When I was a bow technician for a national outdoor retail chain, my duties
included a lot more than working on bows, selling bows, or dispersing
information about bows. We also offered hundreds of archery and hunting
accessories. I took it upon myself to know as much as I could about all the
products we sold in the archery department so I could give hunters accurate
information as well as my informed opinion on the product. I can’t count
how many times I was asked what I thought about a particular product. Not
only that, but I was constantly asked how to use various products as well.
The use and application of scents was always a subject I discussed at
length with anyone who would listen.
SCENTS SENSE
Scents fall into two basic categories…cover and attractants. On the
surface, it would appear that you can never go wrong with using cover or
attractant scents whenever you want for whitetails. But you may be doing
more harm than good if you use either type of scent at the wrong time.
COVER SCENTS
To the nose of a whitetail deer, we are very stinky creatures. While we
should all take steps to eliminate as much odor from our bodies, clothing,
and equipment as possible we can still utilize cover scents as an added
precaution. Cover scents are to be used exactly what they are advertised
for…to cover OUR scent. But be cautious of cover scents that have an odor
themselves. Acorn scented cover scents are popular but if used very early
or very late in the season that scent is not normal to a deer at that time
of year. The best time to use an acorn scented cover scent is when the
acorns are dropping or shortly thereafter.
ATTRACTANT SCENTS
Attractant scents must be very carefully timed. During the early rut, when
bucks are establishing dominance amongst themselves, a dominant buck scent
is ideal. Later on, when the bucks are on the prowl for romance, a
doe-in-estrus scent is the way to go. But again, use these scents too early
(and sometimes too late) in the season and you run the risk of actually
having deer avoid your area because they may feel that something just isn’t
right with that particular scent at that particular time of the year.
CONCLUSION
You know those stores that specialize only in Christmas products? They all
seem to have that peculiar holiday smell to them. Now walk in to that store
in the middle of the summer. Your nose tells you it’s Christmas time but
your brain tells you it is July…the two just don’t go together.
Experiencing that scent at that time of year is the same type of confusion
a whitetail has when they detect an odor that is out of time with the
season.
By paying attention to what’s going on in the habitat around you and
understanding the timing of the whitetail’s breeding cycle, scents can be a
very powerful tool for us archery hunters who must get our prey in almost
on top of us. If the dominant buck in your area smells an adversary for his
does and comes charging in for a fight or if that same buck is focused on
finding the source of the aroma of love, scents are a MUST HAVE!. And don’t
get me started about combining scents with calls and decoys during the rut.
Oh boy!!
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
DEER AND THEIR CORE AREAS
We all have roads around where we live that we know very well. We know them
so well in fact, that on a dark night we are applying the brakes to our
vehicle long before we see the curve in the outer-most reaches of our high
beams. We may accelerate coming out of a curve because we know that in
front of us lies a long straight stretch of road. And we might put our
blinker on going up a hill, knowing that our blind turn is just over the
crest. With the recent deluge of rain we have experienced here in the
northeast this fall, many outlying roads are flooding even with a moderate
amount of rain. But almost without thinking about it, we are quickly able
to plot out an alternative route to our destination when we happen upon a
closed road.
We have become so familiar with our surroundings that our actions become
almost second nature to us.
MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE
Deer are masters of their environment. While we may think we know the area
around our homes pretty well, it is literally a matter of life and death
for the whitetail to know their core areas intimately. Not only must they
know their homes very well, it must come fully furnished.
MY HOUSE IS A VERY VERY VERY FINE HOUSE
Deer must have three things in their core area in order for it to hold
them.
· Security. They want secure bedding areas and accessible escape routes
that can get them out of danger and the area quickly.
· Cover. Bucks especially want to have as much between them and prying
eyes as possible. This will include hedgerows that connect two larger
tracts of woods, depressions that allow covert movement, and thick
nasty areas where they can go to hide out.
· Food and water sources. Food sources may include agricultural crops,
meadows, and seasonal acorns. In the fall and winter, deer are
opportune eaters and will consume whatever browse they can find.
FIND THE DOES
While bucks will and do leave their core areas during the rut to search for
receptive does, if there is enough security, cover, and food sources, the
does will be in abundance within that bucks area of operation. Find the
does and you find the bucks…especially during the rut.
CONCLUSION
It may seem that the deer disappear off the face of the earth once the
hunting season has been going for a couple days. The truth is that it takes
a LOT to force a deer to leave its core area. They know their environment
so well, that they simply slink away without you seeing them and hole up
until the pressure lessens.
Think about it…if you knew you were being hunted by some bully who was
watching the roads you normally travel and the restaurants you normally eat
at, wouldn’t YOU find alternative roads and diners? Wouldn’t YOU find a
nice little hidey-hole to escape to when the bully got too close for
comfort? You bet you would…and so does that buck.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
so well in fact, that on a dark night we are applying the brakes to our
vehicle long before we see the curve in the outer-most reaches of our high
beams. We may accelerate coming out of a curve because we know that in
front of us lies a long straight stretch of road. And we might put our
blinker on going up a hill, knowing that our blind turn is just over the
crest. With the recent deluge of rain we have experienced here in the
northeast this fall, many outlying roads are flooding even with a moderate
amount of rain. But almost without thinking about it, we are quickly able
to plot out an alternative route to our destination when we happen upon a
closed road.
We have become so familiar with our surroundings that our actions become
almost second nature to us.
MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE
Deer are masters of their environment. While we may think we know the area
around our homes pretty well, it is literally a matter of life and death
for the whitetail to know their core areas intimately. Not only must they
know their homes very well, it must come fully furnished.
MY HOUSE IS A VERY VERY VERY FINE HOUSE
Deer must have three things in their core area in order for it to hold
them.
· Security. They want secure bedding areas and accessible escape routes
that can get them out of danger and the area quickly.
· Cover. Bucks especially want to have as much between them and prying
eyes as possible. This will include hedgerows that connect two larger
tracts of woods, depressions that allow covert movement, and thick
nasty areas where they can go to hide out.
· Food and water sources. Food sources may include agricultural crops,
meadows, and seasonal acorns. In the fall and winter, deer are
opportune eaters and will consume whatever browse they can find.
FIND THE DOES
While bucks will and do leave their core areas during the rut to search for
receptive does, if there is enough security, cover, and food sources, the
does will be in abundance within that bucks area of operation. Find the
does and you find the bucks…especially during the rut.
CONCLUSION
It may seem that the deer disappear off the face of the earth once the
hunting season has been going for a couple days. The truth is that it takes
a LOT to force a deer to leave its core area. They know their environment
so well, that they simply slink away without you seeing them and hole up
until the pressure lessens.
Think about it…if you knew you were being hunted by some bully who was
watching the roads you normally travel and the restaurants you normally eat
at, wouldn’t YOU find alternative roads and diners? Wouldn’t YOU find a
nice little hidey-hole to escape to when the bully got too close for
comfort? You bet you would…and so does that buck.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Thursday, September 15, 2011
THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER
I remember the horror stories well. When I first joined our deer camp, I
was quickly informed that the deer numbers were way down from years ago.
Time was, a hunter could see 40 or 50 deer in a single day. But not
anymore. Now they were lucky if they saw one or two….all season! I was a
bit disappointed by this information but I soon discovered the reason for
the decline in deer sightings.
SQUATTER’S RIGHTS?
Many of the camp members had been hunting the SAME stand locations year
after year…regardless of wind direction, hunting pressure, or food sources.
I was blessed to have early success at deer camp. I bagged a buck in four
out of my first five seasons there. I just couldn’t understand why I was
seeing and harvesting deer while most of the other guys were not seeing
anything. I would love to tell you that it was because I was a superior
woodsman and hunter extraordinaire but alas…such is not the case. The real
reason why I was seeing deer and my fellow campmates were not was simply
because I was a new camp member and therefore had to find my own spot to
hunt. I had to find a place where none of the other camp members hunted.
Not a spot that someone had been hunting in for…oh….the last 20 years or
so!
IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME…FOR AWHILE ANYWAY
Deer cannot reason like you and I but they do have instincts that warn them
of danger. If they are repeatedly exposed to the sight, sound, or smell of
a perceived danger in a specific location year after year, they will
instinctively alter their travel patterns to avoid that area. The does will
train their young to also avoid those areas and that is then passed down to
other generations. Pretty soon, the hunter that has been sitting in that
same stand for 20 years will be complaining that the deer that once were in
abundance have left the area. In reality, the deer are still there but are
avoiding that spot.
