Quiver

Every hunter looks forward to archery season with great anticipation. Your thoughts run wild with visions of the big buck you saw over the summer or the one that got away last season and you can hardly wait to get in the woods. You’ve got your bow, arrows and camo but haven’t decided what type of quiver is going to best suit your needs.

So, let’s look at your options.  There are four basic types.

Back Quiver

Back quivers are the most popular among traditional hunters. They have a strap to hang over your shoulder and are designed to be used over either shoulder comfortably. The arrows are loose in the quiver and the fletchings are usually exposed for easy access. Back quivers can easily hold up to 10 arrows which is more than some of your other options. With it on your back, it is out of the way during your trek into the woods or field. Once in your tree stand this type of quiver can easily be hung either on your tree stand or on a branch. A disadvantage of a back quiver is that if you need to get an arrow while it’s on your back, you must reach high above your head which might blow your cover if the animal you are hunting is near. This is only a disadvantage, however, if you haven’t yet reached your tree stand or blind.

Back quivers also come in a backpack/quiver combo. This would be a good choice for those that plan on carrying other stuff with them but do not want to carry a separate backpack. This option can also be hung on your tree stand or a branch.

Hip Quiver

Hip quivers hang on your belt and have a strap to go around your thigh to keep it secure. Hip quivers solve the disadvantage that back quivers have of reaching over your head to get an arrow. These can also be easily removed when you reach your blind or tree stand. A disadvantage is that arrows in this type of quiver can get caught on branches and come out if there isn’t a clip to hold them in securely. This is a good option for those that do not want to have a quiver on your bow.

Solid Mount Bow Quiver

These are permanently attached to your bow. This type of quiver would be best for hunters that are on the move. Those that are stalking animals may find this a good option. The thing you want to look for in a sold mount bow quiver is one that is well constructed and does not rattle or make any other kind of noise that may be heard by the animals you are hunting. The arrows need to fit securely and silently.

Detachable Bow Quiver

This type of quiver attaches to your bow with a cam type closure and can easily and quickly be detached once you reach your tree stand or blind. Once again, it is important that the one you choose has some sort of sound dampening attachment to avoid unwanted noise. Most come with this attachment. Just be sure the one you choose does. A disadvantage of bow quivers, particularly the detachable one, is that your bow can feel somewhat unbalanced when trying to shoot with it attached. But, it can be done when that unexpected shot presents itself. The idea is to detach it when you reach your destination.  As you can see from the pictures, quick release bow quivers come in many different configurations.

So, what quiver best suits your need?

There are two determining factors: what type of hunting you will be doing and personal preference; simply what you are most comfortable with. Think about what type of hunting you plan on doing, how many arrows you feel you need to carry and which type of quiver seems like it would be most comfortable for you.

A quiver is simply a container for your arrows. Traditionally, quivers have been made of several different natural materials such as bark, wood, leather, fur, etc. Today’s quiver is primarily made of metal or plastic, fleece and other such materials.

Quivers are specifically designed for different types of uses. For example, during the days of the Calvary, quivers were made to attach to a saddle making it quick and easy to get your hands on an arrow and ready your shot. Quivers are made differently for field hunting or hunting in the woods. Different still for those who are target shooting or are in tournaments.

The Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge book defines a quiver as follows:

Quivers hold your arrows when you are shooting. The style of quiver you choose will depend on the type of archery you shoot. Belt Quivers attach to your belt and allow you to reach arrows easily. Styles include vertical, diagonal, hip, pocket and holster. Ground quivers stick in the ground. They may have a rack to hold your bow as well as a container to keep your arrows upright. Back quivers sling over either shoulder. Bow quivers attach to the bow, giving the hunter the convenience of carrying only one piece of equipment through the brush. Some field archers use bow quivers, but tournament archers usually find them too clumsy.

So, the answer to the question “What exactly is a quiver?” is very simply a container for arrows. But which type you choose has a great deal to do with how you are planning on using it. We’ll talk more about different types of quivers and uses in my next post.

Soon we’ll have loads of information regarding quivers to help you determine which is best for you and also to help you find the best deals available.  Check back soon and thank you for visiting Quiver.