Tag Archives: bow hunting

bow hunting

Bow Hunting And Mental Discipline

Leave a comment

Bow hunting, like any other sports, needs both the physical and mental discipline of an athlete. The physical part comes into play because you need the strength and the right skills in archery. The mental part is the concentration needed to hit the target.

Focus

Just like any good athlete, you need to practice your shots. Like any other sport, no matter how excellent your sporting gears are, your accuracy still depends on your focus.

The world’s greatest athletes who are thought to be naturally gifted in their sports are the world’s most intensely focused personalities. Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Roger Federer are just some of them.

For one, focusing is said to be a skill. Just like any other skill, it can be developed and can be bettered through frequent practice, just like what you do with your muscles and your other physical skills.

As one expert said, a hunters preparation does not end in the physical preparation of shooting in the practice range. It should develop the mental mindset which might include, for instance, wearing the actual hunting clothes during the practice sessions.

Visualization

One proven way of improving ones focusing skill is through visualization. Discovered by old shamans before, visualization is now proven by clinical and sports psychology studies as a very effective performance-enhancer, especially in sports.

One way to improve your focus in bow hunting is to visualize your target buck present during your practice shots at the range. Imagine how your perfect shot hit your buck right where you want it.

You can visualize this scenario as many times as you want. Doing so will make you more confident. You will then be able to focus on where you want your arrow to be, instead of, say, the antlers.

When the big buck finally appears during the hunt and faces you, you will be able to look at nothing else but the place where you want your arrow to go. If you had visualized the double-long shot, there is a good chance you will achieve it in real time.

Accentuate the positive

Another discovery that increases the mental focus is the emphasis of positives instead of negatives. It had been shown that anything positive registers better and stays in the mind longer.

In times of stress, it is calming to say to oneself to “Keep quiet” than “Don’t make noise!” or to say “Stay calm” than say “Don’t be hasty!”

Mental discipline

You may not have the natural talents of our top world-caliber athletes. You can always use their mental training techniques and benefit from them. And bring your bow hunting skills one level up through mental discipline.

elk hunting

Elk Hunting With A Bow

Leave a comment

Elk are big animals in size. Many hunters don’t believe the truth about the size of Elk until they see it actually.

You must be very good shooter for doing well at archery elk hunt. The things which one need to know about elk is habits of elk, its dwelling place, its place of feeding, its eating and drinking habits etc. The foremost thing, which one needs to do for archery elk hunting, is to gain complete understanding about the animal.

You need to establish your camp at a place where there is availability of source of fresh water. The animal will surely pay visit to its place of fresh drinking water sooner or later in case you keep on waiting for the animal at that place. The animals will also pay a visit to nearest area where large numbers of trees are available near their dwelling place.

Elk eat on grass and some kinds of berries. The types of berries include strawberries, blackberries and snowberries. Your first step for hunting elk should be to search for sources of food. The elk will come to place of availability of their food.

You can establish a set up on the earth or on a tree. You have to spend a lot of time on this set up for verifying that this set up is comfortable and everything which you require is available on it. You should try to establish many set ups and keep on changing your place. The smells of human beings remain at a place for many days and elk will not prefer to visit such places.

You also require a bow that is packed with a substantial punch. The arrows, which you use for shooting, should be large enough to make an uncontaminated kill. You need a great practice for developing skill of making good shots.

You should wear same device during practice session for shooting, which you are going to wear during hunting of elk. There is great difference between shooting a bow in a simple t shirt and shooting a bow while you are wrapped in heavy coats and disguise. The difference between this is same as difference between a successful shot and an unsuccessful shot.

Some hunters use a method of cow call or the method of bugling while archery elk hunting as these methods work more efficiently while hunting. These methods are very good when the animals are in heat and groove.

