FIRST AND FOREMOST: I AM A BOTTOMLINE BELIEVER IN SHOT PLACEMENT! A SHOT WELL PLACED IN THE KILLZONE (no pun intended) with ANY BROADHEAD WILL KILL ITS TARGET! WE ALL KNOW NOT ALL SHOTS ARE PERFECT AND NOT ALL BROADHEADS PROVIDE A QUALITY BLOOD TRAIL FOR THAT IMPERFECT SHOT.
I’ve been searching for a mechanical broadhead that gives me confidence when I walk afield: larger cutting diameter, great performance, and reliability. I’ve tried ONE, before! It made me sick how much I had to “baby sit” it. Pre-deployment, dry rot o-rings/band failure, hard to replace blades, NOISY while in quiver…, ugh! Did I kill game with it? Yes, but I could have killed more!
I currently shoot a fixed blade broadhead -no moving parts, less chances for failure. With a fixed blade bh, the only way I will fail, IMO, is due to shooter error and lack of woodsmanship and archery skills (bow tuning, broadhead alignment, fletching, etc.) This is not a post to “educate” you on broadhead selection or tips on tuning your bow, but to give a humble opinion. So here I go with my “FIRST IMPRESSION” on NAP’s KILLZONE broadhead:
1. Tips: I was pleased the KILLZONE gave me options in that department. I chose the chisel tip over the cut-on-contact, because I want it to crush though a bone in case of an imperfect shot to the near shoulder, for example. This happened with its competitor - the tip bent preventing it from potentially reaching vitals.
2. Noise: IT’S QUIET! This bh remains so even when shaking it vigorously. I tested the broadhead inserted to an arrow shaft, swung the shaft hitting my fingers and palm of my hand – never made unwanted noise! The other bh I used prior, same test, rattled and made too much noise.
3. Feel: I am not a scientist, but just touching the blades, I felt the difference in sturdiness. They did not feel fragile!
4. No o-rings, No rubber bands!: With its locking mechanism, no noise & no blade pre-deployment.
5. Cutting diameter capability: Are you kidding? Like its competitor’s, a 2 inch cutting diameter is HUGE! Blood trail – are you kidding me? The only way to miss the blood trail is if you are color blind. NOTE: A debate I had in the past – THIS IS NOT A “LICENSE” TO TAKE BAD/LOW PERCENTAGE SHOTS!!! A reader on another site misunderstood (and eventually he saw my point and gave in, lol). A larger cutting diameter may turn that marginal shot into a better shot. Maybe it reaches that artery the 1-1 ¼” could not. It will open the wound more as to prevent coagulation, thus loss of blood trail.
6. Weight: I shoot 100 gr, so I’m am fine, but I’d like to see 85 gr or 125 gr options for others.
I have not shot this broadhead…., YET. I want to be clear, I do not know how it performs when shot. My next review will be on its flight and impact on practice targets. Let’s see where it takes us.
Visit: http://newarchery.com/products/1-67/broadheads/killzone.html
HuntingFreakzAdventures.com is not affiliated with NAP. This is an independent opinion/review.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
One-Shot Exercise
Well, fellow bowhunters and huntresses, season is approaching upon us. Are you ready for the moment of truth - to make the first shot count?
Personally, early season is my favorite time to hunt, second to pre-rut and late season. The rut is phenomenal, and is when most deer take a dirt nap, but very unpredictable. IMO, when it comes to predictability, there's most certainly a rush when it comes to hunting whitetails, especially in public land. To predict deer movement, I must depend on my woodsmanship via scouting, understanding food source, stand placement, scent control etc., not just luck - hoping I'm in the right spot, at the right time.
I say the above to say this: I've prepared all off-season by participating in my archery clubs. Besides staying in "bowhunting" condition (back muscles/tension, breathing, muscle memory, etc.), I've really worked on my mental aspect by putting myself in the presence of pressure shots. That means shooting in front many eyes watching, shooting next to archery experts in tournaments, you get the point. I was able to block out the surroundings as to allow me to focus on shot placement and follow through. Yes, I am talking about reducing the "buck fever" phenomena!
