Well, it’s Christmas time again. And you know what that means….some people
are freaking out!!
There are gifts to wrap, cards to send, decorations to put up, a tree to
find, cookies to bake, stockings to hang, a meal to prepare, travel
arrangements to make, plays to attend, parties to plan….the list never
seems to end.
And since these people see absolutely no way of everything getting done by
Christmas, they start to get that look in their eyes that if they get one
more thing piled on top of them, they will collapse like a house of cards.
They are on the edge of being devoured by the holidays and the joy of the
season escapes them.
They don’t see the blessings they get by giving to others.
They can’t understand the happiness a card brings to a friend.
They miss out on seeing how colorful lights transform a simple house into a
magical place.
They fail to appreciate the excitement a Christmas tree brings to a child.
They are unable to smell the friendly warmth of baking cookies.
They can’t see the look of awe on faces around the table when Christmas
dinner is served.
They don’t comprehend the anticipation loved ones feel as they pull up in
the driveway.
They won’t recognize the delight a child has when on stage…and mom and dad
are in the audience.
They aren’t aware of the fellowship shared at simple gatherings.
Please don’t let the seemingly endless list of things to do take away from
the Christmas season this year. My wish is that everyone will take time out
to enjoy the decorations, the food, the family, and the beautiful spirit
that IS Christmas.
And what does all this have to do with archery? Absolutely nothing. Merry
Christmas everyone!!!
Subscribe to my instructional archery videos at www.youtube.com\user\archery64
Monday, December 20, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
FOLLOW THROUGH
FOLLOW THROUGH
One of the most under-rated and ignored aspects of archery shooting is the
follow through after the arrow has been released. There is a lot of
emphasis put on the pre-release phase of archery but the post-release phase
is just as important.
On a bow shooting 300 feet per second (fps), it only takes a 30 inch arrow
about .0083 seconds to clear the bow on release. That is literally less
time than the blink of an eye.
Now I know what you’re thinking…how important can follow through be if the
arrow clears my bow before I can even react to the release?
The truth is, the arrow clears the bow so quickly that it is physically
impossible to affect the shot between the time of release and when the
arrow is free of the bow. Humans can not react that quickly.
However, if your body is doing other things BEFORE the release and those
things continue THROUGH the release, the accuracy of your shot WILL be
affected.
Here are some of the things you could be doing DURING the release that
could affect accuracy…
Peeking up over your peep sight to check out your shot
Lowering your bow arm
Gripping the bow
Following the arrow with your eyes instead of keeping focused on the target
So what good does proper follow through do? If you do not get in the habit
of following through by keeping your entire body in the proper “hold”
position AFTER release, it won’t be long before any movements start
happening BEFORE release. When that happens, you will not hit what you’re
aiming at.
Now, you will not be able to hold your body perfectly still after release
but here are the two things you must try to do in your follow through…
Keep you eyes on the spot you are aiming at
Keep your pin sight on the spot you are aiming at
This should be done at least until your arrow hits the target. On a bow
that shoots 300 fps, it will only take .20 seconds for your arrow to hit
the target at 20 yards.
Follow through is a very important part of archery shooting. Ignore it, and
you’ll find yourself scratching your head wondering what you’re doing
wrong.
One of the most under-rated and ignored aspects of archery shooting is the
follow through after the arrow has been released. There is a lot of
emphasis put on the pre-release phase of archery but the post-release phase
is just as important.
On a bow shooting 300 feet per second (fps), it only takes a 30 inch arrow
about .0083 seconds to clear the bow on release. That is literally less
time than the blink of an eye.
Now I know what you’re thinking…how important can follow through be if the
arrow clears my bow before I can even react to the release?
The truth is, the arrow clears the bow so quickly that it is physically
impossible to affect the shot between the time of release and when the
arrow is free of the bow. Humans can not react that quickly.
However, if your body is doing other things BEFORE the release and those
things continue THROUGH the release, the accuracy of your shot WILL be
affected.
Here are some of the things you could be doing DURING the release that
could affect accuracy…
Peeking up over your peep sight to check out your shot
Lowering your bow arm
Gripping the bow
Following the arrow with your eyes instead of keeping focused on the target
So what good does proper follow through do? If you do not get in the habit
of following through by keeping your entire body in the proper “hold”
position AFTER release, it won’t be long before any movements start
happening BEFORE release. When that happens, you will not hit what you’re
aiming at.
Now, you will not be able to hold your body perfectly still after release
but here are the two things you must try to do in your follow through…
Keep you eyes on the spot you are aiming at
Keep your pin sight on the spot you are aiming at
This should be done at least until your arrow hits the target. On a bow
that shoots 300 fps, it will only take .20 seconds for your arrow to hit
the target at 20 yards.
Follow through is a very important part of archery shooting. Ignore it, and
you’ll find yourself scratching your head wondering what you’re doing
wrong.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
AND NOW THE NEWS
Actual hunting headlines from around the country in 2010…along with my
comments.
ANGRY MAN TEARS DOWN TREE STAND WITH ANOTHER HUNTER STILL IN THE STAND.
FALL LEADS TO DEATH AND MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES.
Must have been a good spot! I do believe it’s now completely available.
LOCAL MAN SUFFERS LETHAL WOUND AFTER BAGGING HIS BUCK. AUTOPSY SHOWS SHOT
BY ANOTHER HUNTER.
I can’t make a snide comment about this one. It’s just too sad.
HUNTER GETS LOST IN FOG ON MOUNTAIN. CALLS 9-1-1 FOR RESCUE.
He shoulda pressed his key thingy to make his car honk….like in the
commercial. Duh!
POACHING SUSPECT SHOOTS AND KILLS GAME COMMISSION OFFICER DURING ARREST.
I hope this guy enjoys spending a lot of quality time with his prison
“buddies”.
POSSIBLE STATE RECORD BLACKBEAR TAKEN WITH CROSSBOW IN PENNSYLVANIA. BEAR’S
NAME WAS “BOZO” AND WAS FED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS.
‘Nuf said.
FORMER CONVICTED FELON ACCIDENTALLY SHOOTS AND KILLS FRIEND WHILE TURKEY
HUNTING. SUSPECT WAS NOT PERMITTED TO LEGALLY POSSES A FIREARM.
“Oops….my bad. The last time I was in prison I remember getting one phone
call…is that still in effect?”
80 YEAR OLD WOMAN STILL ENJOYS HUNTING WHITETAILS.
One day the authorities will be hunting for her.
LOST OREGON HUNTER SURVIVES FOR FOUR DAYS ON BEEF JERKY.
C’mon! Really?? He couldn’t shoot his own food to survive?
comments.
ANGRY MAN TEARS DOWN TREE STAND WITH ANOTHER HUNTER STILL IN THE STAND.
FALL LEADS TO DEATH AND MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES.
Must have been a good spot! I do believe it’s now completely available.
LOCAL MAN SUFFERS LETHAL WOUND AFTER BAGGING HIS BUCK. AUTOPSY SHOWS SHOT
BY ANOTHER HUNTER.
I can’t make a snide comment about this one. It’s just too sad.
HUNTER GETS LOST IN FOG ON MOUNTAIN. CALLS 9-1-1 FOR RESCUE.
He shoulda pressed his key thingy to make his car honk….like in the
commercial. Duh!
POACHING SUSPECT SHOOTS AND KILLS GAME COMMISSION OFFICER DURING ARREST.
I hope this guy enjoys spending a lot of quality time with his prison
“buddies”.
POSSIBLE STATE RECORD BLACKBEAR TAKEN WITH CROSSBOW IN PENNSYLVANIA. BEAR’S
NAME WAS “BOZO” AND WAS FED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS.
‘Nuf said.
FORMER CONVICTED FELON ACCIDENTALLY SHOOTS AND KILLS FRIEND WHILE TURKEY
HUNTING. SUSPECT WAS NOT PERMITTED TO LEGALLY POSSES A FIREARM.
“Oops….my bad. The last time I was in prison I remember getting one phone
call…is that still in effect?”
80 YEAR OLD WOMAN STILL ENJOYS HUNTING WHITETAILS.
One day the authorities will be hunting for her.
LOST OREGON HUNTER SURVIVES FOR FOUR DAYS ON BEEF JERKY.
C’mon! Really?? He couldn’t shoot his own food to survive?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
I Passed on the Shot
Let's see....it's 7:30 PM here now. About an hour and 15 minutes ago, I had three small whitetails messing around under my stand. One even walked over and smelled one of the two new scrapes around my tree. But I passed on the shot. I could've taken any one of them at any time but I let them all go.
It's amazing how good one feels when you know you could've...but didn't. I think that lesson can be applied to many areas of our life.
It's amazing how good one feels when you know you could've...but didn't. I think that lesson can be applied to many areas of our life.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Ah....Mother Nature
Don't you just love it when you plan your vacation MONTHS in advance of the rut only to have the weather forecast call for rain?!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
2010 Season
No deer yet but I've only been out archery hunting a couple times. Lots of hunters I've talked to have not seen that many deer....yet. But the rut is on the way.
Friday, September 10, 2010
THURSDAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
My thoughts are focused on Sep 18! Special regulation area down by Philadelphia for antlerless only whitetails. I am SO ready for archery season to be here!!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
TODD'S TUESDAY TIP
It's a good idea to see how long you can hold your bow at full draw and make an accurate shot BEFORE you head to the woods.
Check out more of Todd's stuff at www.allarchery.blogspot.com.
Check out more of Todd's stuff at www.allarchery.blogspot.com.
POP QIUIZ!
Here's the answers to last week's questions...
1. False – Even with the dramatic advancement of broadheads, they still
do not fly exactly like your field tips. It is still imperative that
you sight in with your broadheads before heading to the field.
