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tips for the modern sportsman

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Small Game Crossbow Hunting Tips

By Shane Leave a Comment

It can be quite a challenge hunting small game with a crossbow, but once you have perfected you skill with a bow, the end result is a great reward. Small game hunting with a bow and arrow is a great way to improve on your archery skills as well as perfect your aim for hunting big game. When hunting small game, you must learn patience and shot accuracy. The following tips will help you tighten up your skills for hunting small game with a crossbow.

Practice, Practice, Practice

One of the most difficult things when small game hunting with a bow is the ability to hit a smaller, quick moving target. The easiest way to acquired the skill to make a precise shot is to practice on a smaller target than your intended goal. For example, if your goal is to hunt rabbit, practice by hunting squirrel. This will make it easier for you to adjust to bow and arrow placement.

Use the Correct Points

Although you can use the same equipment for small game as you would for hunting deer, it is more challenging to use traditional archery gear, such as a longbow or recurve, which will help improve your eye-hand coordination. Broadheads that are specifically made for small game are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from a flat-faced steel blunt tip to some with replaceable points. Judo tips have a unique design, which allows you to shoot into trees, stumps or open fields, without losing your arrow, so they are perfect for squirrel or rabbit hunting in the woods. Keep in mind when choosing a point that a small game point should only penetrate the animal, not pass completely through.

  • Solid steel blunts, including models with rear cutting flanges, stand up better in a rocky terrain and they resist sticking in trees. They are very efficient for the larger small game as well as birds.
  • Rubber blunts are especially useful when you are hunting squirrels in a rocky area and they will not stick in the tree, so if you shoot high up, there isn’t a chance of losing your arrow.

Check the Regulations

Whether you are hunting squirrels, rabbit or woodchucks, it is essential that you verify the regulations and the season. Most states allow for small game hunting about ten months out of the year, which gives you plenty of time to perfect your skills. Each state is different when it comes to small game, so make sure to research your states specific requirements concerning weapons and allowable quota.

Hunting for small game is a great way to get children involved in hunting. It is often faster paced than hunting big game, such as deer and there is typically a higher success rate. If you have never used a crossbow, it is highly recommended that you practice on a stationary target before attempting to go on a small game hunt.

Filed Under: Hunting

2016 Great American Outdoor Show: A Sportsmen’s Smorgasbord

By Tom Leave a Comment

great american outdoor show

If there is one thing I enjoy more than being outdoors its shopping for new outdoor gear. Even if I am not buying I love to see the latest and greatest in items designed to help me hunt better, catch more fish or be more comfortable while doing so. Of course, one of the problems is it usually requires hopping from one specialty store to another or surfing numerous websites. The first takes more time than I generally have and the latter prevents me from handling, feeling and testing what I like. But once a year I get the opportunity to see everything in one convenient place when I visit the Great American Outdoor Show.

The Great American Outdoor Show, held each February in Harrisburg Pa, is billed as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Show” and places 1,100 exhibitors under one roof. Over 650,000 sq. ft. of outfitters, vendors and industry representatives all in one place at the same time means you can see, handle and even try all the best in outdoor gear. It is a true sportsmen’s smorgasbord.

Although I often have a list of tried and true favorites I am hoping to pick up what I most look forward to is seeing the new groundbreaking ideas that have made it off the drawing board. This year I not only attended the show but I collected some of the more interesting items to share with you. Enjoy!

bowmounteddecoyBow Mounted Decoy

As soon as I saw this I had to stop and learn more. The idea of a portable decoy blind that looks like a wild animal is not new, the Montana Decoy has been a mainstay with elk and antelope hunters for years. But what makes this version different is its compact size, designed to be mounted to your bow rather than carried in front of you.

Available in several models including antelope, deer, turkey, elk & cow and collapsible for easy carry this may be the next revolution in stalking wild game!

Get more information on it at:  www.ultimatepredatorgear.com

Deathshimmer Spinnerbaits

Deathshimmer SpinnerbaitsIf you’ve seen one spinnerbait your seen them all, or so I thought. The Deathshimmer adds a new twist, or bends to be exact, to the traditional design.

With a series of bends in the wire arm it looks like it was repeatedly slammed in your truck door, but once you toss it into the water you see these bends add a whole new dimension of action to your presentation. Increased vibration and shaking means more fishing attracting action, and the design also limits the dreaded flip during the retrieve.

Check them out for yourself! Go to: www.deathshimmer.com

Hands Free Weapon Carry System

hands free weapon carry hunterAt first glance the WCS by Pointblank Hunting appears to be a camouflaged load-bearing vest, similar to what your see SWAT officers wearing. While this may be the foundation for the design it is actually a whole lot more – a means of safely carrying a variety of long guns or bows hands free but readily accessible and able to be used at a moment’s notice. 

Imagine if you could have your firearms ready to go but still have your hand available for calling, climbing or a host of other tasks? Well, now you can and you will not sacrifice a second in deployment time – its quicker and more secure than a traditional sling.

Learn more at: www.pbhunting.com

Filed Under: Hunting, Other Recreation

Lyme Disease: Big threat from a tiny bug

By Tom Leave a Comment

First diagnosed in 1975, Lyme Disease was initially an isolated risk usually restricted to the Northeast United States, primarily effecting hunters or other who with frequent exposure to animals infected by the deer tick. Today, due to an explosive spread of the deer tick itself, almost anyone who spends any amount of time outdoors – even local parks or their own backyard. Current estimates claim that as many as 300,000 Americans are affected every year. Take my home state of Pennsylvania for example, although the Keystone State is a big deer hunting area and home to one of the largest outbreaks of the disease gardeners in Philadelphia are at just as much risk as hunters in Tioga County. The deer tick is found in every county and every community, meaning everyone has the possibility of becoming a victim.

lyme disease map

Due to the wide spread habitat of the deer tick the original means of prevention, avoidance of outdoor areas, is no longer valid. Unless you are planning on living in a bubble avoidance is no longer an issue. Instead you need to take steps to mitigate exposure. Wearing long trousers, tucked into your socks/boots paired with a long sleeve shirt is the first defense. Research has found that light colored clothing not only reduces the attraction to deer tick but also makes it easier to see tick that do crawl on you prior to their getting under your protective layers. You can increase your protection by using a quality insect repellant, containing DEET, during outdoor activities during peak periods of tick activity. Finally, you should be careful about transferring ticks to your home, cabin or tent by conducting a thorough inspection of all clothing and even shaking each piece out prior to taking it inside.

Of course there is no protective measure that performs 100%. Despite wearing the best clothing possible and using insect repellant from head to toe there is rarely a hunting trip or hike into the woods after which I do not find a tick on my clothing if not my skin. This is why it is vital you perform self-examination after every single trip, to either locate ticks prior to being bitten or identify when bite has taken place so you can seek medical attention. Most victims will observe a red rash resembling a bull’s eye following an invested bite although approximately 25% of invested bites do not display any rash. As the disease develops symptoms can vary greatly and is known to affect multiple body systems including the nervous system, the respiratory system, heart, eyes and joints. One of the greatest dangers associated with the disease is its frequent misdiagnosis which often leads to extended periods of improper and ineffective treatments.

If you believe you have been exposed to an infected Deer Tick it is vital that you not only seek medical attention but do so from a doctor experienced with its treatment. If diagnosed with the disease you must follow all the doctor’s instructions and seek a second opinion of not satisfied with the treatment. Left untreated the disease can progress from an annoyance to disabling very quickly.

Filed Under: Hunting

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