by: Keith Riehn for Bass Pro Shops -
Think about the type of hunting you are going to be doing and then make a practical quiver choice.
In choosing the practical quiver to serve you best there are a few things to consider. What type of hunting are you going to be doing? Do you want your arrows attached to your bow or would you rather have them on your hip or back?
There are basically four types of quivers available for bowhunters including:
Detachable Bow Quivers
Detachable bow quivers with some type of quick release system have become the most popular choice for bowhunters for several reasons. The extra weight from a quiver full of arrows can cause unwanted torque and an awkward feel, which can lead to inaccurate shooting. By being able to quickly detach the quiver from the bow, a hunter has the option of removing it once in a treestand or blind. Detachable bow quivers are very affordable and come in all shapes and sizes. When purchasing a detachable bow quiver, make sure it has a durable hood to protect and securely hold the broadhead-tipped arrows in place. Avoid quivers that have the potential to rattle or make unwanted noise while hunting and shooting. A sound-dampening attachment will eliminate these problems and usually is provided. One more advantage of a detachable bow quiver is that if need be the bow can still drawn and shot while it is attached.
The Solid Mount Bow Quiver
Solid mount bow quivers, once attached, become a permanent part of the bow. Hunters who will be on the move stalking animals in open areas where arrows cannot get hung up in brush may find this type of quiver the most handy. To avoid disrupted balance and canting of the bow, solid mount quivers hold the arrows close to the midline of the bow. Solid mount quivers are usually quiet and rattle free. Another obvious advantage is that they keep the arrows in a handy place if a back-up shot is needed. Solid mount quivers have a wide range in pricing.
Hip Quivers
A hip quiver is usually attached to a belt around the waist of the hunter and also strapped to the thigh so that it cannot swing while walking through the woods. Many bowhunters like the idea of reducing the weight of the bow by not having the quiver and arrows attached to the bow. This also eliminates unwanted noise and torque caused by quivers that attach to the bow. Most hip quivers consist of one piece and can easily be removed once the bowhunter reaches the blind or tree stand. If you choose a hip quiver, make sure that the hood is solid and keeps the broadheads in a safe position to avoid accidents. Hip quivers with a second clip to hold arrows in place are very beneficial. Without it, arrows have a tendency to get caught on branches and pull out of the quiver. You can find backpack/quiver combinations made from silent fabrics such as fleece.
Back Quivers
Back quivers are the choice for most traditional bowhunters. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. You can find back quivers made of leather, synthetics, or plastic. They are designed to allow the hunter to easily reach behind his head to retrieve an arrow. The arrows are loose in the quiver and usually expose the fletchings for easy access. Many modern hunters who prefer back quivers have found that some back quivers are fully adjustable for different arrow lengths and hold as many as 10 arrows. You can find backpack/quiver combinations made from silent fabrics such as fleece. This is a good choice for hunters who do not want to carry an additional backpack for gear. These combination quivers allow the arrow to be taken out from the lower back area, which can allow for quick arrow loading to the bowstring. Back quivers are a good choice to hunters who do not want the task of attaching and detaching the quiver from the bow. You can find backpack/quiver combinations made from silent fabrics such as fleece.
So what is the best quiver for you?
There are quivers available that hold anywhere from 3-10 arrows. Trophy hunters may need fewer arrows since they spend many days in pursuit of one animal. Hunters who are looking to fill their freezer may want as many arrows on them as possible. It’s not uncommon for a bowhunter to be offered multiple shots in a single hunt. Your personal needs will dictate the amount of arrows you will desire while in the field.
Bowhunters have a wide variety of terrain available for hunting various game animals. The type of quiver that works best for you in wide-open country may not be practical in tight quarters of heavy brush. Treestand hunters will find that certain quivers keep their hunt trouble free. What works for one hunter may seem like a hassle for the next. Think about the type of hunting you are going to be doing and then make a practical choice for your style. You may find the need to have more than one quiver if your hunting outings offer you a variety of opportunities. A good quiver is essential to make your hunt more enjoyable.