2. False – String jumping is when a deer reacts instinctively to the
sound of your bow being fired. The dropping down occurs as the deer
gathers its legs under its body to bound away. Many times, the arrow
will sail over the top of the deer unless the shooter compensates in
anticipation of the deer’s reaction.
3. False – Due to the somewhat inefficient design of the crossbow, they
have no more range than a comparable compound bow. In fact, a
compound bow with a 125 lb draw weight would have FAR greater range
than a crossbow with the same draw weight.
And here's this week's questions...
1. T / F Bucks are the most predictable during the breeding phase of the
rut.
2. T / F Gripping the bow too tightly at release could affect the
impact point.
3. T / F Staging areas are locations where bucks may “hang out” prior to
entering a field to feed.
1. False – Even with the dramatic advancement of broadheads, they still
do not fly exactly like your field tips. It is still imperative that
you sight in with your broadheads before heading to the field.
2. False – String jumping is when a deer reacts instinctively to the
sound of your bow being fired. The dropping down occurs as the deer
gathers its legs under its body to bound away. Many times, the arrow
will sail over the top of the deer unless the shooter compensates in
anticipation of the deer’s reaction.
3. False – Due to the somewhat inefficient design of the crossbow, they
have no more range than a comparable compound bow. In fact, a
compound bow with a 125 lb draw weight would have FAR greater range
than a crossbow with the same draw weight.
And here's this week's questions...
1. T / F Bucks are the most predictable during the breeding phase of the
rut.
2. T / F Gripping the bow too tightly at release could affect the
impact point.
3. T / F Staging areas are locations where bucks may “hang out” prior to
entering a field to feed.
Friday, September 3, 2010
FRIDAY FACTS
Studies have shown that acorns can constitute 38 to 76 percent of a whitetail’s diet in November and December.
THURSDAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
I have been shooting my bow a lot over the past couple of weeks and I have
a big 3D shoot coming up on Saturday. In fact, I have been doing a lot of
preparation for our archery season which opens up on Sep 18. Part of that
preparation includes writing down all the days I will be able to hunt,
which stands I’ll want to be in on each day (assuming wind conditions are
right), and whether I’ll be using scents, calls, or decoys.
This is not a cut-in-stone agenda but rather a general plan of attack that
I can shuffle around however I want based on any number of things. Weather,
food sources, deer sign, and hunter movement are just a few things that
could cause me to alter my battle plan.
Here’s my THOUGHT OF THE WEEK…Many hunters look forward to the hunting
season and have several stand locations to choose from every day. However,
very few take the time to plot out their hunting strategy in advance. Give
it a try and you’ll find you won’t over-hunt stands and you'll gain more
confidence for the upcoming season.
a big 3D shoot coming up on Saturday. In fact, I have been doing a lot of
preparation for our archery season which opens up on Sep 18. Part of that
preparation includes writing down all the days I will be able to hunt,
which stands I’ll want to be in on each day (assuming wind conditions are
right), and whether I’ll be using scents, calls, or decoys.
This is not a cut-in-stone agenda but rather a general plan of attack that
I can shuffle around however I want based on any number of things. Weather,
food sources, deer sign, and hunter movement are just a few things that
could cause me to alter my battle plan.
Here’s my THOUGHT OF THE WEEK…Many hunters look forward to the hunting
season and have several stand locations to choose from every day. However,
very few take the time to plot out their hunting strategy in advance. Give
it a try and you’ll find you won’t over-hunt stands and you'll gain more
confidence for the upcoming season.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
TODD'S TUESDAY TIP
Practice the shots you imagine you could be taking from your stand. Too many archers practice on level ground, in good weather, and bright sunlight. You will make very few shots at live game in these conditions during your entire life. Practice bending over a little, twisting sideways, and even sitting.
Monday, August 30, 2010
POP QUIZ!
Here's last week's questions...
1. T / F Rubs on a sapling that are on the opposite side of the tree from a feeding area, generally indicates the evening route of a buck.
TRUE-Rubs that are facing away from a feeding area generally indicate the evening travel route of the buck (he was heading towards his feeding area) while rubs facing away from a bedding area usually show the buck's morning travel route.
2. T / F When sighting in your bow, you should make a sight adjustment after each arrow.
FALSE-Sight adjustments should be made after each three-arrow group. And then from the center of the grouping.
3. T / F The bullseye on all 3D whitetail targets are an exact representation of where you should aim on a live animal.
FALSE-Generally, the bullseye on 3D targets are NOT where you want to aim on a live whitetail. In most cases, you'll want to aim much lower on a live deer. For quartering shots on live game, you'll want your point-of-impact much further left or right of where the bullseye is on the target.
And here's this week's questions...
1. T/ F Due to design innovations, it is no longer necessary to sight in broadheads if they are the same weight as your target tips.
2. T / F String jumping is when a deer sees the arrow coming at him and intentionally ducks under the arrow as it arrives.
3. T / F Crossbows have a greater range than regular compound bows.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
1. T / F Rubs on a sapling that are on the opposite side of the tree from a feeding area, generally indicates the evening route of a buck.
TRUE-Rubs that are facing away from a feeding area generally indicate the evening travel route of the buck (he was heading towards his feeding area) while rubs facing away from a bedding area usually show the buck's morning travel route.
2. T / F When sighting in your bow, you should make a sight adjustment after each arrow.
FALSE-Sight adjustments should be made after each three-arrow group. And then from the center of the grouping.
3. T / F The bullseye on all 3D whitetail targets are an exact representation of where you should aim on a live animal.
FALSE-Generally, the bullseye on 3D targets are NOT where you want to aim on a live whitetail. In most cases, you'll want to aim much lower on a live deer. For quartering shots on live game, you'll want your point-of-impact much further left or right of where the bullseye is on the target.
And here's this week's questions...
1. T/ F Due to design innovations, it is no longer necessary to sight in broadheads if they are the same weight as your target tips.
2. T / F String jumping is when a deer sees the arrow coming at him and intentionally ducks under the arrow as it arrives.
3. T / F Crossbows have a greater range than regular compound bows.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
FRIDAY FACTS
Deer are ruminants (cud chewers) and have a four-compartmented stomach, which allows the deer to feed very rapidly.
Deer need 10 to 12 pounds of food per day to satisfy their needs.
Deer need 10 to 12 pounds of food per day to satisfy their needs.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
THURSDAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Tracking a deer through the woods has become a lost art form. Oh sure,
almost anyone can pick up on a well defined blood trail and follow it. But
what if the blood sign ends before you find the animal? Would you be able
to tell which way the animal went based on other sign? What if you just
happen across a blood trail? Would you be able to determine which direction
the deer was heading?
Sadly, most hunters today do not possess even a fraction of the skills
necessary to track an animal beyond a good blood trail.
And tracking can get a whole lot more complicated.
If you were targeting a particular buck in your hunting area, would you be
able to memorize his track imprint and then follow that particular track to
his bedding or feeding area? If you came across a promising track on a deer
trail, could you give a rough estimate of how long ago it was made? Are you
able to use sign other than tracks to determine if deer are using a
particular area?
Here’s my THOUGHT OF THE WEEK… Most hunters only use deer tracks to
identify a travel route. If you could read tracks and other deer sign with
even a modest amount of proficiency, think about how many more hunting
options you would be able to take advantage of.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd’s stuff.
almost anyone can pick up on a well defined blood trail and follow it. But
what if the blood sign ends before you find the animal? Would you be able
to tell which way the animal went based on other sign? What if you just
happen across a blood trail? Would you be able to determine which direction
the deer was heading?
Sadly, most hunters today do not possess even a fraction of the skills
necessary to track an animal beyond a good blood trail.
And tracking can get a whole lot more complicated.
If you were targeting a particular buck in your hunting area, would you be
able to memorize his track imprint and then follow that particular track to
his bedding or feeding area? If you came across a promising track on a deer
trail, could you give a rough estimate of how long ago it was made? Are you
able to use sign other than tracks to determine if deer are using a
particular area?
Here’s my THOUGHT OF THE WEEK… Most hunters only use deer tracks to
identify a travel route. If you could read tracks and other deer sign with
even a modest amount of proficiency, think about how many more hunting
options you would be able to take advantage of.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd’s stuff.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
TODD'S TUESDAY TIP
If you hunt with the quiver attached to your bow, make sure you practice and sight your bow in with the quiver attached as well. I practice and hunt with the quiver DETACHED from my bow to avoid as much vibration, noise, and weight as possible. Once in my stand, I hang the quiver on the tree within easy reach.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
Monday, August 23, 2010
POP QUIZ
Every Monday will be a pop quiz. I will post three true or false archery/hunting questions for you to try your knowledge against. If you’re feeling froggy, you can leave your answers in a comment on my blog for the world to see. On the following Monday, I will post the answers to the previous week’s questions and then post three new questions. If you have specific questions you’d like answered, you can either leave a comment on my blog or send me an email at toddlydell@gmail.com.
Here's last week's questions...
1. A hoof print along with a dew claw imprint always indicates a buck track.
FALSE - Large mature does will sometimes leave dew claw marks.
2. If an area has a high buck-to-doe ratio (greater than 3 or 4 does for every buck), it’s easier to call, scent, rattle, or decoy bucks into your setups.
FALSE - Since bucks will find potential mates in greater abundance in areas with high buck-to-doe ratios, the need to compete for mating privileges is greatly reduced. Therefore, bucks are not as susceptible to calls, scents, rattling, and decoys.
3. The most dominant buck in an area will generally make the first scrapes of the season.
TRUE - Due to increased testosterone levels, the earliest scrapes of the season are generally made by the dominant buck in the area.
