January 12th, 2012 — Crossbows, Hunting, Pre Season
When the air begins to get crisp, when the leaves begin to change, that is when you know the season for bow hunting is on us again. Bow season is coming, and it is not far off now. By this time, you should hopefully already have a game plan figured out regarding what your bow hunting season is going to entail. It is generally a good idea for you to have a bow checklist that will help to prepare you ahead of time for the season. Preparing your bow for the upcoming season is not going to be a unique task, because bow hunters tend to be creatures of habit after all. Check out this bow checklist to see what you should do in order to prepare yourself, and your gear, for the upcoming season.
Bow Maintenance
There is nothing wrong with spending time shooting your bow even during the offseason. On the bright side, when you shoot your bow during the off season it will make it easier for you to keep up with regular maintenance for your bow, such as making sure that the strings are waxed, making sure that the strings are in good condition, making sure that there are no frays on the strings, making sure the limbs have no stress cracks, making sure that the noise dampeners and the vibration dampeners are in good condition, making sure the cams are all in tune and so on.
Bow Practice
It is important that you ensure that you get plenty of practicing time with your bow before you climb in the stand, and this is especially important if you are using new arrows, new sights or new broad heads that you are not used to. This is one of the most important steps in the prep for your bow before the season. There is nothing worse than stretching out the string for a one-in-a-lifetime kind of trophy only to see your arrow cruise beneath him because you didn’t zero in before the season opener. After all, if you’re spending a lot of money on your bow hunting gear, then why not make sure that you are justifying the investment by getting your practice in long before the real shots come into play.
It is important that you take the time to become re-familiarized with your pins and the yardage that you have them set for. If your pins are in need of adjustment, then make sure that you get all of the zeroing in and the adjusting before hand. Make sure that you are taking the time to get yourself acquainted with your bow all over again in order to achieve the best possible results. The preparation that you make pre season can be all the difference when it comes to catching that trophy buck you have always been waiting for, or going home empty handed.
Photo Credits: unforth
Originally posted 2009-09-17 03:18:21. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Must-Have Hunting Supplies Since prehistoric times, hunting has been a true game of survival between our species and the world of animals. Gradually as civilization has become more civilized, and through advancements in technology, we have fine tuned this art of hunting into a true skill that not everyone can possess. Those who...... -
6 Things to Avoid When Turkey Hunting Here are a wide variety of little things that you need to avoid in order to turkey hunt successfully. Most turkey hunters learned these things through decades of turkey hunting, but now you do not have to. 1 - Limit movement. When turkeys see movement, they immediately know that danger...... -
Bowhunting Whitetail Deer For many hunters, bowhunting white tailed deer is the best hunting experience. Getting the right compound bow, the right gear and then finding the right spot from which to hunt is all part of the fun of going after the trophy deer. Don't overlook the kinds of arrows you choose,...... -
Prepare for Elk Season Hunters who enjoy hunting big game get excited when elk season approaches. One way that you can help yourself if you're aiming for a trophy elk or any elk at all is by practicing a great deal long before the season starts. Too many hunters leave the guns and bows...... -
Going Hunting for Mourning Doves Dove hunting is actually a really exciting sport. You can gather together a couple of hunters in a single field that happens to be an active ground for feeding and you are likely to have a really eventful hunt with lots of good results. In some states, you should recognize......
Online Stores
December 13th, 2011 — Bowhunting, Hunting
An archery hunt makes a hunter feel like part of the natural world. Archery is an ancient practice and hunting with a bow and arrow can make man feel more connected with his natural environment. Whether someone is an experienced archer or about to go on their first archery hunt, probably the most important consideration is safety. Archery hunting is far safer than hunting with ammunition. But that doesn’t mean accidents can happen. Be aware of yourself and your surrounding environment to keep your archery hunt safe at all times.
One of the most important safety considerations is that your bow is in good shape. A compound bow that is fired improperly such as being pulled back and released without an arrow, will sustain damage over time. The pulleys can loosen from having to absorb the shock repeatedly. If the compound bow wasn’t stored properly, it can be warped or have other problems that can cause it to release an arrow improperly and send it in the direction you don’t expect. When hunting season is out, you should store your compound bow in a temperature controlled area and treat with care.
