The Bear That Wouldn’t Stop
A seemingly well hit bruin turns a
recovery mission into a total nightmare.
By Randy Templeton

http://www.bowandarrowhunting.com/

 It was September 1986 and we were along on our second Ontario black bear hunt.  Our hunt in the spring had been a total bust for my hunting pal Craig Owens and me.  It didn’t take long to realize swatting skeeters and no-see-ums wasn’t exactly our idea of hunting.  Even after dousing ourselves with bug dope—and our ankles and shirt cuffs duck-taped shut—the biting, blood-sucking phantoms always seemed to find a clear pathway to bare flesh. Plus we didn’t have a crack at any bears on that trip.

 Bud Dickson, one of Ontario’s leading authorities on problem bears and certainly a top-shelf outfitter based out of Atikokan, invited Craig and me on a return trip, this time during the upcoming fall.  I was very reluctant to the invite at first, considering our previous journey.  Not to mention, the dates conflicted with when Craig and I usually go elk hunting.  But Bud explained during the fall it’s too cold for bugs, and bears would be feeding rigorously before hibernation.  Bud also explained that boars would be roaming the woods for the last receptive sows.  After hearing all this, the temptation was too high, and we moved our elk hunt out a week and headed for Ontario!

 Upon arrival, we were greeted by our guide Garth Stromberg who told us the bears had been quite active and visiting the baits at nearly the precision of a Swiss timepiece.  In fact, just days before our arrival they filmed five large boars over one bait site.  Garth said one would tip the scales at 400 pounds or better and another would be pushing 600 pounds.  We were excited.
 
 Our accommodations were better than most, a log cabin on the bank of a pristine lake.  The first afternoon was spent fishing for walleye and northern pike, both or which we enjoyed for dinner.  That evening, Craig and I experienced a spectacular show of northern lights, neither or which we’d ever seen.  An assortment of bright beams of light shot from between the clouds and danced on the lake.

 The first morning we walked to our stand sites under the cover of darkness, each of us carrying a bait bucket in one hand and a bow in the other.  A layer of frost covered the ground, and the smell of autumn was in the air.  Without warning, a cool breeze hit and I was overcome with an eerie feeling we weren’t alone.  A sudden “woof” coming from the darkness and the sound of rattling brush sent chills up my spine.  A bear hadn’t been more than 25 yards from where we stood.  The remaining distance to our stands seemed like eternity.  An occasional snap of twigs and rustling of leaves had my wits on end.

 Craig and I split up and moments later I was settling in my stand.  That is when I spotted a bulky figure beginning to materialize.  Then, just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished back into the shadows.  I wasn’t sure what it was.

 That afternoon found us carrying bait in plastic grocery bags filled with fruitcake, peanut butter, sweet rolls and bread smothered with pancake syrup.  As I approached my bait I could hear twigs snap nearby.  I thought I’d be lucky to reach the stand before a bear comes charging in for dinner.  Rather than bury the bag under the pile, I simply laid it on top and tiptoed to the stand.

 

 Suddenly, I heard a rustle then saw some small poplar trees whipping back and forth.  Two giant bodies towered on the skyline.  Slowly, two moose moseyed down the slope and passed within 40 yards, but neither paid any attention.

 I was caught off-guard some time later when a large bear ever so quietly stepped out from beneath an umbrella of brilliant colored foliage.  He stopped at less than 10 yards and balanced on two legs.  His jet-black eyes met mine in a blank but cold and chilling stare.  At that point, I wasn’t quite certain the goodies lying on the log pile were his primary objective.

 Remembering what Bud Dickson told me about shot placement I wasn’t about to take the shot until the old boar settled in for the smorgasbord.  Those thoughts had no more than passed when he made a beeline for the bait, grabbed the entire bait bag and ran for cover!  One small piece of bread fell in the opening marking his escape route.  At less than 30 yards the bear ate all the contents, including the bag from behind a cluster of berry bushes.

 Thinking the bear would return for the last scrap, I stood ready with an arrow knocked.  He came close, but much to my surprise the temptation wasn’t great enough.  Instead, out came another bear, but one that didn’t compare to the big bear’s size.  I passed on the shot.

 The following morning we spent baiting various sites getting ready for the afternoon hunt.  Craig elected to hunt elsewhere  and I chose to stay put hoping for a second opportunity at my bait site.

 Upon arrival a dozen clattering gray jays were scavenging the bait station.  To ensure there wasn’t a repeat performance of the afternoon before, I buried the bait deep beneath a pile of logs and then poured raw molasses on the logs to sweeten the deal.

 Only minutes had passed when the woods grew silent, and I sensed something was amiss.  Looking over my shoulder, I spotted two black silhouettes.   After nearly an hour the smallest outline cautiously inched toward the opening licking its chops.  Within a few yards he stopped long enough to take a brief but sneering glance, then woofed before running for cover.

 Overcome by temptation, just minutes later the old bore walked directly beneath the stand spanning two trees and stopped.  Sniffing the ladder, he put one paw on the first step and stared upward as if he were going to join me.  Let me tell you, I was about to jump out of my pants.   Fortunately, he must have decided the aerial perch wouldn’t support both our weight and climbed back down.  Slowly but surely, he slumbered to the pile and began peeling off logs, tossing them aside like toothpicks.