And here's this week's POP QUIZ...
1. T / F Rubs on a sapling that are on the opposite side of the tree from a feeding area, generally indicates the evening route of a buck.
2. T / F When sighting in your bow, you should make a sight adjustment after each arrow.
3. T / F The bullseye on all 3D whitetail targets are an exact representation of where you should aim on a live animal.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
Here's last week's questions...
1. A hoof print along with a dew claw imprint always indicates a buck track.
FALSE - Large mature does will sometimes leave dew claw marks.
2. If an area has a high buck-to-doe ratio (greater than 3 or 4 does for every buck), it’s easier to call, scent, rattle, or decoy bucks into your setups.
FALSE - Since bucks will find potential mates in greater abundance in areas with high buck-to-doe ratios, the need to compete for mating privileges is greatly reduced. Therefore, bucks are not as susceptible to calls, scents, rattling, and decoys.
3. The most dominant buck in an area will generally make the first scrapes of the season.
TRUE - Due to increased testosterone levels, the earliest scrapes of the season are generally made by the dominant buck in the area.
And here's this week's POP QUIZ...
1. T / F Rubs on a sapling that are on the opposite side of the tree from a feeding area, generally indicates the evening route of a buck.
2. T / F When sighting in your bow, you should make a sight adjustment after each arrow.
3. T / F The bullseye on all 3D whitetail targets are an exact representation of where you should aim on a live animal.
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
Friday, August 20, 2010
FRIDAY FACTS
In the early 1900's, whitetail populations in the U.S. was thought to number about 300,000 animals.
Recent estimates put the deer population in the United States at around 30 million animals!
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
Recent estimates put the deer population in the United States at around 30 million animals!
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
THURSDAY’S THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Have you ever seen a cat stalk a piece of string? Ever watch a puppy play
with his favorite toy? Have you ever wondered what was going through their
minds at that particular moment that made them act that way? I sometimes
ask that question to myself about my sons.
I also sometimes think about a whitetail’s frame of mind.
Now I know that animals are not capable of conscious thought and that they
can not feel emotions as we do. I do, however, feel that animals have a
form of “awareness” that fluctuates through varying levels.
After a night of feeding and carousing, is a whitetail less aware of its
surroundings as it heads back to its bedding area based simply on the fact
that it “wants” to call it a night?
Is a whitetail in a better “mood” and more alert on a bright sunny day and
less alert on a wet and overcast day?
Do they get “bored” and perhaps bed down overlooking a highway in order to
pass the time watching traffic?
Here’s my THOUGHT OF THE WEEK…..Can we use these “forms of awareness” to
our advantage as hunters?
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
with his favorite toy? Have you ever wondered what was going through their
minds at that particular moment that made them act that way? I sometimes
ask that question to myself about my sons.
I also sometimes think about a whitetail’s frame of mind.
Now I know that animals are not capable of conscious thought and that they
can not feel emotions as we do. I do, however, feel that animals have a
form of “awareness” that fluctuates through varying levels.
After a night of feeding and carousing, is a whitetail less aware of its
surroundings as it heads back to its bedding area based simply on the fact
that it “wants” to call it a night?
Is a whitetail in a better “mood” and more alert on a bright sunny day and
less alert on a wet and overcast day?
Do they get “bored” and perhaps bed down overlooking a highway in order to
pass the time watching traffic?
Here’s my THOUGHT OF THE WEEK…..Can we use these “forms of awareness” to
our advantage as hunters?
Go to www.allarchery.blogspot.com for more of Todd's stuff.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
TODD'S TUESDAY TIP
You'll want to make one last scouting trip to the area you plan to hunt about one week before the actual hunt. Any sooner, and you may miss changes in the deer's travel patterns or routines. Any later, and you might alert the deer to your presence and they could avoid the area. As always, get in and out as quickly as possible while leaving as little scent behind you as you can.
Monday, August 16, 2010
POP QUIZ!
Every Monday will be a pop quiz. I will post three true or false archery/hunting questions for you to try your knowledge against. If you’re feeling froggy, you can leave your answers in a comment on my blog for the world to see. On the following Monday, I will post the answers to the previous week’s questions and then post three new questions. If you have specific questions you’d like answered, you can either leave a comment on my blog or send me an email at toddlydell@gmail.com.
Good luck everyone!
1. T / F A hoof print along with a dew claw imprint always indicates a buck track.
2. T / F If an area has a high buck-to-doe ratio (greater than 3 or 4 does for every buck), it’s easier to call, scent, rattle, or decoy bucks into your setups.
3. T / F The most dominant buck in an area will generally make the first scrapes of the season.
Good luck everyone!
1. T / F A hoof print along with a dew claw imprint always indicates a buck track.
2. T / F If an area has a high buck-to-doe ratio (greater than 3 or 4 does for every buck), it’s easier to call, scent, rattle, or decoy bucks into your setups.
3. T / F The most dominant buck in an area will generally make the first scrapes of the season.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
YOU MIGHT BE A DEER HUNTER IF......part 2
51. You can quote every verse of scripture that references it’s
biblically acceptable to hunt and eat meat.
52. You think the term “a three-point shot” is not a basketball
reference.
53. You have written several letters to the International Olympic
Committee urging them to include deer hunting in the next winter olympics.
54. You have gone through more deer hunting knives in your life than you
have pairs of socks.
55. State Troopers wait for you along the highway to your deer camp.
56. You think nothing about walking two miles in the dark through heavy
brush to get to your deer stand but complain about having to take the
garbage out to the end of your driveway.
57. You drive to deer camp with more stuff in your truck than you had in
it the day you moved into your new house.
58. You can relate to most of this list.
59. You rented the movies “The Killing Fields” and “Field of Dreams” and
thought they were hunting videos.
60. You call your kitchen a “feeding area” and your bedroom a “bedding
area”.
61. You know where to buy blaze orange toilet paper.
62. Your deer stand gets more annual maintenance than your house.
63. You think that not bathing during deer season brings you closer to
nature.
64. You have a hissy fit if you can’t find your lucky deer hunting
underwear.
65. You take extreme care not to bump your rifle scope but will pound on
the side of your PC when it “acts up”.
66. You think that “getting a little action” means the deer are on the
move.
67. Snow fall takes on a whole different meaning during deer season.
68. You relocate your entire family to another state just because it has
bigger deer.
69. You threaten your boss with physical violence until your leave is
approved for hunting season.
70. You’ll use your compass every two minutes during deer season but will
refuse to admit you’re lost when driving the family car.
71. You watch over your wife’s shoulder as she washes your hunting jacket
but you’ll wear the same pair of socks three days in a row.
72. You’ve named your rifle.
73. You won’t think twice about spending $25 for a deer license but
shudder at the thought of spending that much on your family at McDonalds.
74. You’ll track and log deer movement in detail but you can’t seem to
remember to keep track of the checks you’ve written.
75. You’ve ever tasted an acorn just to see if you can tell why deer like
them so much.
76. You suddenly “find” a wad of cash in your pocket for your wife just
before you leave for deer camp.
77. You’ve ever touched deer droppings with your bare hands to see how
old they were but you have to use a scoop and put on rubber gloves to clean
up after the dog.
78. You think that the great outdoors is just one big bathroom.
79. You’ve ever wondered what a rifle slug would do to that squirrel that
keeps hanging around your deer stand.
80. You can find your rifle shells from last year’s hunt within 10
seconds but you can’t find your car keys that you used last night.
81. Miniature candy bars are considered survival gear.
82. Sharing the outhouse with another hunter at the same time is not
embarassing.
83. You’ve never been at your daughter’s birthday party because she was
born three weeks early and it’s right in the middle of deer season.
84. You’ve ever bought a tree stand for your wife for her birthday….and
she doesn’t hunt.
85. You asked to borrow your wife’s new tree stand.
86. Your wife holds you at gunpoint on the front lawn after you return
from deer camp until you strip and hose yourself down with the garden hose.
87. You won’t tell your hunting buddies where you saw that big buck but
you’ll tell them the problems you and your wife are having with being
intimate.
88. You will spend hours scouting for just the right tree to place your
deer stand but you can’t wait to get out of the mall when your wife is
shopping.
89. Your spotlight can be seen with the naked eye by the space shuttle.
90. You have so many of those little handwarmers that they could be your
home’s primary heat source for the next three winters.
91. Your wife actually thought you were going to get a better job when
you told her you wanted to “make some big bucks”.
92. You have a jackalope mount in your living room.
93. You admire Robin Hood just because he was able to kill the king’s
deer with a long bow.
94. You tell bedtime stories to your deer rifle.
95. Your mother-in-law has to adjust the family Christmas party around
deer seasons.
96. You check for deer sign when looking for your lost golf ball.
97. You know which two diners in your county are open at 4:00 AM on
opening morning.
98. Just by looking at a single track, you are able to tell how big the
deer was, which direction it was heading, and how fast it was going but you
are unable to refold a road map the right way.
99. You practice sneaking up on your wife just to stay at peak
performance level.
100. You know what P&Y and B&C stand for.
biblically acceptable to hunt and eat meat.
52. You think the term “a three-point shot” is not a basketball
reference.
53. You have written several letters to the International Olympic
Committee urging them to include deer hunting in the next winter olympics.
54. You have gone through more deer hunting knives in your life than you
have pairs of socks.
55. State Troopers wait for you along the highway to your deer camp.
56. You think nothing about walking two miles in the dark through heavy
brush to get to your deer stand but complain about having to take the
garbage out to the end of your driveway.
57. You drive to deer camp with more stuff in your truck than you had in
it the day you moved into your new house.