Now that I've got that somewhat in control, lol, I love to follow and strongly recommend what whitetail and archery expert, RANDY ULMER, talked about a few years back to get prepared for THE shot: for five days, after work (or what not), shoot one arrow ONLY! This has a few intentions:
1. It prevents you from making unconscious adjustments on your second, third, plus shots - instead of making "REAL" adjustments. Meaning, you don't adjust your anchor point, your grip, bow arm. You don't "stretch" or lower your head to see better through your peep. You don't hold "just a little" to the right or left, up or down. Assuming (I hate that :/) that you have stayed in bowhunting condition, your adjustment will be on your pin - "follow the arrow". If you shoot left of the target, move your pin to the left. If you shoot high, move your pin up, and so on and so forth.
2. It allows to deepen your connection with your bow and its feel before and after the shot. You'll pay more attention to sound, slight rattles, etc. It will help notice the condition of our strings, rest, etc. more in depth.
3. It mocks an actual and more realistic situation -a one shot opportunity! It's rare you get a second chance shot at a deer when bowhunting. I've had them, I won't deny it, but they are rare. So you have to make that first shot count!
Don't forget to practice the way you are going to play (like my football coach used to say)- in this case, hunt. You may do this one shot exercise from your blind, tree stand, or a combination of. Remember, it is very tempting to shoot multiple arrows, but at the end of the day, this is just a suggestion. Whatever ups YOUR game, good luck, be safe, and God Bless!
Personally, early season is my favorite time to hunt, second to pre-rut and late season. The rut is phenomenal, and is when most deer take a dirt nap, but very unpredictable. IMO, when it comes to predictability, there's most certainly a rush when it comes to hunting whitetails, especially in public land. To predict deer movement, I must depend on my woodsmanship via scouting, understanding food source, stand placement, scent control etc., not just luck - hoping I'm in the right spot, at the right time.
I say the above to say this: I've prepared all off-season by participating in my archery clubs. Besides staying in "bowhunting" condition (back muscles/tension, breathing, muscle memory, etc.), I've really worked on my mental aspect by putting myself in the presence of pressure shots. That means shooting in front many eyes watching, shooting next to archery experts in tournaments, you get the point. I was able to block out the surroundings as to allow me to focus on shot placement and follow through. Yes, I am talking about reducing the "buck fever" phenomena!
Now that I've got that somewhat in control, lol, I love to follow and strongly recommend what whitetail and archery expert, RANDY ULMER, talked about a few years back to get prepared for THE shot: for five days, after work (or what not), shoot one arrow ONLY! This has a few intentions:
1. It prevents you from making unconscious adjustments on your second, third, plus shots - instead of making "REAL" adjustments. Meaning, you don't adjust your anchor point, your grip, bow arm. You don't "stretch" or lower your head to see better through your peep. You don't hold "just a little" to the right or left, up or down. Assuming (I hate that :/) that you have stayed in bowhunting condition, your adjustment will be on your pin - "follow the arrow". If you shoot left of the target, move your pin to the left. If you shoot high, move your pin up, and so on and so forth.
2. It allows to deepen your connection with your bow and its feel before and after the shot. You'll pay more attention to sound, slight rattles, etc. It will help notice the condition of our strings, rest, etc. more in depth.
3. It mocks an actual and more realistic situation -a one shot opportunity! It's rare you get a second chance shot at a deer when bowhunting. I've had them, I won't deny it, but they are rare. So you have to make that first shot count!
