Shooting a traditional bow requires a different technique compared to modern compound bows, but with practice and dedication, you can become a skilled archer. In this article, we will guide you through the key aspects of shooting a traditional bow, including the shooting technique, aiming method, release and follow through. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, our tips and advice will help you on your archery journey.
When it comes to shooting a traditional bow, it's essential to master the proper stance and posture, gripping the bow correctly, and drawing the bowstring smoothly. These fundamental techniques not only improve your accuracy but also enhance your overall shooting experience.
Stance and Posture: To begin, let's talk about your stance and posture. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, perpendicular to the target. Distribute your weight evenly on both feet, keeping your body relaxed. Maintain an upright posture, with your chest slightly forward and your back straight. This balanced stance provides stability and allows for consistent shots.
Gripping the Bow: Next, let's focus on gripping the bow correctly. Place the bow handle in the palm of your non-dominant hand, with your fingers wrapped around the handle. Avoid gripping too tightly, as this can lead to tension and affect your aim. Instead, maintain a relaxed grip, allowing the bow to settle naturally in your hand. This grip enables better control and reduces unnecessary movement.
Drawing the Bow: Now, let's move on to drawing the bowstring smoothly. Start by standing with your bow hand extended towards the target, while keeping your elbow slightly bent. Use your other hand to grip the bowstring at its center. As you draw the string back, maintain a fluid motion and avoid jerking or rushing the process. Aim to reach a full draw, where the bowstring aligns with the corner of your mouth or the tip of your nose. This consistent draw length promotes accuracy and consistency in your shots.
Practicing these traditional bow shooting techniques is key to improving your skills. Take the time to familiarize yourself with each step and ensure proper execution.
When it comes to shooting a traditional bow, mastering the proper aiming method is essential for accuracy and consistency. In this section, we will cover three important aspects of aiming: finding a consistent anchor point, understanding sight alignment, and adjusting for different distances.
Finding a Consistent Anchor Point: One of the key elements of shooting a traditional bow is finding a consistent anchor point. This is the point at which you draw the bowstring back to each time you shoot. By having a consistent anchor point, you can ensure that your shots are more accurate and repeatable. Typically, archers will anchor the bowstring against a specific point on their face, such as the corner of the mouth or the tip of the nose. Experiment with different anchor points to find the one that feels most comfortable and allows for consistent shots.
Understanding Sight Alignment: Sight alignment is another crucial factor in aiming a traditional bow. Unlike modern compound bows with adjustable sights, traditional bows rely on the archer's instinctive aiming ability. Focus on aligning the tip of the arrow with your target, and ensure that your bow hand, string hand, and eye are all in line. This alignment will help you aim more precisely and increase your chances of hitting your target.
Adjusting for Different Distances: When shooting a traditional bow, it's important to understand how to adjust your aim for different distances. Unlike compound bows with adjustable sight pins, traditional bows require the archer to estimate the distance and make the necessary adjustments in their aim. To become proficient in adjusting for different distances, practice shooting at various targets placed at different distances. Over time, you will develop a sense of how much to adjust your aim to hit the target accurately.
By mastering these aiming techniques, you will be well on your way to becoming a skilled traditional bow shooter.
When shooting a traditional bow, the release and follow-through are crucial elements that can greatly impact your accuracy and consistency.
Releasing the Bowstring: To achieve a smooth release, it's important to maintain a relaxed grip on the bowstring. A tight or jerky release can disrupt the arrow's flight path. Instead, focus on a gentle and controlled release, allowing the bowstring to slip off your fingertips smoothly. Practice this motion to develop muscle memory and ensure a consistent release every time.
Maintaining Focus on the Target: Throughout the entire shooting process, it's essential to keep your eyes locked on the target. Avoid the temptation to follow the arrow's flight immediately after releasing. Instead, maintain your focus on the target until you are confident that the arrow has reached its destination. This will help you maintain proper form and improve your overall accuracy.
Analyzing your Shot: After each shot, take a moment to analyze your form and the arrow's impact point. Pay attention to any inconsistencies or patterns that may arise. If needed, make small adjustments to your stance, grip, or anchor point to improve your shot. It's important to experiment and find the technique that works best for you.
By mastering the release and follow-through, you can enhance your shooting skills and achieve greater accuracy with a traditional bow. Remember to practice regularly and be patient with yourself as you develop your skills.
Single Pin Bow Sight Advantages
Single-pin sights have only one pin and a bubble level in their housing, and that's it. They work with a straightforward slider, so you can easily adjust the pin to the exact distance you want, making every shot more accurate without any guessing.Top of Form It's simple, precise, and offers a range of benefits:
Multi Pin Bow Sights Advantages
Multi-pin bow sights cater to a wide range of preferences, as they are highly customizable, allowing bowhunters to tailor their setup with between 3 to 7 pins. Usually, these pins are arranged to cover 10-yard intervals like 20, 30, 40, 50 yards, and so on. Understanding the range of each pin helps you avoid needing to make adjustments while out in the field. However, it does demand more mental effort and concentration to shoot accurately. Multi pin bow sights offer a unique set of advantages that can enhance your hunting adventures:
So, Which One is Better?
Ultimately, the decision between single-pin and multi-pin sights depends on your preferences, arrow speed, hunting style, and budget. If you prefer elevated stands or thick brush hunting, a single-pin sight may be better. On the other hand, if you're a spot-and-stalk bowhunter in open country, a multi-pin sight for quick yardage adjustments may be more suitable.
At Trophy Ridge, we offer both single-pin and multi-pin bow sights for durability and precision, ensuring top performance regardless of your choice.
If you're still unsure about which sight is best for you, head to the range and try them out. See which one feels more comfortable and helps you shoot more accurately. We also have field points that are great for target practice. And when you're ready for hunting, don't forget to check out SIK Broadheads for the most lethal broadhead options on the market!
The Longbow Takedown Limbs are a testament to Bear Archery's dedication to seamlessly blending tradition with modern convenience. Crafted to complement the Fred Bear Takedown latch system, these limbs feature a blend of durable materials, including phenolic limb butts, a sturdy maple core, and a sleek layer of black glass. The result is an exceptional longbow performance with a smooth draw, all while maintaining the convenience of a tool-less takedown system. Whether you opt for the A-Riser or B-Riser LB limbs, you're guaranteed a seamless fit and an extraordinary archery experience.
Bear Archery proudly introduces the "Little Bear," a remarkable bow that embodies the true spirit of American craftsmanship. Made in the USA, this bow features clear maple risers exuding elegance and sturdiness. With optional brown or green glass limbs, the Little Bear offers both aesthetic appeal and outstanding performance, catering to varying peak weights of 20 or 25 pounds. Its lightweight design and durable features, including a leather strike plate and Bear hair shelf rest, make it a perfect choice for beginners, emphasizing quality and adaptability.
Named after Michigan's famous Au Sable River, the Au Sable longbow has been a favorite among longbow enthusiasts. Its reflex/deflex design, larger sight window, full-radiused grip, and cut-on center arrow shelf make it a standout choice.
The Bear Montana has quickly become one of the best-selling and most sought-after longbows in the industry. Now, alongside its White maple limbs backed and faced with strong black or grey fiberglass, we're excited to introduce a new option the black phenolic riser, featuring flame bamboo clear glass backing and facing. This addition enhances the bow's appeal, blending classic design with modern flair for archers seeking both performance and style.
Bear Archery is all about embracing innovation, and we've made these two risers designs even more exciting for 2024 by adding new colors. The Mag Riser combines modern technology with Mr. Bear's classic Take-Down approach, using a cast aluminum riser for extreme accuracy and easy transportation. Now, you can get it in the color Stone.
For the Fred Eichler Signature Take Down Riser, a collaboration with the renowned bowhunter Fred Eichler, it features a machined riser and Bear's patented latch system, offering a bow designed for perfection and flexibility. Now, it's available in not one but two more colors: Stone and Mossy Oak Bottomland.
But that's not all, we also added two captivating new finishes for the Fred Bear Take Down Riser, blending tradition with modern flair. Choose from bubinga wood paired with vibrant green glass and a phenolic stripe or opt for the combination of bubinga wood with a phenolic front and sleek green glass.
Designed to fit all recurve and longbows, the Leather Kodiak Quick Disconnect Quiver adds a touch of innovation to traditional archery. Its two-piece limb mount quiver, with extreme adjustability and a quick disconnect design, accommodates various bow widths, making it a versatile and practical choice for bowhunters.
For those who cherish their bows, Bear Archery presents the Traditional Bow Sock—a purposeful sleeve designed to safeguard your bow with style. With a soft Sherpa interior and a durable plaid exterior, this sock ensures ultimate protection for your prized possession while adding a touch of elegance.
Expanding our broadhead lineup, alongside our single bevel and double bevel razorhead broadheads, we are proud to introduce the Three Bladed Razorhead with VWS (Variable Weight System). Featuring an innovative insert system that is designed to allow bowhunters the ability to customize the weight of their broadhead from 150gr, 175gr, 200gr, and 250gr. The Three Bladed Razorhead is constructed from high-grade stainless steel, engineered to provide optimum penetration through impact, leading to a bone splitting effect and enhanced tissue damage throughout the animal.