58. You can relate to most of this list.
59. You rented the movies “The Killing Fields” and “Field of Dreams” and
thought they were hunting videos.
60. You call your kitchen a “feeding area” and your bedroom a “bedding
area”.
61. You know where to buy blaze orange toilet paper.
62. Your deer stand gets more annual maintenance than your house.
63. You think that not bathing during deer season brings you closer to
nature.
64. You have a hissy fit if you can’t find your lucky deer hunting
underwear.
65. You take extreme care not to bump your rifle scope but will pound on
the side of your PC when it “acts up”.
66. You think that “getting a little action” means the deer are on the
move.
67. Snow fall takes on a whole different meaning during deer season.
68. You relocate your entire family to another state just because it has
bigger deer.
69. You threaten your boss with physical violence until your leave is
approved for hunting season.
70. You’ll use your compass every two minutes during deer season but will
refuse to admit you’re lost when driving the family car.
71. You watch over your wife’s shoulder as she washes your hunting jacket
but you’ll wear the same pair of socks three days in a row.
72. You’ve named your rifle.
73. You won’t think twice about spending $25 for a deer license but
shudder at the thought of spending that much on your family at McDonalds.
74. You’ll track and log deer movement in detail but you can’t seem to
remember to keep track of the checks you’ve written.
75. You’ve ever tasted an acorn just to see if you can tell why deer like
them so much.
76. You suddenly “find” a wad of cash in your pocket for your wife just
before you leave for deer camp.
77. You’ve ever touched deer droppings with your bare hands to see how
old they were but you have to use a scoop and put on rubber gloves to clean
up after the dog.
78. You think that the great outdoors is just one big bathroom.
79. You’ve ever wondered what a rifle slug would do to that squirrel that
keeps hanging around your deer stand.
80. You can find your rifle shells from last year’s hunt within 10
seconds but you can’t find your car keys that you used last night.
81. Miniature candy bars are considered survival gear.
82. Sharing the outhouse with another hunter at the same time is not
embarassing.
83. You’ve never been at your daughter’s birthday party because she was
born three weeks early and it’s right in the middle of deer season.
84. You’ve ever bought a tree stand for your wife for her birthday….and
she doesn’t hunt.
85. You asked to borrow your wife’s new tree stand.
86. Your wife holds you at gunpoint on the front lawn after you return
from deer camp until you strip and hose yourself down with the garden hose.
87. You won’t tell your hunting buddies where you saw that big buck but
you’ll tell them the problems you and your wife are having with being
intimate.
88. You will spend hours scouting for just the right tree to place your
deer stand but you can’t wait to get out of the mall when your wife is
shopping.
89. Your spotlight can be seen with the naked eye by the space shuttle.
90. You have so many of those little handwarmers that they could be your
home’s primary heat source for the next three winters.
91. Your wife actually thought you were going to get a better job when
you told her you wanted to “make some big bucks”.
92. You have a jackalope mount in your living room.
93. You admire Robin Hood just because he was able to kill the king’s
deer with a long bow.
94. You tell bedtime stories to your deer rifle.
95. Your mother-in-law has to adjust the family Christmas party around
deer seasons.
96. You check for deer sign when looking for your lost golf ball.
97. You know which two diners in your county are open at 4:00 AM on
opening morning.
98. Just by looking at a single track, you are able to tell how big the
deer was, which direction it was heading, and how fast it was going but you
are unable to refold a road map the right way.
99. You practice sneaking up on your wife just to stay at peak
performance level.
100. You know what P&Y and B&C stand for.
Monday, August 9, 2010
YOU MIGHT BE A DEER HUNTER IF.....part 1
YOU MIGHT BE A DEER HUNTER IF…
1. Your annual hunting equipment budget is more than your family’s
annual grocery budget.
2. The term “making a stand” does not indicate your position on a
political or religious issue.
3. Most of your house is decorated in camoflauge and/or blaze orange.
4. You oil your rifle every two weeks whether it needs it or not but
you’ve had to replace two engines in your truck because you forgot to
change IT’S oil.
5. You have the Game Commission on speed dial on your phone at work.
6. Your marriage is on the rocks because you spend most of your evenings
and weekends “scouting”.
7. You know the exact ballistics, energy, and trajectory of your rifle
ammunition but you can’t balance your checkbook.
8. “NO HUNTING” signs throw you into a fit of rage.
9. You plan ALL of your vacation around deer hunting seasons.
10. You spend time at work making lists like this one.
11. You know a deer’s anatomy structure like the back of your hand.
12. Your kids’ yelling gives you a headache but you can spend hours at
the rifle range unfazed.
13. You’ll stop traffic during rush hour just to watch a couple deer
standing in a field.
14. You can field dress a deer without blinking but you can’t change a
diaper without losing your lunch.
15. You can find your favorite hunting spot in the dark but you can’t
find something in your own house that the wife asks you to get for her.
16. The year has three seasons….The Pre-Rut, The Rut, and The Post Rut.
17. You’ll wear attractant scents during deer season but you won’t put on
cologne during a night out with your wife.
18. You can spot a deer half hidden by foliage standing 100 yards away
but you can’t see the dishes in the sink that need to be done.
19. You only get and send Christmas cards to your hunting buddies.
20. You can remember the exact time, date, location, and weather
conditions of every deer you’ve ever taken but you can’t remember your own
anniversary.
21. You can make a gun rack out of a deer’s front legs in 30 minutes.
22. You dive right in to every hunting magazine you get in the mail but
will let bills sit for weeks.
23. Your children refer to deer season as “the time Daddy goes away”.
24. You always wake up before the alarm goes off for opening day of deer
season but you can’t wake up in time for work.
25. Venison is one of the four basic food groups.
26. “DEER CROSSING” signs give you a sense of anticipation.
27. You’ve sent in over 100 job applications to BUCKMASTERS.
28. The picture on your desk of your deer antlers is bigger than the
picture of your kids.
29. You can assemble your portable deer stand in the dark with quiet
efficiency but you wake the baby up every morning getting ready for work.
30. “Dates” with your wife always conclude with you making your wife drive
around to local fields while you hang out the window with a spot light.
31. You can survive in the woods for days eating grubs and strange
looking plants but you complain when the dinner your wife makes isn’t so
good.
32. Your trigger finger has blisters on it.
33. On an afternoon drive in October, your wife comments on how pretty
the leaves are. You keep wishing they would fall to the forest floor so
you can pinpoint deer feeding and bedding areas.
34. You spend an extra $20 a month just to get the Weather Channel on
cable. Then you only watch it during the week prior to deer season.
35. You can skin a deer with precise effectiveness but you can’t carve
the Thanksgiving turkey.
36. You can sit on a deer stand for hours in sub-zero temperatures but
it’s too cold to shovel the driveway.
37. You can track a deer for miles but you can’t find your kids in the
mall.
38. You can hit a deer running through the brush at top speed at 100
yards but you can’t hit the toilet when going to the bathroom.
39. You think it’s logical to spend $200 a year on your license, bullets,
food, camp dues, and gas just to save $100 in meat costs.
40. You have banned your children from ever watching the movies “Bambi”
and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”.
41. You consider deer dragging to be a scientific art and worthy of hours
of conversation.
42. You give driving directions that include the phrase “turn left after
that field where the big eight point hangs out”.
43. Your bed spread is made up of four processed deer hides.
44. You hang out at the local corner store just to get tips on where the
deer are.
45. You think “Doe in Estrus” deer scent “doesn’t smell that bad”.
46. The winch on your truck has only ever been used to drag a deer out of
the woods.
47. Your watch still has blood and hair on it from last year’s deer you
cleaned.
48. You are always late for church in the fall because you just had to
check out one more field for deer.
49. You have four maps of the area you have hunted all your life but you
refuse to even look at the operating instructions for your new VCR.
50. You consider the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
as being the “spawn of Satan”.
1. Your annual hunting equipment budget is more than your family’s
annual grocery budget.
2. The term “making a stand” does not indicate your position on a
political or religious issue.
3. Most of your house is decorated in camoflauge and/or blaze orange.
4. You oil your rifle every two weeks whether it needs it or not but
you’ve had to replace two engines in your truck because you forgot to
change IT’S oil.
5. You have the Game Commission on speed dial on your phone at work.
6. Your marriage is on the rocks because you spend most of your evenings
and weekends “scouting”.
7. You know the exact ballistics, energy, and trajectory of your rifle
ammunition but you can’t balance your checkbook.
8. “NO HUNTING” signs throw you into a fit of rage.
9. You plan ALL of your vacation around deer hunting seasons.
10. You spend time at work making lists like this one.
11. You know a deer’s anatomy structure like the back of your hand.
12. Your kids’ yelling gives you a headache but you can spend hours at
the rifle range unfazed.
13. You’ll stop traffic during rush hour just to watch a couple deer
standing in a field.
14. You can field dress a deer without blinking but you can’t change a
diaper without losing your lunch.
15. You can find your favorite hunting spot in the dark but you can’t
find something in your own house that the wife asks you to get for her.
16. The year has three seasons….The Pre-Rut, The Rut, and The Post Rut.
17. You’ll wear attractant scents during deer season but you won’t put on
cologne during a night out with your wife.
18. You can spot a deer half hidden by foliage standing 100 yards away
but you can’t see the dishes in the sink that need to be done.
19. You only get and send Christmas cards to your hunting buddies.
20. You can remember the exact time, date, location, and weather
conditions of every deer you’ve ever taken but you can’t remember your own
anniversary.
21. You can make a gun rack out of a deer’s front legs in 30 minutes.
22. You dive right in to every hunting magazine you get in the mail but
will let bills sit for weeks.