In fact, if you love to archery hunt then there’s no reason your bow should be stored for a long period of time at all. The best way to get a trophy kill during hunting season is to practice when hunting season is out. Regular target practice is one of the best ways to improve your hunting. It will also keep your bow from suffering from neglect and the problems it causes. If you haven’t used your bow in some time, you may want to go ahead and change the string just as a precaution. On the other hand, if you’ve been practicing heavily, putting a fresh string on before hunting season may also be a good idea.
Accidents can happen when you’re not even using your compound bow. Just carrying the arrows and accidentally falling can be disastrous. That’s why you need a quiver that holds them firmly and shields the tips. It needs to be a sealed quiver that completely covers those tips to avoid accidental pokes. You’ll also want to make sure the quiver has cushioning in the bottom or you put cushioning in to keep the arrows from rubbing together and chipping or wearing down the tips.
In archery hunting there are few mistakes where the hunter actually thinks they’re aiming at an animal but it’s another person. Because 20 to 25 yards is about the average distance between you and the animal, that doesn’t leave much room for mistaking people as the game. But that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. You can’t assume that everyone takes the precautions you do as far as making themselves known to other hunters. Never loose the arrow unless you’re absolutely sure of what you’re shooting at.
Also, a first aid kit, extra water and a compass to help you in case you get turned around in the woods are good safety precautions whether you’re on an archery hunt or you have ammunition.
Photo Credits: erix!
Originally posted 2010-04-14 03:20:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Should You Consider Guided Hunts? Guided hunts are a unique way to become familiar with hunting whether you plan on hunting deer, quail or big-game. Various outfitters offer guided hunts and many people take advantage of those each year. There is an impression in the hunting community that guided hunts are somehow less real or...... -
Bow Hunt Tips If you're ready to bow hunt and you're new to hunting, take someone with you. As long as you're comfortable in the woods and can find your way well, there's no danger in actually going alone. But your first bow hunt will be better if you have an experienced hunter...... -
Duck Hunting Leases Duck hunting leases and leases for virtually any type of hunting are legal documents that need to be examined before you sign them. Never sign a lease that you don't fully understand. You could be bound by things that you didn't even know were in it if you're not careful...... -
How to Use Hunting Decoys Learning how to make use of hunting decoys can be a very important part of your hunting experience. Regardless if you are new to hunting, or if you are a seasoned veteran of the fields and forests, learning how to use decoys as part of your hunting can advance things...... -
School and State at Ends over Gun Decision The decision was made less than a day before the East Wake High School (North Carolina) marksmanship team was set to face off in a statewide shooting competition. At the behest of one of the principals of East Wake, along with the superintendent, the school team was barred from competing......
Online Stores
December 5th, 2011 — Bowhunting, Hunting, Whitetail deer
For many hunters, bowhunting white tailed deer is the best hunting experience. Getting the right compound bow, the right gear and then finding the right spot from which to hunt is all part of the fun of going after the trophy deer. Don’t overlook the kinds of arrows you choose, however. The arrow has a lot to do with whether or not you simply wound a deer or you bring home a kill and get to enjoy venison for a while.
You’ll need to decide two very important things about the arrows you use for bowhunting whitetail deer. The weight of the arrows is important as is the stiffness of the arrow shaft. You want to keep in mind the pull weight on your bow and the power that it has too. If you use bow with a lot of power and you regularly shoot very light arrows, you can actually damage the mechanism of the bow. Because of the arrow is so light it can’t absorb as much of the shock when the bow releases it, that shock ends up on the pulleys of the bow and can actually damage them over time.
You’ll need to calculate your bow’s draw weight and figure out the best weight arrow from there. Arrows are measured in grains and so you’ll want to calculate six grains for each pound of pull on your bow. If you prefer hunting with lighter arrows you can go as low as five grains for each pound of pull on your bow. But going less than that is almost sure to damage your bow over time. To follow the guidelines, a 50-pound bow would need a 300-grain arrow, taking 50×6 grains.
The stiffness of the arrow shaft is important to keep your bow in top shape also. You have to judge the weight of your bow and the way you hold and release arrows. Finger released arrows have to follow different guidelines than mechanical release arrows. If you release arrows with your fingers you need a very flexible shaft because the arrow will want to bend and flex more as it leaves the string. Mechanical release bows can handle stiffer arrows because of the way they release them. When you’re bowhunting whitetail deer, you want to calculate this carefully and get the right weight and stiffness so that the arrow flies where you want it to with the power that you need.