Find out more about Bear Archery's 2024 traditional lineup in Bear Archery's Hunting 101 Podcast Episode 169, where Dylan and Neil Byce III discuss in detail.
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1. Clean and Lube Your Gear: Clean your crossbow thoroughly and lubricate it before putting it away. Wipe off any dirt or moisture with a soft cloth and apply a recommended lubricant to essential parts like the axles, trigger system, and rail. This will keep rust at bay and ensure smooth operation next hunting season.
2. Check and Tighten Bolts: Crossbows endure a lot of force, so bolts may loosen over time. Check and tighten them with a wrench or Allen key to avoid issues or damage.
3. Unstring and Remove Cables: Ease the tension and avoid damage by removing the string and cables before storage. Consult your crossbow's user guide for safe and correct removal instructions.
4. Invest in a Crossbow Case or Bag: A high-quality crossbow case or bag can provide maximum protection during storage. Look for durable, padded cases with compartments for your crossbow, bolts, and accessories.
5. Guard Against Moisture and Rust: Moisture and rust are crossbow killers. Keep your crossbow dry and well-ventilated and consider using moisture-absorbing products. A light coat of rust-inhibiting oil on metal parts can also add an extra layer of protection.
Follow these steps, and your crossbow will stay in top shape and ready for action when hunting season rolls around again. And remember, Bear Archery offers high-quality crossbow accessories and maintenance products to make your crossbow storage experience even better.
Hunt:
Grow:
Inspire:
Todd’s ‘Field Note’ is… "use a Constrictor Knot for your kisser button." https://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/constrictor-knot Enables you to simplify, lighten, and optimize your setup. If you need to make a repair in the field, I always carry extra d-loop material in my bag, and it will be simple to tie-in and get back to full confidence with my bow.
Get in touch with Todd now.
At Bear Archery we're proud to continue what Fred Bear started 90 years ago. The spirit, vision, and craftsmanship that Fred put into each bow remain a core component today. With that said, the team at Bear Archery is here to help you find the perfect gift!
It's never too early to share Bear with the next generation of archers. This 27” right-handed bow is perfect for children aged four to seven, featuring durable composite limbs, an 8.5-inch brace height, and a continuous draw weight up to 13.5 lbs. Its continuous draw length extends up to 24 inches, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for budding archers. Available in vibrant Flo Green and Flo Orange, this bow set comes complete and ready to shoot, including finger rollers, arrow rest, and two Safetyglass™ arrows.
Pathfinder Youth Compound Bow Set
Perfect for children aged six and older, this compound bow offers a 26” axle-to-axle length and an easy-to-pull 15-29 lbs. draw weight, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Featuring an adjustable 14”-25” draw length range and accommodating 65% let-off, it's designed for ease and comfort. The package comes complete with essentials: an easy-to-use 1-pin sight, Whisker Biscuit arrow rest, 2-arrow quiver, and two safety glass youth arrows.
Legit Ready To Hunt Compound Bow
This compound bow is made to legitimately fit all ages and skill levels. We’ve engineered this bow to be adjustable from a 14” to 30” draw length range and from 10 to 70 lbs. peak draw weight. All adjustments can be made using an Allen wrench and there is no need for a bow press. The bow comes ready to hunt equipped with Trophy Ridge accessories – a Joker 4-pin sight, 5-Spot quiver, Whisker Biscuit, No-tie peep sight & D loop. The Legit weighs only 3.6 lbs. and fires arrows at 315 feet per second. The new and improved dual cam system provides a smooth draw cycle.
Paradigm Ready to Hunt Compound Bow
The new Paradigm RTH from Bear Archery sets a whole new standard for ready to hunt bows. Featuring a new integrated Fatal 4 sight and the Integrate Mounting System® Whisker Biscuit V arrow rest from Trophy Ridge; there has never been a more streamlined set-up from the factory. The Paradigm is powered by the ultra-efficient DHC cam system capable of speeds up to 333fps, while being adjustable from 27"-32" of draw length. To help you make every shot count, the Paradigm measures 33 inches axle-to-axle and sports a brace height of 6.5 inches to maximize forgiveness. New cable guard roller system and in riser dampeners give this bow high end features that are unmatched in its price range. Trophy Ridge Package includes integrated 4-pin sight, IMS® Whisker Biscuit V, 5-Spot quiver, stabilizer, peep sight, and D-loop.
90th Anniversary Green Glass Grizzly Recurve Bow
The value-priced recurve bow is designed for big performance that will go easy on anyone's budget. Whether you are new to traditional archery or an expert, the 90th Anniversary Grizzly recurve bow is a sure shooter for any skill level. Crafted with superior build quality, its limbs feature clear maple overlays backed and faced with high-strength green fiberglass. The crowned, cut-on center arrow shelf comes with a leather side plate and bear hair arrow rest, ensuring accuracy and precision. Sporting an all-new iconic design paired with performance-enhancing materials, this bow offers a timeless appeal and exceptional shooting experience.
Ready to start shopping? See the "Find a Dealer" links on every page to reach your local dealer or order online today!
]]>The special bowhunter(s) in your life have enough to worry about on a hunt, their gear shouldn’t be one of them. Trophy Ridge proudly offers the industry’s best performing and most diverse suite of archery accessories. From quivers to rests, stabilizers, sights and releases, our products are intelligently designed to be deadly accurate, lighter weight, and give hunters a distinct advantage in the field.
1. Digital React Bow Sight
It's the bow sight that everyone is talking about! Available in both single-pin and three-pin configurations, this sight utilizes Trophy Ridge's React Technology to ensure dead-on accuracy at any distance featuring a highly visible LED screen with a digital readout of targeted distances. This innovative design also features customizable screen colors, brightness, and the ability to save up to 5 profiles for personalized arrow setups. Plus, third axis leveling, providing enhanced accuracy even at severe angles and longer distances.
2. Propel Arrow Rest
The Propel limb-driven rest, is a cutting-edge addition for 2024. This revolutionary rest is available with standard or Integrate Mounting System options along with variants designed for right- and left-handed users. Installation is simple, requiring no bow press, and can be configured for either the upper or lower limb.
3. VRSA Arrow Quiver
The VRSA Light arrow quiver has all the components and features that put it in a class of its own. Holding five arrows with customizable single or dual arrow grippers, it ensures a secure fit for various shaft sizes. Its innovative one-piece design allows mounting on either a sight bracket or the bow riser using the included adaptors, creating a sleek, low-profile setup close to the bow. With adjustable rod lengths and a cam locking lever for easy attachment and removal, this quiver offers customization and convenience. Additionally, it features a built-in rechargeable LED flashlight for navigating low-light conditions, truly setting it apart.
4. Shockstop Stabilizer
Introducing the Shock Stop Stabilizer, a must-have for any archer! This 8” stabilizer, crafted with high-modulus carbon fiber and cutting-edge dampening tech, effectively banishes shock and vibration from your bow. By isolating and absorbing riser vibrations, it not only enhances shot accuracy but also provides a smoother shooting experience. The stabilizer comes with two removable 1oz weights (with the option for a third) and includes a wrist strap and mounting bar, offering customization for your shooting style and preferences.
5. Precise Pro Release
One of our top sellers is the Precise Pro T Release which delivers pro-level performance for serious archers. Its ergonomic 4-finger design unlocks greater drawing power while ensuring a smooth release through its innovative sear-style mechanism. With a 360-degree rotating caliper head, this release eliminates torque for pinpoint accuracy, allowing you to find your ideal draw. Fully adjustable thumb-trigger and sear tension offer absolute precision and consistent releases tailored to your preferences. Included with a convenient sling wrist strap, this T handle doesn't compromise on ease. For any bowhunter seeking a sear-style T handle release that combines power, precision, and adjustability, the Precise Pro T Release is the ultimate choice.
6. Wrath Arrows
Every bowhunter needs reliable arrows, and the Trophy Ridge Wrath arrows are a versatile set designed for various purposes like hunting, 3D, or target practice. These 30-inch arrows are made of sturdy carbon material, ensuring durability and consistent performance shot after shot. They come with six loose 1-inch inserts, and their precision-sorted straightness (straightness: +/- 0.006") guarantees reliable accuracy. Featuring 2-inch fletching with 2 yellow and 1 white low-profile vanes, these arrows boast an inner dimension of .246".
]]>Cajun Bowfishing is proud to offer a complete suite of bowfishing equipment guaranteed to hold up to the extreme conditions on and off the water. From complete Ready-to-Fish bow bundles to individual barb points, Cajun Bowfishing has the tools for that special bow fisher in your life.
Sucker Punch Pro RTF: Engineered for tight spaces, this compact 31” axle-to-axle bow ensures easy maneuverability, promising a thrilling and enjoyable bowfishing adventure. Redesigned with a new riser and limb, it's lighter and more compact than before, offering confidence with its anti-string derailment design. With interchangeable draw modules providing a constant draw and a 17 to 29.5” draw length specific module, along with a 20-50-pound draw weight range, it's perfect for effortless, all-day shooting. This ready-to-fish kit includes Cajun Winch Pro Reel, Brush Fire Arrow Rest, Red Fiberglass Piranha Arrow, sight, and a riser-mounted Picatinny Rail/Line Puller, making it an ideal and versatile gift choice.