Many hunters prefer the use of cow call method.
Archery elk hunting is a very complex task. Elks are very big animals and you should have a good a very good shot. You should learn the important part of archery elk hunting.

bow hunting

The Fine Art of Bow Hunting

Leave a comment

Bow hunting is often seen as one of those “manly” sports, but there is a small contingent of women that partake in bow hunting and take the sport to new levels. With bow hunting, people are getting in touch with the control of the hunt and are learning all sorts of new things about getting in tune with themselves and using their own bodily power to get in touch with the hunting aspect. Without the use of a firearm, people find that there is less to hide behind with a bow and find that the psychological aspect of bow hunting can be somewhat intimidating.

With bow hunting quickly becoming a new favorite in those seeking old-fashioned adventure, there are many new additions to the sport that people interested in it should get to know. One important aspect about bow hunting is the breaking of the “safety zone”. This must be done to get a clean shot at the prey. While traditional firearms hunters can stay at a relatively safe distance from their prey, a bow hunter must creep up on the prey and get inside a danger zone with the animal. This means that the animal could charge or attack at any moment within the danger zone. The hunter should be aware at all times because of this.

With some of the new additions in bow hunting, however, some of the guesswork from the hunt is being removed. While many bow hunting traditionalists may be against such new additions as GPS sensors and nigh-vision, others welcome any ally that they can muster in this fight for survival and adventure. There tends to be two different schools of hunters, but all hunters have the same goal in mind whether they are traditionalists or “new school” hunters. The ultimate goal of bow hunting is, of course, to bring down the ultimate prey.

There are several types of hunts that people go on. Big game hunts are popular and include elk, wolves, mountain goats, caribou and mountain lions. Other more dangerous hunters tend to go bow hunting after bears. There is a lot of demand for bear hunting these days, especially archery related hunts. This is because the danger involved with bear hunting delivers more of a rush than elk or caribou hunting. Like running with the bulls, bear hunting brings a sort of insane glee to the hunter and delivers certain thrills that they are not likely to get anywhere else.

Many people book bow hunting trips or excursions with a variety of trip-leading companies. These companies typically take a group of hunters into a particular area that is noted for having a great deal of the animals they are seeking. The hunting company trips come equipped with a guide that monitors the action from a position of expertise and offers tips to the hunters in the party. Hunting trips are often very reliant on the seasonal aspect of hunting, so those seeking a bow hunting excursion should make sure they are paying attention to the top seasons of hunting.

Much of bow hunting is reliant on the baiting or trapping aspect. The aforementioned hunting trips typically supply bait to the hunting party. This includes a knowledge from the hunting guide of placing the bait and finding a spot to wait for the prey. As hunting guides are professionals, their advice should always be heeded.

Typically, a hunting guide will take his or her party to a location in which the density of the hunted animal is known to be highest. They will then set up a camp or “base” and begin to look for baiting locations. Once the bait has been placed in a variety of locations, a hunting area will be designated for the bow hunters. As the hunters set up shop, the guide will typically go through a few of the ground rules and safety techniques. After a short period of time, the animals tend to appear and the hunt is on.

bow hunting

Selecting a Hunting Crossbow

Leave a comment

by Deb Vadnais

Crossbow hunting has the excitement of traditional bow hunting, without the strain associated with repeatedly firing a traditional upright bow. With a cocking device (a device to load the bow), even children or older hunters can enjoy a full day of bow hunting. There are a wide variety of crossbows available these days, and choosing the right hunting crossbow may initially seem like a daunting task. This article will lay out some of the most common features of modern crossbows, their pros and cons, and what the right hunting crossbow is for a given situation.

The main consideration when choosing a crossbow is going to be the draw weight. The draw weight determines the speed and power released when the bow is fired. When it comes to crossbows, the rule of thumb is that you’ll want the draw weight to be about double the draw weight of a traditional upright bow. So, for example, if the game you are hunting traditionally requires a 75 pound upright bow, you should look towards a 150 pound hunting crossbow, which is ideal for deer hunting. Hunting crossbows have a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds, so small game hunters should be able to find a crossbow that meets their needs as well.

