Required Tools and Materials

1 hardwood stick (1 meter thick)
String (not stretchable)
Feathers
Knife
Several sticks (half an inch thick, for the arrows)
Arrowhead material (stone, metal etc)

Create the Bow

The wood mustn’t have any knots or twists. Bend and shape the wood. A knife can be used to shave and sculpt the wood. You’ll want the middle section a little thicker as it will be the handle. Try to shave off the inner part of the curve.

Your goal is to make a bow with a thick middle part. When making a bow and arrow, the sections around the bow’s middle area must be slimmer. Both sides need to be of equal lengths.

Adding the Notches and String

Use the knife to make a two inch dent at both ends of the bow. Make it a crescent shape. Now you can pick the string. It can be made of rawhide, nylon or silk. Hemp cord and cotton strands are also good choices. Do not choose a stretchable string; it will reduce the power of the bow. Attach the string to the bow. Make sure it’s secure.

Create the Arrows

When making a bow and arrow, you can choose from a lot of stick materials. For the arrows, mullen and goldenrod are very suitable. The wood needs to be dead and dry. Most important it has to be as
straight as possible. Ideally the arrow should be half the size of
the bow.

To straighten the arrow, put it over hot coals. When it’s straight, make a dent in the back. This is for the bow string. Make the arrowhead by carving the stone (or metal) into a sharp triangular point. Place the arrowhead over the fire to strengthen it. Secure the arrowhead on the arrow using a string.

Attach the feathers in the arrow’s back. You can glue it on or just make a split in the arrow. Put the feathers in and secure with a string or thread.

Tips and Warnings

Those making a bow and arrow almost always use feathers, but it’s not a requirement. The feather is used for fletching and improves the flight movement. But even without it the weapon will work.
Don’t let the coals touch the arrow directly; it will burn. Just place it near the top.

Learning to use this weapon takes time. You’ll have to practice. Be careful when using it though. Do not aim it at a person or animal. Practice in a wide open field. Do not attempt this when you’re indoors.

If you’re in a competition, allow everyone to get their arrows before you start firing off.

The fact is that making a bow and arrow is possible using the most rudimentary survival gear. With enough practice, you’ll be able to use it effectively.