23. Your children refer to deer season as “the time Daddy goes away”.
24. You always wake up before the alarm goes off for opening day of deer
season but you can’t wake up in time for work.
25. Venison is one of the four basic food groups.
26. “DEER CROSSING” signs give you a sense of anticipation.
27. You’ve sent in over 100 job applications to BUCKMASTERS.
28. The picture on your desk of your deer antlers is bigger than the
picture of your kids.
29. You can assemble your portable deer stand in the dark with quiet
efficiency but you wake the baby up every morning getting ready for work.
30. “Dates” with your wife always conclude with you making your wife drive
around to local fields while you hang out the window with a spot light.
31. You can survive in the woods for days eating grubs and strange
looking plants but you complain when the dinner your wife makes isn’t so
good.
32. Your trigger finger has blisters on it.
33. On an afternoon drive in October, your wife comments on how pretty
the leaves are. You keep wishing they would fall to the forest floor so
you can pinpoint deer feeding and bedding areas.
34. You spend an extra $20 a month just to get the Weather Channel on
cable. Then you only watch it during the week prior to deer season.
35. You can skin a deer with precise effectiveness but you can’t carve
the Thanksgiving turkey.
36. You can sit on a deer stand for hours in sub-zero temperatures but
it’s too cold to shovel the driveway.
37. You can track a deer for miles but you can’t find your kids in the
mall.
38. You can hit a deer running through the brush at top speed at 100
yards but you can’t hit the toilet when going to the bathroom.
39. You think it’s logical to spend $200 a year on your license, bullets,
food, camp dues, and gas just to save $100 in meat costs.
40. You have banned your children from ever watching the movies “Bambi”
and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”.
41. You consider deer dragging to be a scientific art and worthy of hours
of conversation.
42. You give driving directions that include the phrase “turn left after
that field where the big eight point hangs out”.
43. Your bed spread is made up of four processed deer hides.
44. You hang out at the local corner store just to get tips on where the
deer are.
45. You think “Doe in Estrus” deer scent “doesn’t smell that bad”.
46. The winch on your truck has only ever been used to drag a deer out of
the woods.
47. Your watch still has blood and hair on it from last year’s deer you
cleaned.
48. You are always late for church in the fall because you just had to
check out one more field for deer.
49. You have four maps of the area you have hunted all your life but you
refuse to even look at the operating instructions for your new VCR.
50. You consider the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
as being the “spawn of Satan”.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
PRACTICING THOSE UGLY SHOTS
Everything is perfect. It’s opening morning of the archery season and
you’re in your stand well before daylight. You’ve scouted out your hunting
area and have pinpointed a couple shooter bucks in the vicinity. You’ve
been practicing with your bow all summer and your sights and shooting form
are perfectly tuned. You’ve cleared several shooting lanes and have your
yardage memorized. The wind direction is ideal. You have successfully
identified and overcome all variables in your hunt.
Or have you?
One BIG variable that we have to deal with in hunting whitetails are the
whitetails themselves.
For a period of eight years, I was an umpire with the Amateur Softball
Association. Thinking to start us out on easy games, new umpires were
assigned to youth female leagues….I’m talking 8 to 10 year-old girls here.
As a player and new umpire, you should be able to anticipate how a play is
going to unfold even before it takes place. With one out and a runner on
first, a ground ball hit to the shortstop SHOULD be flipped to the second
baseman who SHOULD be covering the bag who SHOULD in turn throw to first
for what SHOULD be the third out. Being able to anticipate the play allows
an umpire to be in the proper position to make all the calls in a single
umpire game.
But I’ll tell you what….those youth female softball teams ate me up. The
ball was seldom thrown to the base you’d expect. A grounder to the third
baseman with runners on first and second could literally be thrown to any
base…and sometimes to no base at all. Runners would run or not run to the
next base depending on how they felt at that moment. I would see right
fielders covering second base on an infield hit. And there were usually
four or five defensive players trying to make a play on the ball at the
same time. I would find myself desperately trying to be in the right place
at the right time to make the right call.
Deer are like those youth softball players…..they don’t always do what you
expect them to do so being in the right place at the right time to make the
right shot becomes a challenge.
That perfect hunting scenario I previously mentioned can be thrown all out
of whack if that buck decides to come near your stand from a direction or
angle you did not expect. And in order to get a good shot at him, you must
now stoop down slightly to aim under a branch, twist your body around
because he came in from behind you, or my most uncomfortable situation….he
comes in from my right side and I’m a right-handed shooter.
We have to be prepared to make these kinds of ugly and awkward shots BEFORE
they are presented to us in real-life hunting situations. And the only way
to do that is to practice them at home in our backyard during the summer.
Too often, archers practice on level ground and flat-footed. You will be
surprised at how few deer you will shoot at on level ground and
flat-footed.
We can’t possibly eliminate all the variables when hunting
whitetails….thank goodness! But practicing those unorthodox shots from
nearly impossible positions will give you greater confidence to make them
when that buck shows up in a location you didn’t expect.
you’re in your stand well before daylight. You’ve scouted out your hunting
area and have pinpointed a couple shooter bucks in the vicinity. You’ve
been practicing with your bow all summer and your sights and shooting form
are perfectly tuned. You’ve cleared several shooting lanes and have your
yardage memorized. The wind direction is ideal. You have successfully
identified and overcome all variables in your hunt.
Or have you?
One BIG variable that we have to deal with in hunting whitetails are the
whitetails themselves.
For a period of eight years, I was an umpire with the Amateur Softball
Association. Thinking to start us out on easy games, new umpires were
assigned to youth female leagues….I’m talking 8 to 10 year-old girls here.
As a player and new umpire, you should be able to anticipate how a play is
going to unfold even before it takes place. With one out and a runner on
first, a ground ball hit to the shortstop SHOULD be flipped to the second
baseman who SHOULD be covering the bag who SHOULD in turn throw to first
for what SHOULD be the third out. Being able to anticipate the play allows
an umpire to be in the proper position to make all the calls in a single
umpire game.
But I’ll tell you what….those youth female softball teams ate me up. The
ball was seldom thrown to the base you’d expect. A grounder to the third
baseman with runners on first and second could literally be thrown to any
base…and sometimes to no base at all. Runners would run or not run to the
next base depending on how they felt at that moment. I would see right
fielders covering second base on an infield hit. And there were usually
four or five defensive players trying to make a play on the ball at the
same time. I would find myself desperately trying to be in the right place
at the right time to make the right call.
Deer are like those youth softball players…..they don’t always do what you
expect them to do so being in the right place at the right time to make the
right shot becomes a challenge.
That perfect hunting scenario I previously mentioned can be thrown all out
of whack if that buck decides to come near your stand from a direction or
angle you did not expect. And in order to get a good shot at him, you must
now stoop down slightly to aim under a branch, twist your body around
because he came in from behind you, or my most uncomfortable situation….he
comes in from my right side and I’m a right-handed shooter.
We have to be prepared to make these kinds of ugly and awkward shots BEFORE
they are presented to us in real-life hunting situations. And the only way
to do that is to practice them at home in our backyard during the summer.
Too often, archers practice on level ground and flat-footed. You will be
surprised at how few deer you will shoot at on level ground and
flat-footed.
We can’t possibly eliminate all the variables when hunting
whitetails….thank goodness! But practicing those unorthodox shots from
nearly impossible positions will give you greater confidence to make them
when that buck shows up in a location you didn’t expect.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Perfect Plan
I remember my high school basketball coach hastily drawing out a special
play on his clipboard as we huddled around him during a time-out. His X’s
and O’s were placed exactly where he wanted them and his lines of movement,
screens, and ball passing arrows were precise. These “special” plays
usually occurred towards the end of the game with mere seconds remaining
and the outcome still in question.
And things weren’t calm in that little huddle.
The crowd was screaming, the cheerleaders were pumping everyone up, the
coach was yelling to be heard and to make his point, and we were sweating,
trying to catch our breath, and remember our assignments. Did I mention the
cheerleaders?
On paper, that plan seemed to be the perfect play. All we had to do was
execute it.
However, there is a lot that can go wrong between the conception of a plan
and the execution of it. Sometimes, the play worked to perfection. But
sometimes, things didn’t work out so well. And it usually stemmed from the
fact that the defensive players were never where they were supposed to be.
They were never shown that clipboard.
As archery hunters, our goal is to place ourselves within comfortable bow
range of an unsuspecting deer. We pour over maps, scout feeding and bedding
areas, look for funnels along travel routes, and practice long hours with
our equipment. When we find just the right setup, we think we have a
perfect plan. Now all we have to do is execute it. The problem is….the deer
are not privy to our plans….they haven’t seen our clipboard.
We’ve all experienced having deer come from a direction that we were
totally not prepared for. A number of years ago, I was in a stand and had
ranged three-quarters of the area around me. I didn’t bother with the one
quadrant because I KNEW the deer were not going to come in from that
direction. Wanna take a guess on what direction they DID came from?
We all should have a game plan in place well before we hit the woods. But
don’t plan things so narrowly that you have no room to make adjustments.
For example, I already know the exact tree I’ll be hunting out of on
opening day. However, if the wind isn’t just right that morning, I already
have alternate stand locations ready to go.
The perfect plan should not be set in stone. Rather, it should be a
“template” or “flowchart” that provides several options for varying
circumstances. As Captain Barbosa said about the pirate’s code in “Pirates
of the Caribbean”…”they’re more like guidelines”.
But having those “guidelines” when crunch-time arrives will give you the
confidence that your plan is a good one and that you will be successful.
play on his clipboard as we huddled around him during a time-out. His X’s
and O’s were placed exactly where he wanted them and his lines of movement,
screens, and ball passing arrows were precise. These “special” plays
usually occurred towards the end of the game with mere seconds remaining
and the outcome still in question.