Like upright bows, hunting crossbows come in both recurve and compound style. Compound limbs for crossbows can either be solid or split, and provide for greater accuracy and efficiency. Quality can be an issue, however, as cheaper split compound crossbows may not always be satisfactory.

The sights on the crossbow should be the next consideration. Modern crossbows offer traditional scopes like those you would find on a rifle, as well as peep sights or red dot sights. Red dot sights are excellent for low-light environments, so if you are doing some early morning or dusk hunting, then red dot sights are the way to go.

Finally, in selecting your hunting crossbow, cost is also going to be a big consideration. The highest quality bows can cost a thousand dollars or more, but you need not spend that much in order to find a good hunting crossbow. Many shops, as well as stores on the Internet, have quality crossbows available for four hundred dollars or less. While purchasing on-line is a great option, it’s recommended that you try out a few crossbows at a local store. So get out there, try a few hunting crossbows, and find the one (or two!) that are right for you.

bow hunting

Hunting Cross Bow Style: Pros and Cons for “Outlaw” Bow Hunters

Leave a comment

Hunting Cross bow style has gotten a bad reputation among traditional bow hunters, who claim hunting cross bow style gives an unfair advantage to crossbow users over more traditional bow hunters. The debate had continued to fire heated debates throughout the hunting cross bow and traditional bow enthusiasts. When statistics concerning specific hunting cross bow and hunting traditional bow users have been checked, the results have some hunting cross bow enthusiasts singing a victory song. It seems there is an advantage for crossbow users, but that advantage is very small, and negligible.
Hunting cross bow users were evaluated over traditional bow hunters in the state of Ohio, where crossbow hunters, to the chagrin of traditional hunters, have been somewhat vindicated. In spite of the cries of ‘foul’ within the bow hunting community’s traditional bow users, the most current research, done by impartial parties, shows a 23% success rate for hunting cross bow users and a 21% success rate for bow hunters, leaving traditional bow users with just a bit of egg on their faces. While most people believe this research will do little to stop the controversy between the two opposing parties, it is interesting to note that:
• 155,000 registered hunters participated in bow season hunting.
• 70,000 of them practiced crossbow hunting exclusively.
• 55,000 registered hunters used a vertical bow
• 30,000 registered hunters used both a vertical bow practiced cross bow hunting.
Senior Citizen Hunters who received free hunting licenses:
• 4,000 used a cross bow
• 1,000 used a vertical bow
• 1,000 used both
From these statistics, it is clear that out of the 55,000 registered hunters who participated in vertical bow hunting, a whopping 30,000 used both bow and crossbow. From the 6,000 registered bow hunters who were senior citizens, a huge majority, 4,000 used a cross bow, and 1,000 used both traditional bows and crossbows. It is clear this is a preferred method for seniors.
With so many people enjoying crossbow hunting and the statistics in the single state with the most available statistics over a large block of time showing that there is little realistic difference in hunting cross bow style and traditional bow style as far as kill rates go, it seems that there is no conclusive evidence to support the traditionalists viewpoint on the positive effects of prohibiting crossbow use during bow season.

bow hunting

The Pursuit of Bow Hunting

Leave a comment

Those looking for a method of hunting that offers great challenge will find just what they are looking for in bow hunting. Before there were guns, hunters used a primitive yet effective bow to take down their quarry. The skill required for this type of hunting has a long history in many cultures. Through the years, the evolution of technology and bows has brought many advances, allowing them to be more accurate than ever. The aspects and elements of materials and construction have helped to improve the bow hunting experience for many. From the beginner to the seasoned bow hunter, there is nothing more satisfying than to be able to use one’s skills effectively.

