How to Store a Compound Bow
Store a compound bow uncocked, unloaded, clean, and dry. Keep it in a case or other protected spot away from heat, moisture, sunlight, and anyone who should not handle it. Before you shoot again, inspect the string, cables, limbs, cams, and accessories.
Quick answer
The safest way to store a compound bow is uncocked, unloaded, and out of the way. A hard case or padded case helps protect the bow from bumps, dust, and temperature swings. Do not leave it where it can fall, get crushed, or sit in a hot, damp place for weeks at a time.
- Remove the arrow before storage.
- Wipe off moisture and dirt.
- Keep the bow away from heat, moisture, and direct sun.
- Check the bow carefully before the next shot.
Why storage matters
Heat, moisture, impact, and pressure can affect strings, cables, limbs, cams, accessories, and tuning. A bow that looks fine on the outside may still have a hidden problem after poor storage. Good storage habits reduce the chance of frayed serving, loose hardware, or a surprise tune change the next time you draw it.
Best place to store a compound bow
- A hard case or padded case
- A dry indoor room with stable temperature
- A shelf, rack, or safe location where it will not be bumped
- A spot away from children and other unauthorized users
- An area where the bow is not leaning under pressure on the cams or limbs
Places to avoid
- Car trunks and vehicles left in the sun
- Garages with heat and moisture swings
- Damp basements
- Direct sunlight
- Near heaters, furnaces, or other hot equipment
- Under heavy gear or anything that can fall on it
- Any spot where children or pets can knock it over
Should a compound bow be stored strung?
Yes. Compound bows are normally stored with the string and cables installed. Do not remove them unless you have the right press and the right reason to do so. Compound bow storage is different from many recurve habits, where removing the string is common. If you are comparing the two styles, see how to unstring a recurve bow for the recurve-side storage approach.
Before storing the bow
- Remove the arrow.
- Confirm the bow is not drawn or cocked.
- Wipe off moisture, dust, and field debris.
- Inspect the string and cables for fray or serving wear.
- Check cams and limbs for damage.
- Loosen or remove accessories only if needed for safe storage or transport.
- Store broadheads separately and safely.
Long-term storage
If the bow will sit for a long time, inspect it from time to time. Keep it protected from moisture and pests. Do not leave it under pressure from stacked gear. After a long break, recheck the tune and sight before you rely on the setup. Wax the string only according to the bow or string maker’s guidance.
Before shooting after storage
- Inspect limbs for cracks.
- Inspect the string and cables for frays.
- Check cams for chips, wobble, or unusual wear.
- Check screws, rest parts, sight parts, and stabilizer mounts.
- Draw only if everything looks safe.
- Visit a bow shop if anything looks wrong or uncertain.
Safety note: dry firing
Never dry fire a compound bow. If the bow fell, was hit, or looks damaged, do not test it by drawing or shooting it. Read Dry Firing a Compound Bow before you treat a damaged bow as ready for use again.
Related guides
These pages keep the rest of the bow setup picture in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers for common compound bow storage questions.
Can I store a compound bow in a garage?
Only if the garage stays dry and stable enough to protect the bow. A climate-controlled indoor space is safer than a garage with heat and moisture swings.
Should I store a compound bow in a case?
A hard or padded case is a good way to protect the bow from bumps, dust, and pressure during storage or transport.
Do I need to unstring a compound bow for storage?
No. Compound bows are normally stored strung. Do not remove the string or cables unless the right press and knowledge are available.
Can heat damage a compound bow?
Heat can weaken strings, affect accessories, and create other storage problems. Keep the bow out of hot vehicles, direct sun, and other high-heat spaces.
How should I store broadheads and arrows?
Store broadheads separately and safely, and keep arrows in a way that prevents bent shafts or damaged points from contacting the bow.
Should I check my bow after long storage?
Yes. Check the limbs, string, cables, cams, and hardware before you shoot again.
Is it bad to leave a bow in a car?
Yes, that is a poor storage choice because vehicle temperatures and humidity can change fast and can stress the bow and string system.
References
These references support the storage and inspection guidance used here.
- Hoyt Compound Bow Safety and Warnings
- Archery360: Winterize Your Equipment the Right Way