And things weren’t calm in that little huddle.
The crowd was screaming, the cheerleaders were pumping everyone up, the
coach was yelling to be heard and to make his point, and we were sweating,
trying to catch our breath, and remember our assignments. Did I mention the
cheerleaders?
On paper, that plan seemed to be the perfect play. All we had to do was
execute it.
However, there is a lot that can go wrong between the conception of a plan
and the execution of it. Sometimes, the play worked to perfection. But
sometimes, things didn’t work out so well. And it usually stemmed from the
fact that the defensive players were never where they were supposed to be.
They were never shown that clipboard.
As archery hunters, our goal is to place ourselves within comfortable bow
range of an unsuspecting deer. We pour over maps, scout feeding and bedding
areas, look for funnels along travel routes, and practice long hours with
our equipment. When we find just the right setup, we think we have a
perfect plan. Now all we have to do is execute it. The problem is….the deer
are not privy to our plans….they haven’t seen our clipboard.
We’ve all experienced having deer come from a direction that we were
totally not prepared for. A number of years ago, I was in a stand and had
ranged three-quarters of the area around me. I didn’t bother with the one
quadrant because I KNEW the deer were not going to come in from that
direction. Wanna take a guess on what direction they DID came from?
We all should have a game plan in place well before we hit the woods. But
don’t plan things so narrowly that you have no room to make adjustments.
For example, I already know the exact tree I’ll be hunting out of on
opening day. However, if the wind isn’t just right that morning, I already
have alternate stand locations ready to go.
The perfect plan should not be set in stone. Rather, it should be a
“template” or “flowchart” that provides several options for varying
circumstances. As Captain Barbosa said about the pirate’s code in “Pirates
of the Caribbean”…”they’re more like guidelines”.
But having those “guidelines” when crunch-time arrives will give you the
confidence that your plan is a good one and that you will be successful.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
SPEED vs ACCURACY
So much emphasis lately had been directed towards arrow speed. It seems to me that most archers are searching out the absolute fastest bows on the market and want bows that are even faster…and manufacturers are developing
bows to fill the demand.
But how fast of a bow does one really need? And what are you giving up in a bow that shoots upwards of 330 feet per second (fps) or more?
Brace height (distance from back of riser to string) is the primary determining factor in bow speed. In general, the shorter the brace height, the faster the bow is. But, the faster the bow, the less forgiving it is.
Because the arrow leaves the bow at such a high rate of speed on bows with short brace heights, any flaw in your form or any twitch or mishap during
your release is going to be severely magnified when it comes to your accuracy. You will still have accuracy problems with long brace height bows too but the errors will not be as severe.
And how much arrow speed do you really need anyway? Let’s compare arrows traveling at 330 fps and those traveling at 280 fps. We’ll use a middle of
the road distance...30 yards (or 90 feet).
It would take the 330 fps arrow about .273 seconds to travel 90 feet (just a bit more than ¼ of a second).
It would take the 280 fps arrow about .321 seconds to travel 90 feet (just under 1/3 of a second). That’s a difference of .048 seconds (less than 1/20 of a second)!
Now, every deer reacts at different speeds based on different circumstances. But for arguments sake, we’ll say that a deer can react to the sound of your bow in about .100 seconds (1/10 of a second). The average human reacts in about .23 seconds (a little less than ¼ of a second).
All of these numbers mean just one thing…the difference in arrow speed between the 330 fps arrow and my 280 fps arrow is negligible when it comes
to the deer reacting to the sound of the bow at 30 yards. In other words, I don’t have to aim any differently that the archer using the 330 fps bow. At closer distances, the differences become even less.
To be fair though, you do gain one advantage when shooting a faster bow….since the trajectory is somewhat flatter on faster bows, you are able
to shoot through slightly smaller openings.
So what’s it gonna be? Are you going to go for all that speed and hope that you don’t flinch during your release and not gain all that much when it
comes to overcoming the deer jumping the string? Or, are you going to shoot a bow with moderate speed and gain a whole bunch of forgiveness?
As for me and mine…I’ll take bow forgiveness over arrow speed any day.
bows to fill the demand.
But how fast of a bow does one really need? And what are you giving up in a bow that shoots upwards of 330 feet per second (fps) or more?
Brace height (distance from back of riser to string) is the primary determining factor in bow speed. In general, the shorter the brace height, the faster the bow is. But, the faster the bow, the less forgiving it is.
Because the arrow leaves the bow at such a high rate of speed on bows with short brace heights, any flaw in your form or any twitch or mishap during
your release is going to be severely magnified when it comes to your accuracy. You will still have accuracy problems with long brace height bows too but the errors will not be as severe.
And how much arrow speed do you really need anyway? Let’s compare arrows traveling at 330 fps and those traveling at 280 fps. We’ll use a middle of
the road distance...30 yards (or 90 feet).
It would take the 330 fps arrow about .273 seconds to travel 90 feet (just a bit more than ¼ of a second).
It would take the 280 fps arrow about .321 seconds to travel 90 feet (just under 1/3 of a second). That’s a difference of .048 seconds (less than 1/20 of a second)!
Now, every deer reacts at different speeds based on different circumstances. But for arguments sake, we’ll say that a deer can react to the sound of your bow in about .100 seconds (1/10 of a second). The average human reacts in about .23 seconds (a little less than ¼ of a second).
All of these numbers mean just one thing…the difference in arrow speed between the 330 fps arrow and my 280 fps arrow is negligible when it comes
to the deer reacting to the sound of the bow at 30 yards. In other words, I don’t have to aim any differently that the archer using the 330 fps bow. At closer distances, the differences become even less.
To be fair though, you do gain one advantage when shooting a faster bow….since the trajectory is somewhat flatter on faster bows, you are able
to shoot through slightly smaller openings.
So what’s it gonna be? Are you going to go for all that speed and hope that you don’t flinch during your release and not gain all that much when it
comes to overcoming the deer jumping the string? Or, are you going to shoot a bow with moderate speed and gain a whole bunch of forgiveness?
As for me and mine…I’ll take bow forgiveness over arrow speed any day.
Monday, May 17, 2010
SUNDAY HUNTING IN PENNSYLVANIA
While it may sound strange to some of you, Pennsylvania does not allow hunting on Sunday….and I say we should keep it that way!!!
Now I know some of you hunters are aghast that Pennsylvania is one of the 12 states that do not allow unlimited Sunday hunting during normal firearm
seasons. But let me tell you why I feel that PA should NEVER allow Sunday hunting.
Right now, the firearms opener in PA begins on the Monday after Thanksgiving. In 2006, based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation report, approximately ONE MILLION deer hunters entered the Pennsylvania woods on opening day that year with a loaded firearm (this does NOT include
non-residents or hunters under the age of 16). In comparison, Texas only had 890,000 deer hunters on their opening firearms day while Wisconsin had 639,000 hunters.
Now remember folks…this is a MONDAY and is NOT a holiday. ONE MILLION hunters…not counting non-residents and hunters under 16!
Now, if PA permitted Sunday hunting, how long do you think it would take before someone suggested that the firearms opener be moved from that Monday to the first Saturday after Thanksgiving???
Conservatively, there’d be 100,000 - 150,000 MORE hunters hitting the Pennsylvania woods with a loaded firearm on the opening day of deer season.
This is in addition to the ONE MILLION hunters that are already out there…and we’re still not counting non-residents those hunters under 16!
While hunting is still one of the safest outdoor activities you can participate in, the chance for an accident WILL increase. Not to mention that the limited free movement deer have on opening day today will be restricted even more.
Sadly though, it all comes down to the mighty dollar. The additional 150,000 hunters in the woods is seen simply as a revenue increase to those
who make these types of decisions.
SAY NO TO SUNDAY HUNTING IN PENNSYLVANIA!
Now I know some of you hunters are aghast that Pennsylvania is one of the 12 states that do not allow unlimited Sunday hunting during normal firearm
seasons. But let me tell you why I feel that PA should NEVER allow Sunday hunting.
Right now, the firearms opener in PA begins on the Monday after Thanksgiving. In 2006, based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation report, approximately ONE MILLION deer hunters entered the Pennsylvania woods on opening day that year with a loaded firearm (this does NOT include
non-residents or hunters under the age of 16). In comparison, Texas only had 890,000 deer hunters on their opening firearms day while Wisconsin had 639,000 hunters.
Now remember folks…this is a MONDAY and is NOT a holiday. ONE MILLION hunters…not counting non-residents and hunters under 16!
Now, if PA permitted Sunday hunting, how long do you think it would take before someone suggested that the firearms opener be moved from that Monday to the first Saturday after Thanksgiving???
Conservatively, there’d be 100,000 - 150,000 MORE hunters hitting the Pennsylvania woods with a loaded firearm on the opening day of deer season.
This is in addition to the ONE MILLION hunters that are already out there…and we’re still not counting non-residents those hunters under 16!
While hunting is still one of the safest outdoor activities you can participate in, the chance for an accident WILL increase. Not to mention that the limited free movement deer have on opening day today will be restricted even more.
Sadly though, it all comes down to the mighty dollar. The additional 150,000 hunters in the woods is seen simply as a revenue increase to those
who make these types of decisions.
SAY NO TO SUNDAY HUNTING IN PENNSYLVANIA!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Another Hunter Joins Our Ranks
Both of my boys are now certified to hunt! Walker (my youngest) completed his Hunter Safety Education course on Saturday and only missed two
questions on the test! I officially took the class with Walker even though I was certified in Minnesota about a hundred years ago.
There won’t be a safe rabbit, squirrel, or grouse within 20 miles of my house this fall.