Fish Stick RTF Kit: For bowfishing enthusiasts seeking high performance and durability in one comprehensive package, the Fish Stick is the perfect gift! Crafted for versatility, this take-down design measuring 56 inches long with a 45-lb. peak draw weight ensures precision and power. Its high-grade aluminum riser and composite limbs promise extreme durability, tackling any challenge bowfishing brings. The complete bundle includes a drum reel with line, roller rest, and an arrow equipped with a Piranha point, everything needed for a thrilling adventure. With a no-slip rubber grip and Blister Buster finger pads, expect consistent shots with maximum comfort. Offering plenty of options, the Fish Stick features threaded holes for mounting sights or reels compatible with Cajun Winch and Winch Pro.
Winch Pro Reel: Bowfishing is an unforgiving exertion that taxes equipment under intense conditions. The Winch Pro takes the punishment and keeps asking for more. The all-new Winch Pro introduces a revolutionary design that allows the ability to brake and reel simultaneously to better bring in monsters up from the depth's day after day or night after night.
Spin Doctor Reel: The Cajun Spin Doctor Reel is the most durable and innovative spin cast bowfishing reel on the market. The reel is designed to endure the rigors of the sport with dual pickup pins with full metal assembly and a longer hood and larger hole design for better line feeding.
Wasp Arrow with 4 Barb Stinger: Ask any bowfishing man or woman around and they’ll all say the same thing, you can never have too many points and arrows on hand. The Cajun Bowfishing Fiberglass and Carbon Infused Arrow with 4 Barb Stinger features an improved shaft design made with a fusion of black carbon-fiber and red fiberglass. The durable 4 Barb Stinger features tougher barbs for soft flesh fish and quick fish removal.
Ready to start shopping? See the "Find a Dealer" links on every page to reach your local dealer or order online today!
]]>Something every bowhunter can appreciate are good, high quality broadheads. Our mission at SIK Broadheads is to make insanely sharp and intensely lethal broadheads that give hunters the confidence to make a clean, ethical shot every time. Red is one of our favorite colors during the holiday season and out in the field, and whether it's a mechanical or a fixed blade broadhead, SIK Broadheads have you covered no matter the size of the game.
Every broadhead in the SIK Broadheads lineup has been designed for superior performance and is backed by core-cutting technology.
The SK2 broadhead, named the Best New Mechanical Broadhead of the Year by Field & Stream, creates a massive 3.625” cutting surface thanks to the signature offset cutting design.
Looking for a fixed blade option? Choose from the F3 or F4 broadheads. Each option has been designed to deliver extreme strength, durability, and a blood trail you can’t miss.
Ready to start shopping? Order online here and we can ship right to your door!
]]>For example, I have lost count of how many times a cagey old whitetail doe has busted me and prevented me from shooting a buck. Same with cow elk and cow moose. I even had a cow caribou spook once when she spotted me and when she bolted so did the Caribou bull that was following her. The reverse has rarely been an issue. In fact, I can’t remember a time when I was trying to shoot a doe or cow and a bull or buck ruined it. Coincidence? I think not. My theory is that it’s often much more difficult to harvest a mature doe or cow then a male anything.
Therefore, it’s my opinion that bow hunters that are efficient enough to consistently harvest does and cows are better hunters.
I have not reached this conclusion without a lot of research. Here are some of the facts that I have compiled on the subject.
FACT- It is the female Whitetail, Mule deer, Elk, Moose, Caribou to name a few that raise the young fawns or calves. So, it’s the female that teaches the young to survive and how to avoid predators. Every single male animal learned these skills from his mother.
FACT- Females are smarter than males. This is true in every species including our own. To prove this, if you’re a male and married or have a girlfriend just ask them if you are the smartest one in the relationship. After they are done laughing, they will back my research by explaining why you are not. If you are reading this and are a female and have either a husband or a boyfriend my research indicates that you will undoubtedly agree with me. If you don’t identify yourself as male or female…. I don’t have any research on you.
FACT- For the table, does and cows are usually tenderer and taste better then bucks or bulls. Even more so during the rut when the males are run down and taste more gamey.
If egos are put aside. I’m sure if you don’t already agree with me, you are probably on the verge of switching your whole mindset on what trophies baldies are.
If I have not swayed you yet here is some additional information, I have researched that you should consider. This should help convince any skeptics.
Just consider all the scents on the market. Conquest, Tink's, Wildlife Research, Hunter Specialty to name a few of my favorites. All have scents. These scents are all designed to bring in the male species. There are female scents that are used to bring in males and there are also male scents and gland lures that are used to bring in the bucks and bulls. Does and cows only occasionally come into scent, but I have had bucks and bulls lick and even urinate in areas that I have used scent in. If that’s not proof enough of how much smarter the female species are then consider decoys. There are whitetail decoys that look just like both doe and buck whitetails. Does generally ignore them but I have had bucks not only come in to fight a fake buck decoy, but I have had them knock over doe decoys trying to breed them. I can honestly say I have NEVER seen a doe try and breed a buck decoy.
Elk and moose decoys…same story. Cows may look at them but rarely approach. Whereas I have had bull elk run right up to my Montana elk decoy and it’s only one dimensional!
I am confident if you consider the facts, you will agree that the female game species are much more challenging to hunt and therefore a better trophy. They also taste better and are rarely fooled by scents or artificial decoys compared to the males.
I hope in the future I will not hear as many people boasting about the large buck or bull they harvested and hope to hear more stories and read more articles about trophy does or cows.
- Fred Eichler
]]>The Total Archery Challenge (TAC) is a 3-day outdoor archery event that tests the skills of archers of all levels. The event features over 100 3D targets, challenging shooters to adjust for distances, angles, and natural obstacles. In addition to the main courses, TAC also offers a Future Champions course for beginner youth and other novelty shots to win major prizes.
The TAC is more than just an archery competition. It is also a festival atmosphere, with food, music, and vendors. The event is held in some of the most beautiful settings in the country, and it is a great way to experience the outdoors and meet other archers.
There are five dimensions to the TAC
Why You Need to Start Preparing Now
If you are thinking about participating in the TAC, you need to start preparing now. The event is challenging, and you need to be in top form to compete. Here are a few tips for getting ready for the TAC:
The TAC is a great event for archers of all levels. If you are thinking about participating, start preparing now. With hard work and dedication, you can be a winner at the TAC.
Here are some additional tips for preparing for the TAC
I hope this blog has given you a better understanding of the TAC and why you need to start preparing now. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me (contact information below.) I would be happy to help you in any way that I can.
Here is the link to the 2024 TAC Seven Springs, PA event. https://totalarcherychallenge.com/events/7-springs-pa/
Here is a link to our video from the 1 June 2023 TAC event at Seven Springs, PA.
https://youtu.be/jsDj80LF15g?si=b53iQoDapZNN17hm
- Todd DeCapua (RedArrowAddiction@gmail.com)
]]>To help inform America's 60+ million active HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters) on how land, fish and wildlife conservation is funded in the United States, Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) has developed a video series entitled 'Connecting with Conservation,’ where they collaborate with industry manufacturers and state agencies.
The latest video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4a3EwZrqOg showcases a visit to the Bear Archery facility in Jacksonville, Fla., giving viewers an inside look at bow manufacturing, sharing how archery pioneers, such as Fred Bear, helped pave the way for archery manufacturers to contribute to the Pittman-Robertson Act and thanking outdoors men and outdoors women for their role in conservation.
"Bear Archery is proud to support conservation funding and we do want our customers to know how important they are to us, as well as, to the conservation funding model”, said Neil Byce, director of operations at Bear Archery.
"Our 'Connecting with Conservation' video series simplifies the message on how conservation is funded and informs HATS how they are primary funders of land, fish, and wildlife conservation in America,” said OSCF Executive Director, Jim Curcuruto. “We thank companies like Bear Archery for helping spread the word to HATS across the nation."
The Pittman-Robertson Act generates funds from an excise tax on select outdoor products and goes to benefit projects such as land acquisition and improvement of wildlife habitat, introduction of wildlife into suitable habitat, research, surveys and inventories of wildlife populations, and development of access facilities for public use, and hunter education programs, including construction and operation of public target ranges.
“Hunting and fishing licenses along with purchases of excise taxed outdoor products make up the bulk of most state wildlife agency budgets,” stated Curcuruto. “Without the $3.6 billion in funding provided by HATS each year, wildlife agency budgets would be decimated, and they would be unable to continue to perform all the great conservation work they do.”
To view 'Connecting with Conservation' videos, visit
https://www.youtube.com/@outdoorstewardsofconservat2000/videos
About Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation
Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is a 501c3 nonprofit with a mission to help recruit the next generation of HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers & Shooters) and promote the fact that HATS are primary funders of land, fish and wildlife conservation in America. To support our mission we have developed programs such as: “ComeWith!”, “Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag”, “Connecting with Conservation” and the “Outdoor Industry Communication Council”. For additional information follow @OutdoorStewards on Instagram, visit www.OutdoorStewards.org or contact Jim Curcuruto jim@stewardsofconservation.org (203) 450-7202.
