Single Pin or Multiple Pin? My thoughts

What's better, a single pin or multiple pin? Loaded question, but like always, I don't bring you scientific proof, just my thoughts based on experience. I couldn't wait to get home to write this blog, especially after my buddy kicked some major ass (especially mine) using a multiple pin sight. Hence: If it ain't broke, don't fix it! (see pics below)

An Original Comment: "Just imagine this: You are calling in a bull elk. You call him into 50 yards. You dial in your one pin sight to 50 and then draw back to full draw. Then, suddenly he comes in to 30 yards. What do you do now? You would have to let your draw down, adjust your pin, draw back again, and hope that while doing all of this he won't spook and run for it! There are just way to many what if's and unknowns for me to want to buy a one pin sight. Keep it simple and buy a nice 5 pin sight from spot hogg and you wont be sorry!"

Response to the comment: "Then again if you leave your sight set on 30 and practice enough and know where your arrow will hit at 50 and he decides to present a shot at 30 then no worries. Don't knock it till you try it just sayin"

I opened up this write-up with the above quoted comments for a couple of reasons.  One, this topic came up at our Tweep Shoot.  Two, it's a valid concern that's discussed in multiple forums.  Three, just recently, I got confronted by a similar situation at Bass Pro Shops by a fellow #loucrew member who really did not know what to make of the multiple-pin vs a single pin. So, of course, me being opinionated, I gave him a response to his question (more of a point) without skipping a beat & breath. My answer was instinctive!

His question (paraphrased): "What if the deer comes in, and spooks? I'm not going to have time to let down, release my release, and adjust the single pin to take the shot."

My Response (also paraphrased): "First of all, you have to know what your limit to shoot is - 20, 30, 40 yards, etc. I do not shoot over 30 yards. Period! I get on the tree, or even if I'm in the ground, I know where my 30 yard limit is at. In addition, if the deer is spooks, leaves out of your range, what does it matter? Chances are, with buck fever in mind, you shoot and BAM - the deer jumps the string. If you are using a single pin, IT IS THE SHOOTER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE BOW, WELL! Practice with a single pin. Know how your bow shoots. I set mine at 25 yards. I'm good up to 30 yards WITHOUT having to move it because I practice, practice, practice. Then I practice a hunting scenario, over & over. Too, I already know I will NOT shoot over 30 yards. IF, and only, IF your shot comfort zone is over 30, let's say up to 40, there is plenty of time to adjust the sight IF the deer is calm. If the deer is nervous or spooked, it won't make a difference - DON'T take an irresponsible shot."

I think I almost passed out trying to respond all with one breath. I forgot to tell him, with today's bows' speeds, a single pin will go far (no pun intended) for a hunting situation. The second, and third pins are not major factors (in my case).  

Alex's logic:

1.  Fast bow + multiple pin sight = clutter

2.  Slower bows + any type of sight = are you really thinking of freaky shots while a deer or elk is spooked? I would think a responsible bowhunter will practice hunting shots & scenarios with the least probability of wounding the animal.
3.  Quality sight + single pin = simple

I personally have shot more deer with a FIXED single pin. Why? Because I knew what shot I was or was not going to take. Why? Because I knew my bow. Why? Because I knew my comfort range - my established limit as to how far I felt comfortable and responsible taking the best shot possible. Why? Because of good, reliable equipment, which resulted in confidence. Did I mentioned I practiced?

I, too, will admit, that I did use the wrong pin back in the day when I used multiple pins, but I also know of a few hunters that are "deer slayers" using multiple pins.

Now, I use an adjustable single pin sight. It rocked my world, literally (read my thoughts on my HHA Optimizer).  It is so versatile.  It helped me with longer distance shots on 3D and Field shoots (up to 80 yards). I "X'ed" the 80 yarder at the tweep shoot. I also GUARANTEE YOU ONE THING: I WILL NOT HAVE TO ADJUST MY PIN ON A HUNTING SITUATION BECAUSE I WILL NOT SHOOT PAST 30 YARDS. I KNOW MY BOW, BOW SET-UP, MY EFFECTIVE RANGE & RESPONSIBLITY AS A BOWHUNTER. Would this change out west on an Elk hunt? Sure it will, but only in distances, not approach and preparedness. Key point: responsible shot.  If the deer (or elk) is walking away or running away (especially spooked), simple - don't take the shot regardless of how many pins.  