To get the right arrows for bowhunting whitetail deer you’ll also need to consider the point weight you’ll be hunting with. This is more important if you use a finger released method rather than a mechanical release. Practice with the arrows and weights that you’ll be using to deer hunt at about 20 to 25 yards from your target to get a feel for how the arrow leaves the bow and travels at that distance. For bowhunting whitetail deer, stick with medium weight or heavy weight arrows because of the way they move through the air and make less noise in doing so.
Photo Credits: fishpickdiver
Originally posted 2010-04-04 03:24:16. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
The Popularity of the Deer Hunting Game Online A deer hunting game can be a fun way to pass some time for avid hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. While nothing can take the place of getting out into the woods and really hunting, the online community has come up with some suitable diversions for hunters who are looking for...... -
More Hunting Terms Blind Planter - This is a name for the person that places the bird or the bumper at a designated spot for the purpose of a blind retrieve. Blink - This describes the situation when the dog locates the bumper or the bird during the retrieve but does not actually...... -
Whitetail Deer Hunting Tips Whitetail deer hunting tips are available everywhere from hunting DVDs to websites to television programs. The best tips that you can find, however, are tips from local hunters. Because every area is slightly different, the people who hunt in your local area are familiar with the way the deer move...... -
Is a Hunting DVD Worth Watching? People who don't hunt or fish or participate in any outdoor sports often like to make fun of things like fishing programs or a hunting DVD. They can't understand why anyone would want to watch something like someone else fishing or hunting. And while it's true that many fishing and...... -
Cold Weather Deer Hunting Tips If you're serious about hunting, you're going to end up out in the woods before dawn more often that most people care to think about! And you'll be out there scouting for deer in weather that would send most of us running into our dens with fuzzy slippers and hot......
Online Stores
December 3rd, 2011 — Bowhunting, Hunting
If you’re ready to bow hunt and you’re new to hunting, take someone with you. As long as you’re comfortable in the woods and can find your way well, there’s no danger in actually going alone. But your first bow hunt will be better if you have an experienced hunter with you. And it is safer if you plan on using a tree stand or a ladder stand where you could potentially fall and be injured.
Before you go on that bow hunt, be sure you’ve practiced enough that you feel confident in hitting a target that you choose. But remember that putting a target on a bale of hay and hitting it in the bull’s-eye every time is nothing like hunting a live animal. The animal will move and will often sense you just before you shoot. This is in part because of your stand and because of the slight sound you make when drawing the bow. If you use a very light weight arrow, you may even alert the animal when the arrow releases from the bow as lighter arrows make more noise than medium or heavy weight arrows. Practice with the arrows and point weight you’ll be using to hunt with until you’re comfortable and confident that you can make the arrow go where you want it to.
Don’t forget to try to camouflage your scent before you bow hunt. Don’t use heavily scented soap, cologne or aftershave before you hunt. Make sure your clothes are washed in detergent or fabric softener that doesn’t leave a heavy scent. And avoid things like campfires or cooking fires in your hunting clothes because they’ll absorb the smell of the smoke and alert the animals to your presence.
If you’ll be hunting with a stand, you’ll want to camouflage it with branches and greenery from around your area both to keep the deer from seeing it and to help mask the scent with the natural scent of the greenery. If you’re using a tree stand that requires climbing, be sure you understand how to operate the stand and how to set it up properly. Anytime you’re uncertain, you should have someone with you.
Remember to be quiet and move as little as possible when you bow hunt. When you spot your quarry, pull a full draw on your bow with the arrow tip aimed above the animal. Then slowly lower it until you’re at your target and ready to release the string. If the deer or other animal has suddenly frozen as if it senses you, aim slightly lower than you normally would in case the moment your bow releases the animal hears it and starts to bolt. They tend to crouch before they run so that would put the animal slightly lower.
If that happens, the ideal place to hit for a quick kill is actually with the animal moving away from you. About half way down the body behind the shoulder blades is the ideal spot to hit either the heart or lung when you bow hunt.
