Bow hunting for if the SHTF (input welcome)

So, during my time away from GLP, I've still been prepping a little bit at a time. One of the skills that I've decided to learn is bowhunting game.

There are a few different advantages to bowhunting over using a firearm, especially in a SHTF scenario.

1.) Stealth. You may not want everybody in a 20 mile radius to know that you are well armed or well fed.

2.) Diversity. A bow, especially a traditional bow, opens up the possibilities of different types of game you can hunt. With guns, you may need several types of ammunition for different situations. With arrows, you only need a couple different types of arrows that you can usually re-use.

3.) Portability. A take-down recurve bow will fit in your bug out bag. There are several models out there that don't even require tools to assemble.

4.) Availability of ammunition. While it is not as easy as breaking off a stick, sharpening the end, and pointing it down range, with some skills, ingenuity, and some time/patience, you can make your own arrows, bowstring, or even your own bow.

During my short time of learning, there are a few key elements that most beginners should focus on. I'm by no means an expert, so if I miss something, chime in.

A.) Form. Consistent is key here. A loose grip on the bow, steady/smooth draw, consistent anchor points, and follow through are all very important.

B.) Equipment. Don't get a bow that is too difficult to pull back on. In the case of traditional bows, draw weights are measured at a draw length of 28 inches. Anything 45 pounds and up should be sufficient for hunting larger game like deer. You want something that you can use consistently.

C.) Practice, Practice, Practice. Buy or make a target and throw some arrows downrange.

As far as hunting goes, there are a few things that are key regardless of what it is you are hunting.

1.) Know your quarry. Where they live, when they travel, where they travel, what they eat, what predators besides you are doing, etc. It's not as simple as you may think.

2.) Know your hunting area. Other critters, neighbors, landmarks, etc. Try to absorb as much as possible. Also, know your state hunting regulations. While they may not matter if the SHTF, you don't want to get busted when you're just getting started.

3.) Know yourself. Nothing in the woods smells like a person except a person. For bowhunting deer, scent management is paramount. For Elk, or squirrels, not so much.

These are just a few of the things that I've learned so far. I would love to hear from other hunters and other hunting stories or even philosophies.

I really have no desire to kill an animal, but I would like to feed my family if the SHTF. By learning now, I can do that in a humane manner that is responsible and possibly beneficial.