My fellow #loucrew brother showed up with his single pin HHA Optimizer, shot amazingly well, improved his groups, and he made sure to let me know, ha ha. Good job bro, you kicked ass!  I know he is going to establish his effective range. I know he is going to be a responsible hunter with his shot selection. If the deer spooks, there's always tomorrow. Besides, we don't go afield to kill a deer, we go to hunt.

Last, but not least, like selecting your bow, it is all a personal preference. WHATEVER WORKS FOR YOU. Like the response from the opening comment, "...Don't knock it till you try it just sayin".

Moral of the story?:  Be responsible.

Happy hunting, may your freezers be filled with back straps and your homes with joy!

"How I Roll"

Your thoughts?

TWEEP SHOOT: 2013 Results

Well, the “Bragging Rights Champion” for this year's tweep shoot is Mark Huelsing – SoleAdventure.com.., AGAIN! Gah! Congratulations, Mark. :) Check out the vid.

The real winner of the MO Tweep Shoot, was the archery community. Thanks to participants like Mark, Joe (shoot concept), Chris, and the gang, Northside Archery Club has more support to help keep the, our, archery range open.

While I was setting up some targets, I had two bowhunters approach me. One asked , “What do you have going on?” I gave him a simple answer: “We are having a social shoot to support Northside Archers Club, the club that maintains this park for archers like you and me”. He and his buddy saw me replace some targets and thanked me for doing so. Unbeknownst to me, before they left, they stopped at the registration table to donate some money for the club. It's all about educating the archery public. It's about informing the under and misinformed.

We also had a father, daughter, and friend join us for some food and drinks. The daughter was telling me about a spot she has mind to set up for bowhunting season. It was absolutely fantastic to see them out in the range honing their skills. Lots of people, like me, DO NOT HAVE another place to go shoot their bows. Northside Archery Club makes it possible for “us” to keep doing what we love to do: shoot our bows, prepare for bowhunting, help some prepare for Elk season (I know of a gentleman that goes 2-3 times a week, shoots, and stops by to give a humble donation to the club, AND he thanks the members for it). That's what this club and the range represents to me.

Hunting Freakz has taken to heart supporting this club and range. I work long and grueling hours, but it is no excuse for me not to contribute any way I may. I am a member of this club, and proud of it. I shoot every Tuesday I get a chance. However let me say this, I belong to several archery clubs, and this is by far the smallest and most humble one. This club, IMO, puts in the hardest work to maintain a range for the club AND THE ARCHERY PUBLIC, which uses it a heck of a lot, especially a month before bowhunting season starts.

I can't thank the #LOUCREW, my tweeps enough for their support. I can't thank Northside Archers Club enough for all they do. As the Hunting Freakz concept, I am grateful to be a part of all this.

AND THE WINNERS OF DOOR PRIZES ARE: (HFA DECALS WERE GIVEN TO ALL, I think)

1. Vapor Trail Archery string & cable: Bryan Ledbetter (His cousin Joe won the same last year. The Ledbetters better send me some pics to post!)
2. Ultimate Deer Hanger: Kevin Knehans (call me if you pronounce this last name right, because I couldn't)
3. Silent Retriever: Alan Lachance (this guy is lucky & a repeat winner, kinda like Mark (ok, they are good. They might not get invited next year, haha! Just kidding Mark & Alan).
4. Iron Cooker skillet: Chris Sellers (I strongly believe he helped Mark win with his lighted knocks. He was giving him a “point of reference” as to where to or not to shoot).
5. $25 Gift Certificate: Jordan LaChance (wait......, Alan, did u arrange for your son to win?)

God Bless and Check out the video of all these tweeps fling some arrows. Missed you Gregg J. & Brian B. #LOUCREW rules! God Bless, may your freezers be filled with backstraps, and your homes with joy. Mark and Chris, bring back some #Elk meat, por favor :)

THANK YOU #LouCrew

You know, I just can't get over how pumped I get EVERYTIME I meet with my fellow #loucrew brothers! 

Yesterday I was so lucky to have spoken with Mark (awesome conversation), saw Gregg on a job site (I was so elated), met Joe at the archery range to fling some arrows (shared some of his delicious venison), texted with Brian, etc. I've also met up with others like Bryan, and Justin (deer show, tweep shoot, etc). We had just random shoots together. Heck, I've even been honored to hunt and video Rudy. 

Cliche, yes, but I don't care: it's more than just the killing or hitting the bulls eye. 

Man, the laughs and stories I walk away with are absolutely wonderful.  I can relate to & with them - from being a father, a working class individual, a passionate outdoorsman, meat eater, and/or even knowing our lives are not always perfect and peachy, to mention a few.

