Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Choosing Between a Crossbow and a Compound Bow

Before we get too far into this, be sure to check out this site for great crossbow reviews: You will be glad you did!

As my longtime readers know, I am an avid user and proponent of crossbows. I like them for a lot of reasons and decided long ago that I would focus my energy on learning and using a crossbow instead of a traditional bow. This decision did not come lightly and took several years to come to. Now, do I think crossbows are for everyone? No, of course not, everyone needs to come to that conclusion on their own.

That is why I am writing this, to help you decide which you would rather use, a crossbow, traditional bow, or neither (a very reasonable choice).

If you are like me, you started hunting with a traditional, centerfire hunting rifle. You probably hunted for several successful seasons with a rifle. After a few years you decided to branch out to muzzleloading. For me, this choice was made because the muzzleloading season is longer in my state, starts earlier, and does not require blaze orange. With the advances of muzzleloaders, they are just as accurate and powerful as traditional rifles out past 100 yards. So, the jump just makes sense. Muzzleloading has become my favorite form of hunting.

Soon after starting to hunt with a muzzleloader, I discovered that the game is much more plentiful early in the season. Why not extend the season even further with archery?

Then came the big decision: Crossbow or Compound bow? I knew from the get go I did not want to fool with a recurve or longbow. Although I GREATLY respect those that do!

Now, there are a ton of pro’s and con’s to both Crossbows and Compound bows. It is not an easy decision.

First, lets test your ideology. Why are you bow hunting? Is it for the challenge? Do you crave the satisfaction of hundreds of hours of practice paying off?

If you answered “yes” to these two questions then you might be leaning towards the compound bow. They require more skill to use. There is no doubt. During the hunt there is a lot that can go wrong when using a compound. One of the hardest things is that you have to draw without the game seeing movement. It also takes months of practice to consistently hit the vitals of a deer at 30 yards. Do you have time to devote 30 minutes a day for practice? Do you enjoy repetitive archery practice? If yes, then a compound is for you!

However, are you hunting for meat or simply to extend the season? Do you get your satisfaction from a clean kill? Do you not have time to learn a new skill?

If you answered yes to these questions, then a crossbow might be for you. There is no doubt that they are easier to use. Out of the box, I was shooting 1-inch groups at 30 yards after less than an hours practice. This ease of use means you have less chance to wound an animal. I know several hunters that gave up on bow hunting after terribly wounding an animal due to a poor shot. There is no drawing, you simply aim and shoot. The crossbow arrows (called bolts) are even shorter, making them easier to carry!

I chose a crossbow because I did not believe I could consistently make a clean kill with a compound. A clean kill this the most important thing to me.

After the ideology, it comes down to practicality. So here are some pro’s and con’s to each:

Crossbows take a long time to load while a follow-up shot from a compound can be made quickly.

Crossbows are usually louder than compounds.

Compounds usually have a little more range for the very experienced archer.

Crossbows are usually heavier.

Compounds require more accessories (release, sights, and other doo-dads) that can break, get lost, or get hung up in brush.

Compounds are safer (sometimes). Many people leave their crossbow loaded when climbing a stand or walking around. This is not super safe.

You have to unload a crossbow if you do not shoot it. This is one of the biggest headaches for me. I usually use an old, sacrificial bolt.

Lastly, the biggest questions of them all is should you use a bow at all? It is harder than you think. I had a trophy buck within 20 yards of my stand once. He stood behind a clump of grass for 20 infuriating minutes eating. If it were gun season, I would have put him down, but because I had a bow, I could not risk shooting through some grass. Arrows do strange things when they hit the smallest things. Tracking animals hit with an arrow is a skill in itself and loosing kills is not uncommon.

In the end, it is up to you and what your priorities are. Now go out there and make your decision!

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Essential Kayak hunting tips for beginners.

If you have followed this blog for long, you know I am a big believer in kayaks. I absolutely believe they are the most fun you can have fishing. The excitement of being down there with the action and having a large fish pull you around is absolutely unmatched in the outdoors. Couple that with the ability to go places boats cannot and the ability to go there silently makes them the perfect fishing platform.

I am not the only person who recognizes this and kayaks are getting more and more popular. Innovations are being made and the boundaries are being pushed in what they can do. Gone are the days that kayaks are used solely for touring. You name a water based outdoor adventure and someone has probably done it in a kayak.