 Giving the skittish critter plenty of time to settle in, I slowly drew my bow and anchored for a quartering away shot.  Milliseconds later the 160-grain Snuffer broadhead sank out of sight and reappeared while exiting the front shoulder on the opposite side, sending the bear charging.

 About an hour later, it was nearly dark.  Figuring the bear had plenty of time to expire, I climbed down with flashlight in hand and soon picked up a good blood trail.  I remember thinking at the time how ludicrous it was trailing a bear in the dark.  These thoughts had no more than passed when a growl and popping jaw sent me hightailing for higher ground.

 Returning to camp, we collectively agreed to wait until morning before taking after the bear, giving it plenty of time to expire.  Craig hunted the following morning, but unfortunately it was another no-show.
 Garth arrived sometime around 10 a.m. with his tracking dog.  The blood trail petered out at the edge of a swamp, at which time he turned his hound loose.  No more than 10 minutes had passed when the dog began baying.  Garth turned toward me and said, “There’s your bear!”  Suddenly the barking stopped and then picked up again some distance away.  Oh, no, the bear is alive!

 We hustled into the swamp and soon located the dog some 80 or more yards away snapping at the bear’s heels.  From behind, Garth and Craig whispered, “Why don’t you just slip up there and finish him off?”

 “Ok, I’ll try,” I said reluctantly.  Really I was thinking, Why don’t one of you go finish him off if it sounds so easy.

 Closing the gap to about 35 yards, I was taunted from behind to shoot.  Not exactly in a calm state, I drew and released the string, sending the Dougherty Natural aluminum arrow skipping into oblivion.  The bear ran a short distance, maybe 30 yards before lying down, giving me only a rump view.

 Once again taking my two buddies’ ill advice from behind, I sent another mini-missile on the way.  With the shaft buried to the fletching the bear spun around in circles like a dog chasing its tail and then took up the charge.  Having made only two steps backward the dog suddenly appeared between us, luckily diverting the bear’s attention.

 To make an even longer story short, I was down to three arrows and there was no sign of the bear weakening.  While in the process of trailing the bear, he eventually offered a broadside shot.  Quickly I shot and my arrow passed clean through his chest.  Craig quickly and graciously volunteered to walk some two miles or more to get a slug gun—just in case.  Garth and I continued following the bear hoping he’d expire—soon.  He’d have to.

 Eventually the bear bedded down in a stand of tightly grouped saplings where we watched from a distance.  After a half-hour or so without any movement, I decided to slip in closer.  At 20 yards a narrow opening offered what appeared to be a clear path.  As bad luck would have it the Snuffer found the only tree between us.  Startled, the bear jumped up and ran from sight.

 Now I was down to one arrow.  Within minutes the dog located the bear again lying on a rise in the swamp.  Although he appeared to be dead, we approached with caution when closing the gap to maybe 25 yards the bear got up and slowly began circling down wind.  I quickly drew and held steady before letting the last arrow slip free.  Upon impact the bear let out a roar and turned to make a charge.  Once again the dog redirected the boar’s attention, giving us time to escape out of harm’s way.

 Scouring the area we found the badly bent and blood-soaked arrow.  Looking at Garth, I said “So now what?”

 “ We wait,” he replied.

 While in the process of trying to straighten the arrow, I was entertained by Garth chopping down a small sapling. “What the heck are you going to do with that,” I said.

 “Well, I’m making a spear just in case.”

  Please, Craig, hurry with that gun.

 After an hour the young guide turned the god loose again.  Having barely lost sight of him, the all-too-familiar baying sound pinpointed his location.  Following our ears, we found the bear bedded down behind a large brush pile growling and snapping its jaws at the circling dog.  First eyeballing a clear path for retreat, I made a mad dash for the brush pile with an arrow knocked.  Leaping aloft, I drew and sank the arrow behind the shoulder.  All hell broke loose upon impact, causing the bear to let out a furious roar, standing on its hind legs and swatting air!

 I’ve never been much for a long distance runner but I’m somewhat quick out of the gate.  Leaping out over the barking dog, I was running for all it was worth.  Hearing a yelp. I glanced over my shoulder only in time to see the dog sailing through the air and hear Garth yelling.  “Oh my dog!” With one swat the enraged bear sent the dog airborne before sprinting another 50 yards and going down.

 Shortly thereafter the dog reappeared and a close examination uncovered four claw marks on the rump, none of which were serious.  Nevertheless, I truly believe things could have taken a serous turn for the worst had the dog not been there.

 While field dressing the bear, I was somewhat curious to know where the first arrow had taken the bear, considering how long he lived.  Interestingly, the first arrow caught the top of the liver and one lung.  I’ve known of whitetails that have survived with one lung but never without both.  The second arrow penetrated the same lung and the third severed the heart.  One can only surmise this was one tough bear with a  will to live.

 If you’re wondering what happened to Craig, well he showed up after all the excitement and field dressing was complete, none of which he claims to have missed.  The Ontario Department of Ministry aged the bear from a tooth submitted and later sent a letter stating the bear was 7 years old, much older than the “average bear.”