About Bear Archery®
Founded by the iconic father of modern archery, Fred Bear, in 1933 with the intention of bringing archery to the masses, Bear Archery® continues to produce legendary bows with the same focus on reliability and technology while maintaining its rich heritage of innovative leadership, quality products, and family values. Bear Archery is a division of Escalade Sports. For information on Bear Archery, its products, brands, instruction manuals, retailers, warranty, replacement parts, or customer service, please call 1-800-694-9494 or visit www.beararchery.com
About Murray Road Agency
Murray Road is a passionate and well-rounded marketing agency dedicated to delivering difference-making results for its growing roster of brands and organizations. As experts in connecting companies and brands to their target audiences, the agency provides services in content creation, social media management, public relations, media buying, event management, digital advertising and more. For more information, visit www.murrayroadagency.com.
This 'Connecting with Conservation' video was produced with the support of The Murray Road Agency. Funding for this project is provided by the Multistate Conservation Grant Program (F23AP00394), a program supported with funds from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and jointly managed by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
]]>Over the last several weeks, Mowery has killed several animals including a Boone & Crockett bear and a bull elk and distances greater than 60 yards. Being able to make long distance shots is why Mowery’s freezer is always full. “I regularly shoot at distances greater than one hundred yards, so I feel confident when I have a 70 or 80-yard shot on an animal that is standing still,” Mowery noted.
Many hunters will read the previous paragraph and cringe at the thought of taking an 80-yard shot. Mowery is the first to admit that everything has to be perfect for him to take a long-distance shot. “If an animal is moving, if an animal is alert or looking my way, I wouldn’t take the shot. An animal has to be relaxed and feeding. The wind needs to be calm, and the shot needs to be wide open with no obstructions. When everything is perfect, I will take a long distance shot on a bull elk or a good-sized bear that is busy feeding,” Mowery explained.
Recently Mowery killed a monster black bear feeding on an apple tree. The bear was over 80 yards away, sitting still chewing on apples. “The bear I just killed might end up being a new world record for a sow black bear. I never would have been able to get within 20 yards of this bear. I was able to tag the bear because I was comfortable taking a long-range shot.”
Even if you are a whitetail hunter and your typical shot is 30 yards or less, being able to accurately shoot at 50 and 60 yards will greatly increase your success rate at 20- and 30-yard shots. Mowery suggests that everyone should learn how to accurately shoot at 50 yards and beyond. “The key to success boils down to shooting daily and making sure that every arrow in a quiver is perfectly tuned. All my arrows are spin tested, weigh almost exactly the same, and fly like darts. Having a perfectly tuned bow and a quiver full of perfectly tuned arrows is critical.”
Most professional archers and hardcore bowhunters tune every arrow that goes into a quiver. They make sure every insert, every nock, and every broadhead weighs the same and flies perfectly. The easiest way to be a consistent long-range shooter is to have equipment that is tuned. An easy way to make sure an arrow is perfectly tuned is with the Arrow Inspector. This nifty tool is a spin tester that allows the archer to spin the arrow at a high rate of speed. If anything is wrong with the arrow, it will wobble on the Arrow Inspector.
Shane Mowery fine tunes his own bows and only shoots equipment that can accurately shoot at distances beyond 100 yards. He currently uses a Bear Archery Execute bow and a Bone Maniac arrow tipped with a Sik F4 broadhead.
Do you want to increase your long-range accuracy? Shoot daily and shoot at distances outside your comfort zone. Pretty soon a 40-yard shot will seem easy. If you shoot at 80 yards in your backyard, pretty soon a 50-yard shot will seem easy. Shoot at distances in your backyard far beyond what you would shoot in the field. This will this make you a better shooter and will increase your confidence in the field.
- Tracy Breen
]]>The Attack series is renowned for its durability and reliability. Crafted from 100% machined aluminum, these bow sights can handle any challenge that comes their way. The high-performance .019 fiber optic pin in both sights ensures precise aiming, with the flexibility to position it vertically or horizontally. The Tool Less Micro Adjust Windage and elevation system in the Attack Pro enhances the tuning process. Both sights incorporate Delrin®️ bushings for smooth and quiet movement and adjustable brightness, adapting seamlessly to varying lighting conditions.
Continuing our commitment to innovation, we proudly present the SWFT 1 pin, SWFT Duo, and SWFT Trio models. These drive-style sights offer toolless micro-adjustments, click lights, and a full set of sight tapes, ensuring precise accuracy from 20 to 100+ yards.
The Trophy Ridge React Pro 5-Pin now features the advanced Bridgelock mounting option and an integrated mounting option. Combining React®️ Technology with premium target sight features, this sight delivers consistent high-performance hunts. Choose between .010" and .019" pin sizes for right hand, and .019" for left hand configurations. With automatic pin elevation adjustments and durable construction, this sight ensures lightweight, reliable, and accurate performance.
The Gem 3-Pin Sight is a versatile and user-friendly choice for both left and right-handed shooters. Its reverse sight design and removable level cater to different hand orientations, offering flexibility and convenience. Equipped with .019 fiber optic pins, the Gem ensures precise aiming in various lighting conditions. The yellow hood accent further enhances shot acquisition speed, allowing for quicker and more accurate shots.
The Ridgeline 5-Pin gives an incredible balance of price and features that translate into big time success in the field.
The Propel limb-driven rest, a cutting-edge addition for 2024. This revolutionary rest is available with standard or Integrate Mounting System options. It features a detachable full containment arm, limb attachment bracket, and variants designed for right- and left-handed users.
Designed for maximum performance and accuracy, the Snubnose stabilizer is a lightweight yet ultra-durable carbon bow stabilizer. It offers a balanced feel and effectively eliminates vibration, enhancing your shooting experience. Utilizing state-of-the-art carbon fiber construction, this stabilizer is up to 50% lighter than traditional stabilizers.
Trophy Ridge's new additions for 2024 truly represent a leap forward in archery gear. To learn more about each product in depth listen to Bear Archery's Hunting 101 Podcast Episode 168 Dylan is joined by Caleb Sorrells (Marketing Director) and Andrew Hughes (Engineer) to discuss the entire new lineup from for 2024.
]]>We've teamed up with Silver Eagle Arms, Great Plains Land Company, and Trophy Ridge to give one lucky winner the ultimate Ducks and Bucks bundle!
The winner will receive:
1- Pair of Swarovski Binoculars
1- Trophy Ridge SWFT Bow Sight
1- Trophy Ridge Propel Arrow Rest
Enter to win here: https://gleam.io/YDs07/bucks-and-ducks-giveaway
]]>1. Shore Runner EV
Introducing the Shore Runner EV, the epitome of precision and power in bowfishing. Weighing just 3.2 pounds, this lightweight champion boasts a 7" brace height, ensuring impeccable accuracy with every shot. Its 32" ATA strikes the perfect balance between maneuverability and stability, while the constant draw up to 30" guarantees consistent performance. With an adjustable draw weight range from 20 to 50 pounds, the Shore Runner EV caters to all skill levels, while its durable build ensures reliability in any conditions. Elevate your bowfishing experience with the Shore Runner EV and embrace the excitement of the hunt like never before.
2. Shore Runner EVS
Introducing the Shore Runner EVS: Where precision and power unite to redefine bowfishing. Weighing a mere 3.2 pounds, this lightweight champion allows you to effortlessly navigate the waters, while its 7" brace height guarantees impeccable accuracy with every shot. With a 32" ATA, find the perfect balance between maneuverability and stability. Unleash consistent draw performance up to 30", ensuring smooth shots that hit the mark every time. Designed to cater to all skill levels, the Shore Runner EVS features an adjustable draw weight range from 20 to 50 pounds, making it a versatile choice for both novices and experts. But that's not all - enhanced with top-of-the-line accessories such as an Arrow with Piranha Point, an Arrow Rest, a Spin Doctor reel, and a Reel Seat, the Shore Runner EVS takes your bowfishing experience to a whole new level of excitement and success. Elevate your game and embrace the thrill of the hunt like never before with the Shore Runner EVS by your side.
3. Shore Runner EVW
Introducing the Shore Runner EVW Bowfishing Bow – your ultimate companion for thrilling bowfishing adventures. Weighing just 3.2 pounds, this bow offers unparalleled lightweight design, while the 7" brace height ensures enhanced accuracy with the perfect balance between stability and speed. With a compact 32" axle-to-axle length, you get exceptional control even in tight spaces. Enjoy a constant draw up to 30", guaranteeing smooth and consistent shots, and adjust the draw weight from 20 to 50 pounds to suit your preferences and skill level. Equipped with an Arrow with Piranha point, an Arrow Rest, and the Winch Pro reel, the Shore Runner EVW is your reliable tool to dominate the waters, empowering you to conquer any bowfishing challenge with confidence.
The new Shore Runner Collection from Cajun Bowfishing promises to elevate your bowfishing experience. These bows are crafted to perfection, delivering an exceptional blend of lightweight design, impeccable accuracy, and top-notch accessories. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these bows promise the precision, power, and adaptability you need.
