New To Bow Hunting
09-03-2002, 05:31 PM
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Simsbury CT USA
Posts: 72
New To Bow Hunting
This is my first season hunting. I'll be scouting for an area to place my tree stand, but I need to know some of the basics, such as:
1. When I'm going into the woods, should I have my gear in (or on) a camo backpak?
2. If the answer to # 1 is yes, are there paks made which can accomodate the bow/quiver on the outside?
3. Can anyone recommend a good knife for field dressing; I prefer the folding type.
4. Are there certain kinds of food I should not bring in with me because of their odor?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Ed
1. When I'm going into the woods, should I have my gear in (or on) a camo backpak?
2. If the answer to # 1 is yes, are there paks made which can accomodate the bow/quiver on the outside?
3. Can anyone recommend a good knife for field dressing; I prefer the folding type.
4. Are there certain kinds of food I should not bring in with me because of their odor?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Ed
09-03-2002, 07:03 PM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Palmyra PA USA
Posts: 292
RE: New To Bow Hunting
Eventurous, Good for you man! Nothing makes you feel like a part of nature than taking to the woods with bow and arrows in hand. I can gladly offer my opinions to get you going.
1) I prefer to bowhunt light, taking only what I can fit in my pockets or (sometimes) what I can fit in a small canvas Army shoulder satchel. If you want to take more, you can certainly use whatever kind of fanny pack or backpack you like. Camoflage is absolutely NOT necessary, but by all means use a camo pack if it gives you some confidence. You can find camo packs in all styles, from $15 KMart cheapies to $100+ dollar models by Bison Gear and others.
2) Knives are a matter of personal preference. You don't need a great one, but stay away from flea market junk...they don't sharpen or cut worth a darn. I used a folding Buck-Lite for years because I liked the idea of a lightweight folding knife. That knife continues to serve me well and it was reasonably priced (under $30 if I remember).
I prefer fixed blade knives however, as they are more rugged and don't have a handle groove and hinge point to get clogged with blood, fat, and hair that takes forever to clean out properly. I've used the smaller version of the Marine K-Bar ($45) for the past few seasons and really like it as a hunting knife. Its small enough to be worn on the hip comfortably, yet just big enough and rugged enough for small chopping jobs, digging broadheads out of trees (it happens), and for punching through the pelvis on small deer.
This year I just ordered a pricey high-carbon steel custom knife, which I plan to use only for skinning duty. It arrived at my door razor sharp (could take all my arm hair off in a single pass) and looks just gorgeous. That knife is certainly unneccessary, but I decided to treat myself after 15 years of hunting.
4) I don't like to bring stinky or noisy foods with me. PB&J sandwiches are good to take, along with a candy bar or mild jerky. Potato chips and thermos full of hot chili might not be the best choice. You'll be fine using your own discretion.
The best advise I can give is to enjoy yourself. Relish the chance to split open a black walnut just to take a long whiff, to nap to the sounds of predawn crickets, and to sneak up on an unsuspecting deer...whatever its size. And while it's helpful to have a few basics, don't get trapped into thinking you need Buck Rodgers equipment. Plain wooden bows and arrows have been taking game for millenia. Be safe and have fun man!
1) I prefer to bowhunt light, taking only what I can fit in my pockets or (sometimes) what I can fit in a small canvas Army shoulder satchel. If you want to take more, you can certainly use whatever kind of fanny pack or backpack you like. Camoflage is absolutely NOT necessary, but by all means use a camo pack if it gives you some confidence. You can find camo packs in all styles, from $15 KMart cheapies to $100+ dollar models by Bison Gear and others.
2) Knives are a matter of personal preference. You don't need a great one, but stay away from flea market junk...they don't sharpen or cut worth a darn. I used a folding Buck-Lite for years because I liked the idea of a lightweight folding knife. That knife continues to serve me well and it was reasonably priced (under $30 if I remember).
I prefer fixed blade knives however, as they are more rugged and don't have a handle groove and hinge point to get clogged with blood, fat, and hair that takes forever to clean out properly. I've used the smaller version of the Marine K-Bar ($45) for the past few seasons and really like it as a hunting knife. Its small enough to be worn on the hip comfortably, yet just big enough and rugged enough for small chopping jobs, digging broadheads out of trees (it happens), and for punching through the pelvis on small deer.