HIT THE ROAD JACK
What I’m trying to tell you is this…if you have a stand location that once
provided lots of deer sightings every season but now seems barren of deer,
and you have been in that same stand every year, maybe it’s time to find a
new hunting spot.
And you might not have to go far either. It could be just a short hop to
the other side of the ridge. Instead of hunting that spur that comes down
the mountain, try dipping into the draw that comes up the mountain. Try
finding a staging area instead of hunting the field edge.
CONCLUSION
Trust me…I know how hard it is to leave a stand location that USED to
provide lots of deer sightings and the occasional meat in the freezer. You
keep thinking that this will finally be the year that the deer come back in
the numbers of old and you had better be on that same stand…again.
It’s time my friend to give up the ghost and explore the woods for a new
hunting spot. And if you can find more than one new spot, your chances have
just gone up on seeing more deer this season and next.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
was quickly informed that the deer numbers were way down from years ago.
Time was, a hunter could see 40 or 50 deer in a single day. But not
anymore. Now they were lucky if they saw one or two….all season! I was a
bit disappointed by this information but I soon discovered the reason for
the decline in deer sightings.
SQUATTER’S RIGHTS?
Many of the camp members had been hunting the SAME stand locations year
after year…regardless of wind direction, hunting pressure, or food sources.
I was blessed to have early success at deer camp. I bagged a buck in four
out of my first five seasons there. I just couldn’t understand why I was
seeing and harvesting deer while most of the other guys were not seeing
anything. I would love to tell you that it was because I was a superior
woodsman and hunter extraordinaire but alas…such is not the case. The real
reason why I was seeing deer and my fellow campmates were not was simply
because I was a new camp member and therefore had to find my own spot to
hunt. I had to find a place where none of the other camp members hunted.
Not a spot that someone had been hunting in for…oh….the last 20 years or
so!
IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME…FOR AWHILE ANYWAY
Deer cannot reason like you and I but they do have instincts that warn them
of danger. If they are repeatedly exposed to the sight, sound, or smell of
a perceived danger in a specific location year after year, they will
instinctively alter their travel patterns to avoid that area. The does will
train their young to also avoid those areas and that is then passed down to
other generations. Pretty soon, the hunter that has been sitting in that
same stand for 20 years will be complaining that the deer that once were in
abundance have left the area. In reality, the deer are still there but are
avoiding that spot.
HIT THE ROAD JACK
What I’m trying to tell you is this…if you have a stand location that once
provided lots of deer sightings every season but now seems barren of deer,
and you have been in that same stand every year, maybe it’s time to find a
new hunting spot.
And you might not have to go far either. It could be just a short hop to
the other side of the ridge. Instead of hunting that spur that comes down
the mountain, try dipping into the draw that comes up the mountain. Try
finding a staging area instead of hunting the field edge.
CONCLUSION
Trust me…I know how hard it is to leave a stand location that USED to
provide lots of deer sightings and the occasional meat in the freezer. You
keep thinking that this will finally be the year that the deer come back in
the numbers of old and you had better be on that same stand…again.
It’s time my friend to give up the ghost and explore the woods for a new
hunting spot. And if you can find more than one new spot, your chances have
just gone up on seeing more deer this season and next.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Friday, August 26, 2011
BOOK REVIEW - "THE BOWHUNTER'S GUIDE TO BETTER SHOOTING"
TITLE, AUTHOR, AND PUBLICATION INFO
“THE BOWHUNTER’S GUIDE TO BETTER SHOOTING”
by Patrick Meitin
Copyright 2011 by Petersen’s Bowhunting and InterMedia Outdoors Company
299 pages
SUMMARY
This book is stuffed full of archery and shooting information. Mr. Meitin
not only gives expert advice on the mechanics of proper form and shooting
methods but he provides in-depth technical guidance on everything from the
parts of the bow, to arrow flight, to setting up a challenging 3D course.
The book covers all aspects of traditional and modern archery shooting and
equipment.
BREAKING IT DOWN
Plain and simple, this book tells you how to make yourself a better archer
on the range and in the field. There is something for everyone here that
will keep even the most experienced archer flipping through the pages
looking for that next little nugget of wisdom. Be warned however, this book
is not for the novice archery shooter. I’ve been shooting bow for a number
of years now and I had to force myself to slow down while reading this book
in order to be able to absorb the huge amount of information.
LIKES
· There is a chapter at the end of the book dedicated to getting
children and family members involved in the sport of archery. As a
youth archery instructor, I applaud the writing.
· What a great reference guide this book will make! If you are having
issues with any part of your shooting form or equipment, having this
book to turn to will help lead you back to your happy place.
· I tire of authors who try to please everyone by being politically
correct. Mr. Meitin comes right out and says it, “Wheat is harvested.
Animals are killed.” Bravo, Mr. Meitin, bravo.
DISLIKES
· An archery book that is technical in nature should not include both
traditional and modern archery equipment and shooting methods. They
are so vastly different that each deserve to be in their own volumes.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
***Disclaimer-This book was provided for my review by the editor of
Petersen’s Bowhunting Magazine.***
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
WAY TO GO BOYS!!!!
My two sons, McLane and Walker Lydell, have just completed the fourth and
final leg of the Pennsylvania State Archery Association’s state archery
tournaments. This was the first year that the boys competed in all four
state tournaments and it was Walker’s first time competing in ANY archery
event.
It was a mad scramble for them to go from shooting 20 yards all the time to
distances ranging from just under 11 yards all the way out to 50 yards.
Bows sights had to be changed out, new arrows purchased, and lots of
practice had to be done.
I couldn’t be prouder of my guys struggling through one shoot that reached
98 degrees, gnats and bugs all over the place, and having to get up very
early on weekends to attend these state shoots PLUS the regional shoots
in-between. In competition alone, the boys shot over 1000 arrows!
Indoor (April)
Walker – 2nd Place Junior Male Unlimited Class B
McLane – 1st Place Junior Male Unlimited Class A
Target (June)
Walker - 1st Place Junior Male Unlimited Class B
McLane – 1st Place Junior Male Unlimited Class A
Field/Hunter (July)
Walker – 1st Place Junior Male Unlimited Class B
McLane – 1st Place Junior Male Unlimited Class A
Bowhunter/Animal (August)
Walker – 2nd Place Junior Male Unlimited Class B
McLane – 1st Place Junior Male Unlimited Class B
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
EARLY SEASON TACTICS
Don’t you just love those videos on TV where the unsuspecting victim
approaches the seemingly normal birthday cake only to be totally surprised
when the trap is sprung and it smashes into their face? The birthday person
had seen lots of birthday cakes before where nothing out of the ordinary
occurred and this cake was approached in a relaxed manner with no thought
to a set up.
IT’S A PARTY
In the early archery season, deer are locked into their late summer / early
fall feeding patterns. They haven’t been harassed at all for many months
and for the past several weeks, they have been leaving their nearby bedding
area and travelling to the bountiful and easily accessible food source in
the back corner of the roadside field.
SURPRISE!!!
But if you’ve done your preseason scouting, on the opening day of archery
season you will be in a stand on the field’s edge. If you’ve used scent
control and are playing the wind correctly, our unsuspecting victim should
be coming down the trail to the seemingly normal food source. And if you
are patient and have been practicing, you should be able to spring your
trap.
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Some things to remember though…
First, have an exit strategy. If a bunch of deer are feeding in the field
you are hunting but the deer you want does not show up on the first night,
you need a plan to get out of your stand and out of the area without
disturbing the whole herd. You do NOT want to walk through the field and
blow them all out of there.
Second, if the wind isn’t right, don’t hunt that location.
Third, it won’t take Mr. Big long to realize he’s being hunted. If you
don’t get him on the first or second night, give the location a rest for a
while.
Fourth, if the animal you want is not coming to the field until after legal
shooting hours have expired, look for a staging area about 50-150 yards
from the field. Sometimes bucks will find an elevated location to check out
the field during daylight hours before committing to it after dark.
CONCLUSION
I’m not sure which is better to hunt…the first week of archery season when
deer are relaxed and in predictable patterns or the pre-rut when calls,
scents, and rattling can bring on an extra element of excitement. I will
admit that early archery season is something I look forward to each year.
The weather is agreeable, I’m excited to be archery hunting again, and the
deer are somewhat foreseeable in their movements.
Missing the early archery season is a mistake and could cost you the buck
of a lifetime.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
PROPER DRAW WEIGHT
All of us have different levels of physical strength. What might seem an
easy feat for one person, could be an impossible task for someone else.
