Archery hunting season is an exciting time to show off your bow and arrow skills. But getting ready for the season means more than just grabbing your gear and heading outdoors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hunter, every archery enthusiast benefits from mastering their bow and arrow setup, strengthening their shot, and scouting the right locations. Creating a solid game plan will make each hunt go smoothly and increase your chances of hitting both small and large game! 

Music City Archery in Franklin, TN, is regarded as the premier archery facility in Middle Tennessee. Our family-run indoor range offers 16 target lanes, equipment rental, and expert coaching. Since 2014, we’ve offered a full-service pro shop stocked with compound, recurve, and crossbow gear as well as USA Archery-certified instructors for private lessons and group classes. Music City Archery’s friendly staff and a supportive atmosphere make it a perfect place for both beginners and experienced archers to hone their skills and practice safely. 

Bow and Arrow Basics

Choosing the right bow is the foundation of your hunt. Newer archers typically select a compound bow (with pulleys and let-off for power and accuracy) or a simple longbow. Both will shoot arrows effectively, but compound bows allow you to hold less weight at full draw. Choose a bow with an appropriate draw weight for your strength, which is normally 40-60 pounds for hunting. Finally, be sure to match arrows to your bow’s draw length and power. Our technicians at Music City Archery can help you by measuring your draw length and helping you pick a bow and arrows that fit you. 

Essential Gear and Equipment Checklist

When preparing for bow hunting, gather the right gear. Your bow and arrow setup is just the start: 

  • Arrow Points and Targets: Use field-point tips for target practice and switch to sharp broadheads for hunting. Always shoot at proper archery targets with a sturdy backstop to catch missed arrows. Never shoot at rocks or metal that can damage arrows. 
  • Protective Gear: Wear an arm guard to shield your forearm and a finger tab or release aid to protect your fingers from the string. Always practice safety first and prevent injuries by always wearing the right gear. 
  • Bow Accessories: Consider adding a sight and arrow rest (especially on compound bows) to improve accuracy. A stabilizer can also steady your shot. 
  • Quiver and Extras: Use a quiver to carry arrows safely while hunting. Optional items include a rangefinder for distance and camouflage clothing for concealment. 

Need gear advice? Visit Music City Archery’s Franklin pro shop for personalized equipment help and a wide selection of archery supplies. 

Tuning Your Bow for Peak Performance

Proper bow and arrow tuning improves accuracy and equipment longevity. Inspect your bowstring for fraying regularly, double-check limb alignment, and adjust your sight pins until you’re striking the center of the target every time. Music City Archery offers full-service custom tuning, including peep sight installation and draw weight adjustments, performed by professional technicians who understand hunters’ needs.

Practice and Building Strength

Consistent practice is crucial for success. Regular shooting practice builds the muscle memory needed for precise shot-making. When practicing, be sure to vary your routine by shooting from different distances and heights to mimic real hunting shots. Be sure to exercise your upper body to improve steadiness. Incorporate resistance-band exercises, pull-ups, and shoulder presses into your workout routine to handle heavier draw weights with ease. Take advantage of Music City Archery’s indoor range to focus on accuracy, form, and speed. 

Looking for year-round practice? Join a class, take a private lesson, or participate in a league at Music City Archery and sharpen your skills. 

Mindset and Safety

Safety is just as important as practice. Always inspect your bow, string, and arrows before each session for signs of wear or damage. Never shoot your bow without an arrow, and only use approved archery targets. Prevent stray arrows from ricocheting by using a proper backstop behind your target. 

Hunting is also more than a physical endeavor, it’s a mental game. You must develop focus, patience, and situational awareness as well as perfect your bow and arrow technique. Always stay mindful of your surroundings, maintain a safe shooting zone, and follow all range and field safety protocols. Music City Archery’s certified instructors can help you build confidence and composure by helping you visualize success and remain in a positive mindset. 

Clothing, Camouflage, and Weather

Choosing the right attire can make or break a hunt. Choose breathable, quiet textiles in earth-tone camouflage to mimic Franklin’s wooded areas. To stay comfortable, layer your clothing and use scent-control sprays to disguise human odors. Don’t forget rain clothing and waterproof boots—the weather in Middle Tennessee may change suddenly. Music City Archery offers a variety of hunting gear and accessories to keep you comfortable and camouflaged all season.

Dress for a successful hunt by shopping for hunting apparel at Music City Archery’s pro shop. 

Scouting Hunting Grounds

Successful Franklin hunting requires extensive reconnaissance of public and private properties before the season. Look for signals such as rubs, scratches, and feeding sites; install trail cameras to track movement patterns; and arrange entrance and exit routes to reduce your scent. Local wildlife management sites around Franklin frequently provide online maps and restrictions; always check season dates and permit requirements before visiting.

Take Lessons and Practice at Music City Archery

Whether you’re visiting for a lesson or renting a lane, Music City Archery provides everything you need to hone your archery skills. Our clean, well-equipped facility has 16 shooting lanes, group classes, youth programs, and private coaching to fit any schedule. Whether you need to pick up the basics of bow handling or fine-tune your shot, Music City Archery’s friendly instructors and top-notch equipment will set you up for success. 

Get instruction, practice time, and gear at Music City Archery, where every great archer’s journey begins! Contact us by visiting our website or calling (615) 566 – 5187.