 When we returned to Atikokan, I was approached by a man who claims to have harvested more than two-dozen bears (26 to be exact) over the years and consequently has plenty of exciting stories to convey.  His advice was to never, never take up the trail of a wounded bear.  Good advice, I’d say.

 Some years before he and a friend found themselves in a very similar situation that nearly turned tragic.  While moving in for a finishing shot, the bear attacked, taking down hi friend.  Before he could stop the bear, his hunting partner’s arm had been severely mauled.  Although surviving, he nearly bled to death before arriving at a nearby hospital!

Why I Prefer Fingers
Fingers vs. Release Debate
By Chuck Adams

http://www.bowandarrowhunting.com/

 The giant caribou I named “Old Stubby” was snoozing a long bow shot away amid a sea of red willow brush.  The antlers of five smaller bedded bulls rose high above the bushes, but Stubby had laid his rack on its side.  I could barely see the massive, heavily palmated right top with its long, blunt-tipped tines.  The bull was sleeping now, but I had studied his entire rack earlier in the stalk.  He was awesome…the largest mountain caribou I had ever seen.

 Suddenly, a wolf howled up canyon.  The strong-jawed predator was probably more than a mile away, but its booming voice made it sound close enough to attack.  All six caribou were on their feet in an instant, moving toward me with their ankle-clicking, ground-gobbling gait.

 

I was crouched on my knees in skimpy cover, and I dropped my head to the ground as the first five ‘bou ambled past inside 25 yards.  Stubby was in the rear, and I struck like a rattlesnake as he passed on the upwind side.  I straightened at the waist, wrapped my fingers around the bowstring and drew my Hoyt ProStar compound in one fluid motion.  I aimed and drilled the bull as his eyes rolled and he turned away in panic.  The entire episode took no more than two seconds.

 That big 1995 caribou has been the Pope & Young World Record ever since, eclipsing a former record that stood for 17 years.  And like several other giant animals in quick-moving situations.  I would never have bagged Old Stubby with a mechanical release.

 I’ve been shooting fingers for 37 yards—mostly with a bowsight and string peep—and I prefer a finger release for serious hunting.  One reason is shooting speed.  A trigger device might be a bit more accurate in deliberate shooting situations, but not all hunting shots are slow and deliberate.  It is one thing to drill a foam 3-D target or a whitetail from a tree, and quite another to crawl-and-shoot for caribou or twist-and-shoot for elk.

 Don’t get me wrong.  Like Randy Ulmer, Phil Phillips and other excellent release shooters I know, I recognize the benefits of a release aid.  I’ve shot plenty of game with a release—whitetails from trees, waterhole antelope, African antelope from blinds, etc.  A beginning archer with a release can achieve tighter target groups, with less effort, than an archer using a finger glove or tab.  It’s simply easier to squeeze a trigger or press a button and hit the target.  The best target scores on bull’s-eyes and 3-D animals are shot with release aids for the same reason.

 But for serious bowhunting by those who care to practice hard, I believe the finger release yields an edge.  Here are reasons why I rely on my fingers for really serious hunting.

 

Shooting Speed
 For fluid, non-fumbling performance with a bow, I believe fingers are best.  That’s why most bird shooters and bow fishermen prefer a tab or glove.

 Most of the animals I stalk can be neatly drilled with a release. But 5 percent to 10 percent cannot.  It is difficult to snap a release to the string, then draw, hold and aim with lightning speed.  It is impossible to hike all day after mule deer, elk, caribou or maintain sheep with a release aid attached to the string and your wrist, so you sometimes have to fumble to take a quick shot.  On some animals, fumbling simply isn’t fast enough.

 

In general, the largest and wisest game is also the most difficult to shoot.  Such animals did not get big by being easy, so when you do get a shot, that shot will probably be fast.  I have had the good fortune to shoot 11 official P&Y animals and five P&Y World Record animals, and I can tick off three World Records and a dozen other book critters that I would never have shot with a release.

 Now please don’t assume I have not shot and practiced with a release aid.  I use my old Scott Caliper on many tree-stand whitetail hunts, pronghorn ground-blind hunts, etc.  In such controlled, deliberate shooting situations, a release aid is not a handicap.  I can drill tacks with a mechanical release and a well-tuned bow, and my bull’s-eye groups certainly shrink.  But heaven help me if I had had a release aid on Old Stubby, the World Record mountain caribou, or on my new 2000 World Record Montana elk.  Both critters gave me the briefest shot imaginable from twisted ground-level body positions.

 For occasional quick shots, on foot-hunted game, a finger release rules!

 Shooting Silence
 The hard jaws on a release aid will strum the bowstring like a guitar pick.  A tied-in string loop helps dampen such noise, but adds to the “fumble factor” when you try to hook up fast.

 By comparison, pliable fingers further cushioned by a shooting tab or glove tend to dampen bowstring noise during the shot.  All else being equal—string and cable silencers in place, noise dampeners on limbs, and a flexible bow stabilizer up front—the finger-shot bow is noticeably quieter than the release-shot bow.  This means less string-jumping by sound-sensitive creatures like whitetail deer.

 If you don’t believe this, stand behind a tree and have a friend shoot the same bow and arrow past you with a hard-jaw release and fingers.  The difference in decibel noise level will be dramatic.

