Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Gathering and Preparing the Necessary Materials
• Method 2 of 4: Bow
• Method 3 of 4: Arrows
• Method 4 of 4: Now What?
• Warnings
• What do you need

Always wanted to become an archer, but don't have the money to buy or rent a good bow and arrow? Then here's an instruction on how to make a bow and arrow with your own hands!

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Gathering and Preparing the Necessary Materials

1. 1 Find a sapling. It would be nice if you were able to cut a branch from the tree. Ideally, the branch should be strong and flexible.
   • Make sure you are authorized to use this wood and that you will not be fined for doing so.People may not like you spoiling trees in a park or forest.
2. 2 Clean the branch. Remove any excess branches, but you can leave one in the middle of the bow to use as an arrow shelf. Also, remove the bark from the branch to make it easier to hold the bow and so that the arrows do not cling to it.
3. 3 Make a bowstring. A bowstring length 6 inches (15 cm) shorter than the bow itself is ideal. The string should be thin, flexible and very strong.
4. 4 Arrows need different wood. Find sticks that are thin, straight, and sturdy. Then the arrow will fly quickly and in a straight line.

Method 2 of 4: Bow

1. 1 Make two cuts. They should be about an inch (3 cm) long at both ends of the bow. The slots need to be made at an angle in order to fix the bowstring well.
2. 2 Fasten the string. Tie it at one end of the bow. Pull it to check if it stays in place or not.
3. 3 Check the length of the bowstring. Make a knot on the other end of the string 6 inches shorter than the length of the bow. This will give the required tension when it is secured on both sides of the bow.
4. 4 Pull the bowstring. Bend the bow and slowly pull the string to its other end. If you did everything correctly, the string should be well taut and give a slight bend to the bow.
5. 5 Remove the bowstring after practicing with the bow. If this is not done, the bow will be bent too long and the string will lose its tension.

Method 3 of 4: Arrows

1. 1 Attach arrowheads to arrows. Use pebbles or other small blunt objects to be tied to the end of the arrow. You can also wrap tape around the entire end of the arrow to mitigate the damage caused by the arrow hitting the target. This part of the arrow needs to be heavier than the rest so it will fly further.
2. 2 Attach the plumage. The feathers are glued from the opposite end to the tip and help the arrow to adhere to the chosen direction.
3. 3 Make shanks. Take a knife and make a cross-section in the boom from the side of the feathers. Using the shank will make it easier for you to fix the arrow on the bowstring.

Method 4 of 4: Now What?

1. 1 Practice. Find a place where you can safely shoot the bow. Remember, it takes practice to be successful in any endeavor. It takes years of training to achieve perfection. Be patient!
2. 2 Use targets. Make them out of polystyrene foam or a few sheets of heavy cardboard. If the target is near a fence, hang a mat over it to protect the arrows. If they hit the fence, they will most likely break.
3. 3 Get started professionally. Find out more information about archery. Find a local section that offers inexpensive or even free archery classes. Learning professional skills will make your workouts safer and more fun.
4. 4 Be careful. Don't do anything that might hurt you or those around you. This is not a toy and will be very painful if you hit anyone. Also, do not use it to hunt animals as it is ineffective and cruel to them.
5. 5 Be sensible. Do not use the bow as a weapon for self-defense. If you find yourself in a situation where you are threatened, please call the police.

Warnings

• Be careful when using tools such as a saw or knife to make bows and arrows.

What do you need

• Saw, knife
• Long, curved branch
• Screwdriver or drill
• Long rope to use as a bowstring. It should be strong and slightly elastic.
• Small, blunt objects such as stones that can be used as an arrowhead
• Scotch