One of the last frontiers we are seeing with kayaks is hunting. A few years ago I started seeing my friends go out duck hunting in their kayak. Some have even attempted larger game, gaining access to hard to reach public land for deer, turkey, and varmints.

You can sneak up close to game in a kayak

Like kayak fishing, kayak hunting requires careful planning and gear selection. It takes a lot of effort, but the effort is often well worth it.

The first thing you need to look into is the laws concerning both boating and hunting. It can get complex depending on your area. In my state, it is illegal to shoot deer from a boat. You also must have safety lights, even on a kayak, at night. Your state or country will have different laws, so just go over them carefully before you do anything else.

After you make sure you are doing everything legally, you need to make sure you do everything safely. For this you will need some gear. The most obvious is a PFD. If you are in a kayak you should be wearing one. Period. Other than drowning, the biggest danger is hypothermia. Hunting is mostly done in cold weather. A dunk in a lake with your normal hunting cloths in near freezing weather is deadly. You will get very cold very quickly. You need to be wearing a good pair of insulated waders with a belt (so they do not fill up) and a dry top. A dry top is a pullover type jacket that is designed to keep you dry. They are somewhat expensive, but just as necessary as a PFD. Another option would be a complete dry suit. Although they can be on the spendy side.

Another consideration is your kayak itself. A small kayak might not cut it. It needs to be able to carry you, your gear, and your kill. Check its weight rating and add at least 150 pounds to your weight. Can it handle it?
Some of my closest wildlife encounters have been from a kayak

Ok, so you have squared away the legal and safety stuff, now onto the fun stuff!

The main purpose of a kayak when hunting is to get you to a good spot, a spot no one else has access too. Sometime this means an hour or more paddling. Be sure you have a good seat so you can sit comfortably. A good paddle is also important. I like a long touring paddle, but you will need to try several to find a type that fits your style.

Depending on your quarry, you may need some specific hunting gear.

Duck hunting requires the most gear. They sell some amazing camo for kayaks. You can turn it into a small floating blind if you wish! Some people I know tow a small raft for all their decoys and camo. Waterproof storage of ammo and your gun should also be considered. My kayak has a waterproof opening in the center that fits a shotgun perfectly, however not all do. You need to carefully consider this.

I need to throw a blanket in there to protect my baby
Deer and other larger game come with their own needs. Most importantly, how are you going to bring your kill back? For small game there are specially designed coolers to keep your catch on ice. Larger game will need to be lashed to the deck of your kayak. This can get very tricky. You need to have the straps and a good plan for accomplishing this. Having a deer fall off your kayak or causing you to capsize is a nightmare I don’t even want to think about!

Using a kayak to hunt can give you the edge you need, especially on public land. However, it does come with a lot of extra considerations. Do your homework. Make a plan. Get the right gear. You will not regret it!

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Gear Spotlight: Big Daddy Car Roof Bag

Wow! I have been going through a lot of changes lately! Two fairly big ones that affect this blog.

First, I got a new truck! I drove my old ’99 Toyota Tacoma for most of my adult life and loved it. However, it had a major rust problem. I could put my fist through some of the holes in its frame. Considering I drove my kids around in it, I just did not feel safe in it any more.

So, I got a Honda Ridgeline!

Big upgrade. It is nicer than the Toyota in almost every way. Safer to be sure, but also much, much more cargo capacity.

Change #2: We are moving out of the city and into the mountains!

Yea, this is the big one.

I’m not going to go into details, but moving is complicated. The company is paying for the move, so we have movers. Naturally, there is a gap between when our stuff leaves and when it arrives. So for this three or four day period my family, complete with three dogs, will be living with just what we can fit in that new truck.

Oh yea, I forgot to mention that the moving company will not move some things. Namely firearms and ammunition……. I have a lot of those. So, they need to find a place in my truck also.

As you can imagine, I am looking for ways to expand the storage in my truck. There are many options, but for me the best bet is going to be the Big Daddy Car Roof Bag.

This thing is amazing! First of all, I don’t need a roof rack to use it. It works with roof racks, but if you don’t have one, no problem.  It uses straps that install through your cabin making it super secure. It is also fairly easy to install. Easier than a traditional rooftop carrier to be sure.