 I have lost count of the times release-shooting friends have scared animals with a wrist-swinging, clanking release aid.  If release hardware impacts the bow, cable guard, arrow quiver, binocular or rangefinder, deer call, or any other hard object, the target animal will flee.  Fingers with a soft tab or glove never create such noise.

 Another noise problem with a release aid can be the type of arrow rest needed for good accuracy.  So-called “launcher rests” with two prongs shoot well with a release because they cushion the up-and-down flexing of a release-launched arrow.  But arrow fall-off is commonplace in game-shooting situations.  If the wind blows or you cant your bow even a little bit, the arrow can fall off the rest with a dreadful clank.

 

And don’t think for a minute that “experts” are immune from this trouble.  I’m in plenty of hunting camps each year, and I hear plenty of arrow fall-off stories.  I’ve also watched dozens of 3-D tournaments, including the prestigious and action-packed Buckmasters Round.  In one Buckmasters National Final a few years ago, three national release-aid champions let their arrows tall off the rest as they tried to aim at pop-up animal targets.  All three managed to regroup and nail the mark, but no deer alive would have stood for such noisy nonsense! 

By comparison, a finger shooter needs a more stable rest with a shelf and plate—a rest that tames the side bending (paradoxing) of a finger-released arrow.  Finger rests like the flipper/plunger, springy, and Cavalier cradle an arrow solidly in place.  An experienced finger archer also torques the bowstring as he draws, which presses the arrow securely against the rest.  There is no way the arrow can fall off—even with high wind or a canted bow.

 Simplicity and Dependability
 When I go bowhunting, I’m sure my sting-drawing fingers won’t break.  I’m also certain my fingers won’t jam up from grime, or freeze solid before I can shoot.  And I know I won’t lose my fingers.

 The same cannot be said for a mechanical release aid.  Modern releases are reasonably dependable, but they are devices with moving parts.  This means they can fail unexpectedly.

 One release-using pal of mine watched the biggest pronghorn antelope he’d ever seen approach a waterhole 20 yards from his blind.  He drew and aimed as the buck dropped its head to drink…and then nearly tore the release trigger off as he vainly tried to take his shot.  The mechanism had jammed from dust and grit on the prairie, and the release was permanently locked to the bow-string.  He still has nightmares about that monster walking away.

 Another friend was on a super-expensive bowhunt for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.  It was November, with temperatures dipping to minus 20 degrees.  When he finally set up a 30-yard shot at a massive full-curl ram, his release refused to engage with the bowstring.  The moving parts had gotten damp and then frozen solid—which completely ruined his hunt.

 I’ve been in several camps where release aids broke or started pre-releasing at half-draw.  One guy knocked out his front tooth as I watched after his metal release disengaged at half draw and slammed backward into his face.

 In my experience, simple and dependable bowhunting gear works best.  For serious hunting, I’ll take fingers every time!

 Mechanical malfunctions aside, it’s fairly easy to lose a release.  A smart release hunter carries two identical releases at all times in case one falls from a pocket or otherwise disappears.  I’ve lost two finger tabs during my entire bowhunting life, and I shot an animal on each of those days (one caribou, one elk) with my bare fingers.  Bow tune and broadhead accuracy was not greatly affected.

 By comparison, try finger-shooting a release-aid bow.  Tune, accuracy and a smooth shot go completely out the window.

 Notes On Finger Accuracy
 Release-aid advocates make a big deal of accuracy on targets and game.  They tend to poo-poo the ability of bowhunters to finger-shoot well.  But I’m here to tell you that finger-shooting can be deadly, even at 50 or 60 yards.

 Finger shooting takes more practice because releasing with multiple fingers is tougher than simply tripping a trigger.  But correct finger shooting can certainly produce consistent arrow flight.

 In my experience, the best finger shooters approach “archer’s minute of angle” accuracy—1-inch arrow groups at 10 yards, 2-inch groups at 20 yards, 3-inch groups at 30 yards, 4-inch groups at 40 yards, and so on.  The best release shooters can do even better, but what hunter needs better than 4-inch groups at 40 yards or 6-inch groups at 60 yards?  Target shooters want even tighter groups, but we’re not in the woods to win tournaments.  If you can hit a deer’s 9-inch vital chest every time, you shoot plenty well enough.

 Here are some tips on getting the best hunting accuracy with your fingers.

 First, shoot the right equipment.  Compound bows less than 43 or 44 inches axle-to-axle are a handicap because severe bowstring angle at full draw pinches your fingers and prevents a smooth release.  My favorite finger bows are the Reflex Caribou and Hoyt ProTec, both about 46 inches long.

 Aggressive cams and high letoff both hurt finger-shooting accuracy.  A mild wheel with letoff between 50 percent and 65 percent gives crisp, consistent accuracy with fingers.

 I personally use multiple sight pins plus a peep with a finger bow.  I anchor for three to five seconds as I aim, then release the string by relaxing my fingers and letting my string hand slide backward along my face.  Every top finger shooter I know uses a tab—not a glove—because gloves develop grooves and hang up on the bowstring.  Most good finger shooters draw with three fingers, then relax the top or bottom finger for a slicker two-finger release.  Most place one finger above the arrow nock and two below.

