While making the bow is an essential part of the process, one could very well argue that arrows are the most important part of hunting successfully. After all, a bow is only as deadly as the arrows that it shoots. In a survival setting, arrows can be made out of many materials. Wood arrows such as the cedar arrows mentioned previously are excellent, and other wood arrows that function well are maple, dogwood and willow, among others. When looking for wood that will serve as great arrows, look for straight shoots that are clear of branches and knots.

Further, it is ideal if they have a gradual end-to-end taper. The smaller end will be notched for the bow’s string, so it needs to be large enough for this task without impacting the strength of the wood to either side. Balance is essential so your arrows will fly straight and true. If there is bark on the shoot that you are using, scrape it off with a stone, and then hold the shaft over a fire in order to straighten the shoot. In order to make the shoot straight, you are going to look for crooked spots that can be heated. Once found, heat the crooked spot and bend it backwards at a point that is bent barely past being straight. Once it is cooled, the crooked spot will set up where it has been bent to.

At this point, you can look down the arrow’s length periodically to check that it is straight. The larger end of the arrow is the simple part. It can simply be sharpened to a point, or it can be notched to accept points of stone, steel or bone. The small end must be notched to from the knocks that you carved that are designed to fit nicely in the bow string.

Finally, you will need to fletch the arrows. This process will serve to stabilize the arrows, and feathers are one of the best ways to fletch your new arrows. Alternatively, a bunch of pine needles can be used to fletch your arrows. If you can’t find either of these in abundance, you can spit the knock end of the shaft, and then insert a single feather into that end. Next, wrap that end to keep the feather in place with plant fiber, rawhide or sinew if you can find them.

These make great wraps for your bow cord. Once your arrows are fletched, you now have a fully functioning survival bow and arrows that will allow you to hunt effectively. It is important to note that your bow will dry over time.

This means that it will increase in snap, which means you can expect a more efficient bow over time, even if it will never be as great as a bow in your favorite sporting goods store. Still, you will have a real and practical advantage in hunting game thanks to this primitive survival bow, and that is a priceless advantage in a survival setting. Now, let’s look at a five tips and suggestions on how to make your survival bow as effective as possible.