use it or a back quiver. The back quiver isn't as ungainly as some think. Going under brush or tree limbs all you have to do is pull the quiver around kind of like a side quiver. Works well, once you have it adjusted for you they are great, quiet, easy to get arrows out of, & carry LOTS of arrows.
I like mine. ;)
Sure people hunt with back quivers. Lots of us. Issues of rattling arrows, falling out when bending over, hanging up on brush, etc, all are issues of not getting a properly made quiver that will mold to your back well, not spending enough time learning the use of a back quiver, and giving up too soon. Many beautiful quivers are made that just don't hunt in the woods worth a darn. You need to get the right one and break it in well and learn how you have to use it. They have been around forever so there must be something about them that works. :) If you do a search on back quivers you should find a lot of good information from folks who actually use and like them. Many will use nothing else.
I like the idea of slinging it under when going under brush and stuff. I used to carry a muzzle loader thats pretty long and id do the same kind of thing with it. The HH southeastern is coming to B-ham in a month, maybe I'll see one there that looks my speed. Right now I have one that I can test-run. Well... Really its a stake bag that holds the aiming stakes used by mortarmen.. same kinda thing. Haha.
I'm with Mr. Mitchell.
Back Quivers have been around for awhile, Do people hunt with them, Yes.
You do need to learn how to use one like any other tool....
Ask Mr. Hill about using one, Well I guess ya Can't ask him, But ya can read his Books about it....
And I'm with some of the people above, A Bow Quiver on a Recurve, yes....On a long bow, well no....
And yes they need to be made right....
I tried a back quiver last fall, I'm sure it's better on the ground, but out of my climber it was in the way. (at least for me)
I never liked a bow mounted quiver until I tried a Kanati Dual Arc. The adjustability of that quiver allowed me to tune the feel and handling of the bow with the quiver mounted and it actually feels better in the hands with it mounted now than it did bare. Before that I used my custom buffalo fur back quiver and likely won't go back to the back quiver. The convenience of the bow quiver wins in thick woods and the handling is improved for my longbow.
I liked bow quivers on my three piece bows, both longbow and recurve.
I'm only into one piece longbows now and really don't like hanging anything off of them.
Recently got an absorkee short trail side quiver and couldn't be happier with it. Nothing hanging around your neck, can still use a pack, and slips through brush easily. Definitely worth checking out.
I have used most styles of quiver. My two favourites are bow and side/back. I like a bow quiver to hold broadheads, and maybe a small game arrow or two. I like my Arrowmaster to hold stumping and small game arrows.
I'm torn between the two for hunting. I like the pocket and capacity on the arromaster, and the protection of the fletching. I also like that the bow quiver makes it really easy to tell which type of arrowhead I am grabbing, and that there is no chance of the broadheads getting dull rattling against eachother.
I've used both. Wouldn't put a bow quiver on a long bow, but then I don't use long bows much either.
If you want to use a back quiver for hunting, and you have trouble with rattling arrows, or arrows falling out, go to your friendly supplier of archery stuff and get a replacement gripper of the proper size for your arrows for a Selway bow quiver, and then glue it, or use inconspicuous screws to attach it inside your quiver just below the rim. That'll keep the arrows in place, keep the broadheads from trying to hook each other and allow you to move quietly though the woods. It does slow down pulling your arrows a bit, but if your grip is near the top of your quiver only a bit - and it slows putting them back in, but that's really only a 3D issue (and for that you can just not use the gripper), because you're going to draw your arrow and get set to take your shot long before the animal in question comes into range.
First off I love a bow quiver I can reload faster with a bow quiver than any other. And they are the most handiest as far as using a backpack or a climber stand.
That said I got a new r/d longbow this past December and I just can't see putting a bow quiver on it. It would upset the balance too much. I tried a back quiver and like it for plinking in the backyard I even thought I would hunt with it. but for me to many draw backs for the sharp instincts of a whitetail. Some guys have the back quiver quirks worked out and a lot has to do with using the right type of back quiver.
I decided to go with a side quiver I bought a safari tuff arrowmaster. So far I like it. Fletching is covered and protected from the elements and from a deers eyes. It's fast to load and reload. And if I decide to change to different size arrows (diameter wise) I do not Need to purchase different grippers. That and a can Carrie a lot more arrows than with a bow quiver I like,to have 4-6 BH arrows and 2-3 blunts for stumping or small game and even a flu flu or two for the roosting partridge.
A side quiver may be something to consider
Tim
It's not "Traditional" but neither am I.
After trying several bow quivers, I will not part with my Safari Tuff Arrowmaster. (Mine is predator green)
I use a side quiver and a bow quiver,just depends on what I'm doing.
I've been using a well broken-in, Howard Hill Archery back quiver, for many years, for both target and hunting. Everyone is different, but in timed competition, I am faster with a back quiver than with any other type. (That includes a recurve as well as a longbow.)
