this thread reminded me of a little article I wrote for a now defunct bowhunting magazine...but whereas threads are slow here these days and it seems to fit in with bg's photo I thought I'd share it with ya'll..
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Staying Sharp With Winter Practice
As I write this the outside temperature is hovering near the minus 18 mark with a venomous wind screeching out of the north with the occasional gust reaching 40 kilometres per hour. It’s no trifling wonder legions of bowhunters are satisfied to hang up their bows after the big game seasons and anticipate the coming of spring and more suitable weather before renewing any archery pursuits.
Be that as it may, these hibernating bowhunters are missing out on some superb practice sessions after the fall seasons, plus additional game that can be transformed into mouth watering meals, and perhaps most meaningfully an opportunity to get out in the woods with some good friends and have a whole lot of fun.
The virtue of hunting small game is that no costly additional equipment is imperative to savour a day bowhunting small game. The only variation would be to trade from razor sharp broadheads to a small game hunting head. Such heads are inexpensive and readily acquired. There are several specialized versions of small game arrow tip. A common head is a solid metal or rubber blunt. Another common small game arrow tip is a point with small spring loaded arms. These point are especially good because arrows tend to slide under leaves and dirt making recovery a major problem ( not to mention expense). The spring loaded arms on these point however, stop the arrow from sliding under sod and often flip the arrow. For arrows with screw in points, another useful tip is a small metal piece of metal that screws on between the field point and arrow and has small fins all around. For birds there is a specialized “bird point” that has 4 large wire hoops which allows an arrow to be slightly off but still cleanly harvest game.
For the most part - winter bowhunting means rabbits. These wary speedsters are a genuine challenge to bowhunt. I can recall leaving my camp with the intention of only hunting for an hour or so only to find upon my returning that I was gone for 3 hours or more!
The last rabbits I harvested had all the particulars required for a stimulating hunting adventure. Firstly, there was the beauty of the winter landscape itself, Secondly, there was an exciting “hands and knees” stalk . Thirdly, there was the obligatory heart pounding draw and release. And lastly, the personal satisfaction of humanely harvesting a meal that didn’t come from the super market. Incidentally, the hunting gods smiled on me that cold grey morning because before I returned to camp I managed to tag another weighty buck rabbit from the inconsequential snow blanketed alder patch.
Just as useful as the two rabbits in the game bag however was the realistic hunting experience I gained that morning. I was hunting in my actual hunting clothes which included new camo overalls I received for Christmas. What’s the importance you ask? I don’t know how many times I’ve heard about a bowhunter who practices diligently all summer until he/she can group his arrows so tight they’re actually tearing the feathers off each other, only to go out on the first day of the season in his or her new designer camo and has the bowstring hit a button or forearm which in turn causes the arrow to hit off the mark. In a best case scenario this would cause a miss. In a worst case scenario this would lead to a poorly hit animal. Point is: I had no surprises wearing my new camo when come the following fall I drew on a butterfat spikehorn. Rather, I had a short easy to follow trail to my “trophy”. Astute bowhunters will invariably practice in their actual hunting gear with the equivalent tackle they intend on employing for big game season. Hunting through out the winter will accomplish all of this and it’s more sport and rewarding than showing up at the archery range in August attired in heavy fall hunting apparel. I submit that nothing readies you more proficient for hunting than actually hunting!
The winter months are also the most sensible time to try any new changes you’ve been thinking about to your current “tried and true” set-up. This time of year is also the best time to try a new sight or release etc. It is also the time to change any worn strings or cables, so they’ll be finished stretching (and you can make the pertinent adjustments) before the opener for bear or deer or moose or caribou - whatever the season you’ll be ready!
In addition to rabbit hunting there is some bird hunting as well as coyote hunting to keep you sharp throughout our lengthy winter. Whereas I cited coyotes in the same breath as small game I feel inclined to declare that bowhunters should only use broadhead tipped arrows to harvest coyotes.
This spring after winter loses it’s icy grip on this spectacular land is when you will first note the advantages of winter hunting small game and varmints (besides having a few rabbit pies in the freezer) As soon as the local ranges open up your arrows will fly unaffected and your groups will be tight.
The second instance you will notice the benefit of hunting all winter in “full dress rehearsal” is when a big ol’ buck deer or scarred faced bruin lumbers your way. The shot will be second nature and adeptly practised. The arrow will find it’s target and you’ll have your trophy .
What further could any bowhunter aspire for.?
. Congrats biggame now all you have to do is get that selfbow workin for ya and get one with that. ;D
