bow hunting

How to Choose Bow Hunting Equipment

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Bow hunting, they say is more art than science. Just as each archer must adapt a shooting style to fit his or her personality and abilities, the selection of bow and accessories will be a highly personal and subjective choice. (Bow hunting Equipment and Skills, 9). As a general rule, it is best to buy the bow you can afford that can match your interest in the sport. Archery shop employees are often trained to choose bows. Request them to allow you to practice shooting before buying a bow.

When choosing a bow, look for a bow that is center shot. A center-shot bow has a bow window cut into the handle which allows the draw arrow to sit a point close to or at the centerline of the limbs. Center-shot bows must be wooden bows that are laminated or must be bows with metal handle risers. A simple wooden bow would not be strong enough if a bow window were cut in the handle. Take a closer look at the draw weight and the draw length of the bow. The draw weight is the amount of force needed to draw back the bow. A reduced draw weight allows the archer to stay at full draw longer. Draw length is the distance from the bowstring at full draw to the front of the bow handle. The most common mistake archers do is choosing a bow with a draw length that is too long which results in poor aim.

The type of bow you choose depends upon your preference. There are three basic types of bows; the long bows, the recurve bow, and the compound bow. The long bows is the most traditional type, it is long, straight bow with a handle in the middle. The recurve bow is similar to the long bow, but the limbs are curved rather than straight. The curve allows more energy to flow through the bow which causes the arrow to travel faster. Most shooters like to begin with a compound bow because the traditional bows require much more time, effort, and practice while compound bows use a system of wheels and cables that work together to reduce the draw weight of the bow. The good thing with compound bow is that it shoots a faster arrow than a traditional bow. If you want to have the feel of hunting just like the way of our early ancestors you can always choose bow hunting using the traditional bows.

Sources:

Archery: Steps to Success by Kathleen Haywood and Catherine Lewis

Bow hunting for Fun by Jessica Gunderson

deer hunting

Deer Hunting: Deer Hunting Blinds

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Initially, blinds were just used as a cover device for the hunters to protect them from getting detected by the animals. Deer hunting blinds helped in locating deer hidden in the cliff area.

Deer hunting blinds is a commercial product easily available in the market place. These are also placed in deer hunting grounds and at different farms so that hunters can use them along with the other facilities of staying and lodging built over there in the form of a cabin.

Hunting deer in neighborhood-Prefabricated sets:
Deer can be hunted in the backyard of your house as well. However, the problem is only related with the inability to hide properly in the woods. Also, we tend to leave our scent behind in the hunting ground. These situations can be avoided by using proper hunting blinds. Pre fabricated hunting blinds are easily available in the market. Construction sets available in the market also help to build your own blind by setting the angle and height.

These sets can be easily disassembled and again be assembled to make it ready as a blind. You should look for steel brackets so as to assure that they are strong enough and can provide you enough safety.

Check:
While using a hunting blind just ensure that these hunting blinds are properly assembled. Disassembly instructions should also be carefully followed by you so as to leave you with no further questions on the safety aspect. While buying any such device, safety should be the top most priority. Cost concerns should be ignored as inexpensive units might ultimately lead you to loss.

Deer hunting blinds should be able to meet all the basic requirements of the hunter without causing any troubles. This does not mean that they are to be luxurious or should have excellent aesthetic features. The color should be simple to mix with the color of woods and trees and that is all that is required.

Important Elements of Blind:
One should be able to set up blinds in very little time, so that movement from one spot to other is easily possible. The most important thing that is required while sitting in a blind is the visibility. It is your ability to see a deer from different sides of the blind that is important. Moreover, the deer should not be able to see you. Many prefabricated blinds are available which can provide you these features without having letting to pay you any extra money for this.

Deer blinds might not be allowed legally at all the places. Therefore a hunter should check the laws before using any such device. Simply sitting at a standstill at a tree base is anyway permitted in all the regions where hunting is legal.

elk hunting

Elk Hunting: In Arizona

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The experience of Arizona elk hunting is same for a keen elk hunter as the experience of F1 GrandPrix race for a racing crazy motorist.

This type of hunting is considered to be best big game hunting practice. The hunters get chance for this type of hunting during fall season. During this period the hunters go for Arizona elk hunting in the hope of getting a trophy bull. The inspiration for hunting the most obscure creature of animal world is really a challenging task for hunters.

The Rocky Mountain Elk is very ordinary type of elk, which is found on an Arizona elk-hunting trip. This kind of elk is also referred as Wapiti. The weight of male Rocky Mountain Elk is 700 pounds or even more than this.

The internal organs of rocky mountain elk are covered by a ribcage, which includes a very hard cartilage, and it has a thick veil over its body. You require possessing right ammunition for making a direct shot and the shot should be effective and moral. In this way it is real challenge for a skilled hunter.

Arizona elk hunting season starts in the fall months of mid-September through October also. During this period elk go for their mating season. Elk males get angry, start bugling loudly and start searching for females for mating.

The most important facet of elk hunting the use of elk calls by hunters. It is essential to have knowledge about these calls.