This Saturday, we are gathering for the 2nd Annual Tweep Shoot. Not all can make it, but most will, plus our friends.  This social media outlet has opened great opportunities for meeting other people, experience fellowship, learn off of and support each other.

For example, Joe, came up with this year's concept of the tweep shoot: combining 3D and field (spot) shoot concepts.  It kicks ass, IMO. Boys are excited about it.  He is also helping with set-up as well.  Mark, he has helped me (and others) to make us better hunters & outdoors conscious through SoleAdventure.com.  That's what I'm talking about! 

We can't always get together, but when we do, respectively, like when I hunt public lands, I make it count. I am humbled to be part of such a great bunch of guys and honored to have their acquaintance.  

GRACIAS, AMIGOS!! #LouCrew :)

Pressured Public Land Whitetail: Tips - My Way

Do you hunt Public Land? Do you hunt PRESSURED Public Land Whitetail like I do? (don't forget to view the pictures below)

Let me disclose this: I hunted a lease last year, arrowed a booner, and afterwards, I couldn't believe the movement that buck let me get away with. I know luck was on my side (ok, lots of luck), but I still credit my perseverance, caution with wind, stand placement, map reading, etc., and (tooting my own horn) shooting skills. Had that buck lived where I typically hunt, he would have picked me off the tree before I would have even known he was there. I would have come home with a KS Tag Sandwich -"Believe Dat"!

So today, I am going to share a few strategies I use to hunt a piece of dirt, an island in IL. 

#1. "Scout & Hunt the Hunters": This strategy is a constant for me, and it's a good opportunity to meet people . On pre-season (planning your spots of choice), check out where hunters are heading to and/or coming from scouting. During the season, adjusting to newbies, weekend warriors (like me mostly), or just wannabies is a must because not all of the hunters have scouted or spent time on the field enough for you to have noticed/pattern them. Know the vehicles and what hunter drives what. Talking to hunters about their plans really helps. They may share their "favorite" area. If all possible, hunt during the week as much as possible and  avoid weekend warrior traffic.

#2. Know the property like the back of your hand: This is the "off season grind". The grind could be fun. Turkey hunt, shed hunt, shroom hunt, stump shoot (where allowed), and/or even coyote hunt! You will learn so much. Take notes of the landmarks you see, like old foundations, old wooden stands, fences, etc. In conversing with other hunters, those landmarks will come up, and you will know NOT to waste your time hunting those areas. I don't recommend still hunting on pressured public lands. Where I hunt, the deer are scared of their own shadow. They have ZERO tolerance for movement, scent, intrusion. 

  

#3. Know the food sources: The dirt I hunt doesn't have acorn producing trees.  It has (and I can count them with my fingers) very few persimmon trees. Depending on floods, conservation and Corp of Engineers may plant (and rotate) corn and bean crops. If lucky, the farmers cut the corn before deer season starts.  Evenings hunts, early season, are more productive and field  edges are my favorite. Late season, know what standing food source is left. If you are curious what deer are feeding on, do what I did. I cut open the stomach of a doe my buddy killed, and saw she was slamming a common mast that produces beggar lice (dang things stick on your clothes so bad, many hunters avoid them). We were hunting primarily standing corn, but once we new their diet, we switched our set-ups and killed two more does in less than a week, had multiple encounters with small bucks and quality sighting with wall hangers. (Knowing the property really helped because we new where a strong concentration of these beggar lice-producing plants were). Note: If you don't kill a deer yourself, put out the question amongst hunters in your area.

#4. Look for the nastiest, swampiest, most difficult access points: Like deer, most hunters seek the path with least resistance and don't want to put effort to get to or through those areas. Well, I don't hunt just any deer. PRESSURED whitetail, the most mature, smartest, most difficult to kill deer live or travel those areas - they don't mind feeling safe. Make it count because they will pattern you.

#5. Go Far!:  Very few hunters go where I go. Those that try, do so just a few times, once they realize the physical and time demands to just get to "a spot". Adding to this, these hunters typically do not do their scouting and realize they are wasting their time. Last, but not least, (and they have voiced it out loud) they talk about how difficult it would be to "drag a deer out".  Therefore, I choose to take a two mile bike ride, then walk some more. (Note: Some deer are so smart, I have come back from a hunt, and they are yards away from the parking lot. Scout.)