Highlights of the 2024 product lineup include:
Innovative Compound Bows: The 2024 lineup features a range of cutting-edge compound bows, including the flagship bow, the "Persist," measuring 31” axle-to-axle. With a lightweight riser design and a wide stance limb system, this bow incorporates the Integrate Mounting System®, Picatinny sight mounts, and built-in sling and pull-up loop, ensuring a sleek and lightweight design. Additional additions to the Legend line include the "Whitetail Maxx" and the feature-upgraded "Alaskan XT," promising enhanced performance and value.
Traditional Bows: In our commitment to preserving traditional archery craftsmanship, we introduce exciting additions to our line of takedowns, recurves, and longbows. Notable among these is the "Little Bear" recurve, tailor-made for our young archery enthusiasts. Handcrafted with a maple riser and available in green or brown glass, this bow is designed for weights of 20 and 25 lbs. Additionally, we introduce the "Fred Bear Longbow TD limbs," offering versatility and customization options for our Bear Take Down risers. Finally, new colors have been added to our Mag Riser in “A” and “B” configurations as well as a new color and camo pattern for our popular Fred Eichler Signature Riser we launched in 2023. The AuSable is getting a facelift in 2024, featuring a beautiful shedua riser with a black stripe and finished off with flamed bamboo limbs with black and white tips and cap.
Revamped Bear X Crossbow Lineup: We are proud to present a revitalized Bear X lineup, embodying reliability, performance, and affordability including crossbows such as the "Constrictor Pro," "Constrictor LT," "Domain," "Trance," and "Catalyst." These crossbows are engineered to deliver superior performance at unbeatable prices, appealing to archers seeking narrow, lightweight, and dependable options.
"Our 2024 lineup reflects our dedication to providing exceptional archery products, carrying forward the legacy of Fred Bear's vision for the sport. We invite archery enthusiasts to explore the innovative features and advancements we've integrated into this year's offerings," said Jonathan Lene, General Manager at Bear Archery.
]]>Hunting with tree stands are a safe and highly effective means for hunting whitetail deer along with other species. However, every year there are hunters (archery and firearms) that have falls from tree stands because they weren’t following some basic safety principles causing injuries and in a few cases death. The Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation has developed the ABC’s of Tree Stand Safety to keep these safety principles simple and help ensure you come home safe to your family and friends.
“A” stands for Always remove and inspect your equipment prior to use. Tree stands are not designed to be left in the woods from season to season. You should inspect all of your equipment that you will be using including your stand(s), climbing aids/ladder systems, full-body harness, and any ropes or straps that will be used in conjunction with your stand. You should inspect the nuts, bolts, straps, ratchets, cables, and safety ropes for any signs of deterioration, wear, cuts, and don’t forget to check your full-body harness to ensure it has not expired and is not damaged. If you find something that is missing, damaged or showing signs of wear, immediately take it out of service and reach out to the manufacturer to get replacement parts.
“B” stands for the Buckle on your full-body harness every single time before you climb. Full-body harnesses are included with every tree stand purchased that has passed ASTM standards recognized by the Tree Stand Manufacturer’s Association. If you are not going to use the supplied harness, there are a number of full-body harness manufacturers that produce excellent products for use with tree stands. Today’s full-body harness are easy to use, light weight and comfortable, and come in different styles and options to suit your style of hunting. You must wear a full-body harness any time you’re hanging a stand, checking a stand, practicing from a stand, hunting, or taking a stand down. Having your full-body harness on and connected will help give you confidence in the stand so that you can make the shot safely when the moment arrives. It’s important to practice putting your harness on correctly prior to using it.
“C” stands for Connect before your feet leave the ground. The full-body harness is just another piece of clothing or equipment if it is not attached to the tree. It’s somewhat like jumping from a plane with a parachute but never pulling the cord. For the harness to work properly, you must be connected to the tree 100% of the time with either a linesman belt/rope and tree strap, or a rope safety line. This includes installing and taking down stands, ladder systems, climbing up and down to your stand, while hunting or practicing. It is extremely important when seated in your stand that your tether not have slack in it to minimize the drop distance if a fall should occur. This will not affect your ability to make the shot. Minimizing slack will greatly increase your ability to self-recover/rescue if you fall. If you fall and can’t self-recover, you must immediately deploy your suspension relief strap/system that is included with your full-body harness. You should practice using it at a low level prior to hunting.
Lastly, “D” stands for sharing your Destination. None of us ever think we’re going to have a medical emergency or get injured while hunting and in some situations every minute counts. This is why it is extremely important to share your hunt and stand location with your hunting partners and/or a family member prior to the hunt. Using one of the hunting apps, a printed map or some other method will help make it easier for rescuers to find you in an emergency. You should always carry a signaling device such as a whistle on your person as cell phones don’t always work in remote locations. The time saved by letting others know where to look for you in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death.
Practicing the ABCs of Tree Stand Safety will help ensure you come home safe to your family and friends. For more information on the ABCs of Tree Stand Safety, go to www.treestandsafetyawareness.org
]]>Cajun 8 Bowfishing Tournament Top 5:
Cajun 8 Total Weight Results:
Payout:
1st Place: $10,000
2nd Place: $5,000
3rd Place: $3,000
4th Place: $2,000
5th Place: $1,250
6th Place: $750
7th Place: $600
8th Place: $400
Cajun 8 Bowfishing Tournament Big Fish Winners:
The Biggest fish cash pot was $2,000. There were also prizes for The Big 5 fish. 5 categories, including Biggest Asian Carp, Biggest Grass Carp, Biggest Buffalo Carp, Biggest Common Carp, and Biggest Gar.
]]>At first, I scoffed at the idea of even using a blind that I had to carry into the field. I was a big fan of tree stands, the old spot and stalk or just building a brush blind.
I then discovered how advantageous they were for turkey hunting. I was blown away. Turkeys absolutely ignore them. Just pop one up in a bare field, slap out a decoy and get ready for some close-up turkey action. What is even better is that you can draw totally undetected. I started using them for every turkey hunt I went on and harvested Merriam's, Osceola, Eastern and Rio Grande turkeys with the help of pop-up blinds. I also used them for guiding turkey clients. I then experimented with using them for all types of big game. I learned the hard way that although turkeys ignore them and antelope don’t seem to worry about them, most big game animals spot them very quickly and become wary or spooked. I found that brushing the blind in to break up the outline worked great.
I have harvested bear, elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, Coues deer, hogs' antelope, javelina and turkey from a blind. Needless to say, I am hooked.
I have also learned the hard way that silhouetting yourself in the blind is a major no when hunting any species. You might as well be waving a sign that says, “I’m a predator, don’t come close”. To avoid this common mistake only put down a window or windows in one direction. If you put down windows in more than one direction, you will get silhouetted. If an animal silhouettes you in a blind odds, are you can write that animal off in that location. In an effort to stay as concealed as possible, I also sit back in the blind where it is the darkest to avoid getting spotted.
Another feature I have learned to use is shoot-through netting. A lot of bowhunters I know are hesitant to shoot through it. I advise them to practice shooting through it and they will find that unless they have terrible arrow flight it will not affect your point of impact.
The reason I use the shoot through netting is that it makes a huge difference in concealing you in the blind. Even more so on cloudy days, early morning or evening when the inside of the blind isn’t as dark or when the sun is coming in the window. I use it so much that I don’t like being without it anymore. You can go to my “YouTube” page to see a short video of me explaining the advantages of shoot through netting and showing how easy it is to accidently silhouette yourself.
The biggest disadvantage for traditional shooters using a pop-up blind is that the majority of them are designed for compounds or rifles. I struggled with short blinds for years and missed a few shots on animals because I hit the top of the blind. Fortunately, some companies are making taller blinds that accommodate recurves and longbows.
Make sure if you are going to purchase a blind that it is tall enough to accommodate your equipment. The height of your chair can also play a factor on you having enough clearance to shoot. There are a ton of chairs on the market that are different heights and that provide different support. I prefer a chair that has good back support and no arms. Millennium and Muddy make some great blind chairs. I find that chair arms impede my ability to draw normally without hitting the chairs arm with my string. I have on occasion dug out the ground to give me more clearance if I was in a short pop-up not made for traditional equipment.
I have enjoyed a lot of successful hunts out of my pop-up blinds and have found many advantages to hunting from them. Besides the hunting benefits they also help reduce scent, make it easy to video from if you have a tripod and are also great for introducing new people to hunting or taking kids as the blind conceals their movement.
If you have never used one, I suggest giving it a try. It could change the way you hunt.
