Bowhunting Small Game: The Fun, Affordable Way to Become a Better Archer
When most archers think about bowhunting, the first animal that comes to mind is the whitetail. Many hunters dream of taking elk, bear, or moose. But some of the most underrated and exciting bowhunting experiences come from much smaller animals—fox squirrels, rabbits, partridge, and even crows. These critters are plentiful, fun to chase, and surprisingly challenging. If you want to upgrade your small game setup, explore bowhunting accessories at Pine Ridge Archery.
Why Small Game Should Be on Every Bowhunter’s Bucket List
Small game hunting is full of action. Unlike waiting hours in a deer stand, you’re constantly moving, spotting, stalking, and reacting. This makes it incredibly fun, especially for kids. Young hunters often get bored sitting still, but the non-stop action of small game hunting keeps them excited and engaged.
If you take a kid small game hunting and bring your bow along too, you’ll likely have more fun than you expected. Target shooting is helpful—but shooting at live animals is a whole new level of challenge and excitement.
To make your arrows easier to find in brush or leaves, try Nitro Arrow Wraps from Pine Ridge Archery.
Small Game Hunting Improves Yardage Estimation
One of the most valuable skills in bowhunting is judging distance. Rangefinders are great, but not always practical in fast-paced situations. When chasing elk, moose, or mule deer out west, you often don’t have time to pull out a rangefinder. Learning to estimate distance quickly can make the difference between a successful shot and a clean miss.
Shooting at squirrels, rabbits, and birds forces you to make quick decisions. If you misjudge yardage, you miss—and then you try again on the next critter. Over time, this practice improves your natural ability to judge distance and react under pressure.
Small game hunting also builds strong shooting foundations. For gear that helps stabilize your shot, explore stabilizers, slings, and peeps at Pine Ridge Archery.
Affordable, Accessible, and Great Off-Season Practice
Small game hunting doesn’t require expensive gear. All you need is:
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Your current bow setup
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A few older arrows
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Small game heads
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Good footwear and patience
It’s one of the most affordable ways to stay sharp during fall and winter. More importantly, chasing small animals improves your stalking ability, concentration, and shot execution. Shooting a 3D target in the backyard is helpful—but it’s nothing like drawing on a live, quick-moving animal.
If you need brighter fletching or wraps to spot your arrows after a shot, check out the options available at Pine Ridge Archery.
A Perfect Way to Introduce Kids to Archery
Kids learn best through movement and action, which makes small game hunting the perfect entry point. To help kids build confidence before hitting the woods, try inexpensive small game targets like the Master Target face. Kids can practice with their own bows, learn aiming points, and have fun doing it.
For kid-friendly bow accessories like wrist slings, peep sights, and colorful NITRO components, explore Pine Ridge Archery.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t bowhunted small game in years—or ever—give it a try this fall and winter. You’ll sharpen your skills, enjoy more action, and become a better bowhunter overall. Whether you're chasing a two-pound squirrel or a trophy whitetail, the skills you gain will make you more confident when the moment of truth arrives.
For wraps, vanes, stabilizers, and other accessories to enhance your setup, visit Pine Ridge Archery today.
BY TRACY BREEN
