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Archive for the ‘Crossbows and Accessories’ Category
Get The Most From It!
Fun Time!
We can all take lessons on how to get the “Most” from your Outdoor Recreation Equipment. There is not a lot of science involved, just a whole lot of common sense. As your parents used to say “never put yourself in a corner” or “close that door”, but stay on your feet and remain in control of your mental well-being.
- Bye Quality Gear – Don’t confuse(quality) with purchase price. Ask friends/experts and research the product through appropriate consumer advocates. Look for the best quality considering what’s available and the price you can pay.
- Get What You Need – There’s a fine line between need and want. However, it is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it! Put some thought into it; in most places, you’ll always want your rain gear with you but might not need it.
- Take Care of It – One of the most important considerations. If you don’t religiously take care of it , it might fail when most needed. Depending on the circumstances, this could be the difference between a good/bad experience or worse yet – life/death. Folks, it’s not a game, so don’t play around with it.
- Storage – Organize and if possible get it up off the floor. Pre-storage should include a serviceability check. Get rid of those things that can’t be fixed and/or don’t work properly.
Being able to go on a camping trip/outdoor activity knowing that you have the recreation gear needed, and that it’s in good working order will set the tone for the entire trip. It will not only give participants peace of mind, but a care-free confidence that everything is going to be fine and fun filled.
Necessary Deer Hunting Gear?
"Muley"
Every year, I’m reminded about the importance of having good, reliable deer hunting gear/equipment. Depending on the situation or circumstances, this could include special blinds, apparel, decoys, feeders, footwear, game calls, game cameras, shooting – chokes, sights, optics and range finders, scents and scent blockers, tree stands and accessories. This does not include weapons, ammunition, tents, bedding, food, transportation, nor hunting leases. The list of needed gear can be mind boggling!
I would suggest you develop your plan and conduct equipment inventories early. Hunting leases can be expensive and should be affirmed in-advance as-far-as possible. Deer hunting is a great sport that can offer lots of relaxation and adventure. But, as you can see, having the right hunting gear is critical. Deer hunting is a little more complicated than just getting in the ole-truck, gun/ammo in-hand, and having a realistic chance of seeing/shooting that Trophy Buck – Be Prepared!
Shopping On-line!
Convenient!
We have a tendency to shy-away from things that are unknown or we don’t understand. I for one went into the electronic age dragging my feet and screaming/hollering all the way. But, the more I got into it, the more I realized its true merits. This includes researching and shopping for things on the Internet. If your intent is to purchase a quality item at the lowest price, you should do your research on the Internet.
There are many Internet search engines (Google, Bing, etc.) that will help to simplify the buying process. They will assist in developing the data needed to determine product quality, as-well-as the information required for cost analysis. It has been my experience that prices on-line are normally a little cheaper than like items bought at the corner retail store. If it is a high dollar item you‘re purchasing, the tax savings alone could save you a bundle.
One of the nice things about shopping on-line is that the items are normally sent to your front door. Shopping for things like camping gear can be both fun and educational. If you are a show-me person, many times there will be video tapes/subject experts showing and further explaining the product.
Know Your Deer!
A Beautiful Muley!
In North America, there are essentially two native species of deer. These are the Mule and Whitetail species. The Mule deer is bigger than the Whitetail, a grayish color but readily distinguishable by large mule type ears. The Whitetail deer is reddish brown in color but with the named sake “white tail” when up and exposed.
There are many folk who will say that there are more than two species: like the Black-tail deer found in the Pacific coastal area, the Sitka deer in Alaska, the Coues deer of the American southwest, and the Florida Key deer. But, Scientist’s claim that these deer are not separate species but rather off-shoots derived from the inter-breeding of the Mule and Whitetail species.
Whitetail deer are most abundant in the eastern U.S. but can be found in all contiguous 48 states. The Mule deer is a creature of the American West. It enjoys a range that extends from Alaska , down into Mexico and from the Pacific Coast eastward to a north/south line angling from Hudson Bay (Canada) down through the middle of Texas.
Whether it’s a Muley or a Whitetail, deer are deer. All have very keen senses of smell, hearing, and vision. To get a trophy, you must have the proper hunting gear, a “true” hunting spirit, and dedication of purpose – Good Luck!
Camping Gear Replacement Items!
Perfect!
I’m in the process of doing my end-of-season camping gear inventory. Inventory reflects that there are several items that need to be replaced. This includes a tent (4-5 person), a couple battery operated lanterns, and possibly a new 4-burner stove (propane). Total cost of these items will be several hundred dollars. However, being a prudent shopper, I want both quality and savings.
As Granddad used to say, there has got to be “method too this madness. You don’t go food shopping when you’re hungry”. The same principle applies when buying camping gear. You need to first determine exactly what you want as compared with the maximum price you can afford. This preliminary research can be done by going to a local sporting-goods store or referring to the respective Manufacturer’s website.
