Action cameras have become small enough and light enough to mount directly to a bow without meaningfully affecting stability or accuracy. The most common reason hunters and archers add a camera to their bow is to record the hunt from a first-person perspective, but target archers and competitive shooters use bow cameras as well. This guide covers everything you need to know about how to mount a camera to a bow and the three best mounts available today.
How Bow Camera Mounts Work
Two threaded connections make the whole system work. The camera attaches to the mount via a standard 1/4″ – 20 threaded screw hole on the bottom of the action camera. This is the same thread pattern used on virtually all camera tripods, so it is a universal connection. The mount itself attaches to the bow via the 5/16″ – 24 threaded stabilizer hole found on most compound bows. Confirm both thread patterns exist on your camera and bow before purchasing any mount.
Most bow camera mounts curve or extend several inches outward from the stabilizer hole to account for the depth of the camera body and keep it clear of the bow riser and cables. The camera sits off to the side or slightly forward of the bow, capturing footage looking downrange toward the target.
Option 1: GoPro Sportsman Mount
The GoPro Sportsman Mount is the official GoPro bow, gun, and rod mount and the most versatile option in this lineup. It uses GoPro’s proprietary finger-tab buckle connection, which means the GoPro snaps in and out of the mount with the camera inside its weatherproof housing. No need to remove the camera from its case to attach it to the bow. The mount clamps directly to the bow riser or stabilizer using an adjustable clamp that tightens with a thumb screw, so no stabilizer threading is required.
The clamp design is the key advantage here. Because it grips any cylindrical or flat surface on the bow, it is not limited to the stabilizer hole location. You can position the camera wherever it gives the best shooting angle. The mount also folds flat against the bow for compact storage without needing to be fully removed, which makes it practical for hunters carrying the bow through brush or packing it in a case.
This is the go-to choice for GoPro users and the best option for hunters who want a quick-attach, quick-release setup that keeps the camera protected in its weatherproof case at all times.
Option 2: Tactacam Stabilizer Mount 3.0/4.0
The Tactacam Stabilizer Mount is purpose-built for Tactacam action cameras and is the cleanest, most integrated bow camera solution available for Tactacam users. It threads directly into the standard 5/16″ – 24 stabilizer hole on the bow riser, replacing or extending the bow stabilizer. The Tactacam camera then attaches to the end of the mount arm. The result is a low-profile, tightly integrated setup with no clamps, no loose hardware, and no wobble.
The mount is made from lightweight aluminum and weighs just 4.4 ounces, keeping the impact on bow balance minimal. It is compatible with the Tactacam 3.0 and 4.0 camera models. The stabilizer-thread attachment keeps the camera solidly fixed during the shot cycle, which is important for capturing clean footage at the moment of release when bow vibration is at its highest.
This is a specialized mount for a specific camera ecosystem. If you shoot with a Tactacam, it is the best possible mounting solution. If you use a GoPro or another action camera brand, the GoPro Sportsman Mount or BOWPRO mount below is the better fit.
Option 3: BOWPRO Compound Bow Mount for GoPro and Action Cameras
The BOWPRO Compound Bow Mount is the most universal option in this lineup. It is designed to work with GoPro cameras as well as standard action cameras that have the 1/4″ – 20 threaded hole on the bottom. It attaches to the bow via the standard 5/16″ – 24 stabilizer thread, giving a solid and rattle-free connection without clamps. This makes it a practical choice for archers who do not use GoPro or Tactacam exclusively and want a mount that works across different camera brands.
The mount arm extends the camera outward from the stabilizer hole far enough to clear the bow riser and cables and position the lens for a clean downrange view. The compact design keeps the camera close to the bow without creating a large profile that could catch on brush or interfere with the draw stroke. All hardware needed for installation is included.
This is the best choice for archers who want a stabilizer-thread mount that is not locked into a single camera brand. Whether you are using a GoPro without its weatherproof case, a Tactacam, or any other action camera with a standard tripod thread, the BOWPRO mount handles it.
Bow Camera Mount Options at a Glance
| Mount | Best For | Attachment Type | Camera Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoPro Sportsman Mount | GoPro users, hunters | Adjustable clamp | GoPro in weatherproof case |
| Tactacam Stabilizer Mount | Tactacam 3.0/4.0 users | 5/16″–24 stabilizer thread | Tactacam 3.0 and 4.0 |
| BOWPRO Compound Bow Mount | Multi-camera users | 5/16″–24 stabilizer thread | GoPro + standard 1/4″–20 cameras |
Frequently Asked Questions
What thread size do I need to mount a camera to a bow?
You need two thread sizes. The bow stabilizer hole uses a 5/16″ – 24 thread pattern, which is standard on most compound bows. The camera attaches via a 1/4″ – 20 thread hole on the bottom of the camera body. Confirm both are present on your bow and camera before purchasing a mount.
Can I mount a GoPro to a bow inside its weatherproof case?
Yes, but you need a mount with GoPro’s proprietary finger-tab buckle connection rather than a standard 1/4″ – 20 screw. The GoPro Sportsman Mount is designed specifically for this. Mounts with a standard 1/4″ – 20 screw connection require the GoPro to be removed from its weatherproof case first.
Will mounting a camera affect my bow’s accuracy?
A lightweight camera mount adds minimal weight and has negligible effect on accuracy for most shooters when positioned at the stabilizer hole. Heavier setups or mounts positioned far from the riser can slightly affect balance. Starting with the lightest mount that meets your needs and shooting a few practice rounds after installation is always a good idea before hunting season.
Can I use these mounts on a recurve or traditional bow?
Most recurve and traditional bows do not have the standard 5/16″ – 24 stabilizer hole, so stabilizer-thread mounts like the Tactacam and BOWPRO will not fit. The GoPro Sportsman Mount’s clamp design can attach to the riser of a recurve bow, making it the most versatile option for non-compound shooters.
