How to Protect Forearm While Bow Hunting 

Whether you are an experienced archer or new to the sport, you should always be aware of how to protect your forearm while bow hunting. The best way to do this is to use an armed guard, which will help prevent a string slap that can cause a bruise, welt, or laceration to your forearm. 

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The first thing to consider when buying an armed guard is the material it’s made out of. Ideally, it’s made from leather or other thick cloth material to provide adequate protection for your forearm. Then, you should choose a model that is adjustable so it fits you well and does not rub against your skin when you’re shooting. 

Some arm guards are available in a variety of colors and styles, so it’s easy to find one that matches your archery gear. These accessories can be purchased online or in your local archery shop. 

Grip correctly – When you grip a bow, your hand should be relaxed and placed in the area between your thumb and palm. This is the only part of your hand that makes contact with the bow’s grip. You should also set your knuckles at a 45-degree angle to the riser, which will help keep your elbow in the right position for your bow. 

Proper stance and draw length – A consistent bow-drawing technique can help reduce your chances of string slap injuries because you won’t be putting pressure on your shoulder. Some archery stances, like a wide-open stance, may be more prone to shoulder strain than others. 

This can be especially true for beginners who are still developing the muscles of their upper body, so they should make sure to use a stance that is comfortable and allows them to draw back the bow with ease. Having too much shoulder strain can lead to an injury in the rotator cuff, which is located in the shoulder joint and can cause pain and inflammation. 

Another common problem is that many bow hunters grip their bow too firmly and torque it, which can send the bow in an out-of-alignment direction. This can cause the bow to slap the forearm, which is painful and could result in a hospital visit. 

To minimize the risk of slapping your forearm, relax and unlock your elbow when you grip a bow. This will allow your elbow to pivot down and outward, minimizing the risk of contact with your forearm. 

Your bow should be cradled in the deepest recess of your palm when you are holding it at full draw. This eliminates the need to grip the bow as tightly, which can cause it to rock disproportionately in one direction or the other and torque your elbow. 

You should also be careful not to tense your hand when you grip the bow, as this can also contribute to string slaps. A tight grip can cause a bow to rock disproportionately in one direction or another and can also lead your elbow to pivot to a point that is in line with the bowstring’s travel path, which can slap your forearm.