There are many places in bow hunting where just buying equipment can get tricky. While equipment is sold for right or left handed users, when bow hunters pick out their equipment, they do so by determining which eye is most dominant. Although it is not always the case, right handed people tend to be right eye dominant. Right handed equipment is also more prominent than left handed equipment. When one is right handed while being left eye dominant, the choice is to buy left handed equipment and shoot with the left hand or buy right handed equipment and still use the left eye. It is simply a matter of preference and comfort.

The draw weight of a bow, or the ability to pull the string back, is measured in pounds. The smaller the person, the lower the weight should be. Males and females also have different draw weights. A release aid is a common piece of equipment found on a bow that needs to be considered although it is not absolutely necessary when one is just learning the basics. Many start by releasing the bow with the fingers and then move up to a release aid later on. Other accessories such as sights or stabilizers are a good investment when one decides to take bow hunting more seriously.

When one is first getting acquainted with their bow, arrows need not be an expensive investment. With the help of a professional, one can find a good set of aluminum or carbon arrows to practice with. Depending on their purpose, arrows come in many different sizes and lengths. Upon deciding to enter the world of bow hunting to hunt a particular type of game, a more specialized type of arrow can be used. Often, equipment can be found used and in excellent condition, allowing one to wisely invest their money in other essential equipment should it be decided that bow hunting is a sport that suits them.

elk hunting

The Basic Draws of Bow Hunting Elk

Leave a comment

Hunting elk has never been considered an easy task but bow hunting elk can offer just the perfect level of challenge many hunters are looking for. Assessing the terrain, getting close, bugling and taking the shot all have their place for those who choose this method of hunting. One must be able to combine a number of variables in a very short period of time in order to ensure success. For example, knowing how to quickly choose a trustworthy location from which to take the perfect shot requires skill. One must also know the capabilities and limitations of their equipment as well as devote many hours of practice to making the particular broadside shot that will bring down this massive animal.

Bow hunting elk requires that hunters to get fairly close to their quarry. While some hunters prefer to move in toward their target, others like to get close, bugle and then move away, mimicking a cow on the move and leading a bull into a certain location. Many find it is easier to set up and wait for the animal to make an entrance than to sneak up on this creature known for its ultra sensitive ability for detecting danger. The shot must be made with special arrows strong enough to pierce the thick hide, cartilage and internal organs of large game animals.

Because one must get so close when bow hunting elk, recognizing a solid location in which to take a shot becomes crucial. Many hunters do not realize just how large an elk actually is until the animal is upon them. Not only are elk larger than life, their behaviors, mating rituals and distinctive bugle have been known to outright intimidate even the most experienced of hunters. Whether the animal is timid or aggressive, it is important to never put oneself in a bad position just to get close. The unpredictability of hunting is the number one reason safety plays such a major role in this sport.

Bow hunting elk requires that one understand the necessity of what is called a broadside shot. Although an elk may bolt for a number of yards, this type of shot placed just behind the shoulder ensures that both lungs will be pierced eventually taking the animal down. Many seasoned bow hunters decline the straight on chest shot for fear of hitting only one lung and losing their quarry when it bounds off. When this happens, many find that by the time the elk is tracked down, the meat is of no use. This is why so many find bow hunting elk the great challenge that it is and work so very hard to perfect their shot.

bow hunting

Bow Arrow Hunting: Past to Present

Leave a comment

Bow arrow hunting is vastly different from that of the Native Americans of the past. It is a wonderful sport that has enthusiasts from all facets of life, from survivalists to those who embrace technology. No longer are bows made of wood and sinew, and no longer are arrows made of burned and sharpened wood or flint. Technology has made its way into bow arrow hunting, and the advancements are amazing.
From alloy arrow tips to composite bows and crossbows, to complex sights and scopes, bow arrow hunting has evolved in exciting and innovative ways. For example, I doubt even a vision quest could have envisioned the hell razor broad head or similar arrows. Made specifically for the modern super fast speed bows, today’s arrows are made of high quality materials to maintain sharpness and remain true in flight. This arrow is formed using a laser weld system called photon blade bonding. It creates an arrow with a ferrule and blade joined in such a way that it is one piece. Sharpened in such a way to have a razor like, flat beveled edge, this arrow is designed to be super sharp and remain that way.

