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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/hunt-never-dry-fire

What does it mean to 'dry fire' a bow, and is it okay?

Releasing the string with no arrow. Never do it.

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  1. Shooting in the rain; fine with a cover
  2. Releasing the string with no arrow; never do it ✔
  3. Shooting a practice tip; fine at a range

Why: Hunter education says to always use an arrow when firing a bow. The arrow is what carries the bow's stored energy away. Without it, that energy goes back into the bow.

Huh, didn't know that: Hunter education also says never to shoot bent, cracked or broken arrows.

The dad joke
Why was the archer always calm? She knew how to take a bow.
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References

Answer: Releasing the string with no arrow; never do it. Hunter education says to always use an arrow when firing a bow. The arrow is what carries the bow's stored energy away. Without it, that energy goes back into the bow.

  1. TPWD Hunter Education, Archery tpwd.texas.gov/education/hunter-education/online-course/primitive-hunting/archery
    Always use an arrow when firing a bow.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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