Ameristep, Doghouse Hunting Ground Blind, Realtree Xtra Camouflage Pattern, Ideal For Firearm & Bow Hunting, Shoot Through Mesh With Gun Port, Includes Stakes & High Wind Tie Downs & Carrying Backpack, Assembled Dimensions: 60″W x 60″L x 66″H.
List price: $7.54
I’m unsure what wild bug crawled into our son’s shirt this past autumn, but when he announced he’d like to shoot one of my bows and had an interest in deer hunting, I tried pretty hard to scratch that itch. He’s always been interested in mainstream sports, notably basketball and golf, and has never had much interest in hunting or shooting. We’ve been to the shooting range with some of my firearms, which he enjoyed. But I’ve never pushed. I’ve never said, “You’re coming with me today,” or, “You need to learn to do this because you’re going to be a hunter!”
By Alan Clemons
I always told him and his sister if they’re interested in something, I’d be glad to take them, show them, encourage them or whatever. But I wasn’t going to pressure them into anything. I also wasn’t going to label him “my hunting buddy” simply because of his gender and ignore any interests our daughter might have. She, by the way, is a pretty crack shot with the rifle and enjoyed the archery range but prefers dance. So, we’re all good.
Our son and I went to the nearest archery shop, which has an indoor range and selection of bows. It’s about five minutes from our house, so that’s pretty convenient. Good facility, product selection and folks, too. They picked out a Mission Craze, cranked it down a bit — remember, he’s a first-time shooter — and we went to the range.
Within five minutes, he was comfortable with the bow, had adjusted his stance and was feeling a little cocky even with nothing but a release and arrows. No sight, no peep or anything on the raw bow. At close range, confidence is a good thing for a newbie, so we upped the challenge: Hit that red, dime-sized sticker on the target.
Whap! He drilled it. We laughed, and he shot for another 10 minutes or so. We’ve been back since then and also have been shooting in the yard with my Block target, so it looks like another archer and, possibly, bowhunter, might be added to the ranks.
SEE ALSO: Intro to Archery: The Beginner’s Guide for Women
What are you doing this summer to stay in tune with your bow skills or get someone interested in archery? Shooting in the yard? Perhaps at a local range one or two times a week? Maybe competing in a 3-D league with fellow shooters? Many possibilities exist to stay in shape and, perhaps, get a family member or friend involved, even if they don’t pursue hunting.
If you’re a yard shooter, the first thing to consider is safety if you live in a neighborhood or have other houses nearby. A good target is critical, of course, but look past it at potential arrow flight. You don’t want an errant shot flying or skittering toward someone’s house or outbuildings. Distance might be a consider- ation, too. You might be limited to 10- to 20-yard shots, so concentrate on your form, breathing and release.
NASP youth programs are fun events to get involved with at school for competition and skill development.
Range and 3-D leagues offer great competition, camaraderie and the chance to practice on targets at various distances. Check into your state bowhunting association to see if they have leagues. Most do, some of them with regional competitions leading to a state championship. An online search should provide information on other associations, competitions and ranges near your home. Most provide different age levels for competition, so your youngster, wife or girlfriend might be less skittish about competing against the me if they have classifications for themselves.
As for equipment, new shooters diving in headfirst can get dizzy with the array of choices for bows, arrows, releases and gear. This is where your archery shop or friends come into play. Ask for advice, check into used bows that might not hit the budget too sharply, and go with your instincts. If your young or new shooter progresses well and wants better equipment, decide what you should do. Plunking down several hundred bucks for all new gear, only to have a youngster or spouse decide they’re not interested later, means you might have to take a hit on your investment. Start slowly and build up, just like with practice.
Summer is a great time to keep your mind and body in tune with your bow, whether you’re a new shooter or an old timer. Practice smartly, have fun and get ready for the season that will be here in just a few months.
— Alan Clemons is D&DH’s Online Managing editor.
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The post BowShop: Make Shooting a Bow Fun for Kids appeared first on Deer & Deer Hunting | Whitetail Deer Hunting Tips.
By Mark Kenyon Continuing our weekly tradition, we’ve got the top hunting blog posts from across the web this week all rounded up for you in one place. Enjoy and have a great weekend. And don’t forget, there’s only two…
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Gordy Krahn says the Cooking Venison Digital Download Kit is a great resource for home and camp.
Venison lovers, rejoice! We’ve put together a special collection of our best digital resources to help you bring venison from field to table.
