Archery Talk

2015 is off to a good bow season for me.

 

Thanks man!!!

 

Well done! Looks like a pretty good thunder chicken!!!!

 

I love bow hunting! I shoot a PSE

 

I like how this threads becoming more and more active!!!

 

So I have never gone bow hunting, or any hunting other than birds.

What is some of the essential gear I'll need to get?

 

Here's my list of essentials, I'm not saying it's right not saying it's wrong, but it's worked for me and most guys I know are pretty similar.
1.Optics, optics IMO is the most important thing on a bow hunters essentials list. Optics can be super pricey, but a MUST have. I like vortex cause there good quality optics and ya can't beat the warranty or price for quality. I run the viper HD 10x32 binos and the diamondback spotting scope, can't remember the specs on that one though.
2. Good quality gear (as far as clothing) also pretty pricey but well worth it! I run Kuiu cause it's lightweight, but also durable, breathable, and SUPER waterproof. I can't tell you how many rain/snowstorms I've been in and I would have been completely miserable if I would have had crap camo
3. A good light weight pack, doesn't matter as much if you don't plan on packing animals out long distances, I hunt a lot of high/backcountry where I've gotta pack in with camp on my back 5 or 6 miles. Definitely a must for me,I've got a mystery ranch long bow, it's the best pack I've ever owned.
4. I use a GPS a lot just because you never know where you'll end up. Plus if you've hit an animal and it's getting dark, you can always mark blood to go back to in the morning.
5. Good boots, doesn't matter as long as theyre comfy.

I think that's about everything on my list for ESSENTIALS, besides your bow, arrows, and good broadheads. Always wanna pack as light as possible but have the things you need.

 

Thanks Goose! That's great info. And from the looks of it, I own non of that shit.

I was looking at optics and figured that's a biggie. Realized that good optics cost more than my bow! I'll look into vortex.

Maybe when you are out here I'll meet up with you and learn the ropes!

 

Just found this thread! I rarely go on AT anymore since its blocked at work as "weapons" .

Good luck, I am planning on doing some archery hunting in S. AZ this year. I would love to tag a desert muley.

Did you draw for elk?

Congrats! Never got a turkey with my bow, only with a SG.

 

Ya I drew a 6B archery elk tag with my dad! Super pumped!

 

Thats awesome. I am planning on entering for elk archery next year, I heard its easier to draw than with a gun. Plus all the archery elk hunting videos look like an insane hunt.

 

I live in southwest Colorado, we chased Ruttin Bulls last year. There's is nothing that compares. The adrenaline rush when your within 80 yards of a pissed off bull screaming his head off, can't even explain it!!!! Hahaha

 

Hit me up if you go. I'll let you know when I'm going as well.

 

Will do, we should do a TW 3d shoot this summer.

 

Went and talked to my local shop. Gonna Get my oldest some lessons, and me a new bow. Looking at the expedition perfexion. I'm limited to my choices as I have a 32.5" draw.

 

Im at the opposite end of the spectrum. 28" draw

 

I personally like a fixed broadhead.(slick trick) I've had too many bad shots with mechanicals. Like not opening or one year had one deflect off a BIG 10pt ribs. Quartering away 15 yard shot. Opened him up! But still see him on camera. Maybe this year he'll go on the wall.

 

Good list.

1. agree. get the best binos you can afford. i spend way too many years not seeing animals. i think..couldnt see them to know.
2. clothing. really depends on what you are hunting. turkey in a ground blind, you can wear dark colors. weather dependent as well. i also wear KUIU. mostly because they are local to me and i can go to the store. all my Merino wool is first lite, which i feel is more comfy. NO..you dont have to match your camo. when i hunt AZ, i wear mostly PREDATOR camo, simply because the pants are so tough to resist the tears from stickers and cacti.
3. pack. moving target here. it must fit comfy. bonus is you can tie your bow to the outside. i used a regular pack for years and tying a bow to it sucked. now i spent alot of money in packs and i feel like an idiot. buy once, buy right.
4. GPS..okay..if you are hunting the big wide west. you wont need one if you are in a spot you know and love..or you never get out of sight of your truck.
5 boots. AMEN!! and boot are not universal. what my feet love, your feet may hate. i have the toughest boots, but i find i wear my lighter Lowa Renegade more often. i can run in those things and i hike way faster.

6. RANGEFINDER!! trust me on this one. as a newb, or a season veteran..your mind turns to goo when an animal is out there..you dont want to miss because you guessed the range wrong.
7. knife. i shit you not. the MORA carbon companion is a $14 knife and it is waaaay better than it should be. the thing could shave your face.
8. game bags, lighter, headlamp + tiny ass flashlight, small first aid kit, nitrile gloves, some plastic bags, zipties, snacks.

all this is in my day hunting pack for the most part.

 

Sounds good man!!!! I'll let ya know when I'm comin down!

 

Cannot believe I forgot rangefinder and knife!!!!! Rangefinder is a must must must. Like he said, my brain also turns to goo!!! Know matter how good I think I am with yardage! After I put a shot on an animal I'll try and remember if I did everything right as far as anchor point, smooth release yada, yada, yada. 99.9% of the time I can't even remember aiming!!!! And everything I've ever killed has been with rocket 100 grain expandable broadheads. There tough as nails, and out of the expandables that I have shot they fly the truest. The yo damage to!!! I'll try and find a picture of the exit wound on my antelope I killed last year