There are certain types of calls, which let the hunters, to imitate bull or cow elks. You must be aware of the time and method of use of calls for luring the elks. The less and excessive use of bugling may prevent the elk from coming near.

They will run away from such an area where they foresee any danger. In this way you will miss the chance.
You can hire the services of a guide for a successful move of hunting elk in Arizona.

This step will be really beneficial for you if you are not aware of the geographical condition of Arizona and you have very less experience about this practice elk hunting.

You need the help of a guide even if have experience about Arizona elk hunting. A good and expert guide can help you in hunting an obscure elk and can also offer you helpful and valuable tips regarding this. The outfitter can also help you in dragging the large creature once you shoot it.

You cannot even imagine doing all this all alone. In this you should surely hire the services of an outfitter to hunt an elk in Arizona and this will beneficial for you.

hunting

Survival Tips for The Hunter

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The essentials for your survival kit

Sometimes it’s easy to lose your way in an unfamiliar wood. Carrying a compass and maps of the general area that you will be hunting in can help in the event that you get lost. Carry a flashlight with extra batteries in case you get caught out after dark. There are also flashlights on the market now that operate by just a shake, eliminating the need for batteries. Matches in a waterproof case are essential and a sharp knife is good to have as well. A traditional Bowie or a Swiss Army knife both serves the purpose.

Some granola, candy bars, or dried fruit are a good idea to bring along if you are not skilled at finding food in the wild. Never eat any plants or berries unless you are familiar with what types are poisonous. If you are unsure of the safety of a plant or its fruit, don’t eat it. Risking an illness while stranded in the wild is not preferable to an empty stomach. A bottle or two of drinking water is necessary also. Humans can survive for weeks without food but only three days without water. You will not want to drink any water found on the land without boiling it for several minutes first to kill off any bacteria or parasites.

It is recommended that you carry a needle and thread in your survival kit. These materials can be used to repair torn clothing. You can also stitch up a wound to stop heavy bleeding in case an injury occurs and you cannot get medical attention right away.

Most hunters carry a six to eight-foot length of rope to help drag their game back to the truck or haul equipment up into a tree stand. This rope can be used in many ways if you are stranded in the woods for an extended period of time. You can use a rope for first aid purposes, to help build a shelter, or to secure equipment during your hike. You can even string up a makeshift clothesline to dry wet clothing should you fall into standing water. Be sure to keep your rope with you and not in the truck.

It is also a good idea to wear a belt when out hunting. A belt can be used as a tourniquet in an emergency, as well to help secure a splint to a limb if necessary. A belt is one first aid item that you don’t have to cart around either.

Fire safety when stranded

It’s important to follow usual camp safety guidelines when starting a fire under any conditions in the wild. Always triple check to make sure a fire is completely out before leaving the area to prevent flare ups and a potential forest fire. Choose an area away from trees and shrubs, and line your pit with small boulders or stones to help contain the embers.

Gather larger logs and sticks and stack them in a teepee fashion. Then gather small twigs and scraps of paper to use as kindling at the base of your teepee. Blowing gently on your kindling will help your flames catch hold. You can use pine boughs to shield your fire from wind if necessary. You can also use boughs to stand or sit on if snow is present. This will help insulate your feet from the cold while warming yourself near the fire.

elk hunting

Elk Hunting: Rifles

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The use of black powder cartridge rifles for elk hunting practice is a famous skill of refutable elk hunter. This is preferred option of those hunters who like to perform hunting practice life their ancestors. They would like to use age-old method of hunting.

Some hunters consider it misty and murky method of hunting. This method is considered to be very suitable and well organized method for different kind of hunting games.

It requires a great skill and time for making a successful attempt of elk hunting with help of black powder cartridge rifles. The people who select this method of hunting have to spend a lot of time for doing practice.

There will be a greater contentment after every step of enhancement and success.

Those hunters have many options to consider who choose to hunt elk with black powder. You have to learn many things to get access in the practice of elk hunting.

One has to take a decision regarding caliber, butt stock, length of rifle, sights and selection of material along with selection of type of rifle

One also has to learn the method hand load ammunition. This is a very tough task to learn but with practice one can easily gain proficiency in it. It is common thing to hear about hunters that they have to cast their own bullets.

Hunters not only have to devote time for practice but also have to spend time in field for learning effective handling of firearm when they wish to learn elk hunting with powder cartridge rifles. This type of practice of elk hunting needs important amendment and it is very different from modern method of elk hunting.

Elk are very obscure creatures and enormous creatures and they also have thick veil and big internal organs.

Everybody is aware of fact that the firearm and ammunition that is used for elk hunting must be very strong to handle the task of elk hunting successfully. This is necessary when there is no option for automatic reloading in this type of elk hunting.

One more facet of elk hunting with black powder is that of cleaning. The large amount of powder can make things untidy for the hunters. Regular care and cleanliness of weapon is essential for keeping it fit for hunting.