Form is also a factor when it comes to performing a physical endeavor. If
he doesn’t have the proper form, the strongest man in the world will drown
if he doesn’t know how to swim.
Sadly though, the public usually puts physical strength on a pedestal and
forsakes the more cerebral approach. Some archery hunters will take the
manly approach and draw as much weight as they possibly can. Not only can too much draw weight possibly cost you a deer, it could be hazardous to
your health.
MACHO MAN
Ever seen this guy on the archery range? Just as he is about to draw his
bow, he aims it to the heavens, spreads his feet into a wrestling stance,
and begins to draw back his bow. His lips are pursed and his eyes bug out a
little until the cams roll over and he gets into the valley. As he brings
his bow on plane at full draw, his body quivers, he aims quickly, and at
release, exhales loudly in relief of the pressure.
IS YOUR DRAW WEIGHT TOO MUCH? HERE’S THE TEST..
This guy could be big or small but it’s obvious that he is drawing WAY too
much weight. Chances are good that he will eventually pull a muscle but
chances are even greater that if he goes through those gyrations on the
stand, every deer within 100 yards will see him!
So how do you know if you are drawing the right weight for your body style
and strength level? Here’s the test…sit on a chair with both feet flat on
the floor. Hook your release and bring your bow arm up on the plane with
your target. You are drawing too much weight if you are not able to come to
full draw in that position while keeping your pins on the target.
CONCLUSION
You only need about 35 pounds of kinetic energy (KE) for the average
whitetail deer and arrow velocity is part of the formula for determining
KE. Arrow velocity is partially determined by draw weight.
Don’t suffer the fool well who is bragging that the draw weight of his bow
is set at 82 pounds…..unless he can smoothly come to full draw and hold it
there. Then you might want to consider just staying out of his way.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
easy feat for one person, could be an impossible task for someone else.
Form is also a factor when it comes to performing a physical endeavor. If
he doesn’t have the proper form, the strongest man in the world will drown
if he doesn’t know how to swim.
Sadly though, the public usually puts physical strength on a pedestal and
forsakes the more cerebral approach. Some archery hunters will take the
manly approach and draw as much weight as they possibly can. Not only can too much draw weight possibly cost you a deer, it could be hazardous to
your health.
MACHO MAN
Ever seen this guy on the archery range? Just as he is about to draw his
bow, he aims it to the heavens, spreads his feet into a wrestling stance,
and begins to draw back his bow. His lips are pursed and his eyes bug out a
little until the cams roll over and he gets into the valley. As he brings
his bow on plane at full draw, his body quivers, he aims quickly, and at
release, exhales loudly in relief of the pressure.
IS YOUR DRAW WEIGHT TOO MUCH? HERE’S THE TEST..
This guy could be big or small but it’s obvious that he is drawing WAY too
much weight. Chances are good that he will eventually pull a muscle but
chances are even greater that if he goes through those gyrations on the
stand, every deer within 100 yards will see him!
So how do you know if you are drawing the right weight for your body style
and strength level? Here’s the test…sit on a chair with both feet flat on
the floor. Hook your release and bring your bow arm up on the plane with
your target. You are drawing too much weight if you are not able to come to
full draw in that position while keeping your pins on the target.
CONCLUSION
You only need about 35 pounds of kinetic energy (KE) for the average
whitetail deer and arrow velocity is part of the formula for determining
KE. Arrow velocity is partially determined by draw weight.
Don’t suffer the fool well who is bragging that the draw weight of his bow
is set at 82 pounds…..unless he can smoothly come to full draw and hold it
there. Then you might want to consider just staying out of his way.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Thursday, July 28, 2011
WHAT IS A TROPHY?
We’ve all heard the term “trophy hunter”. This usually refers to the
sportsman who passes on lesser animals in order to have the opportunity to
take a more impressive specimen. But what measure do we use to determine if an animal should be considered a “trophy”?
ONE MAN’S TRASH IS ANOTHER MAN’S TREASURE
When I was in the elementary grades, we had a thing called “church school”.
If we chose to, we could get out of school on Wednesday mornings to attend
a nearby church for a couple hours of bible lessons.
One day, our church school teacher told us that we could win a pen if we
were able to recite the books of the bible in order. After a couple weeks
of intense study, I gave it a go. I failed on my first attempt and I
actually remember crying. I really wanted that pen. Thankfully, I was
successful the following week.
To anyone else, the prize I so sought after was nothing special…it was
simply a pen. But to me it was a trophy that showed I had completed a significant accomplishment.
IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER
It doesn’t matter if the prize you seek is a monster buck or the first
legal animal to come within range, when you decide to take a specific
animal it should, at that moment, become your trophy. As hunters, we put
too much time and effort in to a hunt to come full draw on an animal that
we aren’t sure we want.
I’M A MEAT HUNTER!
I remember at deer camp one year when a small group of us were cutting up a deer I had taken the day before. It wasn’t a big deer. In fact, it wasn’t
even a buck. But I had done my homework, found my own stand location, took time out of my schedule, and spent my own money in order to harvest that deer. One of the older camp members was helping out. Looking at the size of the deer I had taken, he commented that I was “just a meat hunter”.
At the time, I was hurt. He had belittled my hunting skills by saying that
my deer was beneath him…that he would never lower himself to shoot a deer of that quality. But when I looked back on that deer later on, I was proud
of myself for being able to outwit it and place myself in a position to
take it.
Darn right I’m a meat hunter!!!
And guess what? That older hunter did not get a deer that year. In fact, a
couple of years later, he shot a deer that was MUCH smaller than mine.
CONCLUSION
It’s all a matter of perspective. If you are content with the animal that
you have decided to take a shot at, then it’s a trophy. It may not make the
record books, the sports section of the local paper, or even the
conversation around hunting camp but it’s still a trophy to you. Be proud
of your accomplishments!
And in case you are wondering…I can still recite the books of the bible in
order.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
sportsman who passes on lesser animals in order to have the opportunity to
take a more impressive specimen. But what measure do we use to determine if an animal should be considered a “trophy”?
ONE MAN’S TRASH IS ANOTHER MAN’S TREASURE
When I was in the elementary grades, we had a thing called “church school”.
If we chose to, we could get out of school on Wednesday mornings to attend
a nearby church for a couple hours of bible lessons.
One day, our church school teacher told us that we could win a pen if we
were able to recite the books of the bible in order. After a couple weeks
of intense study, I gave it a go. I failed on my first attempt and I
actually remember crying. I really wanted that pen. Thankfully, I was
successful the following week.
To anyone else, the prize I so sought after was nothing special…it was
simply a pen. But to me it was a trophy that showed I had completed a significant accomplishment.
IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER
It doesn’t matter if the prize you seek is a monster buck or the first
legal animal to come within range, when you decide to take a specific
animal it should, at that moment, become your trophy. As hunters, we put
too much time and effort in to a hunt to come full draw on an animal that
we aren’t sure we want.
I’M A MEAT HUNTER!
I remember at deer camp one year when a small group of us were cutting up a deer I had taken the day before. It wasn’t a big deer. In fact, it wasn’t
even a buck. But I had done my homework, found my own stand location, took time out of my schedule, and spent my own money in order to harvest that deer. One of the older camp members was helping out. Looking at the size of the deer I had taken, he commented that I was “just a meat hunter”.
At the time, I was hurt. He had belittled my hunting skills by saying that
my deer was beneath him…that he would never lower himself to shoot a deer of that quality. But when I looked back on that deer later on, I was proud
of myself for being able to outwit it and place myself in a position to
take it.
Darn right I’m a meat hunter!!!
And guess what? That older hunter did not get a deer that year. In fact, a
couple of years later, he shot a deer that was MUCH smaller than mine.
CONCLUSION
It’s all a matter of perspective. If you are content with the animal that
you have decided to take a shot at, then it’s a trophy. It may not make the
record books, the sports section of the local paper, or even the
conversation around hunting camp but it’s still a trophy to you. Be proud
of your accomplishments!
And in case you are wondering…I can still recite the books of the bible in
order.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Thursday, July 21, 2011
THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
Have you ever been driving along and then all of the sudden you snap out of
a coma-like trance and you can’t remember anything for the past couple of
minutes and you realize (with some alarm) that your exit is rapidly
approaching? That is the way it is for a lot of archery hunters. They plod
along during the hot summer months concerned mostly with mowing the lawn, tending the garden, and maybe doing a little fishing. But suddenly, they snap out of their coma-like trance and realize (with some alarm) that archery season is rapidly approaching.