 Final Thoughts
 A majority of bowhunters use mechanical release aids today, but I’m not sure this is best for hunting.  Manufacturers and dealers push release aids and related accessories such as overdraw rests because they can sell you more gear and make more money.  Most modern hunting bows are too short to finger-shoot anyway because short bows produce more raw arrow speed.  Speed bows work fine with release aids, but pinch the heck out of fingers if you try the “old fashioned way. “ Very few finger compounds are now available, so bowhunters are being herded en masse toward release aids and short, fast bows.

 But if you want maximum advantage on game, consider the finger-shooting alternative.  You’ll shoot faster and quieter with less chance of something going wrong, and you’ll shoot very well if you practice with a tab, two-finger release and a reasonably long and forgiving bow.

 Fingers work for me, and I rarely leave a big-game tag unfilled.

 PART II

The Release Aid Is Better
By Randy Ulmer

 Three-quarters of North America’s bowhunters (and the number is growing) aren’t wrong.  Most bowhunters are far better off releasing the string with a mechanical release aid than with their fingers.  I base my position on more than just the numbers.  Believe me, I’ve tried everything.  If fingers were the best way to release a bowstring I would have calluses like a rawhide on my fingertips.  Instead, when I draw my bow on a big bull or buck I have an old, worn Fletchunter strapped around my wrist where it has been for the past 20 hunting seasons.  I’ve put together five fundamental reasons why the release aid is, and always will be, the best way to reach your potential as a bowhunter.

 Release Aids Are More Accurate
 I took a lesson from noted target archer Frank Pearson about 15 years ago.  It was early in my competitive career and I hung on every word Frank had to say.  Near the end of the session I asked him to tell me the most profound thing he had learned about archery.  I expected a dissertation on some mystical element of form but instead his answer was blunt and very simple: “Fingers suck!” Enough said.

 Sure, there are highly skilled finger shooters who can hang with some of the best release-aid shooters at every local club, but this person is the exception, not the rule.  Line everyone up and shoot scores.  You’ll find that the average release shooter is more accurate than the average finger shooter.

 A release aid is an emotionless machine; it doesn’t care how cold your fingers are, how big the buck is or even how much you have been practicing.  It only cares that its trigger was pulled.  Regardless of circumstance, it frees the string with amazing  consistency—much better than can be attained with real live fingers.  It is much easier for a release-aid shooter to pull the triger the same way every time than for a finger shooter to get two or three fingers to clear the string identically shot after shot.  In archer, consistency is synonymous with accuracy.

 Release Aids Help Eliminate Target Panic
 Finger shooters get target panic just as readily as poorly schooled release-aid shooters, but unfortunately their cure seems more like psychiatric therapy than archery instruction.  Beyond using a clicker, they have no mechanical solutions.  Beating the dreaded malady when shooting fingers depends on the archer’s ability to control his emotion and nerves.  Beating target panic with a release aid is all about selecting the right tool and technique.  Using a lot of self-discipline, you follow the proper steps using a release aid designed for this purpose and, viola, the beast is dead (or at least hiding).

 I know several bowhunters who released with fingers in the past but now shoot a release aid.  These guys switched for only reason:  A properly used release aid was the only way they were finally able to beat target panic.  If you are having trouble keeping the pin floating near the spot you want to hit without watching it lurch about, try this.  Just as you start to relax your fingers, you will be amazed at how much easier and more relaxing archery can become when you switch to a release aid and learn to shoot it correctly.

 Release Aids Require Less Practice Time
 It takes a lot of practice time to keep your fingers release functioning like a well-oiled machine whereas a release aid is already a well-oiled machine.  If your busy lifestyle makes it tough to get to the range, you will find that a mechanical release will keep you in the bull’s-eye with a lot less practice.

 Release Aids Make Tuning Easier
 Consistency is a nice quality to find in a friend, but it is absolutely essential in your archery equipment and technique.  A consistent release not only produces accuracy but also clean, controllable arrow flight.  There is no greater step you can take toward achieving perfect bullet-hole delivery—shot after shot—than to use a mechanical release.  Not only does the string leave more or less straight forward; the thrust of the string occurring right down the centerline of the arrow.

 An arrow released with fingers goes through a series of oscillations called paradox.  As the string leaves the fingers it moves to the side slightly and , of course, takes the nock of the arrow with it.  Now the force of the string is directed at an angle to the arrow’s centerline causing the shaft to flex.  It is critical when tuning a bow with fingers to get the perfect shaft stiffness so it will flex the proper amount to recover in time to clear both the rest and the riser as it speeds forward.

 This entire dynamic situation is infinitely less complicated when a mechanical release is used.  The string lines up with the centerline of the arrow to push it straight out of the bow.  Not only is side-to-side oscillation of the string and arrow virtually eliminated, but also the archer has a lot more leeway in choosing arrows.  Because arrow stiffness is rarely the cause of tuning problems for the release shooter, the shooter has the ability to consider a wider selection on shafts.

 If the archer wants to shoot a heavy carbon shaft that is way too stiff for his draw weight he can do it without problems.  He can also go in the other direction, selecting lightweight shafts that would be too flexible for a finger shooter using the same bow.  When using a release aid, archers can move one level up (more flexible) on most shaft selection charts and as many levels down (stiffer) as they wish without introducing arrow flight problems.  Try that when releasing the string with fingers! Let me rephrase that: Definitely don’t try that with fingers!

