With today's high-speed, high-performance archery equipment, even the most insignificant problem can reduce accuracy and efficiency. If you practice with field points, which most archers do, be aware that changing to broadheads can amplify any number of arrow inconsistencies. Even a slightly warped shaft that shoots fine with a field point will not fly true behind a broadhead. Hunt only with arrows that are within ..004 of perfectly straight. Spin your arrows to ensure a good match up between broadhead and shaft. On the other end of the arrow, the nock should also be perfectly aligned. Spin again for straight nocks. Weigh your heads. Broadheads do not always weigh exactly what the label says. If changing brands, verify that the new head weight is correct for your arrow spine. There even can be weight variations within the same brand. For the best bow accuracy, individually weigh your broadheads and sort and match them by weight class. Realtree Tips -- Archery -- Jul.-Aug.

It's not too early to be thinking about bow season and checking out your bowhunting gear. Give your stand or stands a good once over. Drag them out. Drag them out, dust them off and check for necessary maintenance. Replace worn parts, treat rust and silence squeaks. By doing this now, any paint will have time to thoroughly dry and lubricant or rust remover smells will dissipate. On your bow, look for frayed or stretched strings, loose nocking points, squeaky wheels or cams. Just as with a rifle, make sure your sights are tight. If your bow needs a tune-up, get it done now, before the last minute rush. Check out your arrows and replace bent shafts and any fletching that is worn. Archery practice is always a good thing and you really can't get enough. It's especially important for those with new equipment to practice and get thoroughly familiar with it before the chips are down on opening day.

Bow quivers are justly popular with serious bowhunters. They are the safest, quietest and by far the handiest way to carry your arrows. There are several important features to look for on a good bow quiver. It should attach securely and not rattle or interfere in any way with your bow's operation. It should hold your arrows securely and quietly. It should protect your arrow shafts, fletching and points. Just as importantly, it should protect you from those razor-sharp broadheads; the hood should fully enclose all the points. Bow quivers do add bulk to your rig and many bowhunters prefer quick-detachable models which they remove when on stand. Also, if you are a real perfectionist, the quiver adds complexity to fine-tuning your bow because removing arrows changes the weight and vibration pattern of the bow, slightly altering your point of impact. For the same reason, if you sight your bow with a bow quiver on, taking it off will wreck your accuracy.

Though most deer hunters need to know how to follow a blood trail, this ability is absolutely essential to bowhunters. Most bow-shot deer will run off, and you have to be able to find them. Remember exactly where the deer was standing at the shot, which way it ran and where it was last seen. Also remember the deer's reaction to the shot. Did it kick and leap, hunch up, stagger

With all the new compound bow designs around, it can be difficult to make a choice. Wheels or cams? Single or double cams? Overdraw? The choices are both complex and confusing. Beginners should start by reading archery magazines, talking to experienced archers and shopping in serious archery pro-shops. I think beginners should start with a good quality, basic compound that is easy to tune and keep that way. Many of the super-high-tech, high-performance bows and accessories need more care and attention and more experience to shoot well. As a general rule, choose a compound bow with a draw-weight poundage that is approximately double what you pull with a recurve. However, you should try it out in odd, awkward and uncomfortable positions. Can you draw it smoothly and hold it comfortably? Is the grip comfortable? Remember, little annoyances while practicing can haunt you in a big way while hunting. Virtually all modern compound bows are good products but only you can decide what's right for you.