A Successful Archery Season Requires More Than Just A Pretty Bow
To have a successful bowhunting season you’ve got to put in the time to practice shooting your bow from comfortable yardages but also from the distances that are not so comfortable.
With the close of last year’s archery season and the warmer days coming in like a hard rain, literally, I am finding myself thinking about NEXT archery season. In our household, not only do we hunt as a family but we also practice as a family. Generally, we get really excited thinking about preparing for the next “round” of hunting and we start practicing and putting in countless hours of flinging arrows.
Hunting for us is serious business.
Bow Tournaments Are A Great Way To Get In Some Extra Practice
One way we get in some practice, and my favorite way, is shooting bow tournaments. As a rule, it’s my job to get online and seek out shoots that are close in proximity to our house. For us, the 3D target shoots are best because you are actually using targets that look like the animals and the vitals are clearly marked to really help you know where on the animal you need to fire that arrow.
The best place I have found to find a shoot near you at the website 3DShoots. The website is easy to navigate through, making finding a tournament for your family a piece of cake.
Bow tournaments are actually a lot of fun and if you get a group together, it makes it even more enjoyable. If you’ve never been, you definitely need to try it out.
There are several of us in our family that shoot bows and getting up early on a Saturday morning to shoot a tournament is usually the ONLY way I can get three boys up without struggle…unless they’re getting up to go hunting of course. Once we’ve up, though, we’re ready to put the hammer down on each other.
It’s competitive in our family and I mean competitive. But once we shoot at the first target all bets are off and we’re all on our own.
There are usually 30 to 40 3D targets at the bow shoots. Normally you go through half of them and then come back for the second half. There is absolutely ZERO stress during the competition. It’s a laid back atmosphere and you meet a ton of new people. Really the only stress you encounter is with your own family.
Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect. It Makes Progress.
I am very competitive in bowhunting but mostly with myself. And let me tell you that the day is ruined, and everyone else’s, if I lose an arrow. It’s not uncommon for me to lose one per tournament. I might mention that I have gotten better about hurling an arrow into the abyss of no man’s land…never to be found again. Over the years I’ve stock piled up and now have quite an arsenal of arrows so if I lose one (or two) it’s okay.
All in all, tournaments give you a lot of quality practice and after several hours of walking around and laughing, you don’t even realize you’ve shot forty times. It’s a ton of fun.
Working Out Is Another Way To Prepare For Bow Season
Another way I get ready for bow season is running and working out. I used to run anywhere from 3 to 5 miles a day getting my heart rate ready for those long treks through the woods. But this year I’ve changed it up by lifting weights to increase my strength. My goal is to increase the poundage on my bow.
I also, occasionally, use an AccuBow Bow Trainer. I love my Bow Trainer. It’s a rubber band system that allows you to strengthen the muscles needed to pull back your bow easily and without injury. In the past, this method has actually allowed me to increased my poundage so I would definitely consider it to be an important tool.
Backyard Targets Work Perfectly For Getting In That Extra Shooting Time
This poor old deer target had seen better days but let me tell you that not only was it my FIRST target but it was where I got my most practice in the very beginning of my bowhunting journey. I can’t stress enough how important muscle memory is and how crucial it is for proper arrow placement when that deer comes in range.
Put up targets in your back yard and you will have 24/7 access to them. We’ve actually done that and normally at least one of us daily will go back there and take anywhere from 20 to 30 shots just to keep loosened up. We’ve even been known to have competitions amongst ourselves just for the fun of it. There are some good climbing trees not too far from the targets and we’ve also put our climbers up and shot out of them for even more practice.
The possibilities are endless of what you can do to get in some good old fashioned practice. Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged and give up. It’s a constant work in progress. But you’ve got to put the work in. But when you’re out there practicing and having fun it doesn’t seem like work at all. That’s just the way I like it.