 Release Aids Are Better When It’s Cold
 You don’t have to worry about limbering up your release.  Regardless of the temperature, it will be ready to dump the string when the trigger is squeezed.  Fingers, on the other hand, get stiff as they get cold, making it less likely that they can be counted to produce a smooth release after several hours on a cold stand.  Sure you can use hand muffs and a thin glove on your string hand, but in the end your fingers don’t stand a chance.  When your body starts to feel the chill, it naturally restricts blood flow to the extremities.  The fingers are the first to shut down.  When that happens, the finger release becomes less predictable.

 Cold temperatures, however, have little affect on the accuracy of a bowhunter using a mechanical release.  As long as the bowhunter practices with heavy gloves prior to the hunt—so he’s used to the feel of several millimeters of Thinsulate between his finger and the trigger—his accuracy won’t be affected. Even fingers that are completely numb can still be commanded to curl.

 Combating Negative Perceptions
  Less reliable:  Finger shooters love to tell release-aid shooters how unreliable their tools are.  I’ve been hunting with a release for 20 years and my release aid had yet to cost me an animal.  Sure, there are some questionable releases on the market that could be less reliable than others, but if you stick with tried-and -true designs made by leading manufacturers and practice until you are comfortable you won’t have a problem.  I personally favor Carter releases for 3_D and target competition and my old Fletcher for hunting.

 Takes too long to load:  It may take slightly longer to load a release aid than to simply grab the string with your fingers, but when have you ever had to take a shot when you couldn’t spare a half-second?  We’re not talking about jump-shooting pheasants here.  Most bowhunting encounters are well rehearsed and well planned; in a word they are controlled. We generally know well in advance when a shot is likely to occur.  It is rare indeed that an animal takes the hunter completely by surprise and then presents only a fleeting shot.

 I participated in the speed rounds at ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games last summer using a release aid.  In fact, all the top competitors were using release aids.  If you think releases are so much slower when loading and shooting than fingers then why didn’t a finger shooter finish in the top ranks?

 Something else to lose or forget:  When I’m hunting, I carry an identical backup release aid in my daypack.  If I should somehow drop my release while in a tree stand I will simply in the pack for the spare and pick the other one up on the way out.  I make a habit of clicking my release to the bow just as soon as I take it off my wrist.  In this way I never have to wonder where my release is: It is always either on my wrist or on my bow.  Never lost.

 Harder on your bowsting:  There is no question that a releases jaws will wear your bowstring’s serving faster than three fingers if you don’t take appropriate steps to protect it.  You will definitely have problems with factory  serving, so after you break in your string you need to reserve it with a high quality serving material.  BCY’s new spectra Halo serving is the strongest on the market and what I recommend.  Serve it tight.  I always double serve my bowstings to ensure that I never have to worry about serving slippage.  A string-nocking loop will also help preserve serving life.  The loop will eventually  wear out and need replacing, but the serving will be protected.

 I have yet to introduce a friend to the mechanical release who, after giving it an honest try, ever went back to shooting with fingers.  If you aren’t already using a release aid you owe it to yourself in give it a try.  After a couple of weeks of practice you will find the experience both comfortable and wholly enjoyable.  Next you will begin to shoot better than you ever thought possible and your confidence will soar.  You’d better buy a deep freezer, cause you’re gonna fill it this fall.

I’m looking to get the 2009 bowtech sentinel in black ops the archery shop i go to said $800 is it a good bow for a good price?

I am looking for a golden eagle litespeed limb or whole bow i know they went out of buisness but i am still looking if anyone has any or know of where to get them any info would be greatly appreciated thank you

I recently purchased a Martin Saber and the cam is cutting into my string. Has anyone else had this problem?

Modern Fletching
To achieve accuracy with broadheads, straight arrow flight must follow,
and nothing decides this more than the fletching on the arrow.
By Joe Bell

http://www.bowandarrowhunting.com/

 Ask any qualified engineer and they’ll tell you that aerodynamics is a complicated subject.  Variables are far and wide when dealing with air resistance and the shape of things.  This is why designing aircraft is such a high-paying profession – it’s not easy.

 This is also why tuning arrows for straight flight ca n sometimes wear out even the most experienced archers.  We’ve learned over the years that to obtain precisely straight arrow flight, we must first choose the correctly spined arrow shaft for our bow.  To find this out, we shoot this “bare” shaft through taut paper to see if it punches a neat bullet hole (or slight horizontal tear with a finger release).  If it does, then it’s the correct shaft for our setup.

 

Once this is done, we’re left with choosing the proper amount of fletching for our arrows.  The fletching on an arrow are responsible for one thing: to cause drag – or friction – that will help stabilize the arrow in flight, therefore allowing it to fly straight through the air and to its intended target.  Of course, when you add a fixed-blade broadhead to the picture, this steering effect becomes much more complicated – similar to the aerodynamics behind building airplanes – because now the front end of the shaft wants to “steer” as well.

 

So in a sense, with fixed-blade broadheads – and even with mechanical broadheads – fletching size, configuration and the orientation in which they are attached is the only element that can control whether or not your arrows fly straight.  This is why the subject of arrow fletching is so important.