This year I just ordered a pricey high-carbon steel custom knife, which I plan to use only for skinning duty. It arrived at my door razor sharp (could take all my arm hair off in a single pass) and looks just gorgeous. That knife is certainly unneccessary, but I decided to treat myself after 15 years of hunting.
4) I don't like to bring stinky or noisy foods with me. PB&J sandwiches are good to take, along with a candy bar or mild jerky. Potato chips and thermos full of hot chili might not be the best choice. You'll be fine using your own discretion.
The best advise I can give is to enjoy yourself. Relish the chance to split open a black walnut just to take a long whiff, to nap to the sounds of predawn crickets, and to sneak up on an unsuspecting deer...whatever its size. And while it's helpful to have a few basics, don't get trapped into thinking you need Buck Rodgers equipment. Plain wooden bows and arrows have been taking game for millenia. Be safe and have fun man!
09-03-2002, 09:54 PM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Clarendon NC USA
Posts: 216
RE: New To Bow Hunting
Eventurous, You can learn a lot here....Welcome aboard......
I like to wear my gear going in...I like to wear a belt pack with pockets on the sides and front...I keep my scent,release,call,head net, camo make-up, little flash light, orange marking tape and folding tree limb saw in it....Sound like a lot but it really packs down compact....I bought mine from Wal-Mart for about $12.00 or so...
I just carry my bow in with quiver attached and 4 arrows...I like a straigt blade knife about 6" long with gut hook.....I'm like AK on the food, don't take any thing that smells...Spam makes a good sandwich.......Take a canteen full of water!!!!you'll get thirsty before you get hungry.........
I like to wear my gear going in...I like to wear a belt pack with pockets on the sides and front...I keep my scent,release,call,head net, camo make-up, little flash light, orange marking tape and folding tree limb saw in it....Sound like a lot but it really packs down compact....I bought mine from Wal-Mart for about $12.00 or so...
I just carry my bow in with quiver attached and 4 arrows...I like a straigt blade knife about 6" long with gut hook.....I'm like AK on the food, don't take any thing that smells...Spam makes a good sandwich.......Take a canteen full of water!!!!you'll get thirsty before you get hungry.........
09-04-2002, 10:53 AM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: dallas texas USA
Posts: 114
RE: New To Bow Hunting
Welcome to the obsession! I travel light and only take the basics. I know my area pretty well and anything I might need that I don't carry is a reasonable walk away!
There's been some good advice above, the best I've seen was from Belle Island, try different things till you find what works for you.
Good luck this year and above all enjoy every minute afield.
Once again Welcome!
There's been some good advice above, the best I've seen was from Belle Island, try different things till you find what works for you.
Good luck this year and above all enjoy every minute afield.
Once again Welcome!
09-04-2002, 11:27 AM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Dixon IL USA
Posts: 175
RE: New To Bow Hunting
If your going to scout into the woods stay scent free,dont contaminate the woods with your scent.You dont want to push the deer to an other area once you find an area to hang a stand.
Focus on food sources such as acorns,corn field edges,water holes.Look for an area that funnels the deer to a specific spot.That will be your best chance for a successful hunt.Or once you find a scape or rub line.That is a great place to set up for a buck.Play the wind direction,you dont want the wind blowing scent into the timber or to the deer.
Be patient,be still deer will catch the slightest movement,and walk around you or bolt.Know your yardages around you,use landmarks such as a tree or clump on the ground.It helps not to misjudge distances if you dont have a rangefinder.
Most of all be safe while in a stand wear a saftey harnness.Stay alert dont fall asleep or "i'm just gonna close my eyes for a minute" Next thing you know you'll be hanging by your staps.Good Luck to you this season...Hope to read about you success later!!
It's not how big the Deer,But the size of the experiance that matters!!
Focus on food sources such as acorns,corn field edges,water holes.Look for an area that funnels the deer to a specific spot.That will be your best chance for a successful hunt.Or once you find a scape or rub line.That is a great place to set up for a buck.Play the wind direction,you dont want the wind blowing scent into the timber or to the deer.