Quick recap of what I go through: I drive to the parking lot. Change into my bike-riding wear. Unload my bike.  Load up my bike with my "stuff". Take the ride. Park. Change into my hunting clothes. Walk with my gear & stand. Set up my stand, climb up, and knock an arrow. Kill nothing, break down,.... head home. There is NO DOUBT it takes a special hunter to go above and beyond, on a consistent basis, to "ride south". (Where I hunt, it's called the south end). The ride alone from the parking lot to where I park the bike takes approximately 25-30 minutes on a perfect day - more depending on wind direction and speed, snow on the ground, temperature, etc. Overall, from the time I leave the parking lot to the time I have knocked an arrow is approximately 1.25 to 1.50 hours. If I kill a deer, add an extra 1.5 to 2 hours, because I have to pedal  it out (I attach the deer cart to my bike. It's a sight.)

Word of caution: Know federal, state, and local rules & regulations. Where I hunt, I'm able to use a bike. We cannot use anything motorized. Some areas don't even allow bikes. Also, because a bike is considered a type of conveyance, I (we) have to use a carrabeaner with screwable latch, a lock, or a zip-tie to render our weapon (bow) non-operable during transportation. 

#6.  Get in early or real late in the morning:  part of hunting these types of dirt, we have to beat the "other" hunter(s). I like to be set 45-60 minutes before daylight. By the time other unrealistic hunters show up, they have no clue what direction you headed AND may even bump deer your way.  If you hit the snooze button once too many times, wait until 9:30-10 a.m. to be in your hunting spot. These are the times when most hunters are done AND will once again bump deer. Pre-rut and rut time, take ur lunch and MAKE IT HAPPEN! 

#7.  Use as much natural cover as possible & practice being stealth:  these deer come out of the womb looking up at at trees. It's an exaggeration to make a point. I can't tell you how many times I've been picked off by deer (especially does) when they come out of cover, even after I have exercised the utmost careful maneuvers. It's almost as if they are processing the thought "jokes on you!"  Where allowed, set up your ground blind with little alteration as possible.  If tree stand hunting, choose your lanes wisely without cutting too many branches/leaves! Both ground and tree set-ups are to be done over a month in advance and with scent precautions. Take a friend to help.  When I kill a mature doe, I celebrate it as killing a P&Y caliber whitetail - a trophy.

#8.  Safety, Safety, Safety: Make sure to always let your significant other, friend, and/or a hunting buddy know where you are hunting. Charge your phone. Wear your harness (if applicable). Carry an extra light. Etc. 

#9.  NOW, all the other tips & strategies apply: Scent control, hunt the wind, do not over hunt one spot, entrance & exit routes, etc. etc. etc. These hightly pressured deer DO NOT HAVE THE SAME TOLERANCE that deer in low-to-no pressured areas have, down to the #1 business. Even that's a big no-no.

#10.  OTHER: keep your kill a secret as much as possible; meaning, don't parade it amongst the hunters in the parking lot! If caught carting or dragging your deer out, "alter" your story (kill location) a little bit - aka, "Bust out a white lie!" did I really say that? Yes, I went there.  

Most hunters, like me, have a real job, are tired, are getting up in age, have family duties, and/or are weekend warriors. They neither have the energy left, time, or are not willing to put in the time to "do what it takes". That's a tough remark, but it's true.  I'm aiming this write-up toward hunters like me that don't own or have access to private land, but are willing to go above and beyond, or are just outright hunting freakz and can't stay away from the challenge. I can't afford to waste my time afield, so I make the best of it. I hunt for meat, yes, but in IL, I can't afford to kill just "anything" (that Non-Resident tag is expensive - so I up'ed my standards due financial, NOT elitist reasons).  

p.s. #11. Don't forget late season: Late season is awesome. I killed the bucks on the same year pictured on this post. Bucks? Yes, the rack came from a 2.5 year old I killed early season. Dragging him out was so long and brutal, we ruined its cape. The cart was rendered obsolete where I killed him. The cape came off a 5.5 old buck - a tired, mature, beat-up, warrior.  I knew he was a trophy the second I saw him. He was THE TROPHY! Killing a nice buck is one thing. Killing a wise old buck on pressured public land - THAT is surreal. I and my hunting partner were THE ONLY ONES literally hunting hard the last weekend. We were practically the only ones hunting the last few weeks - period.

Try all or at least some that may apply to your situation. Good luck and God bless.  May your freezers be filled with backstraps and your homes with joy. 