Experience has shown that bargains in camping gear can be obtained but you need to do some leg work. Once you have determined the item wanted (can afford) by Nomenclature (name), Manufacturer, and Model Number – you can go-out with confidence and buy the item needed. Whether it be a seasonal sale at the local sporting goods store or a reputable on-line shopping site, you are prepared to make item price comparisons. Make sure the prices compared include taxes/shipping and handling.
Crossbow Scope Calibration!
Be Accurate!
For the last six months my nephew and girlfriend have belonged to and participated in a local Crossbow club. They have been envolved in club activities consisting of basic firing and non-firing exercises. However, none of this training covered the calibration and use of the crossbow scope.
This weekend they went out and purchased state of the art, beautiful matching crossbows. They asked me about scope calibration, and I explained that the process is very similar to that used for a scope on a rifle. To expedite the calibration of their new crossbows, they were advised to use the following sequential procedures or process:
- While using the club’s indoor range, secure each crossbow with scope to a secure shooting rest and place out the standard bulls-eye targets 20 yards to the front.
- Identify each scope’s elevation and windage knobs. The elevation knob is located on the top of the scope and controls up/down movement. The windage knob is on the side of the scope and used to adjust right/left movement.
- Sight through the scope at the bulls-eye and fire three arrows. Adjust center of the shot-group for both windage and elevation. One click of windage and one click of elevation will move the center of the shot-group 1/20th of an inch right/left and up/down. To move center of shot-group to the right and up, you would turn both windage and elevation knobs clockwise. Continue this process until center of the shot group has been adjusted to the center of the bulls-eye.
Remove crossbows from the shooting rests, and while using good trigger squeeze/breathing techniques, fire groups of three arrows at the bulls-eye. Practice until each shot-group can be covered by a tennis ball.
Hunting or Not?
Effective Weapon!
Last evening, I went to a Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting. While there, I became embroiled in a heated discussion over whether the use of a crossbow should or should not be allowed during the annual “Bow” hunting season.
After listening to both sides of the issue, and I do understand the emotional controversy over the use of crossbows – looks, sighting, etc. Their very appearance looks like a bow mounted atop of a modern firearm. The weapon is fired by pulling a trigger, and some crossbows even have a scope to assist with sighting. It can be fired just like a rifle from either shoulder, kneeling, or prone positions. Does using a crossbow give the hunter an unfair advantage?
After giving it much thought, I don’t think so. I came down on the side of continuing to allow use of crossbows during “Bow” season. Both weapons (crossbows/bows) are essentially single shot weapons with similar effective ranges; if anything, the range could be greater with a traditional long-bow. But, the clincher for me was that if we don’t allow use of the crossbow, it would eliminate a complete class of deserving Americans who would otherwise be physically unable to participate in this beautiful sport; that, in-itself, should over-ride all other considerations!
Modern Uses of the Crossbow!
State of Art Weapon - 1500 AD!
Bow and arrow technology has been utilized by civilizations around the globe for thousands of years, and although modern weaponry has largely antiquated their pragmatic uses, they are still popular today. For the ancient civilizations, the advent of the bow was revolutionary in terms of combat. As one of the earliest long-range weapons, armies that were able to perfect the bow had a distinct advantage over their opponents.
This technology was cutting edge when it was first developed, but using a crossbow in an armed conflict today would be comical to say the least. While some areas still permit the use of crossbows and other makes for hunting, they are primarily used for recreational target shooting. However, the technology has far surpassed that of the original models, meaning that today’s crossbows have incredible range, accuracy and power.
Protect Your Crossbow!
Crossbow Protection Case!
Are you planning a hunt or just a trip to the range for practice shooting? Either one, it is important that you put some thought into it and prepare/develop a standard container that will include your crossbow and all of the needed supportive accessories/items. Doing this, will not only make it easier preparing for the next trip, but also, it might preclude you from getting on site and finding out that you forgot your favorite broad-head.
There are padded cases available that are perfect for storing and transporting your crossbow and supportive items. These cases are normally constructed with special heavy duty fabric designed to give years of protection, even in the harshest elements.
I would suggest that you consider the T-Form style case. It is the most practical and can be obtained with additional pockets for your quiver/arrows and other supportive items. Most protective cross bow cases have straps that facilitate easy and quick carrying.
Accuracy is the Ultimate Requirement!
Crossbow Shooting Support!
Accurate bow shots are important to the archer; whether, the firing is competitive or a hunting situation. One of the most frequent complaints that I hear from Crossbow hunters is that “I’m a lousy shooter; the crossbow is awkward, too heavy, and does not facilitate firing consistency.
Crossbows are not unique to this dilemma; as with other firing systems, there are devices, techniques, and/or firing methods that will assist with the problem. For those with this issue, I have suggested the Crossbow Knee Pod and Gun Rest. It assists firers in the kneeling position and has proven to: 1. Provide stability; 2. Improve accuracy; 3. Relieve shooter stress and strain.
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