- Fred Eichler
]]>
Warb:
Bear Archery Adapt+ RTH Compound Bow
Trophy Ridge Hotwire Bow Sight
Trophy Ridge VRSA Light Quiver with Conversion Kit
Trophy Ridge Shock Stop Bow Stabilizer
Trophy Ridge Whisker Biscuit V Arrow Rest
Greg:
Bear Archery Execute 32 Compound Bow
Trophy Ridge Digital React Bow Sight with Universal Scope Mount
Trophy Ridge Hex Light Arrow Quiver
Trophy Ridge Shock Stop Bow Stabilizer
Trophy Ridge Sync MD Drop Away Arrow Rest
Ted:
Bear Archery Adapt Compound Bow
Trophy Ridge Hotwire Bow Sight
Trophy Ridge VRSA Light Quiver with Conversion Kit
Trophy Ridge Shock Stop Bow Stabilizer
Trophy Ridge Sync MD Drop Away Arrow Rest
Jake:
Bear Archery Adapt Compound Bow
Trophy Ridge Hotwire Bow Sight
Trophy Ridge VRSA Light Quiver with Conversion Kit
Trophy Ridge Shock Stop Bow Stabilizer
Trophy Ridge Sync MD Drop Away Arrow Rest
Zach:
Bear Archery Adapt Compound Bow
Trophy Ridge React One Pro Bow Sight
Trophy Ridge VRSA Light Quiver with Conversion Kit
Trophy Ridge Hitman Bow Stabilizer
Trophy Ridge Sync MD Drop Away Arrow Rest
Nick:
Bear Archery Adapt Compound Bow
Trophy Ridge Hotwire Bow Sight
Trophy Ridge VRSA Light Quiver with Conversion Kit
Trophy Ridge Hitman Bow Stabilizer
Trophy Ridge Sync MD Drop Away Arrow Rest
Watch the full video below:
]]>One of the best summer archery drills comes from the seasoned bow hunter and television host Fred Eichler. He encourages shooting just one arrow daily to mentally prepare for a real hunting shot opportunity. By simulating the one-shot chance that hunters often encounter while in the field, this exercise helps build focus and precision. Although multiple-round shooting sessions in the yard are beneficial, shooting at least one arrow each day throughout the summer better prepares the hunter for a one-shot-only opportunity, where a single arrow can make or break the hunt.
Every bowhunter knows the feeling of heart-pounding adrenaline when a prized animal comes into archery range. Often called "buck fever," has caused many hunters to miss their shot. To help this, it's essential to prepare your body for such intense moments. Conduct a series of jumping jacks or end a long run by picking up your bow and shooting while your heart rate is still high. By shooting under elevated heart rate conditions, you will learn to control your breathing and steady your aim even in the excitement of the moment.
Summer shooting practice is typically more comfortable in shorts and short-sleeved shirts, but it's vital to practice in the same gear you'll be wearing during the colder fall temperatures of the hunting season. Hunting clothes can sometimes interfere with the shot, causing deflections or misguided arrows. Moreover, wearing full hunting gear during practice sessions helps you get accustomed to shooting positions and the feeling of the gear you’ll be experience while hunting. This familiarity ensures that you can move comfortably and smoothly during the actual hunt.
One significant factor that causes many bowhunters to miss their shot each year is the lack of practice from an elevated position. Practicing from a standing pose in the yard or range is insufficient preparation for shooting from a treestand. When you’re in a treestand for the first time during a hunt, the different stance can lead to mistakes in aiming points and arrow flight, resulting in missed or wounded animals. To avoid this, set up a mock treestand or shoot from an elevated porch or deck that resembles the same height as the hunting position. This practice allows you to adjust and improve your shooting accuracy from an elevated platform.
Another common reason hunters experience different flight patterns or hitting points while hunting is because they haven't practiced with broadheads. Using the same weight of field points as the broadheads you'll use during hunting is essential, but it's equally vital to shoot with broadheads to observe any changes or adjustments needed. Practicing with broadheads ensures that you’re well-prepared for the specific conditions you’ll face while hunting.
In conclusion, summer is the perfect time to hone your hunting skills and improve your chances of a successful hunting season. By incorporating these five essential tips into your training routine, you'll be better prepared mentally and physically to handle real hunting situations. So, practice with dedication, simulate the intensity of the hunt, and embrace the challenges that lie ahead. Goodluck this season!
]]>Part of the challenge comes from using two unique styles of tips, one for hunting (broad heads) and the other for target and/or field practice.
After considerable thought I concluded that the best option for me was to purchase another compound bow specifically dedicated to hunting. This will ensure I do not have to adjust throughout the year, especially during hunting season when I am trying to squeeze every bit of daylight into marksmanship practice or being in the woods scouting and/or hunting. Considerations I had while shopping for a new bow included quality, reliability, cost, weight of the bow, draw length, draw weight, and overall height.
Bear Archery has been in business for ninety years and is a quality brand.
I evaluated a few other brands but the bow that really checked all the boxes for my needs is the Bear Archery “Legit,” which I purchased in True Timber’s Strata camouflage pattern. The bow is only thirty inches axel to axel, making it very compact and easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The weight is under four pounds, a big bonus for me after two major back surgeries during the last few years.
Being light and compact will aid in carrying and/or backpacking it to the woods, pulling it up in a tree stand or when drawing and waiting for that perfect shot, while sitting in a ground blind. Three additional benefits which appeal to me are the dual cam system, smooth draw cycle and an exceptionally easy let-off. Another bonus is the speed and ease of adjustment to the draw weight, it can be done on the fly without the need of a bow press.
One benefit I received, that was not really a necessity, as I move into turkey hunting in the next year or so, is the True Timber Strata camouflage pattern. I think this will really aid in greater conceal-ability in the woods, regardless of if I am in a blind, tree stand or in the open.
These all combine to convince me as to why I should have a dedicated hunting bow.
I am really looking forward to this year’s archery season and cannot wait to use my new Bear Legit model bow in the field.
- Jamie Meyer (Shoot Like a Girl)
]]>Aaron Warbritton, Host of The Hunting Public, explained the rationale behind the bow's design: "We wanted a bow that was easy to tune, accommodating a variety of broadhead and arrow combinations. Additionally, the bow needed to be accurate and forgiving for close-range shots in dynamic hunting situations. That's why we named it the 'ADAPT.' Its solid back wall and easy draw make it perfect for unpredictable hunting positions like crouching on the ground or hanging from a saddle. This bow was made to hunt, and that's exactly what we intend to do with it."
Developed in close collaboration with The Hunting Public, renowned experts in the field, the ADAPT lineup is designed to meet the evolving needs and preferences of bowhunters. The ADAPT bows deliver outstanding versatility and incorporate valuable feedback from our dedicated customer base.
Caleb Sorrells, Marketing Manager at Bear Archery emphasized the importance of customer input, stating, "At Bear Archery, we pride ourselves on listening to our customers. The new Mossy Oak Bottomlands options in the ADAPT lineup are a direct result of understanding the needs and desires of our hunting community. We wanted to ensure that the ADAPT bows offer the versatility and aesthetic appeal that our customers have been requesting."
The 2024 ADAPT lineup retains the exceptional features that have made it a favorite among bowhunters. With a strategic 32" axle-to-axle length and a 6.5" brace height, the ADAPT bows strike the perfect balance between maneuverability and stability in tight spaces. The single cam design features an 80% let-off and an optional limb stop for a rock-solid back wall. The ADAPT accommodates draw lengths ranging from 24" to 31", providing a comfortable and personalized shooting experience. To further enhance comfort and durability, the bows feature the all-new molded, soft-touch, low wrist grip known as the Bear Paw, paying homage to Bear Archery's renowned bow grip from the 1970s. Despite its focus on comfort, the ADAPT lineup doesn't compromise on speed, delivering impressive arrow speeds of up to 320 FPS IBO.
In addition to the existing color options, the 2024 ADAPT lineup introduces Mossy Oak Bottomlands as a new color offering, available in both the bow-only model and the Ready to Hunt (RTH) package. The bow-only model will feature a head-to-toe Mossy Oak Bottomlands finish, while the RTH models will showcase a stone color riser paired with Mossy Oak Bottomlands limbs. These new color options provide bowhunters with the flexibility to select a style that suits their individual preferences and blends seamlessly with their hunting environment.
Furthermore, Bear Archery is thrilled to introduce the ADAPT+ version, a premium offering within the ADAPT lineup. The ADAPT+ bows come with an upgraded cable slide and string set, as well as a premium accessories kit. Accessories featured include: Trophy Ridge Hotwire sight, V-Biscuit rest, Hitman stabilizer with QD mount, Five Spot quiver, peep sight, and d-loop. With the ADAPT+ package, hunters can experience the utmost convenience and enjoy a high-performance setup straight out of the box.
The 2024 ADAPT lineup will be available at authorized Bear Archery dealers starting in the summer of 2024. For more information on these innovative bows, please visit beararchery.com
Stay tuned for updates and announcements by following Bear Archery on social media channels.
]]>Fred Bear was born in south-central Pennsylvania in 1902, at home in a blizzard. His father was a machinist. “A fine man with a rifle,” Fred wrote. Youngster Fred helped around the farm with chores and tended an acre of asparagus, from seed to market. From an Old Town canoe, he checked 50 muskrat traps before school. He captured and raised skunks. His dad took him rabbit hunting at age six. At seven, he carried a .22 Quackenbush. At nine, a shotgun, then a .32-40 Winchester, then a Model 94 Winchester carbine. Fred was a self-proclaimed “gun man” until his 30s.
