Are you a bow hunting beginner looking to master this unique and ancient method of hunting game? The sport of bow hunting has gained a lot of popularity over the last fifty years. Many sportsman like the greater challenge of hunting an animal with a bow, rather then with a high powered hunting rifle. To get the most from this style of hunting here are some tips for bow hunting beginners.

Have the right equipment. Longbows, recurve and compound bows are the three most common types with compound bows being the bow of choice by the vast majority of hunters now. The cams and pulleys of a compound bow increase the force and power of the arrow as it is shot. When the bow is at full draw there is a significant decrease in the tension needed to hold at that position. This assists the archer in aiming as he can relax slightly at full draw. In hunting he can also hold the position longer which can be necessary to get the best shot at the game animal. This explains why the compound bow is by far the top choice of bow hunters today. Selecting the correct size bow for the individual is important to allow for the best shooting performance. Be sure to select the arrows that are correct for the bow you are using. Since different bows have different draw lengths it is vital to select the arrows that match up with he draw length of the bow. To short or too long will obviously not work well.

Makes certain you are well aware of all the applicable hunting regulations for the area you plant to hunt. Each state or province will have its own set of laws and regulations. Some areas have specific rules for broad head arrows to be used for hunting big game animals such as deer, bear and elk. Expensive fines can be levied for using the wrong type of arrow head. It is the hunter’s responsibility to know and follow all local laws.

Here is something to think about for all bow hunting beginners. Are you a hunter who uses a bow? Or are you an archer who also goes hunting? Regular archery practice is the best way to become a successful bow hunter. Do not put away your bow at the end of one hunting season, and then only take it out the following year and expect to be very proficient. For maximum skill learn the proper technique and practice on a regular basis, ideally year round. Remember – Practice makes perfect!

If possible take trips to the woods that you are expecting to hunt and do this throughout the year, not just right before hunting season. This will give you an opportunity to really learn the area and also to practice your stalking abilities Stalking skills can be very important since the effective range for a bow is only about 50 to 70 yards and a shot of about 30 yards is considered ideal. While becoming familiar with the potential hunting area you can also find where you might want to put a stand.

Consider using scent neutralizers when you bow hunt. The sense of smell of game animals should not be underestimated. This sense is so far superior to the human sense of smell it can be hard for us to comprehend. Their senses of hearing and sight are also significantly developed. This can make it very difficult to get in position for a good shot at an animal. When you hear a deer snort he is actually smelling the scent in the air. Remember the effect the wind can have in carrying your scent to the animal.

By combining good archery skills, knowledge of animal movement and stealthy movements in the woods you will greatly increase your chances of success when you go bow hunting.

Here is a bull I found in the high Alpine country of Western Montana. I digiscoped the video with my Sony WX1 camera and Vortex Razor HD spotting scope. I used the Tines Up Scopecam digiscoping adapter.

Are you a bow hunting beginner looking to master this unique and ancient method of hunting game? The sport of bow hunting has gained a lot of popularity over the last fifty years. Many sportsman like the greater challenge of hunting an animal with a bow, rather then with a high powered hunting rifle. To get the most from this style of hunting here are some tips for bow hunting beginners.

Have the right equipment. Longbows, recurve and compound bows are the three most common types with compound bows being the bow of choice by the vast majority of hunters now. The cams and pulleys of a compound bow increase the force and power of the arrow as it is shot. When the bow is at full draw there is a significant decrease in the tension needed to hold at that position. This assists the archer in aiming as he can relax slightly at full draw. In hunting he can also hold the position longer which can be necessary to get the best shot at the game animal. This explains why the compound bow is by far the top choice of bow hunters today. Selecting the correct size bow for the individual is important to allow for the best shooting performance. Be sure to select the arrows that are correct for the bow you are using. Since different bows have different draw lengths it is vital to select the arrows that match up with he draw length of the bow. To short or too long will obviously not work well.