I tip my hat to the Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel who took time out of their busy schedule to administer the class. The instructors were patient, knowledgeable, and eager to inform. They had lots of hands on stuff for the kids to do and the time went by very quickly.
I plan on taking the Bow Hunter Education course that the Pennsylvania Game
Commission offers. While I have been hunting with a bow for a number of years now, I am always willing to learn, talk about, and participate in
archery related events. Besides, some states require a bow hunter safety course before you are permitted to archery hunt in that state.
questions on the test! I officially took the class with Walker even though I was certified in Minnesota about a hundred years ago.
There won’t be a safe rabbit, squirrel, or grouse within 20 miles of my house this fall.
I tip my hat to the Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel who took time out of their busy schedule to administer the class. The instructors were patient, knowledgeable, and eager to inform. They had lots of hands on stuff for the kids to do and the time went by very quickly.
I plan on taking the Bow Hunter Education course that the Pennsylvania Game
Commission offers. While I have been hunting with a bow for a number of years now, I am always willing to learn, talk about, and participate in
archery related events. Besides, some states require a bow hunter safety course before you are permitted to archery hunt in that state.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
ARROW RESTS
There’s been some discussion in our archery club lately about which type of arrow rest is best. There are all types of rests on the market (wedge, prong, drop-away, capture, lizard tongue). All of these will do the job. But if you are looking for what I feel is the best accuracy out of your
set-up, an arrow rest that has the least affect on arrow flight is going to be your best bet….and for that, I recommend the drop-away arrow rest.
As you come to full draw, a drop-away rest is raised to lift your arrow into launch position. As the string goes forward at release, then tension on the drop-away rest is removed and it drops out of the arrow flight path. Set up properly for the quickest possible drop, the arrow travels over the drop-away rest for a very short distance before the rest is completely free of the arrow. At that point, the only thing touching the arrow for the remainder of the shot is the string.
For the other arrow rests, the arrow literally bounces over them for the ENTIRE distance of the arrow. If you were to magnify the rest and arrow contact point and watch it in slow motion, you will see considerable movement of the arrow as it passes over or through the arrow rest. Then,
the vanes or feathers have to pass over/through followed by the nock.
All of this high speed bouncing around affects arrow flight which in turn affects a consistent impact point. There is much less arrow/arrow rest contact with a drop-away rest. This will result in a more consistent arrow flight and then more consistent impact points. Consistent arrow groupings are what we always strive for.
In addition, with non drop-away rests, you have to hold your follow through position in place until the ENTIRE length of the arrow clears the rest. While we all should hold our follow through position until arrow impact, the drop-away rest gives us that little margin for error. And believe me, when that buck walks in to our shooting lane, we’re going to want as much margin for error as we can get!
There are places for all types of rests as there are many hunter and shooter preferences.
Some arrow rests may be used out of necessity. If you are in a stand where deer have to be shot almost directly below your stand, a capture rest (such as a Whisker Biscuit) is a must. No matter which angle you have to tip the bow, the arrow will not fall out of or off of the rest. I also recommend capture rests for youngsters who are just starting out. It seems the hardest thing for some of them to do it to keep the arrow on the rest when coming to full draw.
If you are having problems getting consistent groupings and your set up does not include a drop-away arrow rest, consider giving one a try.
set-up, an arrow rest that has the least affect on arrow flight is going to be your best bet….and for that, I recommend the drop-away arrow rest.
As you come to full draw, a drop-away rest is raised to lift your arrow into launch position. As the string goes forward at release, then tension on the drop-away rest is removed and it drops out of the arrow flight path. Set up properly for the quickest possible drop, the arrow travels over the drop-away rest for a very short distance before the rest is completely free of the arrow. At that point, the only thing touching the arrow for the remainder of the shot is the string.
For the other arrow rests, the arrow literally bounces over them for the ENTIRE distance of the arrow. If you were to magnify the rest and arrow contact point and watch it in slow motion, you will see considerable movement of the arrow as it passes over or through the arrow rest. Then,
the vanes or feathers have to pass over/through followed by the nock.
All of this high speed bouncing around affects arrow flight which in turn affects a consistent impact point. There is much less arrow/arrow rest contact with a drop-away rest. This will result in a more consistent arrow flight and then more consistent impact points. Consistent arrow groupings are what we always strive for.
In addition, with non drop-away rests, you have to hold your follow through position in place until the ENTIRE length of the arrow clears the rest. While we all should hold our follow through position until arrow impact, the drop-away rest gives us that little margin for error. And believe me, when that buck walks in to our shooting lane, we’re going to want as much margin for error as we can get!
There are places for all types of rests as there are many hunter and shooter preferences.
Some arrow rests may be used out of necessity. If you are in a stand where deer have to be shot almost directly below your stand, a capture rest (such as a Whisker Biscuit) is a must. No matter which angle you have to tip the bow, the arrow will not fall out of or off of the rest. I also recommend capture rests for youngsters who are just starting out. It seems the hardest thing for some of them to do it to keep the arrow on the rest when coming to full draw.
If you are having problems getting consistent groupings and your set up does not include a drop-away arrow rest, consider giving one a try.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Nerves or Lack of Focus?
About a week ago, our archery club held a grocery shoot as a fund raiser.
The last round of the night was for a very nice bow stabilizer. We had a shoot-off and soon it was down to two shooters….a friend of mine from the club and a shooter from another club.
My friend and I were shooting on the same lane all night and he had put his last five arrows in the bullseye. His opponent shot first and was well outside the bullseye ring….all my friend had to do was come close. But then
he did something he hadn’t done all night…he came to full draw, aimed…..and let down. He did this twice. His nerves were getting to him.
Instead of letting his body do what it knew how to do, his mind took over.
Instead of focusing on the tiny little “X” in the middle of the bullseye,
he was worried about other things.
Have you ever watched a little child carry a plate of food across the living room or out in the yard during a picnic? If the child does not focus
on that plate the entire trip, the plate begins to dip until it is at an alarming angle.
Have you ever been driving and so lost in thought that when you snapped out of it, you don’t remember driving the last few miles?
Have you even been watching CNN and tried listening to what the reporters were saying while trying to read the scrolling news stories at the bottom of the screen….at the same time. I can’t do it!
Have you ever had a tall 8-point come in to your shooting lane at 7:15 AM, come to full draw, and sail the arrow over his back…only to realize later
that you honestly didn’t remember where your kisser button was when you were at full draw?
My point is…we can’t truly focus 100% of our attention on more than one thing at a time.
When its crunch time and your nerves are screaming at you, there’s only one thing you can do….relax, find that aiming point, focus all of your
attention on it, and let your body release the arrow like you’ve trained it to do.
As for my friend…he still has his old stabilizer on his bow
The last round of the night was for a very nice bow stabilizer. We had a shoot-off and soon it was down to two shooters….a friend of mine from the club and a shooter from another club.
My friend and I were shooting on the same lane all night and he had put his last five arrows in the bullseye. His opponent shot first and was well outside the bullseye ring….all my friend had to do was come close. But then
he did something he hadn’t done all night…he came to full draw, aimed…..and let down. He did this twice. His nerves were getting to him.
Instead of letting his body do what it knew how to do, his mind took over.
Instead of focusing on the tiny little “X” in the middle of the bullseye,
he was worried about other things.
Have you ever watched a little child carry a plate of food across the living room or out in the yard during a picnic? If the child does not focus
on that plate the entire trip, the plate begins to dip until it is at an alarming angle.
Have you ever been driving and so lost in thought that when you snapped out of it, you don’t remember driving the last few miles?
Have you even been watching CNN and tried listening to what the reporters were saying while trying to read the scrolling news stories at the bottom of the screen….at the same time. I can’t do it!
Have you ever had a tall 8-point come in to your shooting lane at 7:15 AM, come to full draw, and sail the arrow over his back…only to realize later
that you honestly didn’t remember where your kisser button was when you were at full draw?
My point is…we can’t truly focus 100% of our attention on more than one thing at a time.
When its crunch time and your nerves are screaming at you, there’s only one thing you can do….relax, find that aiming point, focus all of your
attention on it, and let your body release the arrow like you’ve trained it to do.
As for my friend…he still has his old stabilizer on his bow
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Things I think about...in no particular order
Everyone should be required to take marksmanship proficiency tests in firearms and archery before being allowed to enter the woods.
We should be permitted to shoot out the tires of road hunters.
Game Commissions are doing the best with what they have to provide adequate deer populations.
If you shoot it, you eat it.
State firearm safety courses should include how to track a wounded animal.
Crossbows should only be permitted for use by those with physical limitations.
Sunday hunting should not be allowed anywhere for anything!
They should have pull-off areas along highways so we can safely watch deer in the fields.
Kids should start out shooting bows with mechanical releases and then learn how to shoot fingers.
PETA...’nuf said.
Every deer you’re fortunate enough to harvest should be considered a trophy.
Wearing a safety harness while in a tree stand should be required by law.
While in deer camp, discussion topics such as taxes, mortgage rates, and computers should be forbidden.
I’ve never seen a Game Warden walking in the woods when they weren’t on a road or trail….wait….I’ve never seen a Game Warden walking.
Why don’t you ever see deer cross the road near those “Deer Crossing” signs?
I prefer to archery hunt in the evenings but rifle hunt in the mornings.
As I get older, my tree stand gets closer to the ground.
My dad is the best hunter I’ve ever known.
We should be permitted to shoot out the tires of road hunters.
Game Commissions are doing the best with what they have to provide adequate deer populations.
If you shoot it, you eat it.
State firearm safety courses should include how to track a wounded animal.
Crossbows should only be permitted for use by those with physical limitations.
Sunday hunting should not be allowed anywhere for anything!