Photo Credits: Justin_D_Miller
Originally posted 2010-04-04 09:47:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Hunting and Hunters Lexicon Abomasum - This is the fourth chamber within the stomach of a deer. Along with the omasum, this is considered to be the true stomach of the deer. It helps to aid in digestion through the production of acids that break down food particles making it easier for nutrients to...... -
Plan a Safe Archery Hunt An archery hunt makes a hunter feel like part of the natural world. Archery is an ancient practice and hunting with a bow and arrow can make man feel more connected with his natural environment. Whether someone is an experienced archer or about to go on their first archery hunt,...... -
Pheasant Hunting Lodges Pheasant hunting lodges are the perfect place for the person who loves to hunt pheasant. This can take pheasant hunting from monotonous and almost a competition sport with other hunters who go to the same area, to something much more enjoyable. Take some time to find pheasant hunting lodges near...... -
Eight Tips for Deer Hunting Success When it comes to hunting deer, it is vitally important for you to pay attention to the smallest details. Here are a few unique tips that many hunters miss when it comes to bagging their dream trophy out in the woods. 1 - Use a Painted Stand - Paint both...... -
Differences Between a Spring and Fall Turkey Hunt If you've ever been on a spring turkey hunt or you've ever wanted to, you should consider turkey hunting in the fall, too. Most people think of spring but it's a fall activity as well. There are some differences between a spring and the fall turkey hunt that the hunter......
Online Stores
November 28th, 2011 — Deer, Hunting
Buck hunting is one of the most popular types of hunting in the United States. If you decide to go buck hunting, you’ll be joining thousands of other hunters who enjoy the challenge and excitement of tracking and hunting deer. You want to make sure you have the proper equipment and gear, especially if you go alone. It should be stressed however, that if you’re in doubt about your ability to successfully buck hunt on your own, you should not go by yourself. Take a friend who’s experienced or go on a guided hunt until you’re familiar with the basics. Being unsure of your situation and going buck hunting can put you at risk as well as other people in the area.
The first step is deciding whether you’re going to hunt with a gun or compound bow. There may be laws in your area that forbid one or the other. Most areas, however, have two seasons for buck hunting. There’s a season for gun hunters and a season for those who use a bow. So you can actually choose both if you prefer, just be sure you only hunt with the type of weapon that’s in season at the time.
You also want to make sure you have the right ammunition or the right arrows. Choosing the right arrows for buck hunting is an important consideration because you want the arrow to be heavy enough to travel well and be able to kill with one shot. You’ll also want to make sure you have the proper hunting knives. When you get a buck you have to field dress it, which means you remove the internal organs and lower the weight of the animal to allow you to drag it from the woods. You’ll want to carry at least one knife to use for this. You won’t need a skinning knife while you’re in the woods, but rather a thick and sturdy one to allow you to cut into the animal and dress it. Know your local laws regarding hunting because they may have specific procedures you must follow when doing this.
The proper clothing is necessary for buck hunting. Your clothing needs to be camouflaged so that the deer won’t pick you out among the brush and trees. You’ll also want to consider the weather and choose appropriate clothing. Waterproof boots to keep your feet warm are essential. If you’re going to hunt in a tree stand as opposed to on the ground, you want to have extra warmth available and be very aware of the weather so that you’re not caught out in a bad storm.
Of course, you’ll need the proper hunting license and any gun or bow permit that you need in your area. A product designed to cover your scent can help. And you want to use tree stand or some sort of chair, if you’re staying on the ground, but sturdy and comfortable. Also, consider taking a bit of food and water as well as a small first aid kit with you when you go buck hunting just in case of an unforeseen accident.
Photo Credits: Charles & Clint
Originally posted 2010-03-31 09:46:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Equipment for the Duck Hunt The duck hunt is something that you must plan for and something that's very hard to do spontaneously. That's because there is a certain amount of equipment that you need to do a proper hunt. You can't just wake up one day and decide you're going to go duck hunting...... - Whitetail Deer Hunting Tips Whitetail deer hunting tips are available everywhere from hunting DVDs to websites to television programs. The best tips that you can find, however, are tips from local hunters. Because every area is slightly different, the people who hunt in your local area are familiar with the way the deer move......
