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DIY Bow & Arrows

You can make a DIY bow and arrow simply using materials available in your backyard. Constructing a bow and arrow at home allows you to better understand archery mechanics before you begin shooting. Sometimes used for survival, bows and arrows made of branches and sticks are great defense and hunting weapons. These simple, effective bows and arrows can be used for target and hunting practice, survival and defense or for backyard play.

Things You'll Need

Sticks
String
Wood glue
Feathers
Knife

Instructions

Making the Arrows
- 1
  Collect and modify the sticks to make your arrows. The arrows will be made of fully dry, lightweight and straight sticks about the length of your arm. Young saplings make great arrows because they usually fit all of the requirements. Use your knife to remove any excess branches or knots from the arrow sticks.
- 2
  Carve a point in the sticks that you are using for your arrows. Using your knife, gently scrape off the rounded sides of the stick to create a sharp tip.
- 3
  Cut a notch in the other end of the stick to make an anchor where the arrow will sit on the bow string, about a quarter-inch in depth.
- 4
  Attach three feathers to the end of your arrow using wood glue. Place the feathers on the stick in a round so that the arrow will fly straight. Use as little glue as possible so the arrow remains lightweight, allowing it to fly farther and faster.
Making the Bow
- 5
  Collect and modify three sticks you will be using for your bow. The bow should be made of flexible, strong and dry sticks. Use your knife to remove any excess branches, leaves and knots from the sticks, then cut them to a length of four feet. A four-foot bow is an adequate size for most adults. However you can always make it the length you desire based on your draw length.
- 6
  Tie the branches together in four places, allowing them to bend while remaining securely in place. First, tightly tie the sticks together at each end. Then, join them together about three quarters of the way from each of the sticks' ends. Knot in the string, then cut off any excess.
- 7
  Measure and cut the string you will be using to string your bow. The string should be about an inch and a half shorter than the length of sticks used to make the frame of your bow. Prepare the bow for stringing by cutting small notches that will hold the string in place close to each of the ends of the frame.
- 8
  Place the string in one of the notches at the end of the bow frame. Tie it tightly to the notch and knot it. Stretch the string at tightly as possible while placing the loose end of the string in the opposite notch. Tie and knot it tightly as well. The string should be very taut and snap quickly into place when tugged.

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