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Random Thoughts On: Encouraging - NOT Discouraging Future #OUTDOORSFAMILY Members

The following is not so much a tip, but thoughts based on a recent experience. It's not about how to kill a 190" Class buck, or to tell you how knowledgeable I am at the subject at hand. All the experts can kiss my ass. I am an outdoorsman, bowhunter, and father advocating for my son, my passion, and future leaders and outdoors members:

My fellow club members and I showed up at our #archery range for our weekly shoot (learn more on our club via the Tweep Shoot). WE intercepted a small group of high school-age teens heading into the range, bows in hand, WITHOUT HUNTER (safety) ORANGE. Conservation posted a sign advising visitors/shooters it is mandatory to wear some sort of hunter orange (cap, vest, shirt, etc.). One of our club members approached the youth in a slightly confrontational manner (not on purpose, but nevertheless). She threatened them with the fact they may get a hefty fine for not wearing hunter orange. Not surprisingly, her approach was met with sarcastic, apathetic behavior of the group "leader". Let me make it clear about my fellow club member that approached these youngsters: she is a wonderful person & passionate archer. I know she only wants the best for the range and club, and wants people to be safe and follow rules.

That's when I stepped in!

I could have scolded or ridiculed the young man leading the pack (girlfriend present), but I didn't. I used these methods to ENCOURAGE - NOT DISCOURAGE:

Show Appreciation: I THANKED them for coming to shoot at the range. After all, they are the future of our passion, could be gang banging, or playing video games (you get the point). Oh, yeah, at their age, was a smart-ass at times. O.k., most of the time. (back-hand to unreasonable adults) Hey, morons, these young adults are at the park, WITH THEIR BOWS. That's something I, we need to see more. CELEBRATE THIS & take a chill pill! My Fact: I've seen more adults breaking the rules than young people.

Show Respect: I asked the "lead" teen what kind of bow he shot. When he showed me his Mathews, I gave him thumbs up. I made all of them feel I wasn't better than them, but that we are an #archeryfamily.

Remind about Safety & Purpose: I took advantage of the dialogue to lobby for safety and the range. I told the whole group to forget about the ticket/fine. I placed importance on THEIR safety. I really showed concern about them getting hurt uselessly (shot by accident). By one of them getting hurt, the range could face closure. That meant hundreds of archers & bowhunters that love the same, will not have an awesome range available.

Show them Pride and Ownership: I asked them, "Do you all bowhunt? Are you all bowhunters? They were proud to answer "YES". They took ownership on their "bowhunter" status. That's when I went into "wake-them-up" mode! "We should represent bowhunters with PRIDE". "As bowhunters, we (I included myself - #OUTDOORSFAMILY) must have integrity. We must follow rules and regulations - and at this range, it's no exception". They stared at me like, "wow, this dude makes sense".

Be Informative and Encouraging: I invited them over to "our table", and told them we were a small club. I pulled out my humble $3.00, handed it over to our treasurer, looked at them and said: "This small contribution, this small group of archers, and our love for archery placed those backstops, targets, cleared lanes, cleaned debris, etc., and repeat as needed for you, the public, and us. We receive absolutely no support from local, state, federal, or corporate agencies. Enjoy the range and be safe".

Show them Care: I and another club member carry extra hunter orange garments. He and I outfitted the young bowhunters with what they needed to enjoy the range.

Mentor, Teach, Support: When we caught up to the young group on the range, my shooting partner (and recent Senior National Champ - Ohio), provided them with some tips. I helped them spot their shots. We allowed them to take their time, and encouraged them to focus on their follow-through.

Show Respect (yes, I'm repeating this one): I gave them high-fives (in a "cool" fashion - I think, lol), wished them luck on their shooting, success on their hunting journey, and as they were leaving, I shouted - "Be Safe, see y'all soon!"

The following week, they showed up....., again ! The young lady, shot better than her BF at 20 yards, lol! All of them had orange. They ALL made sure to say "hi". Bragging time: One young man bought an HHA sight, woot woot! That, my friends, is what the outdoors is all about.

My agenda? Be it no secret: welcome more young people to the outdoors (archery & bowhunting, in my case), keep them involved in the outdoors, and KEEP OUR ARCHERY RANGE OPEN so that my 3 year old son, I, and hundreds more may keep enjoying what God gave us - Nature and the Outdoors. I am lucky to be part of this culture, this community, to be a member of multiple archery clubs, and to be part of a kick-ass, informal social group - the #LOUCREW!

What are YOUR thoughts? What are you doing to better your #outdoorsfamily, #huntingfamily, #archeryfamily?