Bow Box

A staple in the archery industry is a well-made “Bow Box.” These boxes secure your bow(s) safely during long periods of non-use. They are commonly constructed from high-end plastics like ABS or polycarbonate.

The best ones offer both security (locks, etc.) and protection (foam lined). Some even allow for storage of accessories like arrows, quivers, release aids, etc., which saves you space as well!

Armorer’s Block

If you spend more time working on your equipment than shooting it, consider investing in an armorer’s block. This device will hold your bow perfectly vertical so that you can tune peep sights, install or switch out strings, or perform any other maintenance task you can throw at it.

Most are also compatible with a bow vise, which allows you to secure your string while making more detailed adjustments. It can be mounted on the wall, in a storage room, or even set up right at your workbench! We have an article detailing more benefits of owning one here.

Just know that these things are absolute game-changers if you’re into tinkering around with your gear.

Bow Rack For Cars

If you spend some time outdoors during the summer months but do not want to leave your bow in the elements, consider picking up a car rack specifically designed for holding firearms and bows!

These attach to the top of your vehicle via straps or hooks and are perfect for keeping your bow on the ready.

Warning: Don’t ever use one of these to transport a bow across state lines… you risk being charged with “constructive possession” leading to controlled substance charges if it’s found by law enforcement. Check your local laws before purchasing or using one.

Ceiling

If your living quarters allow for it, some hunters find success by suspending their bow from the ceiling in some form. This option is usually reserved for compound bows because of their lighter weight but can be done with recurves using accessory hangers.

Just make sure that whatever system you employ, your string will not get caught up in any moving parts (like fans) while retracted.

Some use the hooks on the connector of their quiver (similar to a 3rd hand), others use an over-the-door hook, and many others simply hang it from the string using small key chain clips.

Car Trunk

If you live in colder climates that require you to store your bow indoors, consider keeping your trusty steed safe in the trunk. This ensures that no one will mess with it, but also keeps it accessible should you be called into work unexpectedly or receive a surprise hunting opportunity. Just make sure you don’t leave anything valuable visible inside…

Gun Safe

If all else fails, consider investing in a well-constructed gun safe. These are commonly used for keeping firearms out of reach for children but also work great for long-term bow storage. Just keep in mind that you won’t have quick access to your equipment, and it will take a bit longer to close the door once you’ve retrieved your bow.

 Dresser Drawers

If none of these options sound good to you, consider keeping all your archery gear secure in a dresser drawer. This is usually not an ideal option because drawers sag with time and can lead to contact points hitting each other as well as be difficult if having company over who aren’t aware of the danger (thereby becoming “dummy-proof”)… but there’s no denying that it’s better than having them lying around unsecured!

What are some tips for storing my compound bows?

Never leave your bow strung when not in use. Unstring it and keep it cased when not shooting at the range or in the field. Do not leave your bow in a hot car or truck if you are unable to get it right back into storage once you have reached your destination. The heat wearing down on the limbs can be detrimental as well as cause serious damage to them as well as become dangerous after extended periods of time being left out in high temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is not recommended to leave your bow cased and strung outside.

It may be covered but it will still be exposed to all types of weather conditions that can cause complications for the string as well as metal parts on the bow if left out in the elements. Do not leave your bow unattended where animals can find it. Make sure you store it away in a place where children, pets, or anyone else cannot reach them (similar to firearms). This includes storing it away in an area such as either on top of a shelf or inside of a locked cabinet with glass doors so small fingers will not be able to reach through and unlock them without help.

Is it OK to leave a bow strung?

It’s highly recommended to unstring your bow when it is not in use. This provides safety measures such as no accidents or injuries because of the loose limbs and string damage to the bow limbs. Not recommended to leave your bow strung and cocked for more than a week.

This is dangerous because of the limbs and string tension and can damage or even break your bow limbs leading to possible injury. It is highly recommended that you do not leave it like this for more than 24 hours.

Should I Unstring my bow when not in use?

Yes. It is safer to leave your bow unstrung when not in use, but make sure to still keep it in a safe spot where children won’t find it or go near it for safety purposes.

Is it OK to leave my bow in my car?

No, if kept in a vehicle make sure they are out of reach from children or anyone else who does not know how to properly respect them (the same goes for firearms). Leaving your bow in an exposed area such as the trunk leaves them vulnerable to all types of elements that can damage the bows including rain, snow, ice, and high heat. Individuals should unstring their bows when not in use to prevent any unexpected accidents from occurring such as hitting someone or breaking something within the home.