What Are The Turkey Hunting Must-Haves When Preparing For Spring Turkey Season
Who else is excited that spring turkey hunting season is right around the corner? If you’re like me you’ve been getting up before sunrise listening for any gobbles in the distance. You’ve already bought your turkey tag and you’ve been practicing with your slate and box calls in preparation for opening morning. But let’s face it, no matter how organized and ready we think we are we always manage to forget something on our hunting checklists. Taking stock of your gear is key to not only seasoned hunters but especially to those beginners just getting started.
What You Need, In Addition To A Shotgun, To Get Started, Turkey Hunting
Hiking/Rubber Boots
Comfortable footwear is very important. You will be walking for long periods and in various terrains when you’re out turkey hunting. In the springtime, it’s common for there to be dew in the early morning hours so you need a boot that will be water-resistant as well as a sturdy sole and good arch.
Muck rubber boots are what I wear year-round for hunting. I’ve had the same pair for probably five years now. Although I should probably invest in a new pair, I just can’t seem to part with them.
They’ve seen it all. Every success. Every disappointment. My Mucks have stood the test of time. They are not only comfortable and reliable as far as footwear goes, but they have kept my feet warm and dry over the years so I have no intention of making a change just yet. It would be like getting rid of an old friend.
Turkey Calls
Every good turkey hunter has an arsenal of calls in their stash and if you’ve never used one you’re in for an experience. There are several different kinds to choose from and although all of them serve a purpose, each hunter ends up having a personal preference.
When I first started turkey hunting I had NEVER even so much as picked up a turkey call much less used one. I won’t lie. Learning to use them can be tricky and a little bit intimidating. But if you have someone to show you the proper technique then you’ll figure it out quickly.
There are several different kinds of calls. The ones I’m most familiar with are mouth calls, slate calls, and box calls. I will admit right off the bat that I have NOT figured out how to use a mouth call so I won’t even begin to explain that.
Our son, Jacob, is VERY good at using a mouth call. I have tried over the years and usually end in gagging and choking. Maybe one day but not today.
Slate Calls Are Easy For Beginners And My Personal Favorite
The call I use the most and LOVE using is the slate call, also known as pot call. It’s the most versatile and easiest for beginners.
Slate calls consist of a pot and a striker. The pot is made out of wood or plastic and has a slate on top made from glass or crystal. The strikers come in all different sizes and both are made from various kinds of woods. They can be reasonably priced or you can have them specially made which can get rather expensive.
The Best Way To Learn How To Use A Call Is By Watching Someone Else
My husband’s cousin, Terry, is a champion at using a slate call and he’s given me more than one lesson. Once you figure out how to hold your striker and then apply it to the slate call, you’ll be calling toms in no time.
Youtube is also a great place to find videos for learning how to use a slate call. In the early years of learning to call in a turkey, I would watch video after video after video to get the whole turkey call thing figured out.
It helps though to be in the woods and hear exactly how turkeys communicate with each other for yourself. I would spend hours watching other people. But it’s when you hear the clucks, yelps, and putting for yourself that you know what it is that you’re supposed to be mimicking. And you can put that into practice.
Box Calls Are Effective For Calling In Turkeys
The box call is another effective call for calling in turkeys. It’s made out of wood and it creates friction from sliding the lid across the surface of the box. Box calls are convenient because everything you need is right there together. They can get VERY loud, depending on the pressure you apply and can be heard from great distances. They’re great for beginners.
Because they are so compact they can easily move around in your hunting vest and create sound while walking to your hunting spot. I generally take my ponytail holder and wrap around the end to keep the call from sliding around and making noise. It’s happened more than once. I’ve been walking to where I’m going to hunt and the call has screeched in my vest scaring off potential turkeys close by.
Turkey Hunting Vest
A turkey hunting vest is one of those things that you don’t think you need but once you use one you’ll never go without. They serve many purposes and are a must for spring turkey season.
I’ll just tell you first and foremost the thing I love the most about having a turkey hunting vest is the fact that it’s got a cushion built right into it.