Don't forget to practice the way you are going to play (like my football coach used to say)- in this case, hunt. You may do this one shot exercise from your blind, tree stand, or a combination of. Remember, it is very tempting to shoot multiple arrows, but at the end of the day, this is just a suggestion. Whatever ups YOUR game, good luck, be safe, and God Bless!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
"Bow Gear DISASTER PREVENTION", by Mike Strandlund
A note from Hunting Freakz: Last year, second week into the IL season, I’d been seeing a couple of bucks come out from their staging area. Wind right, I decided to move in, set up my stand and hope for their continued routine. Finally, with an hour left of legal shooting light, out they came. The more dominant buck sent out what I call the “tester” buck. The tester buck scoped the scene, checked wind, and started to head my way. They were reading the script. The dominant buck felt at ease, comfortable, but stayed about 25-30 yards behind on a constant basis. When the tester buck finally got to the base of my tree, he bolted after he caught some of my scent. Big daddy just picked his head up, looked confused, and just stood there broadside long enough for me to draw my bow, settle the pin, and shoot. Low and behold, MURPHY’S LAW STRUCK!!! My release FAILED! I squeezed the trigger and the arrow did not go off. In shock, I let down and as soon as I relieved a bit of pressure – the arrow went somewhere. That 135”-140” class Public Land brute was gone! Second blown opportunity for me to have a second P&Y. Thus, the following article by Mike Strandlund, member of the National Bowhunters Hall of Fame, is a must read:
“Few things in this world seem as susceptible to Murphy’s Law as bowhunting…If something can go wrong in bowhunting, it will.”
“With the combination of many components, complicated gizmos, the importance of details and the need for near perfection, if something in bowhunting can go wrong, it will. If you’ve bowhunted very long, you’ve likely had an opportunity spoiled by some type of equipment failure.
What’s the best way to avoid it? Anticipation and prevention. If you take a look at your full array of gear, consider the weak links, anticipate the problems that might occur and how they might be prevented in the first place and quickly fixed in the second, you will prevail. The best way to do this exercise is by isolating components and problems. Here are some examples:
1. Peep Tubes: some of you already know why this item is the first on the list. Peep tubes are the fastest-deteriorating component on your bow and more prone to failure. You can avoid this problem by using a tubeless sighting system, or checking your tube frequently, replacing it and keeping a spare. Tip: make sure the replacement is exactly the same as the original, or it can change the arrow’s point of impact.
2. Bow String & Cables: These are high-risk components – one kiss from a broadhead blade and your bow will fly to pieces. Once, I unknowingly got a branch stuck in an eccentric wheel, and as I drew, it guided my bowstring off track. Keep extra parts on hand and get portable bow press, and know how to use it (which means practicing at home). Keep records of bow setup data so you can return draw length, brace height, tiller, nock-point locations, cam timing, and etc. back to the original position.
[Hunting Feakz note: Maintain your string waxed after every practice session. Check for wear & tear on a regular basis if you shoot frequently]
3. Sights and Rests: These mechanical devices involve many components and often moving parts, which makes them susceptible to failure. I’ve written before about how I’ve had good hunts ruined by faulty arrow rests. Sights have also done me in. One fateful day I draw on the biggest buck I’d ever seen, only to have my bottom sight pin come loose and land on top of my arrow shaft, making it impossible to shoot! Obviously, the first thing on my list is to periodically check that all sight and rest screws are as tight as secure as they can be. Use stout equipment and sight pin covers.
4. Releases: Begin by using a reliable product and maintain it well, and always keep a spare in a pocket or backpack.
5. Broadheads: Even something as simple as a broadhead can fail. Some models can lose blades if the heads become loose. Others can suffer different problems. Use failsafe heads and keep them sharp and inspected.
[Hunting Feakz note: mechanical broadheads are getting better. However, if they are reliable on rubber bands or o rings, be careful they are not torn, dry rotted, or simply missing. Others, just simple have a problem of premature deployment, shake loose walking to your stand, or open with a simple bump and don’t know it until it’s too late!]
6. Accessories: I always bring a kit of small parts and tools with me. This includes any Allen wrenches that apply to my rig, extra bowstring, serving material, a nock point, some extra screws, and tape. I also keep a Judo point or blunt tip handy so I can check my bow’s zero, whether I have a real target or not.
[Hunting Freakz note: always carry some sort of target to check your bow, shooting an arrow or two before you go afield, if possible. I once was checking my bow; a friend decided to check his and realized he was not sighted in properly. A few tweaks, Allen wrenches handy, we got him back into business!]
