A bow quiver is an essential for safely carrying your broad-head tipped arrows. The type of quiver you use depends on the type of hunting you do and then, mainly on your personal fondness.
Shooting style and safety should be the primary consideration when choosing a quiver. Whatever your choice, safety should be highest priority while choosing the best quiver for you.
Most quivers come with a capacity of between 4 and 8 arrows. Although some hold 1 to 3 arrows, these are not as popular as the others. For the most part bow hunters carry whatever number of arrows they feel they need.
There are four basic forms or styles to choose from when selecting a hunting quiver:
1. The Hip Quiver
2. The Quick-Detach Quiver
3. The Solid Mount Quiver
4. The Back Quiver
Hip quivers, which run in the medium pricing range, are a favorite of many bow hunters. A belt attached to the waist of the bow hunter holds the majority of these quivers; they also attach to the lower thigh with a strap or string to hold them closely so they don't swing excessively as you move along. These quivers have the added advantage of not weighing down the bow or the arms of the archer while carrying the bow or shooting.
The best hip quivers are a solid one-piece design that attaches to or has a belt on them. They can easily be removed when in a blind or tree stand. They must be solidly constructed so the broad-head sits in a solid hood that protects the bow hunter from accidental cuts. Many of the hip quivers are now manufactured to hold the open on impact broad-heads and have a second arrow clip to hold the arrow even more securely. This type of quiver is easily detached and placed for easy access while hunting from a stand or blind.
The most popular type of quiver nowadays is the quick-detach bow quiver. These are for the most part solidly constructed but you should watch out for the ones that are noisy and rattle when shooting. Most bow hunters using this type of quiver will detach it from the bow when sitting in a tree stand or blind while waiting for a shot. In this way the extra weight of the quiver and arrows is not on the bow if and when the shot presents itself. Most quick detach quivers have a sound dampening screw or some other attachment for that helps eliminate sound. The added weight of the arrows and quiver, which on most quick detach quivers, is way off to the side will adversely affect how the bow shoots.
In the high to medium price range are the solid mounted bow quivers. These are some of the most reliable quivers made since they become part of the bow itself. As their name implies they are mounted solidly on the bow itself. These are the choice of many bow hunters out there who hunt for animals where there are many open spaces where the bow hunter can stalk game. They hold the arrow closely to the bow so there is less of a canting effect on the bow with the arrows placed closer to the midline of the bow than with most quick-detach bow quivers even though it will still be affected to some degree. With this type of quiver, if you need a second shot the arrow will be close to your hand for the quick second shot if needed. With the arrow securely held in the quiver attached to the bow there is no need to reach about to get an arrow. With safety in mind make sure the top cap of the quiver completely covers the broad-heads and the bottom part holds the arrows securely, but not too tightly so they can easily be withdrawn and placed on the bow for a shot. With this type of quiver, if you need a second shot the arrow will be close to your hand for the quick second shot if needed. With the arrow securely held in the quiver attached to the bow there is no need to reach about to get an arrow.
For most Traditional bow hunters, the back quiver is their favorite. Most of these are made the traditional way, with leather or animal skin and have the fletching protruding at or over the archer's head for easy access to the arrow. For more modern bow hunters who still like the traditional approach for their quiver there is also a back quiver. Quivers of these types must be used with caution when using cut on contact design broad heads so the broad head, when retrieving the arrow, does not injure the user. With open on impact broad heads the design of this quiver is great for easy removal of arrows and quick loading of an arrow on the bow. These tend to be the most expensive of the quiver types.
Whatever type of quiver you choose, make sure it is safe. Also, make sure that your quiver is noise free. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where noise – your noise – has scared off your prey. Happy hunting.