Turkey Hunting Vests Make The Best Seats
Yes!!! If you’re a seasoned hunter or just beginning you’ve got to know that during turkey season you will be forced to sit in some uncomfortable places. Rocks, old dead logs, and rough ground. Your butt and back will hurt like crazy and you’ll be wishing for comfort. With a hunting vest, you won’t have to wish. It will come right along with you and you won’t even know it’s attached.
Another perk to the hunting vest is that you’ve got compartments for days. Hidey holes for your calls, extra bullets, gloves, strikers, and so much more. It’s a little like packing your suitcase for travel only instead you’ve got your hunting gear arsenal all in one place to root through as needed.
It fits like a vest and is lightweight. It sounds like it might be cumbersome but it’s very comfortable and nonbinding. It’s one of my favorite gear purchases. If you don’t have one, you NEED one!
Camouflage Clothing: A Must For Turkey Hunting
Turkeys Have Keen Eyesight
Turkeys have very keen eyesight. They don’t miss a beat when it comes to seeing any sort of movement. It’s not only vital but crucial that you make sure you are as well hidden as possible. Camouflage clothing is the best defense for good coverage.
Although there are different patterns of camo, during the springtime when everything is GREEN “Realtree” is the best choice for buying hunting clothes. It’s the closest thing to the colors in the woods this time of year, therefore allowing you to blend into your surroundings.
Coverage Counts
Coverage is so important when you are hunting turkeys. From the top of your head to the tips of your boots, you need to be covered. No skin showing! At all!
I always wear long sleeves and pants that I can tuck into my Muck boots. Although coverage is key, make sure that your turkey hunting clothes are comfortable as well. There is nothing worse than sitting down beside a tree and having the waistband of your pants searing into your gut. It makes for a LOOOOOOOOONG day of hunting.
Turkey Hunting Mask and Gloves
In addition to making sure your complete body is covered, your face is one of the most important body parts that you need to address. Our faces have a constant movement that we don’t realize. From blinking to licking our lips to wiggling our noses, we just can’t help not sitting completely still.
Face Masks Keep Turkeys From Seeing Your Movement
A couple of turkey seasons ago I hunted by myself at the back of our property. I hunkered down in some weeds and had leaned against a tree. I might add that calling in a turkey for yourself is hard and a skill I have not yet mastered. So trying to maneuver a turkey call AND hold my gun was nothing less than a challenge.
The tom was coming into the call perfectly and so my adrenaline was racing. With every scratch on the slate call his “gobble, gobble, gobble” got closer. I was excited to say the least. To call in my own bird AND bag this tom was going to be victorious.
The Moral To The Story Is To ALWAYS Wear Your Face Mask and Gloves
This is the point of the story where I emphasize just how keen a turkey’s eyesight is. As I sat there anxiously waiting for the tom to show himself, I heard the smallest of sounds to my right. Of course, reflexes took over and my head instantly spun around to see what was making that sound. A hen! And she busted me immediately which led to the tom taking off back into the direction from which he was coming.
Mad at myself is an understatement because I wasn’t wearing my face mask or my gloves and I knew better. I had gotten hot and decided that I was in ample cover that nothing would be able to spot me that low in the weeds.
Wrong!!
I was just at the right height of the hen and she spotted me almost instantaneously.
Even though we tend to focus on jackets and pants for coverage, our heads, faces, and hands are just as important if not more so. Remember, it’s your hands that will be holding the gun when you get ready to pull the trigger. Turkeys see EVERYTHING, even your hands. So make sure you are properly covered.
Sawyer’s Insect Repellant For Ticks and Chiggers
The last essential that I would deem as important is insect repellant. I don’t know about you but the only REAL downside to being in the woods is TICKS and CHIGGERS. Well, and SNAKES! I do hate snakes, any and all of them. I don’t even care about the argument regarding black snakes killing mice. Don’t try and convince me otherwise because I’m too old to change my mind on that one.