NOW IS THE TIME
Consider this a big freeway sign notifying you that your exit is approaching soon.
NOW IS THE TIME to get your bow out to start practicing.
NOW IS THE TIME to replace or repair equipment.
NOW IS THE TIME to check your hunting areas.
NOW IS THE TIME to get your work schedule in order.
NOW IS THE TIME to get licenses or permits.
WE ARE DIFFERENT
Unlike hunters who use rifles, muzzleloaders, or crossbows, we can’t just
pick up our bow after a year of not using it, draw it back, hold that
weight, release smoothly, and expect to hit what we are aiming at. We have
muscles that have to be strengthened and form that needs to be relearned.
We do not have the luxury of simply putting a crosshair or bead on our
target and pulling the trigger. There is SO much more involved. And because
of that, we must begin our practice sessions well before the season opener.
START OUT SLOW
At the beginning, you will want to keep your practice sessions short. As
you tire, your accuracy suffers and you may assign your errant shots to
something else entirely. And trust me, in the beginning, you will get tired
quickly. Try to make time to shoot every day but for the first week, don’t
shoot for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Rest and reset your mind
and body in between each arrow and only shoot three arrows in a group.
FOCUS
It’s alright that you’ll only be shooting about 9-12 arrows each session
during that first week. Focus primarily on your form for each and every
arrow….strength will come. It is better to have a short but FOCUSED
practice session that a long and unfocused one. Beginning in the second
week and every week thereafter, add two more groups of three arrows to your practice sessions until you find yourself shooting for about an hour. For
the first few weeks, practice from the same distance each time so that you
can focus on your form.
CONCLUSION
If you find yourself getting bored with your practice sessions, mix up your
routine a bit. Shoot at a 3D animal target, mix up your distances, or find
a friend or family member to shoot with you. Boredom is a huge killer of
practice. And don’t forget to practice DURING the season as well. If your
last practice session was the day before the opener and you don’t have an
opportunity at a deer until the last day, it could be several months since
you’ve shot.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
a coma-like trance and you can’t remember anything for the past couple of
minutes and you realize (with some alarm) that your exit is rapidly
approaching? That is the way it is for a lot of archery hunters. They plod
along during the hot summer months concerned mostly with mowing the lawn, tending the garden, and maybe doing a little fishing. But suddenly, they snap out of their coma-like trance and realize (with some alarm) that archery season is rapidly approaching.
NOW IS THE TIME
Consider this a big freeway sign notifying you that your exit is approaching soon.
NOW IS THE TIME to get your bow out to start practicing.
NOW IS THE TIME to replace or repair equipment.
NOW IS THE TIME to check your hunting areas.
NOW IS THE TIME to get your work schedule in order.
NOW IS THE TIME to get licenses or permits.
WE ARE DIFFERENT
Unlike hunters who use rifles, muzzleloaders, or crossbows, we can’t just
pick up our bow after a year of not using it, draw it back, hold that
weight, release smoothly, and expect to hit what we are aiming at. We have
muscles that have to be strengthened and form that needs to be relearned.
We do not have the luxury of simply putting a crosshair or bead on our
target and pulling the trigger. There is SO much more involved. And because
of that, we must begin our practice sessions well before the season opener.
START OUT SLOW
At the beginning, you will want to keep your practice sessions short. As
you tire, your accuracy suffers and you may assign your errant shots to
something else entirely. And trust me, in the beginning, you will get tired
quickly. Try to make time to shoot every day but for the first week, don’t
shoot for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Rest and reset your mind
and body in between each arrow and only shoot three arrows in a group.
FOCUS
It’s alright that you’ll only be shooting about 9-12 arrows each session
during that first week. Focus primarily on your form for each and every
arrow….strength will come. It is better to have a short but FOCUSED
practice session that a long and unfocused one. Beginning in the second
week and every week thereafter, add two more groups of three arrows to your practice sessions until you find yourself shooting for about an hour. For
the first few weeks, practice from the same distance each time so that you
can focus on your form.
CONCLUSION
If you find yourself getting bored with your practice sessions, mix up your
routine a bit. Shoot at a 3D animal target, mix up your distances, or find
a friend or family member to shoot with you. Boredom is a huge killer of
practice. And don’t forget to practice DURING the season as well. If your
last practice session was the day before the opener and you don’t have an
opportunity at a deer until the last day, it could be several months since
you’ve shot.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
BOOK REVIEW - "Whitetail-Fundamentals and Fine Points for the Hunter"
TITLE, AUTHOR, AND PUBLICATION INFO
“WHITETAIL-FUNDAMENTALS AND FINE POINTS FOR THE HUNTER”
by George Mattis
Copyright 1969 by Popular Science/Outdoor Life Book Division
273 pages
SUMMARY
Strange as it may seem for me, this book is NOT about archery hunting at
all. Instead, it is old-school still hunting with rifles and deer hunting
storytelling at its best. But don’t let that fool you. There are plenty of
lessons to be learned in these pages for hunters of today regardless of
what type of weapon we choose to hunt with. I seldom re-read a book more
than once but not only have I read this book MANY times, I have even
purchased a second one in case I wear the first one out!
BREAKING IT DOWN
Hunting Methods - the author uses over half of the book to discuss various
rifle hunting methods
Whitetail Characteristics – there is a lot of info in this book about deer
behavior and habits
Still Hunting – the main focus of the entire book
LIKES
· Mr. Mattis grew up a hunter and (to me) became a very talented
outdoor writer. His matter-of-fact way of telling us a story while
imparting his knowledge is refreshing and makes for very easy
reading.
· I was very happy to see a chapter that talked about wounded deer. Not
only that, but he discusses different types of wounds and how to
proceed with your tracking based on field data.
· This book is NOT technical. In fact, it reads almost like a novel.
But read it only once and you will discover that you have learned
something.
DISLIKES
· While Mr. Mattis does not come right out and advocate taking a shot
at a running deer, he does not state that this should not be done. I
am a firm believer that under no circumstance should anyone shoot at
a running deer.
· Due to the fact that this book was written in 1969, the term “rut”
included pre and post rut phases…even though these terms didn’t exist
back then. The author only devotes one chapter to the “rut”.
IN MY SIGHTS
This book is fun to read! I guarantee that you will enjoy being taken back
to your grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s time to experience how deer
hunting was then. Compare it to today’s hunting methods and be amazed at
how much things have changed…and how much they haven’t.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
“WHITETAIL-FUNDAMENTALS AND FINE POINTS FOR THE HUNTER”
by George Mattis
Copyright 1969 by Popular Science/Outdoor Life Book Division
273 pages
SUMMARY
Strange as it may seem for me, this book is NOT about archery hunting at
all. Instead, it is old-school still hunting with rifles and deer hunting
storytelling at its best. But don’t let that fool you. There are plenty of
lessons to be learned in these pages for hunters of today regardless of
what type of weapon we choose to hunt with. I seldom re-read a book more
than once but not only have I read this book MANY times, I have even
purchased a second one in case I wear the first one out!
BREAKING IT DOWN
Hunting Methods - the author uses over half of the book to discuss various
rifle hunting methods
Whitetail Characteristics – there is a lot of info in this book about deer
behavior and habits
Still Hunting – the main focus of the entire book
LIKES
· Mr. Mattis grew up a hunter and (to me) became a very talented
outdoor writer. His matter-of-fact way of telling us a story while
imparting his knowledge is refreshing and makes for very easy
reading.
· I was very happy to see a chapter that talked about wounded deer. Not
only that, but he discusses different types of wounds and how to
proceed with your tracking based on field data.
· This book is NOT technical. In fact, it reads almost like a novel.
But read it only once and you will discover that you have learned
something.
DISLIKES
· While Mr. Mattis does not come right out and advocate taking a shot
at a running deer, he does not state that this should not be done. I
am a firm believer that under no circumstance should anyone shoot at
a running deer.
· Due to the fact that this book was written in 1969, the term “rut”
included pre and post rut phases…even though these terms didn’t exist
back then. The author only devotes one chapter to the “rut”.
IN MY SIGHTS
This book is fun to read! I guarantee that you will enjoy being taken back
to your grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s time to experience how deer
hunting was then. Compare it to today’s hunting methods and be amazed at
how much things have changed…and how much they haven’t.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
THE ARCHERY WHISPERER
THE ARCHERY WHISPERER
There are a LOT of things to remember when shooting a bow. There are a lot
MORE things to remember if we want to hit what we are aiming at. As an
archery instructor, I’m always looking for ways to break the lessons down
into very basic components that are easy to remember. But sometimes even
experienced archers need a reminder of good shooting fundamentals. They
don’t need a long drawn out explanation of each and every step but just a
little “nudge” to keep them on track.
