Bow hunting is one of the most popular ways to hunt deer, but there are a lot of myths associated with the activity.

Here are some of them and why they are myths as well as why you should take that into account before you head out and during your hunt!

Speed Kills

Speed does not kill. Sharp blades that sever arteries and lacerate organs kill. I'm far more concerned with penetration than overall arrow speed. Thus I opt for heavier arrows and stout broadheads. Speed certainly helps bump kinetic energy and momentum numbers, but speed alone is not enough.

Long Shots are Unethical

There was a time when taking a 30-yard shot at a deer was unethical – for me. I was shooting a traditional recurve and wasn't that great of a shot to begin with.

Ethics are a funny thing. There is no one-size-fits-all rule. A “long” shot of 50 yards might be a gimme for someone else. With today's equipment, the lines of “too far” need to be drawn by individual shooters after an honest evaluation of skill and conditions.

You Have to Shoot Hundreds of Arrows

Make no mistake, repetition breeds success. But does that mean you need to fire hundreds of arrows this summer to kill a deer this fall? No. If your time is limited (and whose isn't?) you are much better off to shoot a few quality shots rather than dozens of rushed ones. Your first arrow in the woods is the one that counts.

Practice the same way.

Expensive Bows are Better Bows

Competition in the archery world is fierce. More and more companies are churning out top-notch bows at value prices. Outdoor Life's annual bow test is testament to this as each year newcomers and lower-priced options are standing toe-to-toe with the big, expensive names in the business and faring quite well.

You Don't Need a Level on your Sight

Yes, you do. I'd wager that a hefty percentage of deer hit “too far back” were the result of a canted bow. It's so easy to do. Grip the bow a little too hard and you lean the bow left or right – which means you've now moved your sight pins as well.

A sight-mounted level keeps things where they need to be. Use one.

As you can see, many of the myths about bow hunting can actually impact your entire hunt – including the preparation of it!

A few of them can cost you a ton of money and a few could cost you that trophy buck!

If you want to read about additional bow hunting myths, make sure you check out Outdoor Life.