When You Find A Good Insect Repellant Stick With It
For our family, we use Sawyer’s for keeping those pesky ticks away. We’ve found over the years that it works the best for repelling ticks, chiggers, and whatever other insects we might run into. Scent control really isn’t an issue during turkey season so using an insect repellant is perfectly fine but it’s important to use one that is effective. Sawyer’s is the only one we will use.
Hunting turkeys in the springtime is one of the most fun things we do as a family and we look forward to it every year. After a long winter, it’s always inviting to get back out into the woods to get back to what we love to do…HUNT!
Whether it be hunting wild morel mushrooms that are just popping up or trekking around for old turtle shells, our family loves to be in the woods. Spring turkey season is definitely a favorite! And when that time rolls around you can bet that we will have our turkey hunting essentials packed and ready to go. Turkey hunting success comes when you are adequately prepared. Having the essential tools on hand will help you call in and successfully harvest a turkey.
If I was to take a poll on how many people (let’s say out of 100) had a “collection” of some sort, I would wager that the percentage would be high of those saying “yes.”
For some reason, we, as humans, gravitate toward something that we like. Then we start stockpiling more of that one thing. Before we know it we’re “hoarding!” Yes, I said “hoarding!”
We will spend hours searching for different sizes, different colors, even different patterns of whatever it is we are accumulating. All in the name of having our compilation be complete.
As much as I hate to say it, I am just as guilty. I would have to raise both hands.
Because not only do I have ONE collection of treasure troves, I own MULTIPLE collections.
I am a collector from way back and not the slightest bit sorry for it either.
I collect shot glasses, from all over the world and all over the country. I think I counted 250 just the other day. However, in my defense, none are cheesy and all are cool.
“I love scouting for treasures when I’m out in the woods.”
Another thing I collect is rocks. And seashells. And sand from different beaches. Oh, I can’t leave out antler sheds, deer skulls, and turkey feathers.
The Best Souvenirs Are The Ones You Find Along Your Way
Yes, I know, it sounds like a sickness. But I believe that the BEST souvenirs you can bring back with you are the ones you find. I spend most of my time out in nature. Obviously, it would stand to reason that I love scouting for treasures when I’m out in the woods. That’s what leads me to my favorite collection of all…old turtle shells.
During turkey season, when I’m out in the timber, you can bet that I’ll be more concerned with looking down than looking around. As much as I love to hunt turkey and whitetail, I love hunting for empty turtle shells even more.
There’s just something exciting about trekking along through the timber and then all of a sudden spotting a white circle amidst some dried leaves. I have a love for turtles anyway. So when I find a remnant of what used to be, I grab it up and stick it in my pocket.
Each and Every Turtle Shell Is Different
I have been known to find several on one trip out to the woods. Over the years I’ve had a number of turtle shells and although each one is totally different, they are all very special to me.
I believe each shell has a story to tell and I thankful to be the one who gets to let the tale live on through me.
When I do find a shell the first thing I do is bring it home and wash it with a toothbrush. I get in every nook and cranny and make sure it’s clean and dry before I do anything with it. I used to just leave them in their natural state but over the last couple of years, I’ve begun painting on the shells.
I never have any design in mind. I just let it come to me and then create from there. Depending on what’s going on in my life, or what I’m thinking about, is generally where my inspiration comes from. As you can see from the pictures, I don’t have one central theme…I have multiple.
No, none of them are for sale. Although at one time I had planned on painting them and selling on Etsy. I tried to let go of them a time or two but just couldn’t. I guess, in my craziness, it just seems like no one would treasure them as much as I do. And to be honest, they were hard to come by.
You don’t just go out and find turtle shells all the time. It takes effort and perseverance in the quest for hunting them. Seeing them reminds me of the memories I made during the searching. And I am thankful that God led me to every one of them.