Makes certain you are well aware of all the applicable hunting regulations for the area you plant to hunt. Each state or province will have its own set of laws and regulations. Some areas have specific rules for broad head arrows to be used for hunting big game animals such as deer, bear and elk. Expensive fines can be levied for using the wrong type of arrow head. It is the hunter’s responsibility to know and follow all local laws.

Here is something to think about for all bow hunting beginners. Are you a hunter who uses a bow? Or are you an archer who also goes hunting? Regular archery practice is the best way to become a successful bow hunter. Do not put away your bow at the end of one hunting season, and then only take it out the following year and expect to be very proficient. For maximum skill learn the proper technique and practice on a regular basis, ideally year round. Remember – Practice makes perfect!

If possible take trips to the woods that you are expecting to hunt and do this throughout the year, not just right before hunting season. This will give you an opportunity to really learn the area and also to practice your stalking abilities Stalking skills can be very important since the effective range for a bow is only about 50 to 70 yards and a shot of about 30 yards is considered ideal. While becoming familiar with the potential hunting area you can also find where you might want to put a stand.

Consider using scent neutralizers when you bow hunt. The sense of smell of game animals should not be underestimated. This sense is so far superior to the human sense of smell it can be hard for us to comprehend. Their senses of hearing and sight are also significantly developed. This can make it very difficult to get in position for a good shot at an animal. When you hear a deer snort he is actually smelling the scent in the air. Remember the effect the wind can have in carrying your scent to the animal.

By combining good archery skills, knowledge of animal movement and stealthy movements in the woods you will greatly increase your chances of success when you go bow hunting.

Pulaski County’s Raven Sayers, a 24-year-old female hunter thrilled to be part of the 2007 bull elk hunt in Knott County. Yes, it’s all in the luck of the draw.

Well the time has come in my state to stand and be counted as a successful bow hunter. It is time for all that practice and preparation to pay off. I always say that I enjoy getting out there so much that if I get one it is just icing on the cake. I do mean it but I also really enjoy eating venison and elk meat.

Now it will take some skill, properly functioning hunting equipment, a dose of good luck and a winning attitude. To increase my chances, I am checking all my hunting clothes. Good camouflage clothing is an absolute must for me. Bow hunting for deer and elk requires a certain amount of stealth. If they see you but don’t smell or hear you and even sometimes when they hear you as well, you may still get a clean shot. I’ve had a large buck deer see me at 150 yards and by walking very slowly and deliberately towards the animal I got a clean shot at 60 yards. Every time I saw his ears stand up or his head pull up I stopped any motion. I held that pose until he went back to grazing and then I slowly inched forward very gently landing my feet so as not to crack a branch or twig. At 60 yards the buck turned 180 degrees and started to walk away from me. I aimed and released at 65 yards. After my shot, the deer ran over a small ridge and disappeared. I had just spent over one hour sneaking up on it and I was mentally and physically drained. The large deer had looked at me several times, but did it see me?

I had maneuvered myself in front of a stand of trees before attempting to walk up to the mule deer. I did this because of the great camo clothes I had on that would break up my silhouette. Deer and especially elk have very good eyesight but they react to movement. When bow hunting deer or bow hunting elk, you stand a better chance at filling a tag if you have hunting clothes that allow you to blend into your environment. I have been buying camouflage hunting clothes from Cabela’s for many years now and have been very pleased. They hold up well in the dense undergrowth of the Pacific Northwest. Also, I am built like your standard stump and I always find a good fit.

I especially appreciate Cabela’s micro tech camo shirts and pants for the early bow hunting season. They provide great concealment and they breathe so I am not sweating when walking uphill for any length of time. By the way, when I walked over the ridge, I spotted a downed mule deer that was huge. Not a large rack, only a 3 pointer, but a huge body. My arrow had pierced the heart and a lung. It ran about 75 yards before it dropped.I was immediately pumped up again even though the real work was about to commence.