A GENTLE REMINDER
After thinking through all of the steps necessary for good shooting, I’ve
come up with three simple catch words that we all can use as a reminder of
the need to maintain good shooting habits. They are Form, Focus, and
Follow-through.
FORM
There are a lot of steps within this element but when you see or think of
the word “form”, it should remind you of posture, stance, bow arm, grip,
anchor point, and sight picture. Achieving good form prior to even putting
the arrow on your string and maintaining good form throughout the shot
process is vital for accurate shooting.
FOCUS
It may seem kind of silly that we need a reminder to focus but so much of
being able to put the arrow where we want it hinges on focusing on that
single tiny spot. We need to be able to shut out everything else when we
are at full draw and lining up our pin. This element should serve as a
means to keep our focus on aiming.
FOLLOW-THROUGH
Yeah…it’s hyphenated but it still counts. This is an often neglected aspect
of archery that can really affect accuracy. If we don’t maintain good
follow through and keep our eyes on that single tiny spot until arrow
impact, we open up the potential for BIG misses. Don’t peek.
CONCLUSION
Our equipment aside, everything for accurate archery shooting falls under
Form, Focus, or Follow-through. A little sticker with these elements on the
inside of your top bow limb will be a quiet whisper for you to pay
attention to your shooting procedures each and every time you pick up your
bow.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
There are a LOT of things to remember when shooting a bow. There are a lot
MORE things to remember if we want to hit what we are aiming at. As an
archery instructor, I’m always looking for ways to break the lessons down
into very basic components that are easy to remember. But sometimes even
experienced archers need a reminder of good shooting fundamentals. They
don’t need a long drawn out explanation of each and every step but just a
little “nudge” to keep them on track.
A GENTLE REMINDER
After thinking through all of the steps necessary for good shooting, I’ve
come up with three simple catch words that we all can use as a reminder of
the need to maintain good shooting habits. They are Form, Focus, and
Follow-through.
FORM
There are a lot of steps within this element but when you see or think of
the word “form”, it should remind you of posture, stance, bow arm, grip,
anchor point, and sight picture. Achieving good form prior to even putting
the arrow on your string and maintaining good form throughout the shot
process is vital for accurate shooting.
FOCUS
It may seem kind of silly that we need a reminder to focus but so much of
being able to put the arrow where we want it hinges on focusing on that
single tiny spot. We need to be able to shut out everything else when we
are at full draw and lining up our pin. This element should serve as a
means to keep our focus on aiming.
FOLLOW-THROUGH
Yeah…it’s hyphenated but it still counts. This is an often neglected aspect
of archery that can really affect accuracy. If we don’t maintain good
follow through and keep our eyes on that single tiny spot until arrow
impact, we open up the potential for BIG misses. Don’t peek.
CONCLUSION
Our equipment aside, everything for accurate archery shooting falls under
Form, Focus, or Follow-through. A little sticker with these elements on the
inside of your top bow limb will be a quiet whisper for you to pay
attention to your shooting procedures each and every time you pick up your
bow.
Check out my blog, videos, and lots of other stuff at www.thinkarchery.com.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at todd@thinkarchery.com
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
BOOK REVIEW - "Bowhunter's Guide to Accurate Shooting"
TITLE, AUTHOR, AND PUBLICATION INFO
“BOWHUNTER’S GUIDE TO ACCURATE SHOOTING”
by Lon E. Lauber (www.lonlauber.com)
Copyright 2005 by Creative Publishing International, Inc
(www.creativepub.com)
127 pages
SUMMARY
As the title of the book implies, this publication focuses on fine tuning
your archery equipment and skills to achieve the most accurate shot
possible when the moment of truth arrives during your hunt. However, many
of the tips and suggestions in this book can also be applied to target and
3D archery shooters. While most of this book talks about compound bows and compound bow shooting, the author sprinkles in a little traditional archery
information as well.
BREAKING IT DOWN
There are three primary areas that the author deals with..
Equipment – with a chapter dedicated to achieving consistent arrow flight
Shooting Form – includes a chapter on yardage estimation
Field Application – including a chapter on shooting in adverse conditions
LIKES
· Mr. Lauber writes from experience. He shares his successful (and
sometimes not-so successful) hunting stories and imparts to us what
he has learned from those adventures.
· There are many photographs, illustrations, charts, and drawings
throughout the book that offer informative and supporting visual
aids.
· While this is a somewhat technical book, I like that Mr. Lauber also
wades into the mental aspect of archery shooting. Oftentimes, this
side of archery is overlooked in other how-to books.
· LOTS of useful information! This book will make an excellent
reference guide.
DISLIKES
· This really isn’t a dislike but there is a LOT of information in this
book and I would like to have seen the author spend more time on each
subject.
· The contents page at the front of the book does not do justice to
what is between the covers.
· Speaking of the covers…the front cover really turned me off! The
ancient camo pattern the hunter is wearing almost made me NOT pick
this book up. It made me think the content of the book was not
up-to-date.
IN MY SIGHTS
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Backyard Practice
Just out in the backyard shooting my bow on this beautiful spring day.
Great grouping at 20 yards...
Great grouping at 20 yards...
Good grouping at 30 yards...
Decent grouping at 40 yards...
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
DETERMINING DISTANCE
One of the first things I do once I’m settled in my stand it to dig out my
range finder and start shooting ranges to unique landmarks around my stand.
I range a couple landmarks out to around 30 yards and a few more in at
around 20 yards. I memorize those ranges and put my range finder away. The
less movement I have to make when the deer is in visual range, the better.
I am of the belief that a range finder is as important to the archery
hunter as is an elevated stand….its not required but it sure makes things
easer.
NO RANGE FINDER?
But what if you don’t have a range finder or that buck shows up before you
can utilize your range finder? Are we then forced to “ballpark” the range
and hope for a good shot? Sadly, many hunters do exactly that and end up
with poor hits. We have an ethical responsibility to make every effort to
try to get the most humane kill possible.
I’m not sure where it ranks but I’d be willing to bet that range
miscalculation is one of the biggest factors for poorly hit game and sheer
misses when it comes to archery hunting. I freely admit to whiffing at my
first opportunity at a buck with a bow because I didn’t correctly calculate
the range.
HOW TO CALCULATE RANGE
So how do we calculate range? How do we know if that deer is at 22 yards or
29 yards? Not a big difference, but I would have to use different pins. But
have no fear my friend, we only need to calculate 10 yards and the ONLY way
to determine that (without a range finder) is by experience.
Measure out 10 yards in your backyard and then count how many natural steps
it takes you to go that distance. Do this a few times to get a good
average. Now start testing yourself. As you walk down the sidewalk, move
through the hallways at work, mow your lawn, or walk the dog, find an
object you believe it 10 yards away and count how many paces it takes you
to get there. Pretty soon, you will nail down that 10 yard distance. Then
get in the woods and test yourself. Distances seem different when in the
field.
APPLYING OUR PRACTICE IN THE FIELD
Now back to that question about the deer being 22 or 29 yards away. By the
time hunting season rolls around, we are experts at determining how far 10
yards is, right? So find the 10 yard marker in the direction of the deer.
Using that landmark, look beyond and determine the NEXT 10 yard marker, and
so on until your deer falls within your marker. For our example, we only
had to find two markers so we KNOW our deer is at LEAST 20 yards away. Now
it’s a simple calculation to determine if the deer is closer to your second
10 yard marker, closer to your third 10 yard marker, or closer to the exact
midpoint. For us, our deer is not quite midway between our markers and
seems to be a bit closer to the second marker. Yep...about 22 yards.
CONCLUSION
I advocate using your electronic range finder whenever you can to give you
an exact distance. But for those times when things happen too fast or it
just isn’t practical, you are now armed with being able to calculate your
shooting range for a quick and humane shot.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at toddlydell@gmail.com.
Check out my instructional archery videos at www.youtube.com/archery64.
AND COMING SOON….www.thinkarchery.com!!!!
range finder and start shooting ranges to unique landmarks around my stand.
I range a couple landmarks out to around 30 yards and a few more in at
around 20 yards. I memorize those ranges and put my range finder away. The
less movement I have to make when the deer is in visual range, the better.