“There’s just something exciting about trekking along through the timber and then all of a sudden spotting a white circle amidst some dried leaves”
To some of you reading this it doesn’t sound like this is much of anything really. And I suppose it’s not in the grand scheme of “collections.” I guess I could have more money invested like cars, or guns, or even sports memorabilia but I’m just not interested in any of that.
I am happy and content right where my heart resides…in the middle of nature. So for me, I’ll take my pine cones, acorns, skunk skulls, Lake Superior rocks, sand from every beach I’ve ever been to. I’m thrilled with every seashell I’ve ever bent over to pick up. It’s not about the stuff. It’s about the memories made while hunting for nature’s “free” souvenirs.
Yes, my husband wishes I could tone it down a peg or two. And yes, when I die I have no idea what my family will do with it all. But for now, I am choosing to just be glad that I have two legs that I can walk on out to my favorite hunting spot. I’m elated that God gave me two arms and a waist that I can use to bend over and pick those darn turtle shells up.
Life is about living, not just existing. I can’t think of a better way to live my life than with childlike wonderment at times and letting myself explore my surroundings and just see what I see. I see turtle shells.
Live a life that others can look back on and tell great, funny stories. Let them remember those small but BIG things about you. And by all means, pick up that turtle shell when you’re out in the woods and think of me…The Running Doe!
Tips On Setting Up Your Trail Camera To Attract Mature Bucks
Tips on Setting Up Your Game Camera for Attracting Mature Bucks
Trail cameras are a very popular tool in increasing your chances of getting a shot at a mature buck. They are also a lot of fun to use. Everyone I know that hunts has at least ONE game camera placed on their hunting grounds if not at least several. Trail/Game cameras have actually become as important a piece of equipment for hunting as the compound bow. Over the last six years, through trial and error, I have learned a lot about setting up my cameras to bring in the big bucks.
Before you take your camera out in the woods you really must be familiar with it. Although trail cameras are pretty much the same, they are also somewhat different. That being said, my advice is to play around with it and really check out what all the buttons do and how the camera itself operates. Don’t wait until you’re out there to figure it out. PREPARATION is vital! Practice different lighting times to see how the pictures take. Also, play around with different heights to find out about high your camera needs to be on the tree to get good footage of the deer.
Now you’re ready to take it to the timber. First, you need to set it up about 10 to 15 feet from where you think the deer are going to come through and possibly camp out for a bit. Find a pretty sturdy tree with a decent size trunk, not too big, but stout enough that your camera will stay securely in place. Next, you’re going to want to place it about waist high. Sometimes if there’s a bend in the tree where I can see the camera is facing up a little, I’ll find a stick and place it between the tree and camera forcing it to position downward. Make sure you position your camera facing north to prevent sun’s glare on your camera. A lot of time when the sun’s hitting it, there’s more movement causing your camera to go off when nothing is actually out there. Facing it north prevents that. Also, make sure there are no limbs hanging down in the way obscuring the view of the lens. Avoid placing your camera right there by your stand. The cameras will alert the deer.
Scouting is part of the hunting process and putting up trail cameras is an excellent way to do just that. Game cameras let you know just which deer are coming and going through your hunting spot. To effectively identify mature bucks you need to have at least one camera for every 50 -100 acres. Usually we put our cameras out about August, the month before bow season starts, but this year our plan is to leave them up all year round. We live right next to Corp. property so hunters hunting conservation land tend to push deer onto our property. Through the cameras we keep tabs on which deer have made it through gun season giving us hope of having a shot next season.
A good idea, and we have done it a time or two, is to keep the pictures of the different bucks, give them names and keep a journal so you know their patterns of where they are going and at what times of the day. It’s actually a lot of fun. And if you’re lucky, as I was this year, you’ll get to take a SUCCESSFUL shot at one of those bucks. I did…during the rut…an 8 pointer. I contribute my success to keeping records and knowing which bucks were frequenting my stand and at what times. Game cameras can be pricey, but really all you need is a good one to get your started. Once you use one, you’ll be glad you did and it will become part of your hunting routine.