Hunting elk has never been considered an easy task but bow hunting elk can offer that highest level of challenge that many hunters are looking for.

Assessing the terrain, getting close, bugling and getting a good shot all have their place for those who choose this method of hunting.

One must be able to combine a number of variables in a very short period of time in order to ensure success. For example, knowing how to quickly choose an appropriate location from which to take the perfect shot requires great skill.

One must also know the capabilities and limitations of their equipment. They must devote many hours of practice to making the particular broadside shot that will bring down this massive animal.

The hunting of elk with a bow requires that hunters get much closer to their quarry than those hunting with a rifle. While some hunters prefer to move in toward their target, others like to get close, bugle and then move away, mimicking a cow on the move and leading a bull into a certain location.

Many find it is easier to set up and wait for the animal to make an entrance than to sneak up on this creature known for its ultra sensitive ability for detecting danger. The shot must be made with special arrows strong enough to pierce the thick hide, cartilage and into the internal organs of large game animals.

Because one must get so close when hunting elk with a bow, being able to recognize a solid location in which to take a shot becomes extremely crucial.

Many hunters do not realize just how large an elk actually is until the animal is upon them. Not only are elk larger than life, their behaviors, mating rituals and distinctive bugle have been known to outright intimidate even the most experienced hunters.

Whether the animal is timid or aggressive, it is important to never put oneself in a bad position just to get close. The unpredictability of hunting is the number one reason safety plays such a major role in this sport.

The hunting of elk with a bow requires that one understand the necessity of what is called a broadside shot. Although an elk may bolt for a number of yards, this type of shot placed just behind the shoulder ensures that both lungs will be pierced eventually taking the animal down.

Many seasoned bow hunters decline the straight on chest shot for fear of hitting only one lung and losing their quarry when it bounds off. When this happens, many find that by the time the elk is tracked down, the meat is of no use.

All of the above is why so many bow hunters find that the use of a bow in hunting elk may be the greatest challenge they have ever faced in hunting.

tines.com Here are some highlights of some of the huge bull elk I have been lucky enough to film and hunt. Check out the website if you like this video.

Believe it or not, many people enjoy bowhunting. Most people enjoy bowhunting because the season runs longer than it does for gun hunting. In addition, people like it because of the challenge it provides. You have to be skilled to shoot animals at a fairly close range. In order to get close to your prey, you have to practice being extremely quiet and still. If you are just beginning to practice archery, this may be something you want to try. If so, you are going to need some bowhunting equipment.

The most important piece of bowhunting equipment is the bow. If you plan on hunting big game such as deer or elk, then your bow should have a draw weight of at least 50 pounds. In addition, you need to be able to distinguish between the different types of bows. The most commonly used bow for hunting is the compound bow. This modern bow uses as a levering system composed of cables and pulleys. It is energy efficient and insensitive to temperature changes allowing for greater accuracy, velocity, and distance. If you are looking for an energy efficient bow that is easy to use, you may want to try a composite bow. When used for hunting, the longbow can kill game as big as an elephant, but it is difficult to handle. Although it isn’t as popular as the other bows, you can also use a crossbow when hunting.

Once you’ve chosen a bow, the next piece of bowhunting equipment you need to choose from are arrows. If you are going to be hunting smaller game, fiberglass arrows may be for you. They can be fitted to draw weight and length. Although fiberglass arrows are consistent and reliable, they tend to break easily. Although they are expensive, hunters can also aluminum or carbon composite arrows. In addition, many hunters use broadhead arrows. Broadhead arrows are designed to inflict massive bleeding. The two types of broadhead arrows to choose from are fixed blade and mechanical. Fixed blade arrows keep the blades rigid and immovable, while mechanical arrows deploy blades when they hit their target.

In addition to bows and arrows, there are several other pieces of bowhunting equipment you can buy. When bowhunting you should wear clothes to protect your skin and that match the color of the environment. Pliers, allen wrenches, spare arrows, release aids and adhesives are also good to have in case you need to tune your arrow while you are hunting. You may also want to invest in a first aid kit in case any accidents happen while you are hunting. Good luck.