It is also large. 14 cubic feet large! That is the size of the trunk in my wife’s car! We will be able to get most of our “extra” stuff up there. If you are going camping it would fit your tent, four sleeping bags and mats, plus your food with room to spare! 14 cubic feet might not sound like a lot, but it is!

Now, some rooftop bags have a problem with leaking. Not this one. It is rubberized and sealed. The stuff inside will not get wet. Period. This was a big sticking point for me. We will be moving in the dead of winter and it will be our household stuff up there, it cannot get wet.

I don’t plan on using mine often so storage of the actual bag when I’m not using it is a concern. Thankfully it is fully collapsible and stuffs down into a stuff bag. Much smaller than a sleeping bag. Easy peazy! I can just store it with my camping gear.

I should probably mention how inexpensive it is. Very inexpensive. You can buy them from their web site for £69.99 (about $94) or on Amazon. Here is a link to the Amazon listing. They are out of stock on Amazon right now, but I have been told that they will be back in stock mid January. This comes with everything, including all the straps you need plus a roof mat and stuff bag!

If you are looking for roof top storage for your car or truck, I recommend trying the Big Daddy Car Roof Bag. I think it is a good choice!

While you are on their web site, check out their other products. They have a lot of unique, well designed products, including a kids camping cot. I think we will see a lot more out of this company in the future. 

Monday, September 11, 2017

A Memory of My First Compound Bow










It made sense to me at the time.







It's amazing all the memories one little object can bring back. 


Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Why Camouflage Is Important

Hunting can be as complex or simple as you want to make it. Most of us love gear and trying out new things, but the fact is you only need a few things to hunt. The best and most experienced hunters I know carry very little with them into the woods. In fact, a great way to tell if a person is a good hunter is to look in their hunting pack. The smaller it is, the more likely it is that they are a good hunter.

There are a few things you absolutely must have. You absolutely need a gun or bow, a knife, and your license. After that things become optional depending on what and how you are hunting. On the top of that list for me is camouflage.

You may not realize it, but the use of camouflage is controversial in some circles. A surprising amount of people do not believe it works or is necessary. Many states require you to wear blaze orange, and if you can still be successful with that, why not just wear blue jeans and a flannel shirt? It is not a bad point.  I will agree that it is not necessary for all quarry and types of hunting. Squirrel and rabbit hunting does not require it. Neither does hunting from a blind or tent (although it is a good idea). However, it is my opinion that camouflage can only help you, and it never hurts you.

To understand why, you must know how camouflage works. There are two basic things camouflage does. It matches your pattern with the background and breaks up your outline.

Blending in with the background is more complex than it sounds. To do this your camo needs to match the foliage (or lack thereof) that you are surrounded by. For instance, a marsh pattern would not work in a tree stand. In fact, that would make you stand out. This is why you may need several sets of camo, even if you only hunt in one area. The green camo you use in early fall will not blend well in the grey of winter. When the snow falls, you need some snow camo. Remember when I said it is a good idea to wear camo in a blind or tent? A simple all black outfit can be perfect for that situation. To find the best hunting jackets available right now, check out that link!

For the same reason all of your camo should match. A woodland set of pants and a marshland jacket will make you stand out, not blend in. Also, don’t forget your gun and pack. If they are shiny or look unnatural then your camo outfit will be wasted.

Blending in is especially important when bird hunting. Birds can see in color and have good eyesight.  Mammals, like deer, coyotes, and bear, are not quite as picky about the pattern. For them the most important aspect of camouflage is its ability to break up your outline.

Most mammals cannot see color like we can. It is a myth that animals see only in black and white. They do see color, but not quite as many as we do. Deer see blues, greens and yellows the best. They cannot see red well at all. To them, red looks very similar to green. They also cannot tell the difference between shades very well. Camo that is a bunch of different shades green and brown just look like a green blob to them.

So with that in mind, when deer hunting you should prioritize camo that breaks up your outline. The color does not matter as much. Things like wide belts, backpack straps, hat brims, rifle scopes, and boots all emphasize your outline and steps should be taken to minimize and camouflage these areas.
Deer have amazing peripheral vision and notice movement very easily. Keep this in mind when planning your camo. What do you move the most? Your hands, feet, head, and gun (or bow). Make sure you have good camo on these areas, especially your hands!

