Check It Before You Go.

[Bow Walker]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/1100.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSYYYYYYJOCA) It's most likely that the vast majority of you don't need, nor want, this advice/reminder but if it helps just one hunter then it's worth the flack and perhaps the loss if face involved.

Check your equipment over thoroughly before you head out. Check your arrows and broadheads before heading out.

Tighten all the nuts, screws, and bolts on the bow. Make sure that all the add-ons are tight - I mean your stabilizer, your quiver (if attached), and the like.

Make sure the noise cancelling "do-hickies" (limb dampeners, cable guard dampeners, string leeches, and so on) are all in good shape and not about to disintegrate with the first shot. Wax the string, it's likely to rain out there.

Draw back to full draw and listen closely. Any squeaks or noises? If there are - find and eliminate them.

Are your broadheads sticky sharp? Will they cut the hair off your arm with little or no effort? If not then they are not ready to do their job.

Have you "spin tested" all your arrows that have killing heads on them? How about that blunt or judo point you got in there for grouse, tree rodents, and bunnies? Do all your arrows spin true?

Listen - I ain't yer mommy, and I don't want to be but we owe it to the game we hunt to kill it as cleanly and as quickly as possible.

Good luck to all. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_11.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSYYYYYYJOCA)


p.s.
have you got your digital camera? no sense bragging without the pics, is there?

[BearSniper]

Good advice:)

It's a safe and proper practice no matter what the type of hunting gear.

I always look my stuff over before heading out. Better to find it broken at home than just before you put the sights on a trophy.:)

[mcrae]

It helps me I am just starting out with a compound:lol:

[Bow Walker]

Thanks guys - I never know if I'm making a fool of myself (again) or not.

[30-06]

i really want to get a compound bow for this up coming fall season

[ribber]

:-) I'm still tryng to decide if I want to bowhunt this spring or go to more 3-D's first. This fall for sure, and your advise is always welcome, thanks.

[Chuck]

Thanks guys - I never know if I'm making a fool of myself (again) or not.


Nobody like that here!......some with less experience or knowledge maybe.

[interceptor]

BW,

You seem to have plenty of great info and tips mate so keep it coming. Even if someone already knows some of it, it is always good to get a reminder now and then just to reinforce the importance of the basics.

Great work mate and thanks for taking the time to post it.

Cheers Noel

[Bow Walker]

Noel - et al,

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_17_206.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSYYYYYYJOCA)I have an abiding interest to see others (who choose to take up archery) enjoy the sport as much as I do - that includes all variations of archery as well as all styles.

I subscribe to, read, and generally pay attention to just about anything archery related that I can find. I suppose some of what I take in actually sticks between the ears:roll:. Go figure....

Most of my comments and concerns are directed at those who are just getting started (or are returning from a long hiatus) in the sport. It's these people who are generally in need of some "pointers" and tips.

I've only been active in archery for 7 or 8 years now....but I have been like a dry sponge soaking up all the knowledge that I can. I've paid attention to, and learned a lot from "pro-shop" owners and operators. I've managed to teach myself to be my own "bow doctor".

Now I find that I very much enjoy helping others get up to speed and possibly avoid some of the mistakes that I made in getting to where I am (I've still got a long way to go and a lot the I want to learn).

It has been said that it is not always the best players who make the best coaches. Some are better at teaching than actually doing. Maybe there is something to that because I find satisfaction when I can impart something of what I have learned.

Case in point is my brother. I went "up island" for a 3D shoot a couple of years ago and stayed over at his house before the next day's shoot. Having a bit of time and daylight, I got out my bow and proceeded to practice in his backyard.

He had never shot a bow at this point but he wanted to try, so I offered to let him shoot my bow. I went through the basics of proper stance, drawing, holding, aiming, and shooting a compound bow. Well, after shooting for 15 - 20 minutes he was hitting the target within the "kill zone" at 20 yards. He was very interested to say the least.

Next morning it was raining the proverbial cats n dogs, but he (and his son) came out with me to follow around for the morning portion of the shoot. By lunchtime he was "caught"....hook, line, and sinker!

Over the off season he got his own equipment, asked tons of questions of me (which I answered - and surprise, surprise, he paid attention to) and got himself to the point that by he end of the next 3D season he was kicking my butt as far as scoring went. I was quite happy for him, in fact I took bit of pride from the fact that it was me that had helped get him to this point.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_5_118.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSYYYYYYJOCA)Anyway, that's just an illustration of the satisfaction (and pride) that is there for any who have a proclivity towards teaching.

[The Hermit]

Hey Dan - did the check and damend if I didn't find half a dozen little tweeks to make!

Thanks for all the help and hands on lessons fletching my arrows etc! They fly sweet!! As you know I'm heading out for a weekend hunt tomorrow and hoping to bring yoiu back a nice bear steak for your troubles! Cheers

[Bow Walker]

Good luck Bill

Don't forget to shoot a few practice arrows when you get to camp - just to make sure everything is performing as expected. Then you don't have to worry if your equipment is up to snuff - you can focus on Yogi.

[The Hermit]

Oh and another thing... you, Franko, and I are on for Sat May 12th for the sticking of the bear so remember to follow all your own good advice, mom. LOL

[Bow Walker]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_2_113.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSYYYYYYJOCA) Guess I'd better get a license and a tag, eh?!?

[interceptor]

Good luck on the bears Hermit, take plenty of pics for us too eh!

BowWalker,

I hear you, I am in a simular situation. I somehow managed to be the go to guy for all things archery and bowhunting in this small mining community. When I first moved here there was no club and everyone seem to do there own thing, after 2 years I have finally been able to get a bowhunter / field archery club up and going, with a lot of help from the other bowhunters here. They just needed someone to help focus a team and get things started. Now we have new faces at every shoot, we have kids from all the schools coming out as part of the sports ed. plus the scouts as well. I even managed to get a couple of lads hooked on the hunting thing.

It is a good feeling to know that you are helping people to get started in such a great sport that they can keep doing for many a year.

Life is Good!

Cheers Noel

[Bow Walker]

What can I say, in answer to that Noel, except a hearty YUP!