They should have pull-off areas along highways so we can safely watch deer in the fields.
Kids should start out shooting bows with mechanical releases and then learn how to shoot fingers.
PETA...’nuf said.
Every deer you’re fortunate enough to harvest should be considered a trophy.
Wearing a safety harness while in a tree stand should be required by law.
While in deer camp, discussion topics such as taxes, mortgage rates, and computers should be forbidden.
I’ve never seen a Game Warden walking in the woods when they weren’t on a road or trail….wait….I’ve never seen a Game Warden walking.
Why don’t you ever see deer cross the road near those “Deer Crossing” signs?
I prefer to archery hunt in the evenings but rifle hunt in the mornings.
As I get older, my tree stand gets closer to the ground.
My dad is the best hunter I’ve ever known.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
***ARCHERY TIP OF THE WEEK***
Draw Length
I am 6’3” while my wife is only 5’2”. Imagine my discomfort when I try to cram myself behind the wheel of the family roadster after my wife has driven it….and she didn’t re-adjust the seat. IF I am able to get in, I must adjust the seat way back so that my knees are out of my ears, adjust both side mirrors, the rearview mirror, the steering wheel, and even sometimes the radio. I would not even attempt to drive that vehicle until it was adjusted to fit me because it would be very unsafe, very uncomfortable, and very unproductive.
The same concept should be applied to our bows. Our bow should be adjusted to fit us instead of us trying to cram ourselves into impossible positions to fit the bow.
In my youth instructional program last week, a young shooter was getting frustrated because she couldn’t hit the target consistently. I hadn’t had a chance to work with her before. I watched her shoot three arrows and could plainly see her problem. First, the draw length of the bow was too short and this caused her bow arm to be bent too much. Her entire shooting side was tensed up and quivering. Second, her peep sight was way too high. She was struggling at keeping the kisser button where it was supposed to be and trying to see through the peep. I gave the bow about another inch of draw length and moved her peep sight down. At full draw, her body now looked relaxed and she put her next two arrows in the bulls-eye and the third one just outside the bulls-eye. I wish you could have seen the look of joy on her face.
I am an advocate of having your bow elbow “locked” when at full draw. If your body is properly aligned and your stance is correct, this will give you a direct line from your grip to your front shoulder. If your elbow is bent, you will be using forearm and upper arm muscle groups to hold your bow at full draw. Small muscle groups like these will tire quickly and cause inconsistency in your groupings. Also, if your elbow is bent, you can not ensure that you are bending it at the same angle every single time at full draw. You will come to full draw, put the kisser button where it’s
supposed to go, and THEN adjust your bow elbow angle accordingly.
And remember, a draw length that is too long can cause its own set of problems. So get to an archery pro shop and have a technician take a look at your draw length at full draw. A slight bow adjustment can make a world of difference.
And mom and dad….remember….your kids are growing. That bow that may have perfectly fit your child last year may need to have some adjustments made this year. Pay attention to your child’s shooting form.
I am 6’3” while my wife is only 5’2”. Imagine my discomfort when I try to cram myself behind the wheel of the family roadster after my wife has driven it….and she didn’t re-adjust the seat. IF I am able to get in, I must adjust the seat way back so that my knees are out of my ears, adjust both side mirrors, the rearview mirror, the steering wheel, and even sometimes the radio. I would not even attempt to drive that vehicle until it was adjusted to fit me because it would be very unsafe, very uncomfortable, and very unproductive.
The same concept should be applied to our bows. Our bow should be adjusted to fit us instead of us trying to cram ourselves into impossible positions to fit the bow.
In my youth instructional program last week, a young shooter was getting frustrated because she couldn’t hit the target consistently. I hadn’t had a chance to work with her before. I watched her shoot three arrows and could plainly see her problem. First, the draw length of the bow was too short and this caused her bow arm to be bent too much. Her entire shooting side was tensed up and quivering. Second, her peep sight was way too high. She was struggling at keeping the kisser button where it was supposed to be and trying to see through the peep. I gave the bow about another inch of draw length and moved her peep sight down. At full draw, her body now looked relaxed and she put her next two arrows in the bulls-eye and the third one just outside the bulls-eye. I wish you could have seen the look of joy on her face.
I am an advocate of having your bow elbow “locked” when at full draw. If your body is properly aligned and your stance is correct, this will give you a direct line from your grip to your front shoulder. If your elbow is bent, you will be using forearm and upper arm muscle groups to hold your bow at full draw. Small muscle groups like these will tire quickly and cause inconsistency in your groupings. Also, if your elbow is bent, you can not ensure that you are bending it at the same angle every single time at full draw. You will come to full draw, put the kisser button where it’s
supposed to go, and THEN adjust your bow elbow angle accordingly.
And remember, a draw length that is too long can cause its own set of problems. So get to an archery pro shop and have a technician take a look at your draw length at full draw. A slight bow adjustment can make a world of difference.
And mom and dad….remember….your kids are growing. That bow that may have perfectly fit your child last year may need to have some adjustments made this year. Pay attention to your child’s shooting form.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Kids and Equipment
Our archery club’s instructional youth program has started and we have about 40 kids participating this year. As a certified archery instructor, I help out where I can but find that most of my time is consumed with adjusting or applying equipment to bows. While our club supplies bows for children to use who don’t have one, many kids do have their own bows and bring them to the club. But many times, I see equipment that is insufficient or lacking completely on the bows these kids bring to the
club.
Now what kid doesn’t enjoy shooting a bow? Even as an adult, I thoroughly enjoy the feeling of coming to full draw, aiming carefully, triggering my release, and watching my arrow hit its mark……sometimes. But what happens when a child follows their instructor’s advice to the letter and still doesn’t hit what they’re aiming at….or even come close? They start to get frustrated.
As adults, we have the resources, finances, and contacts available to us to
pinpoint an equipment problem and correct it. Once we have the proper equipment and have adjusted it accordingly, we know that is then comes down
to practice in order to get better. Children do not have the resources, finances, or contacts to determine equipment problems. They have to rely on adults and usually the first line of defense for them is the parents.
If a child is given poor equipment, how can they possibly be expected to hit what they are aiming at? When they don’t, they begin to get frustrated and if it lasts too long, the child loses interest and may never pick up a bow again.
I’ve seen kids try to shoot bows without arrows rests, bows without sights of any kind, and arrows of different lengths and weights. I’ve even had parents who don’t know if their kids shoot right or left handed. But the biggest pet peeve of mine is parents who make their kids shoot with their fingers because …“I don’t want to spend money on a release in case my kid doesn’t like archery.” Well guess what? Even with the best equipment, most kids won’t be able to hit close to where they are aiming if they shoot with their fingers. Your child WILL lose interest!
My own child almost hated shooting a bow while he was using a club bow. But after we bought him a used bow that fit him, put on the right equipment, and made the proper adjustments, he started putting his arrows closer to
where he was aiming. Now, he looks forward to shooting and WANTS to improve his shooting.
While some of it may be attributed to financial issues or simple lack of knowledge, many parents will not provide their children with the proper
archery equipment. But they expect them to go out and shoot some old mismatched arrows that an uncle gave them on a stripped down bow given to them by a neighbor…and have fun doing it.
So Mom and Dad….do you and your kids a favor…provide your children with the proper archery equipment. I am NOT saying it all has to be brand new. But if your child does have a used bow, get to a pro shop and have it adjusted
to your child. Make sure the bow has equipment on it that is going to give your kid a fighting chance at hitting the target. And for goodness sake,
find a mechanical release for your kid to use.
club.
Now what kid doesn’t enjoy shooting a bow? Even as an adult, I thoroughly enjoy the feeling of coming to full draw, aiming carefully, triggering my release, and watching my arrow hit its mark……sometimes. But what happens when a child follows their instructor’s advice to the letter and still doesn’t hit what they’re aiming at….or even come close? They start to get frustrated.
As adults, we have the resources, finances, and contacts available to us to
pinpoint an equipment problem and correct it. Once we have the proper equipment and have adjusted it accordingly, we know that is then comes down
to practice in order to get better. Children do not have the resources, finances, or contacts to determine equipment problems. They have to rely on adults and usually the first line of defense for them is the parents.
If a child is given poor equipment, how can they possibly be expected to hit what they are aiming at? When they don’t, they begin to get frustrated and if it lasts too long, the child loses interest and may never pick up a bow again.
I’ve seen kids try to shoot bows without arrows rests, bows without sights of any kind, and arrows of different lengths and weights. I’ve even had parents who don’t know if their kids shoot right or left handed. But the biggest pet peeve of mine is parents who make their kids shoot with their fingers because …“I don’t want to spend money on a release in case my kid doesn’t like archery.” Well guess what? Even with the best equipment, most kids won’t be able to hit close to where they are aiming if they shoot with their fingers. Your child WILL lose interest!
My own child almost hated shooting a bow while he was using a club bow. But after we bought him a used bow that fit him, put on the right equipment, and made the proper adjustments, he started putting his arrows closer to
where he was aiming. Now, he looks forward to shooting and WANTS to improve his shooting.
While some of it may be attributed to financial issues or simple lack of knowledge, many parents will not provide their children with the proper
archery equipment. But they expect them to go out and shoot some old mismatched arrows that an uncle gave them on a stripped down bow given to them by a neighbor…and have fun doing it.
So Mom and Dad….do you and your kids a favor…provide your children with the proper archery equipment. I am NOT saying it all has to be brand new. But if your child does have a used bow, get to a pro shop and have it adjusted
to your child. Make sure the bow has equipment on it that is going to give your kid a fighting chance at hitting the target. And for goodness sake,
find a mechanical release for your kid to use.
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