Flight Dynamics
 According to Bob Mizek, one of New Archery Products’ top engineers, the most critical time the flight of a broadhead-tipped arrow is affected is when the arrow first comes out of the bow and before the arrow starts to rotate.  “Aerodynamically speaking, the blades of a broadhead act like canards on an airplane,” Mizek said.  “Anyway, unless the arrow comes off the string perfectly with perfect center-shot, perfect vertical orientation, perfect nock travel, and with no torque on the grip, the air stream will push against the side of one or more blades, forcing the arrow away from its desired path.  Aerodynamically, this is called yaw if it’s left to right and pitch if it’s up and down.

 

“When the arrow rotates, centrifugal force pushes the arrow back towards its true center and reduces pitch and yaw (this would be a bad thing in an airplane for obvious reasons but is a good thing in an arrow since an arrow does not have a pilot to do course corrections),” Mizek added.  “The sooner you can get the arrow rotating, the sooner yaw and pitch can be reduced or eliminated, resulting in tighter groups.  Arrows that are tipped with field points or mechanical broadheads still benefit from the arrow rotating because one side of an arrow experiencing yaw or pitch feels air pressure more than the other, causing the arrow to fly inconsistently.”

 As you may know, New Archer Products invented the new QuikSpin plastic vanes that were designed to maximize arrow spin, and therefore maximize arrow control and accuracy.  The vanes are said to begin spinning an arrow almost immediately out of the bow.  This in turn allows the arrow to experience air drag sooner in flight, which theoretically should make the arrow more stable and less susceptible to the forces of side air resistance that could push it off course.
 “For reference, a typical arrow fletched offset with 4-inch QuikSpin vanes start rotating in only 18 inches.  It reaches full rotation in two to three yards,” Mizek said.  “The same arrow set up with conventional vanes typically requires 12 yards.  The effect on accuracy by getting the arrow spinning sooner and then faster is incredible.

Are the Rules Changing?
 Over the years, we’ve been told that the amount of air drag cased by fletching is dependent on its size and shape.  For more air drag, you use longer fletching.  For less, you use shorter fletching.  For the ultimate in air drag, use the same size feathers.  Right?  Well, in the pat couple of years I’ve learned the rules may be changing.

 

While on a hunting trip with my good friend Bruce Barrie, I noticed his arrows were dressed with target-size vanes (they were Duravane’s 3-D vanes).  I asked him how he could be shooting such a small vane, but he swore by what great arrow flight he was achieving with small fixed bladed heads, even at sever high speeds.

 Later, a rep from Norway (the company that makes the Duravanes) told me that the secret behind these 2.3-inch vanes was its design.  The vanes may be short, but the design is very rigid to deduce blade “flap” through the air, which increases its ability to create air drag.  Plus, the vane’s compact size optimizes clearance with arrow rests.

 This same concept is the premise behind Bohning’s excellent new Blazer vane.  At only 2 inches long, this vane is said to offer all the stabilization required to properly steer fixed-blade broadheads.  The Blazer vane is slightly more than 1/2-inch tall and the vane is very rigid so wind flap is nearly if not completely eliminated.

 Personally, I believe some longer/larger fletching is more prone to “flapping” when they are subjected to high speeds.  With slower arrow speeds, air resistance isn’t as violent, therefore arrows fletched with longer/larger fletching provide excellent air drag and arrow control.  But with modern speed bows and carbon arrows, reducing arrow speed isn’t really an option, nor do most bowhunters want slow arrow speed.

 NAP’s QuikSpin vanes, I’m told, were not only designed to spin the arrow faster but also to prevent from flapping wildly in the air stream.  How is this done?  The vane incorporates micro-grooves on one side that promote rigidity, even at that critical moment when the arrow immediately leaves the bow.

 Arizona Archery Enterprises uses a “rough” finish on its Elite Plastifletch that promotes better steering in flight.  The vanes are also made of special material that has better memory (ability to flap back to shape) to reduce the affects of vane flap.

 Norway adds a unique, slightly tapered “blade” on their Duravanes from the base of the vane to the top to enhance steering power and to reduce vane weight.  This same feature is said to eliminate blade flap and noise, too.

 What about feathers?  Feathers are said to offer about twice the amount of air drag as equal size vanes.  The reason for this can be attributed to a feather’s surface, which is rough and full of natural “slits” that apparently cause for more air resistance or drag.

Fletching Orientation
 What about the orientation of fletching, the manner in which they are fletched on the shaft – either straight, offset or helical offset?

 While designing the QuikSpin vane, New Archery Products has conducted many tests on the affects of air drag caused by various types of arrow fletching.

 “We determined with a rather detailed and complex series of tests that to stabilize a broadhead at about 260 feet per second the arrow needs to turn about one rotation over 3 yards,” said Cary J. Pickands, technical support specialist for New Archery Products.  “Our previously recorded data was then able to provide even more information, and in this case, very useable information.  We looked at each data set and found the range at which each fletching type produced one full turn.”