That said, after moving to the desert, I realized that my water requirements are much greater, and I need to carry a pack. So, after much gnashing of teeth, I am going back to a bow quiver on a recurve--and maybe an arrow tube lashed to my Alice pack, to carry extra arrows, when I'm after small game.
For bunny rabbits--and some 3D shoots--five arrows just ain't enough!!
Be well and good luck.
The side quiver is something i've overlooked. Might give that a try as well. I have a bow quiver on the way, it just depends on how it feels once its on the bow. Thanks for all the replies, theres some things that have come up in responses that I hadn't considered.
QuoteAfter trying several bow quivers, I will not part with my Safari Tuff Arrowmaster.
Same here.
A bow quiver can act like a stabilizer on a bow. A lightweight bow like a Shrew, Morrison, or Striker can really benefit from a bow quiver. Also, it is very convenient to have arrows and bow in one package. For hunting, stump shooting, or 3-D I like a bow quiver.
Back quivers are great to carry additional arrows to an event. I like the traditional image, but find them to be cumbersome in the brush, awkward to use, sometimes noisy, and hot in summer weather.
I struggled with what quiver to use also till I bought a strap on EFA, I think it's the perfect bow quiver and it is small so it would fit a long bow very well
I love/hate bowquivers!
I don't think anyone has had bowquivers on and off as many times as I have. I start every bow season with it off and use back and side quivers. Within two weeks I always put it back on.
As soon as the season is over I take it off. Then it's usually on and off several times throughout the summer.
I don't like bowquivers but they sure are handy.
I have several different models and use them all on different bows. I suggest getting the cheaper plastic hooded Thunderhorn strap on bow quiver. It's an excellant quiver at a bargain price. You won't have much in it and not bad to have on hand even if you do end up going with a side or back quiver.
A bow quiver on a quality Hill style longbow is like this:
(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr180/two4hooking/mona_mustache_zps5cafaa30.jpg) (http://s481.photobucket.com/user/two4hooking/media/mona_mustache_zps5cafaa30.jpg.html)
Don't discount the effectiveness of a well built, well broken in back quiver by a skilled user.
You can overcome all the so-called challenges and the benefits will be apparent.
(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr180/two4hooking/pic10_zps6a239972.jpg) (http://s481.photobucket.com/user/two4hooking/media/pic10_zps6a239972.jpg.html)
After all some very good bowhunters preferred the back quiver to all others despite the fact they were available:
(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr180/two4hooking/Trad%20Know%20How/20140502_061631_zpscbd7e383.jpg) (http://s481.photobucket.com/user/two4hooking/media/Trad%20Know%20How/20140502_061631_zpscbd7e383.jpg.html)
(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr180/two4hooking/Trad%20Know%20How/20140430_210526_zpsc2e97607.jpg) (http://s481.photobucket.com/user/two4hooking/media/Trad%20Know%20How/20140430_210526_zpsc2e97607.jpg.html)
(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr180/two4hooking/Trad%20Know%20How/Ducks_zps5736fd3a.jpg) (http://s481.photobucket.com/user/two4hooking/media/Trad%20Know%20How/Ducks_zps5736fd3a.jpg.html)
(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr180/two4hooking/Trad%20Know%20How/1F3DFB7F-1D87-4424-B200-6716D8A62DFD-2008-000002751CE57B3E_zps775e4444.jpg) (http://s481.photobucket.com/user/two4hooking/media/Trad%20Know%20How/1F3DFB7F-1D87-4424-B200-6716D8A62DFD-2008-000002751CE57B3E_zps775e4444.jpg.html)
(http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr180/two4hooking/Trad%20Know%20How/hill203_zps54ff7705.png) (http://s481.photobucket.com/user/two4hooking/media/Trad%20Know%20How/hill203_zps54ff7705.png.html)
Greg- Who is that under the black and white of Howard?
I agree. A good back quiver is hard to beat when you get used to it.
I have to say if I had to pick between a back quiver and a bow quiver I would definately go with the bow quiver, but in my mind the ultimate hunting quiver is one like the Arrowmaster side quiver or Bowmate elite side quiver. They keep your fletchings covered as well as broadheads and in the event of a rain storm everything stays nice and dry.
Blaino,
That's Bob Swineheart :campfire:
Neither. I have found over the years that an Asbel style hanging side quiver reponds to my needs better than any other.
When an archer knows the proper method of use and has a back quiver of proper design, no better method for fast shooting.
I used a back quiver many years ago, but they were just too "in the way". I'm tall, and duck a lot going thru the woods, nothing but noise and arrows hanging up. I also live in WI. it gets pretty cold here, and the more clothes you wear, the more uncomfortable they seem to be.
stagetek, here's how you solve the ducking problem.
(http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy241/davidmitchell_6466/Back%20quiver%20useage/Backquiveruseage004.jpg) (http://s796.photobucket.com/user/davidmitchell_6466/media/Back%20quiver%20useage/Backquiveruseage004.jpg.html)