Which of the following is NOT one of the four primary bow safety rules?

The correct answer highlights an important aspect of bow safety rules. The phrase "Always check your equipment before use" is indeed critical for overall archery safety, but it is not classified as one of the four primary rules of bow safety.

The primary bow safety rules focus specifically on the handling and operation of the bow and arrow during use. Keeping the bow pointed in a safe direction, never aiming at unintended targets, and ensuring that an arrow is only drawn when one is ready to shoot address direct safety practices that prevent accidents during an archery session. These guidelines are fundamental to ensuring the safety of both the archer and those nearby, as they establish clear and enforceable behaviors during active use of the equipment.

While checking equipment is essential for avoiding malfunctions and ensuring the bow functions as intended, it primarily pertains to maintenance and preparation rather than the direct handling and shooting of the bow in a safe manner. Thus, while all the listed factors contribute to safe archery practice, only the last three are part of the core set of primary safety rules specifically designed to govern behavior during shooting.