The gunpowder can settle at several parts of gun and can make it hard. The efficiency of gun can be spoiled due to collection of gunpowder at many places. The shooter should use blow tube for preventing the powder from hardening until the process of cleaning of gun is over. You can find many kits for cleaning black powder cartridge guns

deer hunting

How to use a tree stand while hunting

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Most deer hunters are now hunting from tree stands. If you are new to deer hunting, or if you have been hunting for a while but have yet to use this method, you should consider using a tree stand. The benefits of using a tree stand are that you will stay out of the deer’s range of view, you will keep your scent hidden from the deer, and you will increase the range of your view. You do need to take certain precautions, however, to make sure that you protect yourself.  
 
There are many types of stands and most are safe to use. Some of these include ladder-type stands, climbing stands, and lock-on stands. You can also nail boards to a tree. No matter what type of stand you are using, know that accidents can happen. If a stand seems unsafe to you, do not use it. If you are thinking about using a new tree stand and you are far from your home or from people in general, wait. You would be unable to notify anyone in the event that you were injured. Do not take using a tree stand lightly.
 
You will benefit by becoming familiar with some of the ways by which hunters injure themselves on or around tree stands. Accidents happen when hunters fall asleep. It happens more often that you would imagine. Hunters also get injured when they slip while climbing in or out of a tree stand. You cannot avoid things like excess moisture on your boot, or an exceptionally damp step. The third way by which hunters suffer injury using tree stands is having a piece of equipment break. Nothing is 100% dependable. The best way to avoid severe injury from these unfortunate events is to wear a safety harness.
 
Many hunters know the risk of not using a safety harness, but they still use tree stands without one. Your safety harness will only help you if you wear it. It is not good enough to put on the harness after you have settled into your stand. Climbing into or out of your stand is when you are most likely to be hurt, so you need to be wearing it before you begin ascending your tree stand. It only takes a minute to secure and is well worth the hassle. The damage done by a fall with a safety harness is minimal compared to one without. The safety harness will mean the difference between a few bruises and a premature death.
 
There are a few additional steps you need to consider while preparing to use a tree stand for the first time. Tree steps and tie-on ladders are two favorite methods used by hunters. Some also use large nails as steps. If you are looking to cut costs, go with the nails. They are cheaper than the ladders. Test the nail to make sure that it is strong, steady, and secure. Use nails that will fully support your weight. When nails bend, hunters slip and injure themselves. Use a drill to make pilot holes for the nails. Some hunters prefer to use climbing stands instead of nails, but they are more expensive and limit you to certain trees.
 
Consider using a tree stand as you hunt. It is an effective way to catch your prey off-guard. Both your body and your scent are above the deer’s vicinity. It also allows for a broader view as you study the landscape. Tree stands do cause accidents, though. Take all of the necessary steps to prevent any major injuries. Use a safety harness to shorten the distance of your fall. Make sure that the nails you use to climb the tree are secure. Following these steps for using a tree stand ensures a safe and pleasurable hunting experience.  

deer hunting

Deer Hunting: Hunting Mule Deer

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Mule Deer are normally found in the Western US Region in bachelor groups. They are also found in southern western of Saskatchewan and are at time also spotted in Minnesota and Missouri. Mule Deer are very adaptable to most kinds of terrain. Regions providing low water and nutrition content are normally devoid of mule deer.

Description:
Mule deer have very large mule like ears. Their color is reddish-brown in the summer while in winter it turns to grayish-brown. They also have white patches in the body in belly, throat, and nose eye and ear areas. Black spots as well can be found on the chin. They have a white tail which ending in black.

Special Features:
• Mule like ears give them an ability to listen sharply
• Binocular vision. however cannot detect motionless objects
• Good runner and swimmers

Living habits:
Eating: They are normally gazers and eat green plants, nuts and corn, and herbs.
Lifestyle: They foray into deep valleys and bushy fields. However, after feeding and watering themselves, they move to the areas where their beds are. Their beds are normally in the areas located on ridge slopes, rocky areas, bushy areas or areas with timber work. The selection of their sleeping area or bed areas thus looks to be dependent upon having enough support for their back. They also want to be in little higher regions so as to keep a watch on the approaching predators. This makes it difficult for us to locate them.

Tracks: The track of mule deer varies depending upon the landscape. In softer and woodland areas, their foot print is a little pointed whereas on harder ground the print has a blunt tip.

Main Predators for Mule Deer:
• Mountain Lion and Coyotes in the Nevada region
• Other predators include black bear, grizzly Bear, wolves and any human animal

Hunting Mule Deer:
For a bow hunter: you should try spot and stalk style of hunting. although it is difficult, but not impossible. All that you would require is a collection of proper optical glasses, binoculars and a spotting scope. You should scan the areas like high ridges, pockets in mountains and brushes where mule deer are most likely to be found. Scan the high ridges, brush pockets and rock outcroppings.

After locating a buck of your interest, you should start working on your plan. Since these mule deer are in higher terrains, you will have to use breaks in order to install your stalk. The best way is to surprise the animal from upper area. Successful stalk gives good opportunity for hunt. For a running buck wait for it to stop and then try the stalk.

To summarize, one should always be patient while hunting.

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.

all about hunting