Monthly Archives: November 2012

bow hunting

All About Arrows

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An arrow is described as a pointed projectile shot by an archer using a bow. It is very common to several cultures all over the world and is known to exist for over 4,000 years. There are several different kinds of arrows, each with its unique strengths and characteristics. Some kinds of arrows work better on certain bows, depending on what you are trying to achieve. Here are some guidelines on how to choose them carefully.

The Parts

A regular arrow has a number of parts, namely the arrowhead, the shaft which is divided into the softwood and the hardwood, the fletching, the spine and the nock. The arrowhead is found at the front end, while the fletching and nock are located at the opposite end. Arrow sizes will differ significantly among various cultures.

These can be as long as 18 inches to 5 feet. Modern arrows are around 2.5 to 3 feet long, just the same as the length of English war arrows. English war arrows are created to be half of the height of the person using these. Very short arrows are also used, which are shot via a guide linked to the wrist of the archer or the bow. Linking to the bow is referred to as an overdraw, while linking to the archer’s wrist is called the Turkish siper. These can shoot longer distances compared to heavier arrows.

The Shaft

The shaft is known to be the main structural feature of the arrow. Other components are attached throughout the shaft. This is usually created from bamboo, reeds or lightweight wood. Modern shafts can be created from composite materials, aluminum or carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Composite shafts are usually created from an aluminum core covered with carbon fiber on the outside.

The Spine

The spine is described as the stiffness of the shaft. The shaft will bend very limitedly when compressed if the spine is stable. A group of arrows should generally have the same spine to shoot consistently. Having a wide array of spines gives consistent shots if the arrow goes through the central vertical axis of the bow riser among center-shot bows. A lot of traditional bows are not center-shot and the arrow needs to deflect around the handle in the archer’s paradox. Higher draw-weight bows will usually need stiffer arrows that have more spine or less flexibility to provide the right amount of flex when shooting.

About Footed Arrows

A shaft made of two unique wood types held together will produce a footed arrow. These are known to be the most finely made. Footed arrows were used by Native Americans and Europeans. These usually are made of a short length of hardwood found close to the arrowhead, while the rest of the shaft is made of softwood. When you reinforce the area that is most vulnerable, the arrow will be stronger to afford impact. Overall weight and flexibility is still achieved.

Describing the Arrowhead

The arrowhead is known as the projectile point. This is the main functional arrow part and plays the biggest role. Separate arrowheads should be created from horn, metal or other hard materials. Arrowheads will be divided according to their relative functions. The bodkin points are rigid points having tiny cross-sections. Blunts are unsharpened arrowheads generally used for target shooting. These are usually made of hard rubber or metal to hit small game and tree stumps.

Judo points are characterized by having spring wires that extend sideways from the tip. These hold on to debris and grass to keep the arrow from getting lost. It is common for practice and hunting small game. Broadheads are used for both hunting and war. These are usually made of steel with hardened edges. There are about 2 to 4 sharp blades that cause bleeding among targets.

The Fletchings

This is one of the signature parts of the arrow, usually made of feathers. These are located at the back of the arrow to cause a small amount of drag that will stabilize the arrow’s flight. These are made to make the arrow stay along the direction and preventing the tendency to pitch or yaw. Some cultures may not use fletching in their arrows. Modern arrows make use of plastic. Copper vanes were also used in the past. Razor blades may also be used to reduce air resistance.

turkey hunting

How to choose the perfect gun for turkey shooting

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Now that the spring turkey-hunting season is nearly upon us, you should find the right shotgun. As turkey hunting has become increasingly popular, more and more manufacturers have developed shotguns that have more features. There are a few things you need to keep in mind as you search for the perfect shotgun.   
 
You need to buy a shotgun that fits you. The only sure way to find a shotgun that properly fits you is to make an appointment with a firearms expert. Pull the gun to your shoulder. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. See if the gun swings into place without extra effort. Pay attention to the weight of the gun – is it comfortable? Next, adjust the placement of your forward hand. Check to see if you are able to hold the shotgun steady for a set amount of time. Also, see if you are able to comfortably carry the shotgun for long distances. If you answer “yes” to each of these questions, you may have found the right shotgun.
 
Remember that when it comes to turkey hunting, a bigger shotgun is not always better. 20-gauge shotguns are growing in popularity, mainly due to their high-powered turkey loads and available chokes. You are better off buying a shotgun that perfectly fits you than you are choosing one that has the largest gauge or load size.
 
Give yourself an opportunity to see how your shotgun performs under different circumstances. Shoot it with different loads and shot sizes whenever possible. Most shotguns offer several choke options. A shotgun that shows success in increasing pattern performance is your ideal gun. As with all of your hunting equipment, you want to use only the highest quality gear that performs well when you need it most.   
 
You must take the time necessary to discover the limitations of your firearm. You can do several things to find out how well your gun will work at the moment when you need it to perform. Pattern, experiment with different loads and chokes, and practice real hunting situations on the range. These actions will help you learn when to shoot and when to hold back. Certain shots are risky, and you are better off holding your fire.
 
If you are using a 20-gauge shotgun, you must be within 25 yards of your target for your ideal shot. Very young hunters, or those hunters who lack experience, should follow the same distance. Knowing your limitations as a hunter is as important as knowing how well your shotgun will perform. This knowledge is the difference between success and disappointment.
 
Finding the right shotgun for your spring turkey hunting will take a fair amount of experimentation and practice. Your goal will be to determine the best choke constriction, load, shot size, and distance. You want a gun that is comfortable. You want a gun that fits your body size. Do not always go for the largest gun, as a bigger shotgun does not always equal a better shotgun. The best way to discover the shotgun that best fits you is to practice with different ones. There is a perfect shotgun out there with your name on it. Simply take the time to find it. Once you have discovered your ideal shotgun, you will be able to kick off a safe and rewarding turkey season.

bear hunting

Judge your bear before you shoot

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One of the best ways to get the bear you dream of is to learn how to judge his size in the field. The biggest bears live in the prime real estate of any given hunting zone – smaller bears live on the fringes of these areas for their own protection, and are often easier to find because larger bears occupy the best hiding places.

To judge your bear’s size, watch him move. Big bears show no hesitation or fear in their movement – they’re practically cocky. Now consider the scale of things – how good are you at judging distances? A small bear near to you will look bigger than a large bear at a distance – experts recommend you get as close as you can to the bear before making your decision.

The older a bear is, the heavier he will appear. A big, mature bear will have a snout that’s broader, longer and deeper than any small or female bear around. Similarly, his ears will be set more to the sides than the top of his head. And you’ll notice the biting muscles bulging behind his forehead. Finally, big bears have massive front shoulders – with a wrist, foot and forearm that are all the same width.