School was not Fred’s passion, and he left at 16 when he joined the Pennsylvania National Guard. There, he competed in rifle matches and learned to ride horses, which would come in handy later in life on his hunting adventures. He went to work in various factories, learning drafting, pattern-making, management, and marketing. At 24 years old, Fred was single and simply working to get by—until he went to the movies one day.
At Detroit’s Adams Theatre in 1925, Fred watched a film made by Art Young (of Pope & Young), in which Young goes on a bowhunting adventure like no other. He shoots it all with stick and string, including fish. Fred was hooked. He ordered lemonwood staves and birch dowels to create his own bow. Not long after, Bear met Art Young, and they made archery tackle together.
Fred tried hunting deer with a bow in 1929 but lost all six of his arrows trying to impale a snowshoe hare. It took him six seasons to finally kill a deer—a spike buck. Meanwhile, he and a business partner started making marketing banners for Chrysler. Among the piles of canvas and sewing machines, there was a space to build bows. Eventually, Fred’s bow-making skills paid enough bills that allowed him to leave advertising, and he launched Bear Archery in 1940.
In a new shop, complete with retail space and an indoor range, Fred hired bowyers and a sales force. He earned patents for gear like the Razorhead broadhead, a shooting glove, and a bow quiver. Fred invented the glass-laminated bow. He produced the first quiver that attached to the bow. Bear Archery sold the first arrow with interchangeable screw-in heads. For 20 years, he perfected a “take-down” traditional bow. Production increased from 7,500 bows in 1947 to more than 360,000 conventional, glass, and compound bows in 1976. Over the years, Bear Archery changed location and ownership numerous times. It’s currently located in Gainesville, Florida.
Fred Bear’s understanding of materials technology and his ability to design new products were only part of the story. He also created demand through his character, love for the outdoors, and talented shooting ability. He traveled the Midwest to organize archery clubs, stage shooting exhibitions, and compete in archery tournaments. He won Michigan's target archery championship in 1934, 1937, and 1939. He worked to establish bow seasons in Wisconsin and Michigan in the 1930s. Other states followed suit.
Much like Art Young’s film inspired an impressionable young bowhunter, Fred sought to do the same with film. Plus, he said in one interview, “I discovered that I could go anywhere in the world and expense it out and pay myself for hunting.” In 1942, he and sportswriter Jack van Coevering of the Detroit Free Press traveled to the Upper Peninsula. There, they filmed Fred’s hunt, and Fred became the first Michigan bowhunter to take a whitetail on film. The footage would later be used for his first hunting film, the first of 25 films to help launch bowhunting into the mainstream.
From there, Fred made his first trip to Africa in 1955, where he hunted everything from Cape buffalo to lions to elephants—with his bow, of course. There were trips to India for a Bengal tiger, and a trip north for a polar bear, which was featured on ABC's The American Sportsman. He made more than a dozen trips to Alaska and Canada, where he hunted caribou, grizzlies, and moose. Be sure to read about his hunt for barren ground caribou in this edition of Adventure from the Archives. At one point, Fred held six World’s Records for bowhunting, including brown bear, Stone’s sheep, barren ground caribou, mountain caribou, moose, and elk.
Fred’s hunts were fodder for more than just film. Even though writing wasn’t his favorite pastime, he wrote about his hunting adventures for Outdoor Life and True. He found enough time to sit down and write three books: The Archer’s Bible, Fred Bear’s World of Archery, and Fred Bear’s Field Notes.
Fred was a father to two kids, and yet, he was a father figure to countless others. When Fred died in 1988, numerous friends and colleagues spoke about their relationship with him. Among them was Brigadier General Joe Engle, who served as a space shuttle commander. “My dad died in 1966, and I met Fred a couple of years later,” Engle said. “Fred filled a big void in my life…I suspect that like so many others, Fred became my adopted dad. And he knew it and accepted it.”
All hunters should know that in 1937, lawmakers passed the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration program, or Pittman-Robertson Act, which placed an 11 percent tax on sporting arms and ammunition. That money was, and still is, used to restore wildlife populations, among other things. The tax, though, collected no money from the sale of archery products—at least until 1972.
As president and CEO of the Archery Manufacturers & Merchants Organization, Dick Lattimer wrote that one of the highlights for him was the effort to increase the amount of money devoted to the future of archery from the 11 percent federal excise taxes collected. That effort was whole-heartedly supported by Fred Bear.
In the 1960s and into the early ‘70s, lawmakers tried to pass bills adding the excise tax to handgun and archery equipment sales. The industry wasn’t supportive. That’s when Fred started reaching out to his colleagues in the industry. He wrote a letter of support to all members of the Archery Manufacturers & Merchants Organization. He wrote, in part, “We should keep in mind that this is a worthy cause….We, at Bear Archery hope that the archery manufacturers will go on record with the Wildlife Management Institute as favoring this bill and that they would contact their representatives in Washington to this effect.” The amendment was signed by President Nixon in October 1972. The Wildlife Management Institute reported that the tax generated more than $45 million in the first three quarters of 2021 alone.
While Fred was lobbying his industry colleagues, he created the Fred Bear Sports Club in 1970, which promoted hunter ethics. The 30,000-member club had a quarterly newsletter and offered a series of badges. The first badge that a member received read, “Hunters Respect Wildlife.” In addition, Bear noted on his Boone and Crockett Club member application that “The Fred Bear Sports Club has spent several hundred thousand dollars” on conservation. The club’s newsletter featured stories about pressing conservation issues and promoted principles of fair chase, of which Fred was a die-hard preacher.
For a guy born at the turn of the 20th century during a blizzard, Fred Bear left an indelible mark on the world of hunting. He preached the gospel of fair chase and giving back to the wildlife and wild places that provided one hell of a wild life for him.
Would you be a member? Sadly, a lot of bowhunters would be. Picture a close up of a guy in a tree stand, a small shiny tear running down his cheek over his black camouflage paint as a big buck walks away in the background.
I am serious. This is a real problem. It wasn’t always so funny. In fact, I have had only one opportunity in my life at an animal I would say was truly “world class”. It was a fluke. A chance crossing of paths. It was in California a little over thirteen years ago. Fortunately, it was before I had a camera following me all the time. I had switched arrows just before this hunt and the big fletched up aluminum arrows were hitting fine. I didn’t have time to bare shaft or paper tune, but it seemed like they were shooting good.
It was pouring rain when I spotted the buck and my guide said he thought he knew where the buck was going. We sprinted through the pouring rain to a small ravine. My guide crouched a few yards behind me and whispered that he thought the buck would come our way. When I saw him coming through the down pour following a doe, I couldn’t believe how big he looked up close. He was a true giant. I remember he stopped for a moment and shook water just flew everywhere. He looked regal as he slowly continued on his path behind the doe. He was barely twenty yards when I drew. I didn’t hop I was going to shoot him; I knew it. He was mine, no doubt.
I shot and watched in shock as my arrow barrel rolled and stuck in the dirt beneath the giant deer. The only thing worse than my horror in missing that buck was the disgusted look on my guides face when he said that was one of the biggest deer he had ever seen.
My feathers were soaked and sticking to the shaft, and I shot another arrow to see what went wrong. I had the same result. We headed back to camp, and I shot another arrow with dry fletching. It kicked a little but still sent where it was supposed to. The good news is that the next day with dry feathers, I double lunged a 2 x 2. More importantly, I learned a valuable lesson. My arrows were not tuned properly. The large feathers were what kept that arrow on track. Once they were wet the poorly spined arrow did its own thing. I now consider tuning my arrow properly to be one of the most important factors in having a successful hunt. After all, it is the part that actually delivers the broadhead. To see why poor arrow flight is a serious malady, let’s look at the symptoms of poor arrow flight and what the results are or can be.
Reduced Speed- Reduced speed caused by more wind drag on a poorly flying arrow causes less penetration and more arch in the trajectory making yardage estimation more critical. I also increase the odds of an animal jumping the string.
Arrows Kicking (not flying straight)- Makes it impossible to thread an arrow through a small shooting hole in the brush without it deflecting. Also makes it impossible to accurately shoot through netting on a ground blind.
Noise- Arrows that aren’t flying true are louder going through the air due to increased wind drag which increases the odds of an animal jumping the string.
Penetration- When an arrow is not flying true penetration is reduced because the kinetic energy is depleted when the arrow is not on the same plane on impact. This can turn a fatal hit into non-fatal one due to decreased penetration.
Accuracy- Poor arrow flight reduces accuracy causing more missed shots on targets and game.
Now that we see all the reasons my support group would have lots of members, let’s talk about how not to become a card carrying member.
The first thing to do is try and get the right arrow. For that a pro shop is a great place to start. If like me, you live a long way from the closest shop you can look the information up yourself. For carbon and aluminum arrows, just go to the arrow manufacturer of your choice and check out their website. They all have great charts that will give you a list of arrows that should work for your set up. For wood arrows, I would either go to a local pro shop or to one of the large traditional retailers like Three Rivers Archery. Woods are sold in 5 lb increments. In other words, the spine range matches the weight on your bow. So, if you’re shooting 50 lb. longbow for example, you would try some wood arrows spined at 50-55 lbs. or 45-50 lbs. Depending on your arrow length and point weight you may have to go up or down in spine to find the perfect shaft. Bear in mind all arrows are not created equal. It doesn’t matter if you’re shooting woods, carbon or aluminum arrows. It is best to buy quality arrows. If they are extremely cheap, there is probably a reason. Make sure you're working with arrows that are matched in spine, weight and length if you’re going to properly tune an arrow.
