Walking around with a knocked arrow?

[KFhunter]

This picture taken off the trail cams people caught on cams by pawpaw1934 raised the question of people walking around with their arrows knocked. 

link here --->

this thread is for discussing that since it was hijacking the trail camera thread some

[Crunchy]

I will chime in then.  Unless you heard something I dont know how or why you would walk around with an arrow nocked. 

[KopperBuck]

Unless there’s video or additional pictures you can’t assume by this he’s walking around with it. Could’ve just been in a showdown.

I think the question is valid since I’m a guy that has considered the method, and had the same thought. Unfamiliar with it, I would say no. But I also hunt with a round in the barrel at times. I guess it would depend on what I believe to be safe and in my comfort zone. Common sense.

I don’t like the fact there isn’t more info about the background to this pic because it implies we should be passing judgement on this dude based on the thread title. Unless that guy is the OP and he’s volunteering.


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[Special T]

hiking with an arrow knocked or in thick stuff isnt advisable. I have stalked through high probability areas on established trails with a knocked arrow. 2 steps pause look around... very slow moving. 

[Bob33]

Something to consider.

https://tdn.com/news/local/kelso-man-killed-in-freak-bow-hunting-accident/article_21c8d8be-bd21-11df-aee2-001cc4c03286.html

[dreamunelk]

Absolutely no reason to be walking around with a knocked arrow unless the animal is in range and you  are moving for a better shot.  The only reason I know of for people to walk with a knocked arrow is for a fast shot.  Fast shot equal bad shot!

[huntnfmly]

Something to consider.

https://tdn.com/news/local/kelso-man-killed-in-freak-bow-hunting-accident/article_21c8d8be-bd21-11df-aee2-001cc4c03286.html

Thanks for posting this Bob I remember when this happened and thought about it would be a good reminder not to when I seen this topic

[Naches Sportsman]

If people want to wall around with an arrow knocked, all power to them. It's their choice if they want better chances to live longer or not and you shouldn't judge the actions of other people IMO.

[KFhunter]

Something to consider.

https://tdn.com/news/local/kelso-man-killed-in-freak-bow-hunting-accident/article_21c8d8be-bd21-11df-aee2-001cc4c03286.html

There it is, I was looking for that article to post in the other thread 
Other than the safety implications and potantially stabbing your partner (I'm not a safety nazi) there's this to consider. 

I think what gets me about walking around with an arrow knocked (and there's no direct stalk or shot about to take place) then really what is the purpose? 

I can only assume the hunter is trying to jump shoot something.  Walking around with an arrow knocked just in case they bump a deer/bear they can fling an arrow quicker than fumbling around taking an arrow out of a quiver, knocking it and by then with all that movement the animal is gone.   

I don't like shooting animals that are on high alert and looking at me, they jump the string and it leads to bad shots.  If I'm going to shoot something they usually have no clue I'm there..ideally.   

That said I won't lambast someone for doing so, if they're hunting with me then I prefer if they want to have an arrow knocked then I'm walking behind them 

I see a guy walking around with a knocked arrow clearly not stalking a particular animal I'm going to think noob or slob hunter.   Then there's those guys I seen riding in the back of an F350 all jacked a mile up in the air sitting on a beer cooler with a knocked bow in one hand and tossing empty beers with the other hand.  That's a whole new level of slob hunter, never seen that before this year in the archery world...road hunting elk while drinking, while holding knocked bows and tossing emptys   

[luckyman]

I've walked with a knocked arrow.  
That guy in the picture is in no way being un safe. walking through thick brush or down a steep hill would be different.
Following a buddy while both are looking at elk, yes unsafe.

[fishngamereaper]

When Im solo I do it a lot if Im into elk. Takes a ton of movement out of the pre shot equation. Animals are sneaky as we all know and sometimes just appear . Accidents happen in every aspect of hunting. Think smart, hunt smart, move slow.

Besides, you have a better chance of getting in a motor vehicle collision in your travels to and fro your hunting location than being involved in a hunting accident.

[Sandberm]

In the other thread I was replying more specifically to the picture posted of a guy hunting by himself in a relatively open spot.

I agree, it is not safe if hunting with a partner, going through thick brush etc. Mostly its just not practical. The broadhead may be bumping every rock in site, brushing my pant leg, dulling the blade, etc.

I'll perhaps nock an arrow if I'm coming up(the last 50yds) on a likely spot for a bedded down deer. Often times I cant see the spot till I am on top of it. By already having the arrow nocked I am minimizing the amount of sound I make while in close proximity to the deer.

Good thread KFhunter

[Stein]

I don’t walk with an arrow nicked or a round in the chamber.  Stuff happens.

I just watched the Elk101 video and am even more convinced that a simple trip or wrong move with a broadhead can end your life.


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[huntingfool7]

It's not safe and it's a pet peeve of mine.  I had a hunting partner that insisted on doing this...until he had a close call (while by himself on reasonably flat ground).  Razor sharp blades don't care if you slipped, the string catches on a branch or if your partner decides to stop suddenly at the sight of game.

No animal is worth the risk.

[bobcat]

You knock on a door. You NOCK an arrow.

I think in some circumstances it's fine to hunt with a nocked arrow. It just depends on the situation. But the majority of the time it's certainly going to be better to not have an arrow nocked.