Pre-Season Compound Bow Checklist

A bow that sat in a case all summer can change in small ways that add up to a missed shot. Run through this checklist a few weeks before your opener, while there's still time to get parts or a pro-shop appointment.

1. Strings and cables

• Look for fraying, flat spots, separated serving and fuzzy strands, especially where the string wraps the cams.
• Wax the string, avoiding the serving.
• Most makers suggest replacing strings and cables every two to three years, or sooner with heavy use. Never shoot a bow with a damaged string.

2. Cams, limbs and riser

• Check limbs for cracks, splinters or lifted finish, and check limb pockets for movement.
• Make sure the cams are timed (both hit the stops at the same moment) and the axles and E-clips are in place.
• If anything looks wrong, have a bow technician check it with a bow press. Don't attempt limb or cam work without one.

3. Draw weight and draw length

Confirm both with a bow scale or at a shop. Strings stretch and limb bolts can creep. If you've changed clothing layers or your release, recheck that your anchor still lines up with your peep.

4. Rest, sight and peep

• Tighten every screw on the rest, sight, quiver and stabilizer. A drop of removable thread locker helps.
• Make sure the drop-away rest is timed so it rises fully before the arrow leaves and falls cleanly.
• Check that the peep sits straight at full draw and the serving that holds it is tight.
• Mark the positions of your sight and rest with a fine marker so you can see if they slip.

5. Arrows and broadheads

• Flex-test every carbon arrow: bend it gently and twist it near your ear, listening for cracks. Throw away any arrow that creaks or shows a split.
• Check nocks for cracks and inserts for looseness.
• Spin-test arrows with broadheads installed.

6. Release aid

Check the jaw or hook for wear, test that the trigger is crisp, and replace a worn wrist strap. A release that fires early is a safety hazard.

7. Sight in and confirm

Shoot groups at every pin distance with field points, then confirm with broadheads. Practice from a stand or kneeling position, wearing the clothes and pack you'll hunt with.

8. Safety gear

If you hunt from a tree stand, inspect your full-body harness, tree strap and lifeline, and check the harness's expiration date. Most tree-stand injuries happen while climbing up or down.

Need a new string, release or set of arrows? Check today's prices on our Daily Deals page.