Pin guards are another area in which the tried and true has given way to the marvels of modern technology and scientifically designed advancements. Many hunters use a round peep sight on their bow, and now use a round pin guard as well, making it easier to line up the inside the peep and increasing accuracy.

Though most bow arrow hunting enthusiasts who are not target archers do not use scopes, most of the target archers are also bow arrow hunters and use their target sights and scopes hunting as well. Though if you are not interested in target archery, you might not want to invest in such an expensive high end item, there is definitely a place for them in the sport of bow arrow hunting.

Target Archery Sights and Scopes are another thing bow arrow hunters will find advanced. Most target archers will choose fancier sights and scopes and use them for both purposes, though they are certainly more expensive and unnecessary for bow arrow hunting purposes. Most of the high end sights have second and third axis adjustment capability or gang adjustable pins. Many sights have fiber optics, with the typical red dot target sights, some even have magnification lenses.

Many target archers are also bow arrow hunting enthusiasts. They may choose a fancy hunting sight to use for both purposes. High end hunting sights have come along way. They have 2nd and 3rd axis adjustments, bubble levels, fiber optics and individually adjustable and/or gang adjustable pins. Some even have magnification lens that you can add. Just remember, when it comes to bow arrow hunting scopes, the lens is the most important part, and also the most expensive part. Scopes can be as inexpensive as $50 and as expensive as $250 and up. The quality is reflected in the cost, though, so for the best scopes, remember that technology is expensive!

bow hunting

Bow Hunting: A Natural Hunt

Leave a comment

Bow hunting is a popular sport, but there are many things to consider if you are a new bow hunter looking to get set up in the sport of bow hunting. Laws and hunting seasons differ from state to state, and to get state specific information, you should contact the game and fish commission or other regulatory agencies, to ascertain the accurate regulations, hunting seasons, and other state laws. Every state requires hunting licenses, with the possible exception being some privately owned hunting clubs designated for organized bow hunts.

The next thing is educating yourself concerning the different bows available. It’s true that the type, brand, and selection of bows will depend on individual tastes, but also on the season you are planning to hunt, the animal you plan to hunt, and state and federal regulations regarding that. There are four general types of hunting bows. Let me tell you about them.

• Stick bows
• Recurves
• Compound bows
• Cross bows

Stick bows are the most basic bows. An example of a stick bow is the English long bow. They are about as tall, or taller than an average person, ‘D’ shaped, and have little or no recurve.

If you look at a recurve bow from the side, the ends curve away from the archer at the tips. This gives a greater amount of cast to the arrow. Many people prefer recurve bows when bow hunting, especially when traveling in wooded areas or on horseback, because they are considerably shorter than a regular stick bow.

A compound bow is a more modern bow. It uses a standard bow construction in conjunction with a system of cams, pulleys, and cables, to make it easier to draw, creating a higher velocity arrow trajectory.
It’s important to consider the draw weight and draw length of the bow you choose, and it is best for the draw length to be determined by an experienced professional. Bows are not one size fits all.

Crossbows are used for target shooting and sport bow hunting. A crossbow consists of a stock, upon which a bow is mounted. The bow shoots arrow-like projectiles released when a trigger on the stock is activated.

Once you’re familiarized with hunting laws, fulfilled any obligations prerequisite to hunting legally, such as licenses and hunting safety courses, and chosen the proper bow for your needs, you should consider the type of arrows you’ll need for bow hunting.

There is cedar, aluminum, and carbon shafted arrows. Research to determine which arrow shaft will work best for you based on your bow, where you’ll be hunting, what you’ll be hunting, and any regulations by the government or hunt club. It is a good idea to check with a professional archery dealer, until you are comfortable you can choose the arrows best for your bow hunting experience.