Actual Tuning- I will assume you have already read my bow tuning blog and have your brace height and nock set adjusted. So now let’s grab a fletched arrow that is cut to your arrow length. I like a good inch of clearance past my riser on my arrows. Screw on a field point that matches the broadhead weight you want to shoot. If you're not sure I would go middle of the road and try 125 grains for a point weight. Now shoot through a piece of paper. I use butcher paper over a small wooden frame. You can buy paper tuners but it’s very easy to make your own. The simplest way is to tape a piece of newspaper or butcher paper firmly over a picture frame type wood frame. Give yourself a good 30” square to shoot through. Stand six feet away and shoot on a level plane through the paper (make sure you have a safe back stop) then look at how the arrow went through the paper. You are looking for a perfect hole showing only 3 small cuts where the fletching went through. If that’s not what happened, we need to start adjusting. If your arrow kicked up leaving a small hole on the bottom of the paper with a larger tear high, it means your nock set is set too high. If your tear went down, it means your nock set is too low. Now things start to get a little trickier. If your arrow is kicking left or the arrow tears left after it goes through the paper it means your arrow spine is too weak.
To try and fix a left tear, we have some options. We can go up to the next heaviest spined arrow or we can lighten point weight, because a reduction in your point weight will cause your arrow not to flex as much when you shoot which will cause the same spined arrow to act as if it’s a stiffer spine. Another option is to shorten your arrow. This too will cause the arrow to not flex as much and may straighten out the problem. If your tear is to the right, it means your arrow is too stiff. To remedy this, you can go to a weaker spined arrow. You can also add point weight which will cause the arrow to flex more when shot or you can lengthen your arrow. The above spine assessment is based on a right-handed shooter which means you hold the bow in your left hand and draw the string with your right hand. If you are a left-handed shooter, which means you hold the bow with your right hand and draw the string with your left you must reverse the above procedure. For up and down tears, the nock adjustment remedy remains the same. When lengthening or shortening your arrow to adjust spine, I usually go in increments of three quarters of an inch. If you have an arrow kicking anything other than horizontally or vertically it is usually a combination of spine and nock set. Try and fix one problem at a time. It is important to realize that all arrows flex as they leave the bow. What we want to achieve is the right amount of flex so that after the arrow flexes it straightens out and continues in a straight path. This is called archers paradox and the technical definition is the “horizontal flexing of an arrow as it goes around the riser”.
After getting a perfect hole at 6 feet, move back to 12 feet and check it again. A few things to keep in mind is that if you have an inconsistent release, you will not be able to get a perfect hole every shot. A way to tell if you’re the problem is if the same arrow gives you different tears every time.
To check your form, try this. Draw your recurve or longbow and aim at yourself in a mirror. If you really torque the string, you will see it. Try and keep the string as straight as you comfortably can.
After paper tuning I like to shoot a bare shaft with no feathers at a target. Once my arrow is tuned properly, I can shoot a bare shaft with a field point as accurately as a feathered arrow.
Having a properly tuned arrow will allow you to shoot more accurately and will keep you out of an embarrassing support group. Good luck and as always…Have fun!
- Fred Eichler
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]]>What I have learned over years of hunting and doing some competitive shooting with a traditional bow is what every King’s archer knew almost seven hundred years ago. A properly tuned bow is important if you want your bow to perform at its maximum potential. That means faster, quieter and smoother than it will shoot if it’s not properly tuned. To prove that I am not making up the part about the old day archers, all ye have to do is look up the medieval word fist mele. The Wikipedia definition is this…Fist mele, also known as “brace height,” is an older term used in archery to describe the correct distance between a bow and its string. The term itself is a Saxon word indicating the measure of a clenched hand with the thumb extended.
My point in sharing this, besides impressing you with my archery history knowledge, is that obviously early archers realized how important the right string length was. Besides the proper string length, a proper nock set is also important for your bow to perform at its maximum potential.
I will assume you are like me and that instead of being a gifted woodworker that makes your own recurve or longbow you go out and buy one like I do. Let’s hope you purchased a recurve or longbow from a reputable bowyer or a manufacturer so now all we have to do is get it tuned up.
The thing you have to realize is that since we are working with a traditional bow, every bow is unique. Every traditional bow in my eyes is a work of art. On a recurve, the tiller is the measurement between the string and the inside of the limb at the end of the riser both on the top and bottom limb. On a longbow it is measured at the point where the handle narrows into the top and bottom limb (also known as the fadeout). The tiller is set when the manufacturer builds the bow. Most are set at 1/8” to 3/8” inch higher on the top limb measurement compared to the bottom limb measurement. The reason for this is that the center of your bow is the handle. Since all traditional bows shoot the arrow above the handle, this allows the limbs to still work evenly.
What do you have to set on your bow for the best performance is the brace height and nock set. All manufacturers have a suggested brace height (fist mele) and nock set. You’ll have to find what your bow likes the best. Here’s how:
How to Adjust Brace Height on Traditional Bows:
First, I suggest using a Flemish string. Most custom and well-made manufactured bows come with one. Flemish strings are made to be adjusted (twisted for the perfect length for your bow) the first thing you do is string up your bow using a bow stringer. Once strung, measure your brace height this is the distance between the string and the inside of your handle (where your hand first contacts the grip). Then check to see what the manufacturer recommends for brace height. You should then adjust your string to match the recommended brace height for your bow. To do this, unstring your bow, slide the string down the limb on the top limb and then remove the string from the bottom limb and twist it up to tighten the string. This will increase the brace height. Or untwist the string to decrease the brace height. If it is a brand-new string, before shooting you may want to heat the string with a blow dryer by blowing hot air on the string from the top to the bottom for a few minutes. Or you can leave it strung overnight and this will help get the stretch out of your string. It is not mandatory to do this, but it will be easier to adjust the brace height accurately if your string is already stretched out.
Now it’s time to shoot. Note: if you don’t enjoy tinkering with your bow leave it at the suggested brace height and skip ahead to the nock setting chapter. If on the other hand you are the kind of person that ties their own files, fixes your own vehicle, makes your own arrows and cuts up you own wild game, then read on.
Next you want to shoot:
It helps to have another person standing by. Preferably someone with good hearing so don’t ask my dad to help. Try and find a quiet place, a garage or barn works great. Then shoot two arrows at the manufactured brace height. Then unstring your bow, twist your string three complete turns and shoot again. If you listen and adjust your bow a few string twists at a time you will find a spot where your bow shoots the quietest. This is called the Bows “sweet spot”. I will usually go three twists at a time and listen to my bow at up to half an inch over and under the manufacturers recommended brace height. Once you find the sweet spot, measure the brace height and shoot that bow at that brace height. If your bow seems unusually loud or won’t quiet down, shoot a heavier arrow and start the process again. It is recommended to shoot 9 to 10 grains of arrow weight per pound of bow weight. Check your brace height every time before you shoot. Some strings tend to stretch over time and require adjustments. Also, extreme weather can cause your string to change as well. Now that you have your bow shooting in its sweet spot you can add some things to help quiet the bow noise down even more.
How to Quiet your Recurve Bow or Long Bow:
On a recurve, I like to add mole skin to the belly of my limb tip where the string makes contact with the bow. I use a six-to-eight-inch strip of mole skin to cover from the string grooves at the tip down the limb to where the string will contact the limb. This helps quiet a recurve down since the majority of noise from a recurve comes from the string slapping the limbs. To quiet the string down even more, you can add some puffs, beaver hair, cat whiskers or small rubber string vibration dampeners. I prefer the small rubber dampeners as I often hunt in cold, snowy or rainy conditions and the yarn or animal fur silencers can get wet and frozen adding weight to your string which will affect your bows performance. Longbows are much quieter than a recurve and usually once you get the brace height set they rarely require any additional work to quiet them down although the above puffs, beaver hair, cat whiskers or rubber vibration dampeners will work on them as well.
Adjusting your nock:
Next and another important part of tuning your bow is properly placing your nock set. A nock sets only duty is to be a simple indicator of where you need to put your arrow on the string for best performance. This is very important to achieve the best results out of your bow and good flight out of your arrow. Although the proper way to put on a nock set is to use a T-square, I am guilty of usually just eyeballing my nock set by putting an arrow in my bow and resting it on the shelf and just sliding the arrow up or down the string until it looks perfectly horizontal. Then I attach a brass nock set above the arrow and that’s my starting point.
Most recurves and longbows shoot best with anything from a level to a one-half inch high nock set. Again, here there is some tweaking required. Due to your bows tiller, your style of shooting, or arrow choice, a nock set above or below the manufacturer’s recommendation may be necessary. If you are having major issues with arrow flight, I would advise changing the spine or point weight on your arrow. Good luck bowhunting and as always, have fun!
- Fred Eichler
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