This isn’t just a recipe collection, either. It includes expert information on field dressing and butchering, so you can ensure you’re preparing the highest quality meat for your meals. Your seven downloads include dozens of great recipes, tips from top chefs and hunters about field and kitchen prep, a special download about marinades and much more.
“I took a look in my freezer recently and quickly realized I need get busy and use up some of the surplus venison I have from this past season,” said Deer & Deer Hunting Editor Gordy Krahn. “After all, it’s only a few short months until we’ll be back in the woods!
“I can’t think of a better game preparation resource than the Cooking Venison Digital Value Pack. This special collection of digital guides provides expert information on everything from processing to preparing your venison – including a pile of tasty recipes. You might want to take a look in your freezer, too.”
Get your great venison resource here now!
The post Gordy Krahn’s Pick of the Day: Cooking Venison Value Pack appeared first on Deer & Deer Hunting | Whitetail Deer Hunting Tips.
Estrus Bleats tell bucks that a doe is ready to breed. Whitetail, Blacktail and Mule Deer can all respond quickly and dramatically to the “quivering” doe Estrus Bleat produced by “THE Original CAN”. This is, by far, the best call we know of to call in bucks during the pre-rut, rut and post-rut. Perfect for Whitetail, Blacktail and Mule Deer.
List price: $12.95
Comfortable, fully-cushioned cotton/poly blend. A perfect gift for the hunter who has everything…but could still use some extra luck! Imported. One size fits most.
List price: $8.99
This tree climber is engineered to be lightweight and provide rock-solid stability, giving you a great fit for almost any tree. It’s sure to provide comfort for long hunts, while its spacious platform with its traction ridges adds safety.
FEATURES: Light-weight sit-and-climb stand; Seat and foot platform rest for easy travel; Sturdy steel frame supports 300 lbs; Padded climbing bar can be used as a gun rest; Climbing braces provide secure footing; Adjustable safety harness; One (1) 3′ strap, One (1) 3′ strap w/hook One (1) nylon rope, One (1) boot strap; Two (2) foot straps, one w/hook; Two (2) 57″ support cables; Two (2) back pack straps; Three (3) padded tubes; Four (4) D-quick clips; Six (6) strap buckles
SPECIFICATIONS: 300 lb weight limit; 35″(L) X 19.75″(W); 19″ X 16″ Seat; 26″ X 14″ backrest
List price: $199.95
Well, y’all take a look at this deer and dog having a blast with each other. It’s almost like they’re playing hide-and-seek with the corner pillars of the fence.
You go! No I’ll catch you! Where are you? Oh, run run run run run! Where’d you go? Oh!
Pretty funny. Looks like they could keep this up all day.
+++++
Maximize Your Deer Season Planning With the 2015 Whitetails Wall Calendar!
From Deer & Deer Hunting magazine, the 2015 Whitetails Wall Calendar features the work of deer researchers Wayne Laroche and Charlie Alsheimer, who reveal the 2015 whitetail rut prediction, based on years of lunar cycle research. Utilize this deer moon phase calendar to find out which days the deer will be seeking and chasing, so you can time the rut for the best time to hunt.
The calendar features amazing whitetail deer photography, capturing deer in all the seasons and providing deer activity charts so you can plan your hunt. It’s not only the most useful calendar you’ll own, but quite possibly the ultimate gift for any deer hunter!
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The post Deer and Dog Run Run Run Run Run, Play Hide-and-Seek appeared first on Deer & Deer Hunting | Whitetail Deer Hunting Tips.
HOW WE DISCOVERED THE FIRST CALMING SCENT.While cleaning stalls at our deer farm, an employee realized he was late for his evening hunt. Without time to change, he wore his overalls on stand. Soon, he was surrounded by deer that, even as he purposely moved, were not particularly alarmed. When he reported that he could have easily harvested any of the deer we realized that it must be the scent from the stalls! A CALM DEER IS LESS LIKELY TO SMELL, SEE OR HEAR YOU.EverCalm is a collection of scents and smells from deer bedding areas. These scents and smells put deer at ease. A calm animal feels safe and isless likely to detect you. Apply EverCalm to your boots, clothing, trees, scent pad, stand, blind, decoy, camera, scrapes or licking branches.USE ALL SEASON LONG.Deer use bedding areas all year long so EverCalm is effective all season long. Use EverCalm every time you hunt!
List price: $14.99