I am of the belief that a range finder is as important to the archery
hunter as is an elevated stand….its not required but it sure makes things
easer.
NO RANGE FINDER?
But what if you don’t have a range finder or that buck shows up before you
can utilize your range finder? Are we then forced to “ballpark” the range
and hope for a good shot? Sadly, many hunters do exactly that and end up
with poor hits. We have an ethical responsibility to make every effort to
try to get the most humane kill possible.
I’m not sure where it ranks but I’d be willing to bet that range
miscalculation is one of the biggest factors for poorly hit game and sheer
misses when it comes to archery hunting. I freely admit to whiffing at my
first opportunity at a buck with a bow because I didn’t correctly calculate
the range.
HOW TO CALCULATE RANGE
So how do we calculate range? How do we know if that deer is at 22 yards or
29 yards? Not a big difference, but I would have to use different pins. But
have no fear my friend, we only need to calculate 10 yards and the ONLY way
to determine that (without a range finder) is by experience.
Measure out 10 yards in your backyard and then count how many natural steps
it takes you to go that distance. Do this a few times to get a good
average. Now start testing yourself. As you walk down the sidewalk, move
through the hallways at work, mow your lawn, or walk the dog, find an
object you believe it 10 yards away and count how many paces it takes you
to get there. Pretty soon, you will nail down that 10 yard distance. Then
get in the woods and test yourself. Distances seem different when in the
field.
APPLYING OUR PRACTICE IN THE FIELD
Now back to that question about the deer being 22 or 29 yards away. By the
time hunting season rolls around, we are experts at determining how far 10
yards is, right? So find the 10 yard marker in the direction of the deer.
Using that landmark, look beyond and determine the NEXT 10 yard marker, and
so on until your deer falls within your marker. For our example, we only
had to find two markers so we KNOW our deer is at LEAST 20 yards away. Now
it’s a simple calculation to determine if the deer is closer to your second
10 yard marker, closer to your third 10 yard marker, or closer to the exact
midpoint. For us, our deer is not quite midway between our markers and
seems to be a bit closer to the second marker. Yep...about 22 yards.
CONCLUSION
I advocate using your electronic range finder whenever you can to give you
an exact distance. But for those times when things happen too fast or it
just isn’t practical, you are now armed with being able to calculate your
shooting range for a quick and humane shot.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at toddlydell@gmail.com.
Check out my instructional archery videos at www.youtube.com/archery64.
AND COMING SOON….www.thinkarchery.com!!!!
Monday, April 11, 2011
IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!
To be honest…there are a lot of things that frustrate me about hunting in
Pennsylvania.
* Nearly 1.5 million hunters in the woods each fall
* Antler restrictions
* Late starting archery season
* You’re only allowed ONE buck each season
* Anyone can use a crossbow
* Split antlered and antlerless firearm seasons
* Not able to use inline muzzleloaders for early AND late seasons
* Mountain Laurel
However, I will give this commonwealth kudos on a couple things…they don’t
allow Sunday hunting and with some restrictions, they do allow spotting or
shining.
AN AWFUL IDEA
But there’s one thing that has been a source of annoyance to me and many
other Pennsylvania hunters for many years.
Pennsylvania is one of only two states (New York being the other) that
require hunters to display their hunting license information on their back
while hunting. I don’t know who came up with this idea but it is one of the
most ridiculous laws I have ever heard of.
The print is so small that a Game Commission Officer would have to be
within 10 feet of you to read the information without the aid of optics.
The holders you HAVE TO BUY are prone to be wiped off your body if a branch
happens to swipe your back and, because you can’t see it, you have no idea
where or when it fell off. To top it all off, you are charged a fee to get
a replacement!
NEW LEGISLATION
Republican Representative Keith Gillespie (York County) has recently
introduced legislation that would no longer make it a requirement that
hunters display their license information on a back tag. I say it’s about
time!
If you live or hunt in Pennsylvania, call, write, or email your local state
representative to voice your support for this legislation.
CONCLUSION
If you know of any arcane or outdated game laws that are still on the books
in your state, let me know about them by leaving your comments at the end
of this blog.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at toddlydell@gmail.com.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
Pennsylvania.
* Nearly 1.5 million hunters in the woods each fall
* Antler restrictions
* Late starting archery season
* You’re only allowed ONE buck each season
* Anyone can use a crossbow
* Split antlered and antlerless firearm seasons
* Not able to use inline muzzleloaders for early AND late seasons
* Mountain Laurel
However, I will give this commonwealth kudos on a couple things…they don’t
allow Sunday hunting and with some restrictions, they do allow spotting or
shining.
AN AWFUL IDEA
But there’s one thing that has been a source of annoyance to me and many
other Pennsylvania hunters for many years.
Pennsylvania is one of only two states (New York being the other) that
require hunters to display their hunting license information on their back
while hunting. I don’t know who came up with this idea but it is one of the
most ridiculous laws I have ever heard of.
The print is so small that a Game Commission Officer would have to be
within 10 feet of you to read the information without the aid of optics.
The holders you HAVE TO BUY are prone to be wiped off your body if a branch
happens to swipe your back and, because you can’t see it, you have no idea
where or when it fell off. To top it all off, you are charged a fee to get
a replacement!
NEW LEGISLATION
Republican Representative Keith Gillespie (York County) has recently
introduced legislation that would no longer make it a requirement that
hunters display their license information on a back tag. I say it’s about
time!
If you live or hunt in Pennsylvania, call, write, or email your local state
representative to voice your support for this legislation.
CONCLUSION
If you know of any arcane or outdated game laws that are still on the books
in your state, let me know about them by leaving your comments at the end
of this blog.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at toddlydell@gmail.com.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
TARGET PANIC
We’ve all heard the horror stories of the hapless hunter who has succumbed
to buck fever so badly that the only injury inflicted is to the hunter’s
ego. And unless you have absolutely no passion for the sport, any hunter
who has drawn a bead or put a cross hair on a wild animal, experiences some
form of buck fever….even if you are a veteran hunter and your prey is a
squirrel. The “fever” can range from mild excitement to a complete mental
and physical meltdown.
My “Buck Fever”
We are four weeks into our 2011 winter archery league and for the first
three and a half weeks, I was shooting scores at my 2006 levels.
Here’s what was happening…As I would come to full draw, everything seemed
fine. But at release, almost every shot would go to the left by one half to
a full inch. I knew my form wasn’t the issue because prior to the league
starting I was packing them in pretty good. That also eliminated the
possibility of my sights being off. When if comes to hunting, I can live
with being an inch off at 20 yards. But in competition, an inch is huge.
What is Target Panic
There is a phenomenon in all forms of target shooting called target panic.
This is similar to buck fever in that the shooter becomes unable to
consistently hit what they are aiming at. And just like buck fever, target
panic has various levels of annoyance and frustration. In target shooting,
it is usually not an on-going problem but it does rear its ugly head every
so often.
As week 4 of our league began, I was once again missing to the left. Out of
30 arrows, I only had seven in the bullseye. During these 30 arrows, I
realized that while I may have been locating the center of the target at
full draw, I was not maintaining that eye contact during my aiming process.
In archery, it is vital that you obtain and KEEP eye contact with the spot
you want to hit until after your release.
A Fix for My Target Panic
At our 15 minute halftime break, I decided to try something. Once I come to
full draw, it usually takes me about 5-6 seconds before I release the
arrow. This time, I went up to the 10 yard line, came to full draw,
acquired the center of the target (which looked to be about the size of a
bus), and held it for at about 15 seconds before releasing my arrow. Of
course I was hitting high at 10 yards but it only took a few arrows before
I was hitting DIRECTLY ABOVE DEAD CENTER every time! No more left!
When the second half started, I found I was better able to maintain eye
contact with the center of the target at full draw….so much better in fact
that out of 30 arrows, I hit the bullseye 23 times!
I have decided that part of my “pre-game” preparation will now include
about 12 arrows shot at 10 yards while holding eye contact with my spot for
at least 15 seconds for each arrow.
Conclusion
I’m not saying that the 10 yard routine I came up with will cure your
target panic. Heck…it may not even be the cure the next time I have target
panic. But if you are having trouble consistently hitting the spot you are
aiming at and everything else seems to be in order, you may have target
panic and my remedy may help.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at toddlydell@gmail.com.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
to buck fever so badly that the only injury inflicted is to the hunter’s
ego. And unless you have absolutely no passion for the sport, any hunter
who has drawn a bead or put a cross hair on a wild animal, experiences some
form of buck fever….even if you are a veteran hunter and your prey is a
squirrel. The “fever” can range from mild excitement to a complete mental
and physical meltdown.
