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.
Monday, April 26, 2010
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.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Youth
Each year, it seems that the ranks of hunters are shrinking. Older hunters decide they’ve had enough and hang up either the rifle or the bow while many of today’s youth find other things to do rather than sit up in a tree. Still others become disappointed and just decide to quit.
But once in a while, a parent, relative, or friend brings forth a youngster who is eager to join the army of camo and blaze orange that go after
whitetails each fall and they want to experience the whole spectrum that hunting whitetails has to offer.
I remember sitting in the kitchen when I was too young to hunt listening to the men as they gathered around the table pouring over maps and making final adjustments on the night before the opener. Being too young to participate, I stayed out of the way but hung on every word. I would be up WAY before daylight as the hunters gathered at our house before heading out. I longed to go with them as they piled into the trucks and disappeared into the early morning darkness.
My father had created in me, a desire to be part of the hunt. And I am thankful to this day that the other members of our hunting party welcomed me into their ranks. When I became old enough to join the men at the table, they continued to teach me and show me the way so that my love of hunting never waned.
Children are our hunting future and when any of them express even the slightest desire to become part of the hunt, they should be welcomed with open arms.
When finally brought into the presence of other veteran hunters, youngsters should be sat down often and happily have knowledge imparted to them. Patience should be shown to them when they ask questions where the answers
seem obvious. They should not only want to join our brotherhood but we should want them to join us as well. They should be nurtured in an
environment that makes them feel welcome.
Sadly though, a child’s desire to be made part of the hunting experience is sometimes damaged or destroyed by others. Whether intentional or not, poorly chosen words, demeaning remarks, or even a blatant disinterest in them, can quickly alter the way a young person feels about being “part of the gang”.
Sometimes, a youngster will talk for months about the upcoming season and the fellowship they are looking forward to spending with the other members of the hunting party…only to have that desire dashed against the rocks because of a few callous remarks. In addition, the person who was so careful to develop a love of hunting in the youngster now doubts whether that young person should continue to be exposed to such an environment and
may even desire to be rid of it himself.
So, the next time an excited youngster is brought into the fold…welcome them and make them feel as being part of the group. Be careful what you say
and how you act around them so that a burning desire they once had is not extinguished. Remember….our numbers are shrinking and a poor choice of
words could make it likely that we won’t see that youngster (or their mentor) at the kitchen table next year.
But once in a while, a parent, relative, or friend brings forth a youngster who is eager to join the army of camo and blaze orange that go after
whitetails each fall and they want to experience the whole spectrum that hunting whitetails has to offer.
I remember sitting in the kitchen when I was too young to hunt listening to the men as they gathered around the table pouring over maps and making final adjustments on the night before the opener. Being too young to participate, I stayed out of the way but hung on every word. I would be up WAY before daylight as the hunters gathered at our house before heading out. I longed to go with them as they piled into the trucks and disappeared into the early morning darkness.
My father had created in me, a desire to be part of the hunt. And I am thankful to this day that the other members of our hunting party welcomed me into their ranks. When I became old enough to join the men at the table, they continued to teach me and show me the way so that my love of hunting never waned.
Children are our hunting future and when any of them express even the slightest desire to become part of the hunt, they should be welcomed with open arms.
When finally brought into the presence of other veteran hunters, youngsters should be sat down often and happily have knowledge imparted to them. Patience should be shown to them when they ask questions where the answers
seem obvious. They should not only want to join our brotherhood but we should want them to join us as well. They should be nurtured in an
environment that makes them feel welcome.
Sadly though, a child’s desire to be made part of the hunting experience is sometimes damaged or destroyed by others. Whether intentional or not, poorly chosen words, demeaning remarks, or even a blatant disinterest in them, can quickly alter the way a young person feels about being “part of the gang”.
Sometimes, a youngster will talk for months about the upcoming season and the fellowship they are looking forward to spending with the other members of the hunting party…only to have that desire dashed against the rocks because of a few callous remarks. In addition, the person who was so careful to develop a love of hunting in the youngster now doubts whether that young person should continue to be exposed to such an environment and
may even desire to be rid of it himself.
So, the next time an excited youngster is brought into the fold…welcome them and make them feel as being part of the group. Be careful what you say
and how you act around them so that a burning desire they once had is not extinguished. Remember….our numbers are shrinking and a poor choice of
words could make it likely that we won’t see that youngster (or their mentor) at the kitchen table next year.
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