 While you are looking into the best camo pattern and type for your next adventure, check out Under The Open Sky. It has some excellent reviews!

Monday, August 7, 2017

A Flashlight: The Most Important Piece of Outdoor Gear

I have two things I carry with me at all times, well five actually. My phone, wallet, and keys are always with me, but everyone has those! The other two "optional" things I always have with me is a good pocket knife (I personally carry a Swiss Army Champ) and a tactical flashlight.

If I had to choose between the pocket knife and the flashlight...... I don't know. Day to day, I'd probably choose the knife, I use it dozens or times a day at work. But if I am going out into the woods or on the water, it would be the flash light 100% of the time. It is without a doubt the most useful tool I own and the most critical safety device I carry.

Flashlights are not what they used to be when I was growing up. This is what I used for the first 15 years I spent outdoors:

I still keep it by my desk. Mostly for nostalgia. I have upgraded it with an LED bulb, but I never use it. It is simply inferior in every way to modern flashlights.

Like many things related to the outdoors, modern tactical flashlights were first designed for military use. Don't believe me? Check out this Wikipedia article. It is pretty fascinating.

Thankfully outdoorsmen can now greatly benefit from these advances in technology. Modern flashlights are tougher, more efficient, and much, much brighter than those common just ten years ago.

I have two main flashlights that I use often. My older one is a Mag-light LED.

I carried it everyday for several years. I liked it because it is small, light, and uses AA batteries. It is not the brightest light available, but it gets the job done.

About a year ago, I retired the Mag-light to my trucks center console in exchange for this bad boy:

It is a Slyde 6267. This thing is amazing! It is about 250 lumens, which is enough to blind something at night and illuminate shadows in the day and takes AAA batteries (I don't like buying special batteries for my flashlights). It is made super tough and is weather proof.

 The cool part is that it slides open to reveal a worklight!

 Its base has a super strong rare earth magnet, which is also extremely handy. The only down side is that it is quite heavy at 10.6 OZ with batteries (I just weighed it!)

 It stays on my hip in a Night-Eyez sheath. You can pick these up a Lowe's. They fit just about any flashlight out there.

 Everyone has different needs from their flashlight. I'm not going to go over all of them out there because I don't have to! Thankfully There is a great gear review website that did this for us. If you are looking for an outdoor flashlight check out Rangermade! That link will take you directly to their flashlight review page!

 Wow! I got off subject! Why do I think a flashlight is the most important tool for an outdoorsman?


 You have to see to do most things outdoors. You cannot see without light. Can you find your deer stand a 4:00 in the morning without a flashlight at least occasionally helping you? I can't. Can you find a blood trail at dusk without one? Me neither. Can you tie on a fly predawn without a flashlight? Unload a boat in the morning?  Find a dropped lure in the dark? Find your truck after the sun goes down? Make a fire at the campsite at night after a long day hiking? I need a flashlight to do these things and I bet you do too. 

The fact is, most of our prep work for a fun outdoors day is done in the dark. Almost everything we enjoy is done in the early morning or late evening. That requires getting up and ready before the sun does. Without a good flashlight we can't do these things.

There is also the safety side of things. Aside from your PFD, a flashlight is the most important safety device you own. It prevents accidents by lighting your way and gets you out of tight spots by showing you the way. Once the sun goes down and you are on the water or in the woods without a flashlight, you are in trouble. 

If for some reason you do get in trouble and cannot make it out, a flashlight is the perfect signalling tool. It can be seen for miles in the dark and, aside from a cell phone or radio, is your best best for getting help. 

The thought of being in the woods at night without a light terrifies me! So much that I always have at least three lights with me when I am hunting. My standard flashlight, a headlamp, and a tiny emergency flashlight in my kit.

What flashlight do you use? Why did you choose it? let me know in the comments!

Monday, July 31, 2017

How to start Metal Detecting







A pinpointer

See, not that much stuff!



  • Civil & Revolutionary War Battlegrounds.


  • Private property with permission.
  • National forests. (unless otherwise posted)
  • Most BLM land.
  • Wildlife Management Areas
  • Most beaches (check local laws)



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