My “Buck Fever”
We are four weeks into our 2011 winter archery league and for the first
three and a half weeks, I was shooting scores at my 2006 levels.
Here’s what was happening…As I would come to full draw, everything seemed
fine. But at release, almost every shot would go to the left by one half to
a full inch. I knew my form wasn’t the issue because prior to the league
starting I was packing them in pretty good. That also eliminated the
possibility of my sights being off. When if comes to hunting, I can live
with being an inch off at 20 yards. But in competition, an inch is huge.
What is Target Panic
There is a phenomenon in all forms of target shooting called target panic.
This is similar to buck fever in that the shooter becomes unable to
consistently hit what they are aiming at. And just like buck fever, target
panic has various levels of annoyance and frustration. In target shooting,
it is usually not an on-going problem but it does rear its ugly head every
so often.
As week 4 of our league began, I was once again missing to the left. Out of
30 arrows, I only had seven in the bullseye. During these 30 arrows, I
realized that while I may have been locating the center of the target at
full draw, I was not maintaining that eye contact during my aiming process.
In archery, it is vital that you obtain and KEEP eye contact with the spot
you want to hit until after your release.
A Fix for My Target Panic
At our 15 minute halftime break, I decided to try something. Once I come to
full draw, it usually takes me about 5-6 seconds before I release the
arrow. This time, I went up to the 10 yard line, came to full draw,
acquired the center of the target (which looked to be about the size of a
bus), and held it for at about 15 seconds before releasing my arrow. Of
course I was hitting high at 10 yards but it only took a few arrows before
I was hitting DIRECTLY ABOVE DEAD CENTER every time! No more left!
When the second half started, I found I was better able to maintain eye
contact with the center of the target at full draw….so much better in fact
that out of 30 arrows, I hit the bullseye 23 times!
I have decided that part of my “pre-game” preparation will now include
about 12 arrows shot at 10 yards while holding eye contact with my spot for
at least 15 seconds for each arrow.
Conclusion
I’m not saying that the 10 yard routine I came up with will cure your
target panic. Heck…it may not even be the cure the next time I have target
panic. But if you are having trouble consistently hitting the spot you are
aiming at and everything else seems to be in order, you may have target
panic and my remedy may help.
If you would like to discuss this or any other archery topic with me
directly, please feel free to email me at toddlydell@gmail.com.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
Friday, February 4, 2011
INSIDE CORNERS
Yeah, I know…another baseball analogy. But have you ever paid attention to
a baseball player and how he runs the bases when he’s going for that extra
base? If he is going from first to third on a hit, he will touch second
base on the inside corner. Why?...because the shortest distance between
first and third base involves the runner touching the inside corner of
second base. This route gets the runner to third base in the quickest
manner.
There are inside corners in hunting too and deer use them in the exact same
manner as our base runner.
My illustration below is behind my house. We have a piece of woods with a
field cut into it and a road running to the north and east of the property.
Deer are basically lazy creatures and to get from one point to the next
they will use a route that is the most direct, has the least resistance,
but still offers adequate cover. The shortest distance between points A and
B involves the deer touching the inside corner of the field. Sound familiar
to our base runner?
You must pay special attention to the wind when hunting inside corners.
Ideally, this spot should be hunted with a north wind and the hunter should
approach the stand site (“S”) from the south by cutting across the field.
The stand should be placed on the downwind side of any trails cutting the
inside corner.
You can’t see it from this aerial photo but just to the north of the deer
trail the ground slopes very steeply down to the road. Since the deer avoid
the road and prefer not to climb the steep hill, I have a nearly perfect
funnel situation. I even drive my truck into the field and park it about
200 yards from the corner so that the deer won’t cut across the field
behind me.
Inside corners can be hotspots. And while you may not see much deer sign in
these locations, you can be assured that deer are passing through. These
are especially good spots during the rut when bucks are cruising all day
looking for does.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
a baseball player and how he runs the bases when he’s going for that extra
base? If he is going from first to third on a hit, he will touch second
base on the inside corner. Why?...because the shortest distance between
first and third base involves the runner touching the inside corner of
second base. This route gets the runner to third base in the quickest
manner.
There are inside corners in hunting too and deer use them in the exact same
manner as our base runner.
My illustration below is behind my house. We have a piece of woods with a
field cut into it and a road running to the north and east of the property.
Deer are basically lazy creatures and to get from one point to the next
they will use a route that is the most direct, has the least resistance,
but still offers adequate cover. The shortest distance between points A and
B involves the deer touching the inside corner of the field. Sound familiar
to our base runner?
You must pay special attention to the wind when hunting inside corners.
Ideally, this spot should be hunted with a north wind and the hunter should
approach the stand site (“S”) from the south by cutting across the field.
The stand should be placed on the downwind side of any trails cutting the
inside corner.
You can’t see it from this aerial photo but just to the north of the deer
trail the ground slopes very steeply down to the road. Since the deer avoid
the road and prefer not to climb the steep hill, I have a nearly perfect
funnel situation. I even drive my truck into the field and park it about
200 yards from the corner so that the deer won’t cut across the field
behind me.
Inside corners can be hotspots. And while you may not see much deer sign in
these locations, you can be assured that deer are passing through. These
are especially good spots during the rut when bucks are cruising all day
looking for does.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
TOPO MAP 101
Reading a topographical map can be confusing, But, by identifying a few
basic terrain terrains features and understanding how deer use those
features you can quickly find some good hunting locations without leaving
your kitchen table.
Contour lines on a topo map show different elevations. On a standard 7.5
minute series topo map, the lines are spaced at 10 foot intervals….the
closer the lines the steeper the terrain.
To assist you in getting a better understanding of a flat topo map, I’d
like to introduce you to a 3D topo map that you can take anywhere. Make a
fist and cock your wrist like you’re looking at your watch. Now follow
along.
A (Hilltop) – The most easily identifiable terrain feature on a topo map.
Excellent points of reference for orienteering oneself in the field. On
your 3D topo map, each of your knuckles represents a hilltop.
B (Ridge) – Formed by a series of adjoined hilltops. Whitetails love
ridges. Look for bucks to bed about two-thirds of the way up. Pay attention
to morning and evening thermals when hunting sides of ridges. Your line of
knuckles form a ridge.
C (Saddle) - The area between two adjoining hilltops. They are lower in
elevation than the hilltops and can serve as a travel route for deer to get
from one side of the ridge to the other. This is the area between two
knuckles.
D (Incline/Decline) - The closer the contour lines are to each other on the
topo map, the steeper the terrain. This information can be invaluable for
determining easy travel routes to and from a hunting location. On the map
below, notice how steep that hill is coming down to the lake from the
north. The area on the back of your hand going from your knuckles to your
watch is a good example of a steep hill.
E (Draw) – A slightly depressed and elongated terrain feature that usually
comes up from a low area to a saddle between two hilltops. Deer will use
draws as travel routes to get on the ridge in the morning to bed and off
the ridge in the evening to feed. This is the crease between your fingers
that points to the area between your knuckles.
F (Spur or Point) – A slightly elevated and elongated terrain feature that
usually goes down from a hilltop to a low-lying area. Bucks especially will
use spurs as bedding areas. This is the back of your finger that runs down
from your knuckle.
Combine a topo map with an aerial photo (all available for free online) and
you have a potent combination of hunting tools at your disposal for quickly
finding hot ambush sites.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
basic terrain terrains features and understanding how deer use those
features you can quickly find some good hunting locations without leaving
your kitchen table.
Contour lines on a topo map show different elevations. On a standard 7.5
minute series topo map, the lines are spaced at 10 foot intervals….the
closer the lines the steeper the terrain.
To assist you in getting a better understanding of a flat topo map, I’d
like to introduce you to a 3D topo map that you can take anywhere. Make a
fist and cock your wrist like you’re looking at your watch. Now follow
along.
A (Hilltop) – The most easily identifiable terrain feature on a topo map.
Excellent points of reference for orienteering oneself in the field. On
your 3D topo map, each of your knuckles represents a hilltop.
B (Ridge) – Formed by a series of adjoined hilltops. Whitetails love
ridges. Look for bucks to bed about two-thirds of the way up. Pay attention
to morning and evening thermals when hunting sides of ridges. Your line of
knuckles form a ridge.
