Photo: Removing his quiver and having a second arrow at the ready enabled Tim H. Martin to tag this beautiful Illinois buck. Here’s a great way to hang your quiver and reload easily, too.
One less thing attached to my bow is a good thing. When archery hunting, I like to remove the quiver. I don't like the added weight or the extra noise it makes when I shoot because the arrows buzz, and so does the quiver itself.
Another reason to remove it is if your arrows have brightly colored fletching or crests. Whitetails and other game will pick up on your movement much easier if your quiver is still attached.
These are all good reasons why I like to use a cheap, plastic zip tie to secure my quiver to my treestand.
Having my arrows within arm's reach makes it easy for me to nock another arrow if I miss or have the opportunity to shoot multiple times. I like to be able to nock another arrow as quickly, quietly and efficiently as possible.
Use a knife to cut your quiver loose when you leave, and don't forget to pack out the zip tie.
I'm sure there are many other uses for zip ties, but this is my favorite.
— Editor’s Note by Tim H. Martin
Al Kirby’s tip is a keeper. Hanging up your quiver and keeping a follow-up arrow at the ready can mean the difference between taking home venison or having a sad tale to tell.
I also remove the quiver from my bow once I get in my stand for the same reasons Al mentions.
In my career, there have been two distinct occasions when I missed a buck with my first arrow, then quickly reloaded and made the second arrow count.
The reason I was able to do this was because I’d hung my quiver on a little screw-in hook on the side of my tree, within easy reach. I like the zip tie idea better, because a gust of wind could blow the quiver off the hook.
Remember to keep a follow-up arrow loose and ready inside your hanging quiver should the need arise to reach for it quickly and quietly. You don’t want to have to tug on it to remove it from the quiver.
I like Al’s idea for using zip ties, not only for keeping my quiver close, but also for hanging backpacks and my pee bottle holder.
Incidentally, my best archery buck — a 13-point, 150-inch Illinois beauty — fell to a second arrow after I misjudged the distance and completely missed it with the first shot.
Had I not prepared a follow-up arrow ready to slip out of the quiver, I would have had my shirttail cut off in camp that night.
—Photo Courtesy of Tim H. Martin
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