Be patient,be still deer will catch the slightest movement,and walk around you or bolt.Know your yardages around you,use landmarks such as a tree or clump on the ground.It helps not to misjudge distances if you dont have a rangefinder.
Most of all be safe while in a stand wear a saftey harnness.Stay alert dont fall asleep or "i'm just gonna close my eyes for a minute" Next thing you know you'll be hanging by your staps.Good Luck to you this season...Hope to read about you success later!!
It's not how big the Deer,But the size of the experiance that matters!!
09-04-2002, 12:16 PM
#8
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fredericksburg Virginia USA
Posts: 13,672
RE: New To Bow Hunting
Edventurous first welcome to the board, second welcome to bow hunting, I have not had my first bow kill, this coming season will be my 3rd. I have gun hunted succesfully for over 35 years.
1. I am a firm beleiver in packing in as little as possible. I use a black backpack for everything I do take and take it off as soon as I am in the stand and hang it up in a convenient spot. I carry my bow/quiver, using the backpack allows me to have my hands totally free in case I happen upon a deer.
2. There are a lot of good knifes out there at a reasonable price, like AK says avoid junk knifes. I prefer a fixed blade knife for the same reasons as AK. If it is size there are plenty of small fixed blade knifes that will field dress a deer just fine as long as you have either a small hatchet or little saw to break the pelvis.
3. Food......hmmmmmmm I am kind of different than most, it is rare I take anything except coffee and water, but as others said the noise factor is what determines whether I take it or not. Bananas, pears, raisins are good, I do not take apples because they crunch!
Read what many say on this board, there are a lot of opinions and knowledgable folks here. You will hear one person say one thing and another disagree, this you will have to sort out yourself. The one thing you must always do is try and remember everything about a hunt, unsuccessful or not. You will learn more from your personal experience then anywhere. You will learn more things not to do than you will things to do.
ALWAYS remember toilet paper, it will assure you never will have to crap in the woods because you are prepared, forget once and you will be wiping your rear with the top of your socks or your underwear!!!
The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club
09-04-2002, 12:27 PM
#9
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Hilliard OH USA
Posts: 328
RE: New To Bow Hunting
Welcome to the addiction!
Once you get close it keeps getting better and better!
Everyone has given good advice so far and my only question is are you talking about packing in for a day or for a couple of days?
Depending on where I am going depends onb what I take. If I am hunting an area for a day I generally don't carry a pack if I am going into an area I don't know well and it is large I might carry a day pack with water and power snacks like trail mix or granola bars.
Otherwise I leave my food in the car.
Good Luck and Enjoy EVERYTHING!
Greg
"Getting close to the game is the joy of Bowhunting for me, the harvest is a bonus."
Live 15 ft Python after eating a small Antelope!
Once you get close it keeps getting better and better!
Everyone has given good advice so far and my only question is are you talking about packing in for a day or for a couple of days?
Depending on where I am going depends onb what I take. If I am hunting an area for a day I generally don't carry a pack if I am going into an area I don't know well and it is large I might carry a day pack with water and power snacks like trail mix or granola bars.
Otherwise I leave my food in the car.
Good Luck and Enjoy EVERYTHING!
Greg
"Getting close to the game is the joy of Bowhunting for me, the harvest is a bonus."
Live 15 ft Python after eating a small Antelope!
09-04-2002, 12:33 PM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Scottsdale Arizona USA
Posts: 527
RE: New To Bow Hunting
Welcome dude or dudette!! I carry my bow with attached quiver, use a buck folder with plastic handle, have a camo backpack with two pint water bottles, keep a cereal bar for extreme hunger otherwise don't eat, use a mini maglite for light, keep a waterproof match holder, 100' of cord, compass and maps. I get all in my backpack for stalking and watch the wind. I keep a cutting bag with bonesaw, plastic sheet, $14 forschner skinning knife, game bags and extra rope at my truck or scooter for after the kill. I gut the animal and prop the ribcage open to cool and mark trail out or gps spot then leave my bow in truck and carry the cutting bag back to the animal. Love to creep around and very excited to hear about your first kill. Good luck. Take a roll of trail tape too and take your markers down on last trip out.