-
Why You Should Obey Hunting Laws The hunting laws in your area are necessary reading before you go on a hunt. While some people think it's fun or a bit of a joke to hunt and fish without licenses or permits and basically do what they want, hunting laws should be taken seriously. They're very often...... -
Practicing Safety With a Gun While Hunting Gun safety is absolutely critical when it comes to handling firearms and hunting. It is important that you learn how you can practice safety with your gun in order to prevent any injuries not only to you, but also to those that are around you as well. It is vitally...... -
Hunter Orange and Proper Hunting Safety Here are some important considerations to make when it comes to hunting safety: First and foremost, you should always assume that every gun that you come in contact with is loaded. Second, you are always going to want to control the muzzle. The way that you can achieve this is......
Online Stores
November 28th, 2011 — Elk, Hunting, Hunting Trips
Guided elk hunts are good for both beginners and experienced hunters. Whether you’ve been hunting for years but have never hunted elk or whether you’ve never hunted anything, a guided hunt can help you get familiar with the sport. And for those who’ve been hunting elk for years, a guided hunt can simply teach a few new tricks and offer a new twist on hunting. Those who typically go alone or with just one or two people might enjoy guided hunts for a change because of the companionship and camaraderie you feel with the other hunters.
For those who are new to elk hunting, elk are huge animals and they’re also very smart. That’s why many hunters prefer elk because they feel like they’re being challenged by tracking the animal. Many people prefer to bow hunt elk because it feels like a more natural way of hunting that harkens back to our ancestors. It’s also more challenging than hunting with a rifle or shotgun.
If you’re an experienced bow hunter then you understand what goes into choosing the right type of arrow and what goes into proper technique of shooting your bow. If you’re new to bow hunting, you need a bow with enough weight behind the arrow to bring down a large animal like an elk. But if you’re new to bow hunting you can’t start out with bow like that. You typically have to start with a lighter weight bow and work your way up. Don’t expect to hit the target at first when you’re practicing. And once you master a lightweight bow, moving up to the next weight will affect your aim as well.
Bow hunting on guided elk hunts is challenging to because you need to make sure your arrows are capable of bringing down an elk. They need to be heavy enough with a heavy enough point to puncture the hide of the animal. Guided elk hunts can help you because there are people that are experienced and can tell you where to hit the animal to bring it down.
The guide will also help you learn about where to find elk and how to find their food sources and water sources to be able to find them. Elk behave differently during different times of the day as well as different times in the season. A good guide can help you understand that and make it more likely that you bring down an animal.
Guided elk hunts are also good for someone who’s never hunted in a tree stand before because many people hunt elk from a tree just as they would hunt deer. Having a guide show you how to set up a tree stand and how to get in and out of it safely can really help you feel more at ease elk hunting. Then you’ll be prepared to elk hunt on your own without a guide or with just a few friends who may not be experienced elk hunters either.
Photo Credits: Jared Smith
Originally posted 2010-03-27 03:02:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Pellet Gun Hunting Guide Are you thinking about going out hunting with a pellet gun? There are a few important guidelines that you are going to need to follow if you want to make sure that you are being both humane and effective out there. Some of the things that you need to consider...... -
How to Choose a Deer Hunting Ranch A deer hunting ranch gives hunters an opportunity to gather together and really enjoy hunting on a whole new level. People who deer hunt individually obviously enjoy the entire experience or they wouldn't go. For some people it's simply a solitary way to spend time. But a deer hunting ranch...... -
Caribou Hunting For experienced hunters or new hunters alike, caribou hunting is an adventure. Those who are experienced hunting other game animals like deer or elk will find a lot familiar about caribou hunting and yet it will be unlike anything they've done. People new to hunting will find caribou hunting an...... -
Start Buck Hunting Buck hunting is one of the most popular types of hunting in the United States. If you decide to go buck hunting, you'll be joining thousands of other hunters who enjoy the challenge and excitement of tracking and hunting deer. You want to make sure you have the proper equipment...... - Hunting and Hunters Lexicon Abomasum - This is the fourth chamber within the stomach of a deer. Along with the omasum, this is considered to be the true stomach of the deer. It helps to aid in digestion through the production of acids that break down food particles making it easier for nutrients to......
Online Stores