The same goes for a firearm which you should make sure it’s unloaded before storing it away. Leaving your weapon strung increases the risk of injury should something be hit by accident at the end of the string because it could snap back towards you or whomever else is standing nearby. It should also never be left within reach of children as there is a high chance they will mishandle it either on purpose or accidentally causing an injury to themselves or others.

Bowstrings wear down over time from constant use and weather changes, therefore waiting too long would mean that your bow string is already past its prime. You should always keep your bow strings in good condition to ensure their durability and safety when shooting the bow.

FAQs

Q: If I don’t have a bow case is there any place to store my compound/recurve?

A: No, not really. Most of the time you end up having to forage through their bow holders in the bow case rack, your local hunting store or a member of the customer service staff in some sort of barn.

Q: What kind of storage container/case should I choose?

A: I would highly suggest buying a compound box that’s designed specifically for compound bows and recurves. It will provide the utmost safety, protection and security for your compound/recurve bow. It will also prevent damage to the bow and recurve from a careless person grabbing it in a store. Bow boxes are available for about $10-$20 depending on quality of materials used as well as which brand you choose.

Q: How do I know if my case is good enough?

A: If your case is not water tight and will open sometimes, it’s probably not a good case. If you have to open the case every day when you go to shoot, this is a problem with the manufacturing of your bow. Manufacturers should make their cases as watertight as possible so if they cannot ensure this, you may want to consider another brand person grabbing it in a store. Bow boxes are available for about $10-$20 depending on quality of materials used as well as which brand you choose.

Q: How do I know if my case is good enough?

A: If your case is not water tight and will open sometimes, it’s probably not a good case. If you have to open the case every day when you go to shoot, this is a problem with the manufacturing of your bow. Manufacturers should make their cases as watertight as possible so if they cannot ensure this, you may want to consider another brand .

Q: How do I know if it is worth the money?

A: That depends on how often you use your bow and where you shoot. If you are only shooting in the woods or at events, like at a show, then it may not matter. But if your bow breaks down frequently (maybe every 150 shots), then it is worth considering spending more for a better case. For those who regularly shoot indoor, it becomes critical that you get a case that will hold up in the tougher conditions.

Q: How often do I need to repair my bow?

A: You should be able to keep your bow running as long as possible until it breaks down. If you are shooting in an environment like a match where every shot is critical, , then you should not expect to get the life out of a bow. The best advice is just to get it out when it breaks down. If you can’t shoot your bow for extended periods of time, don’t think about buying a new one. Just get the case fixed and enjoy shooting!

Q: How much does my Archery Case cost?

A: Depending on the material, you will pay between $10 – $30. Typically, more expensive cases are more durable and last a lot longer, but they are also more expensive to buy. However, if your bow is going to be used mainly for practice or training purposes then a cheap case may never break down enough for you to replace it altogether.

Q: Are there any special features to a Bow Case?

A: With the numerous options available, most cases have at least one or two. For example, some cases have all around mesh sides while others are completely clear. Some provide a \”handle\” to hold bows and arrows (usually with pockets for string or a bow sock) while others come without handles at all. The best case for you can depend on the type of bow you are using and what sort of equipment you use with it.

Q: How to store a bow?

A: You will probably have to store the bow in an enclosed case. This makes it harder for dust and moisture to build up inside a bow case. If you use a bow that has not been used too much, you should put it in a new case as soon as possible after use. Bow cases are NOT suitable for indoor storage because they trap moisture and can cause mold and mildew. If you store your bow outdoors, you need a case with a vent so that moisture can get out. A bow case should be kept in a dry place and not exposed to direct sunlight.

Q: How to clean or care for my Bow Case?

A: Just like any other equipment, if it has been used or is dirty you will have to clean it. First, you will want to take it out of the case, but leave it in the case so that it has more time to dry. Then you can clean your bow case with some WD-40 or oil. Or use a hose if necessary and a cloth or paper towel if the WD-40 is not effective at cleaning the inside of your bow case.

Can I leave the compound bow outside overnight?

It is not recommended to leave your bow cased and strung outside. It may be covered but it will still be exposed to all types of weather conditions that can cause complications for the string as well as metal parts on the bow if left out in the elements.

How do I keep my compound bow safe from animals?

Do not leave your bow unattended where animals can find it. Make sure you store it away in a place where children, pets, or anyone else cannot reach them (similar with firearms). This includes storing it away in an area such as either on top of a shelf or inside of a locked cabinet with glass doors so small fingers will not be able to reach through and unlock them without help.