 During testing, Pickands and other members of NAP’s staff discovered that standard 4-inch vanes (AAE Plastifletch, Duravane, Bohning Killer Vanes, etc.) fletched with a 1/16-inch offset reaches one full rotation between 12 to 15 yards; 5-inch helical feathers fletched with a 3- to 4- degree wrap reaches one full rotation in between 4 and 7 yards; NAP QuickSpin 4-inch vanes fletched perfectly straight reaches one full rotation between 4 and 7 yards; and NAP QuikSpin 4-inch vanes fletched with a 1/16-inch offset reached one full rotation between 1 and 4 yards.

 “As far as we can tell arrow speed has no effect on whether the vane will control the arrow,” Pickands said.  “We’ve shot broadhead-tipped arrows in excess of 330 fps with phenomenal accuracy and precision.”

Testing Fletching: What Really Works?
 Ultimately, only you can decide what fletching type and orientation provides adequate steering for your particular arrows and broadhead combination.  Shooting different combinations of fletching with your chosen broadhead usually does this.

 My good friend Ron Way, who is an engineer in the aerospace industry, told me that there are many variables that affect aerodynamics and stable flight, whether it is an aircraft or an arrow.  “Very small variation can change the dynamics of flight such as the grip on the handle, a poor release, out-or-position anchor (from leaning/twisting), wind, or low or high altitudes (air density),” he said.  “An arrow that is marginally stable can show decent flight when conditions are good but can be horrible if one or more of the variables change.”

Arrow Trajectory and Fletching
 Ideally you should equip your arrow shafts with the smallest possible fletching that will stabilize your broadhead.  This way, you can maximize your arrow’s downrange speed for flatter trajectory.  Smaller fletching also means less side air resistance of the arrow that translates into less horizontal arrow drift.  Also, consider the orientation of your fletching; the more offset and/or helical you apply to fletching, the slower the arrow will fly because more drag is occurring.

It Comes Down to Accuracy
 The bottom line with fletching is what produces the best accuracy for you.  While testing some of today’s modern fletching.  I’ve noticed that in some cases the length of the fletching is not as important as the stiffness (or in other cases the memory) and the height of the fletching.  The greater the stiffness (or memory) and the taller the fletch air drag becomes more pronounced for increased arrow stabilization.  But then again, that’s just another impression in the world of aerodynamics.

Shooting Straight
         with frank addington, jr.

Aspirin Bustin’ at the Northern Wisconsin Deer Classic and Ice Fishing Expo
 
    (Eau Claire, WI) The Aspirin Buster was in the house January 29-31, 2010 for the Northern Wisconsin Deer Classic and Ice Fishing Expo.  Promoter Hugh Price had brought me to Eau Claire twice before but this was my first trip back since about 2005.   The new facility at the Eau Claire Indoor Sports Complex made an ideal location for this winter show.  There were trophy bucks, lots of people, and lots to see and do. 
 
    This area seems to be well known for COLD weather and big bucks.  I have been really impressed with some of the whitetails I see displayed at this event over the years.  I think it may be a well kept secret because I never hear much about Wisconsin but I sure see a lot of big bucks at these shows.  The bowhunters here also have an interest in traditional archery and asked a lot of good questions after my exhibitions. 
 
    There was a pop-up 3-D archery range which seemed to be a poplar draw for many who found the chilly Wisconsin winters too cold to shoot outdoors.   My pal Bill Weisner has added a company to his portfolio, a bear scent company which goes great with his “Bear Crazy” bear seminars that he conducts across the country.  It’s always good to visit and share stories, meals and laughs with Bill and his family & crew.  Bill’s new company is called “Bear Scents”, visit www.bearscents.com to see his line of products.  He did seminars at the show and also had a booth.
 
   This was the first show for my new Hoyt Formula RX recurve bows.  In addition to two new Hoyt bows, I had a new net system, new arrows, and three different throwers during the three day event!  We had standing room only each performance and I was happy folks came out to see the show.  The audiences were great and  I was happy to sign publicity photos for the folks that stood in line after the show.  That’s one of the best parts of the gig because the folks seem happy and excited and that’s my job. I love to see kids get excited about archery.   All three of the assistants did a great job, one of them was Jeff Brunn who had tossed targets for me back in 2005 when I last visited the show.
 
   I ended up hitting the baby aspirin the 7th shot on that first show with the new bow.  I had gotten the bow strings the Tuesday before the show so I really had to scramble to get the bows shot in and tuned by Friday.  We also did the three pill—three arrow shot and it went over really well with the audiences.  I love to raise the bar and keep the shots a challenge.  Yeah there is a chance I’ll miss a few times, but when you hit the pills the audience really gets into it. 
 
    The show isles seemed busy and there was also some of the TV hunting show personalities on hand to do seminars and greet people.  I’d like to thank the folks at Hoyt, Muzzy, Easton, SKB Cases, Eze-Eye Archery, Archery Stand By, Resistol hats,  Justin boots, and Sims Vibration Labs.  I am looking forward to the next show in St. Louis, MO.  Seeing is believing–see you at the show! 
 
Until next time, Adios & God Bless.

Shoot Straight,
Frank

Is the trophy taker catpure extreme drop away a good rest to go with?   I jus got one and i was wondering if anyone had anything to about it.

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Iv had mine for about 2 years and had nothin but good things comeout of it.   I had a hoyt katera before this one and has no comprision to the bow-tech.