It’s True That Families That Hunt Together Stay Together
Families that hunt together definitely have more fun!!! Hunting as a family is one way that we connect. It’s one of my favorite ways of spending quality time with our kids.
Hunting, for many families is more like a holiday, a yearly tradition. It’s a time of gathering together with dads, mom, sons, daughters, grandfathers, grandmothers, aunts and uncles, and although there are many common bonds between all of them, the one that has brought them all together during THIS particular time of year is “opening morning” of rifle season.
Although I am partial to bow hunting and all that that entails, I too, love to rifle hunt and my favorite part is opening morning. In our house it’s a huge deal. I mean a really big deal. So big that every year, as the day gets closer, it’s all we prepare for.
Many a trip is made to the local Walmart for more ammo, more camo, and hand warmers. It’s not rifle season until we’ve each went out and bought some cool new Under Armour Blaze Orange cap or the newest Under Armour beanie. It’s tradition. Yes it’s true and everyone here will agree that I have enough camo to completely dress a third world country but something about mentioning that rifle season is coming up and I instantly need a new fleece “something.” It’s colder than bow season and by gollys I need to be warm sitting out in that blind. That’s tradition too.
It’s always fun the night before opening morning because we, as a family, sit around the kitchen table plotting and mapping out who’s going where and with whom. We make a plan and we STRATEGIZE just how the whole opening morning deal is going down.
I normally like to go out by myself because after only five years of hunting now I consider myself to be pretty experienced and I would rather sit in the blind alone. I have a tendency to take A LOT of “gear” with me and really there is only enough room in my blind for me…and my “gear.” By the way, during that time when we’re strategically figuring out just what the heck we’re doing the next morning we are also, all of us, going through and organizing our hunting bags and making sure we have everything in order before we head out. I might add that I am one of the FEW, and I mean FEW, maybe one of the ONLY ONES, that has her “gear” organized.
I get made fun of on a daily basis for my OCD-ness but let one of my tribe lose a grunt call or a doe bleat and who do you think they come to for a spare? You guessed it. I usually have at least two of everything and when things can’t be found in the eleventh hour before opening morning, “I” become the Walmart.
After the plan is in place we’re usually so pumped we can’t even think about going to sleep. It’s almost like Christmas morning for us. I am totally serious when I say that I am so excited that I can’t sleep. I have been known to, and actually I do it every year, lay my exact wardrobe out the night before, boots, beanie, everything because my plan is to get up early and relax.
I am the “early riser”, the “alarm clock”, the “merry sunshine” of opening morning. I’ve always been a morning person but come mid November I am THEE “opening morning” morning person. I spring out of bed BEFORE my alarm goes off, while everyone else is hitting the snooze on their cell phones repeatedly. The house sounds like a medley of waterfalls and harps, retro funk, and Colt Ford. As bad as that is to even imagine, it still does NOT wake anyone up. Therefore, I’m always the one that makes sure we’re all up and getting around.
Opening morning is pretty standard though. I have to enjoy a nice cup of coffee, relax, and get my head in the game before I get dressed in all my camo while my husband and the boys jump out of bed, throw their clothes on and hit the door running. I have my clothes laid out in perfect order the night before, while they run around upon waking like chickens with their heads cut off searching in buckets and drawers for that ONE jacket or pair of gloves that hasn’t been seen all season. I wake up chipper and excited and although they are excited as well, their demeanors are predominately sour and grouchy.
But once everyone is awake, dressed and our guns loaded, it’s all business and we’re ready to go out and get this party started. We head in our different directions, whether it be the blind, a stand, or a climber and we sit there until a shooter comes by or we get a text saying that someone else got something and they need help.
Either way, I always welcome both and nothing compares to the excitement and memories opening morning brings and the tales we pack back when we return back to camp. Hunting as family is my favorite tradition.