7. The Right Attitude: This deals with minding maintenance, being careful and generally using due diligence in handling your equipment. It will pay off in saved opportunities. What this all leads to is simply being prepared – having the knowledge, spare parts and tools available to fix your problem… It’s best to anticipate, prevent and be able to repair. Sometimes that doesn’t work, but a tenacious spirit will. Persistence can often be the most valuable tool in your arsenal.”
Share this with your fellow bowhunters. It may apply to firearms, too. Pay attention specially to novice hunters. Happy and Safe hunting to all!
“Few things in this world seem as susceptible to Murphy’s Law as bowhunting…If something can go wrong in bowhunting, it will.”
“With the combination of many components, complicated gizmos, the importance of details and the need for near perfection, if something in bowhunting can go wrong, it will. If you’ve bowhunted very long, you’ve likely had an opportunity spoiled by some type of equipment failure.
What’s the best way to avoid it? Anticipation and prevention. If you take a look at your full array of gear, consider the weak links, anticipate the problems that might occur and how they might be prevented in the first place and quickly fixed in the second, you will prevail. The best way to do this exercise is by isolating components and problems. Here are some examples:
1. Peep Tubes: some of you already know why this item is the first on the list. Peep tubes are the fastest-deteriorating component on your bow and more prone to failure. You can avoid this problem by using a tubeless sighting system, or checking your tube frequently, replacing it and keeping a spare. Tip: make sure the replacement is exactly the same as the original, or it can change the arrow’s point of impact.
2. Bow String & Cables: These are high-risk components – one kiss from a broadhead blade and your bow will fly to pieces. Once, I unknowingly got a branch stuck in an eccentric wheel, and as I drew, it guided my bowstring off track. Keep extra parts on hand and get portable bow press, and know how to use it (which means practicing at home). Keep records of bow setup data so you can return draw length, brace height, tiller, nock-point locations, cam timing, and etc. back to the original position.
[Hunting Feakz note: Maintain your string waxed after every practice session. Check for wear & tear on a regular basis if you shoot frequently]
3. Sights and Rests: These mechanical devices involve many components and often moving parts, which makes them susceptible to failure. I’ve written before about how I’ve had good hunts ruined by faulty arrow rests. Sights have also done me in. One fateful day I draw on the biggest buck I’d ever seen, only to have my bottom sight pin come loose and land on top of my arrow shaft, making it impossible to shoot! Obviously, the first thing on my list is to periodically check that all sight and rest screws are as tight as secure as they can be. Use stout equipment and sight pin covers.
4. Releases: Begin by using a reliable product and maintain it well, and always keep a spare in a pocket or backpack.
5. Broadheads: Even something as simple as a broadhead can fail. Some models can lose blades if the heads become loose. Others can suffer different problems. Use failsafe heads and keep them sharp and inspected.
[Hunting Feakz note: mechanical broadheads are getting better. However, if they are reliable on rubber bands or o rings, be careful they are not torn, dry rotted, or simply missing. Others, just simple have a problem of premature deployment, shake loose walking to your stand, or open with a simple bump and don’t know it until it’s too late!]
6. Accessories: I always bring a kit of small parts and tools with me. This includes any Allen wrenches that apply to my rig, extra bowstring, serving material, a nock point, some extra screws, and tape. I also keep a Judo point or blunt tip handy so I can check my bow’s zero, whether I have a real target or not.
[Hunting Freakz note: always carry some sort of target to check your bow, shooting an arrow or two before you go afield, if possible. I once was checking my bow; a friend decided to check his and realized he was not sighted in properly. A few tweaks, Allen wrenches handy, we got him back into business!]
7. The Right Attitude: This deals with minding maintenance, being careful and generally using due diligence in handling your equipment. It will pay off in saved opportunities. What this all leads to is simply being prepared – having the knowledge, spare parts and tools available to fix your problem… It’s best to anticipate, prevent and be able to repair. Sometimes that doesn’t work, but a tenacious spirit will. Persistence can often be the most valuable tool in your arsenal.”
Share this with your fellow bowhunters. It may apply to firearms, too. Pay attention specially to novice hunters. Happy and Safe hunting to all!
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