C (Saddle) - The area between two adjoining hilltops. They are lower in
elevation than the hilltops and can serve as a travel route for deer to get
from one side of the ridge to the other. This is the area between two
knuckles.
D (Incline/Decline) - The closer the contour lines are to each other on the
topo map, the steeper the terrain. This information can be invaluable for
determining easy travel routes to and from a hunting location. On the map
below, notice how steep that hill is coming down to the lake from the
north. The area on the back of your hand going from your knuckles to your
watch is a good example of a steep hill.
E (Draw) – A slightly depressed and elongated terrain feature that usually
comes up from a low area to a saddle between two hilltops. Deer will use
draws as travel routes to get on the ridge in the morning to bed and off
the ridge in the evening to feed. This is the crease between your fingers
that points to the area between your knuckles.
F (Spur or Point) – A slightly elevated and elongated terrain feature that
usually goes down from a hilltop to a low-lying area. Bucks especially will
use spurs as bedding areas. This is the back of your finger that runs down
from your knuckle.
Combine a topo map with an aerial photo (all available for free online) and
you have a potent combination of hunting tools at your disposal for quickly
finding hot ambush sites.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
Friday, January 7, 2011
DEFINITIONS
Definitions for common archery and hunting terms….sort of.
ARCHERY – a primitive hunting method conducted in the early fall by rifle
hunters who are tired of freezing their butts off in November.
DEER STAND – an elevated napping location.
DRAG ROPE – an important hunting article usually remembered when standing
over a downed deer five miles from the nearest road.
KNIFE – see Drag Rope.
BROADHEAD – an efficient instrument used to accidentally cut bow strings as
you get settled in your stand.
FLASHLIGHT (OR HEADLAMP) – one of the many items you drop as you climb into
your tree stand in the early morning darkness.
WIND DIRECTION – something which changes immediately after you’ve gotten
into your stand. Usually ignored until the next time you are on the ground.
ARROW TRAJECTORY – a calculation made by the bored archery hunter as he
stares down that loud-mouthed squirrel in the other tree.
DEER BLIND – usually the kind of deer I get.
BLAZE ORANGE – the first thing you see in another tree about 100 yards away
at daylight.
ELK BUGLE (OR TURKEY YELP) – the sound one makes when a pine tree decides
to release its load of snow down your neck.
RUB (OR SCRAPE) – what you must do to your eyes to wake up at 3 AM.
SCOUTING – a reason to get away from the house during late summer.
SNORT (OR WHEEZE) – what you sound like halfway up the mountain.
HEART/LUNG SHOT – what you feel halfway up the mountain
RELEASE – what your hunting partner just did to that branch that knocked
off your hat and broke your glasses.
NOISE DISCIPLINE – what you’re trying to do as you get out and open your
lunch sack. This also applies when you’re trying to open those little hand
warmer thingys that come in very noisy plastic wrap.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
ARCHERY – a primitive hunting method conducted in the early fall by rifle
hunters who are tired of freezing their butts off in November.
DEER STAND – an elevated napping location.
DRAG ROPE – an important hunting article usually remembered when standing
over a downed deer five miles from the nearest road.
KNIFE – see Drag Rope.
BROADHEAD – an efficient instrument used to accidentally cut bow strings as
you get settled in your stand.
FLASHLIGHT (OR HEADLAMP) – one of the many items you drop as you climb into
your tree stand in the early morning darkness.
WIND DIRECTION – something which changes immediately after you’ve gotten
into your stand. Usually ignored until the next time you are on the ground.
ARROW TRAJECTORY – a calculation made by the bored archery hunter as he
stares down that loud-mouthed squirrel in the other tree.
DEER BLIND – usually the kind of deer I get.
BLAZE ORANGE – the first thing you see in another tree about 100 yards away
at daylight.
ELK BUGLE (OR TURKEY YELP) – the sound one makes when a pine tree decides
to release its load of snow down your neck.
RUB (OR SCRAPE) – what you must do to your eyes to wake up at 3 AM.
SCOUTING – a reason to get away from the house during late summer.
SNORT (OR WHEEZE) – what you sound like halfway up the mountain.
HEART/LUNG SHOT – what you feel halfway up the mountain
RELEASE – what your hunting partner just did to that branch that knocked
off your hat and broke your glasses.
NOISE DISCIPLINE – what you’re trying to do as you get out and open your
lunch sack. This also applies when you’re trying to open those little hand
warmer thingys that come in very noisy plastic wrap.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
THE RESET
I love baseball. It’s great to settle down in front of the television to
watch a major league baseball game…especially if the Phillies are doing
well. But to many people, baseball is boring. They think all baseball
involves is pitch the ball, hit the ball, catch the ball, throw the ball,
etc. But there are many little things going on within the game that make it
interesting.
One of the things I enjoy watching are the rituals that some hitters go
through before they are ready to receive a pitch. They go through all kinds
of manipulations with the dirt, the bat, their batting gloves, their
helmet, everything. AND THEN….most back out of the box and do it all
again….after each pitch!!!!
However, what these professional baseball players are doing is nothing less
than what we should be doing as archers. In reality, they are adjusting to
the right stance, getting the proper body alignment, achieving the correct
grip, and mentally preparing for the next pitch.
After that arrow is gone and we’ve followed through properly (see blog
entry from 12/7), our body is not in the proper position to immediately
shoot another arrow. While our stance should not change, our posture needs
to be reset, the next arrow needs to be reset, our bow needs to be reset,
our grip needs to be reset, our string hand needs to be reset, and most
importantly, our mind must be reset.
I’m not saying to back completely off the line and start all over but
everyone should have a pre-shot routine that they go through before
shooting every arrow!!! At a minimum, that ritual should include a mental
check list of the following…
Stance and body posture
Nocking the arrow and hook the release
Grip the bow and bring it into position
Slow Draw and anchor the string hand
Aim! Aim! Aim!
Release
Follow through
AND THEN….RESET…and do it all over again.
If you develop a pre-shot routine, the process of repetition will soon
train your body. You will find that you no longer have to really think
about it and that your body will tell you when something isn’t right. And
listen to your body. If something just doesn’t feel right, let down, and
RESET.
And just like the major league baseball player, don’t dwell on what’s
already happened. You can’t get that bad shot back any more than a batter
can get that strike back.
And RESET your mind to focus COMPLETELY on the next shot. And by that, I
mean FOCUS ONLY ON AIMING when you come to full draw.
Remember…we don’t shoot three arrows at a time when practicing…we shoot one
at a time.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
watch a major league baseball game…especially if the Phillies are doing
well. But to many people, baseball is boring. They think all baseball
involves is pitch the ball, hit the ball, catch the ball, throw the ball,
etc. But there are many little things going on within the game that make it
interesting.
One of the things I enjoy watching are the rituals that some hitters go
through before they are ready to receive a pitch. They go through all kinds
of manipulations with the dirt, the bat, their batting gloves, their
helmet, everything. AND THEN….most back out of the box and do it all
again….after each pitch!!!!
However, what these professional baseball players are doing is nothing less
than what we should be doing as archers. In reality, they are adjusting to
the right stance, getting the proper body alignment, achieving the correct
grip, and mentally preparing for the next pitch.
After that arrow is gone and we’ve followed through properly (see blog
entry from 12/7), our body is not in the proper position to immediately
shoot another arrow. While our stance should not change, our posture needs
to be reset, the next arrow needs to be reset, our bow needs to be reset,
our grip needs to be reset, our string hand needs to be reset, and most
importantly, our mind must be reset.
I’m not saying to back completely off the line and start all over but
everyone should have a pre-shot routine that they go through before
shooting every arrow!!! At a minimum, that ritual should include a mental
check list of the following…
Stance and body posture
Nocking the arrow and hook the release
Grip the bow and bring it into position
Slow Draw and anchor the string hand
Aim! Aim! Aim!
Release
Follow through
AND THEN….RESET…and do it all over again.
If you develop a pre-shot routine, the process of repetition will soon
train your body. You will find that you no longer have to really think
about it and that your body will tell you when something isn’t right. And
listen to your body. If something just doesn’t feel right, let down, and
RESET.
And just like the major league baseball player, don’t dwell on what’s
already happened. You can’t get that bad shot back any more than a batter
can get that strike back.
And RESET your mind to focus COMPLETELY on the next shot. And by that, I
mean FOCUS ONLY ON AIMING when you come to full draw.
Remember…we don’t shoot three arrows at a time when practicing…we shoot one
at a time.
And don’t forget to check out my instructional archery videos at
www.youtube.com/archery64.
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