Rutting Bulls In AZ. Peak Elk rut in Arizona..

Elk are members of the deer family which comprises ( from largest to smallest ) moose, elk, caribou and deer. The bulls weigh from six hundred to eight hundred pounds or more. Elk have eyes on the sides of their head which lets them see in about any direction except behind them. Elk are large ungulates found in Europe, North America, New Zealand, and the Far East. They are highly flexible, prospering in a large range of environments. Elk now live as far east as Pennsylvania, where they were reintroduced in the early 1900s, and now more than seven hundred elk wander thru forests in the north-central part of the state. Elk populations are also growing in other states where they had virtually vanished.

Elk can be pale grey, tan, or brownish to reddish in color, depending on the species. Bulls have a tendency to be lighter colored than cows. The pale rumped American elk called “”wapiti”", which is Shawnee for “”white rump”", are found in the woods, mountain meadows, foothills, plains, swamps, and coniferous forests of western North America. Elk are powerful and muscular. Bulls are some twenty five percent bigger than cows at maturity. Elk are one of the largest land animals in North America, and are the most common larger mammal found in Yellowstone National Park. They are herbivorous animals who can find lots of food in places where deer typically can’t. They consume an average of 20 pounds of food every day. Elk are ruminant animals, similar to cows, and therefore regurgitate their food and remasticate to help in digestion.

Elk grow antlers that provide a method of defense, as does a powerful front-leg kick, which is performed by either sex if incited. Antlers are made from bone which can grow up to one inch each day. Antlers that are in the growing stage are soft and workable and covered with hairy skin, which is called velvet. Elk shed their antlers starting in late February for the largest males, extending to late April and even early May for the younger ones. Every year they start growing new antlers again in summer. These antlers can weight up to 40 pounds and be up to 5 feet wide.

Elk also lose and replace their hair twice yearly, once in the spring and again in the autumn. They often roll in mud wallows to loosen their dead winter coats and help dislodge annoying parasites. Elk are best viewed at a distance, using binoculars or a spotting scope for close-up viewing.

Elk are primarily crepuscular, most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon. They are timber-oriented animals, preferring to be in the cool shade. Elk are social creatures. They live in summer herds with as many as four hundred others. Elk can live twenty years or longer in captivity, but average 10 to 14 years in natural habitats. Bulls often don’t live as long as cows, seldom exceeding twelve years.

Cows
Starting in the second autumn of their lives, cows generally give birth to a single fawn 8 1/2 months after mating. Calves are precocial, walking right after birth. They are born in late May or early June, and weigh between thirty and forty pounds when born, and 225 to 275 pounds when weaned about six months later. Calves are born with a protecting coloration of light spotted areas on the back which act as camouflage. They grow quickly and lose their spots by summer’s end. Cows often leave their newborn calves vulnerable while they go off to feed, and they fall prey to bobcats, coyotes, and the like.

The Rut
Elk are generally passive animals and though human attacks are rare, they do happen. Elk are big, wild animals and can be deadly, particularly during rut. Antlers are an indication of strength and dominance among males and are used to lure females in the breeding season. Bulls are only territorial during the mating season and are otherwise not assertive toward other elk. Bulls pack on the weight in summer, then show small interest in feed and lose up to 40% of their body weight during the rut. Bull elk that enter the rut in poor condition are less certain to make it thru to the peak conception period or have the strength to survive the severity of the approaching winter.

Bull elk are only capable of breeding from about August to January, and the cows cycle only in that same period. Bulls do not enter actively into the rut till they are about three years old, although they can breed for the 1st time as yearlings, at roughly sixteen months of age. Elk are harem breeders and can mate with as many as 50 cows in a season. There is some evidence that the females select the male. Elk by nature are gregarious at all seasons, but in spring and summer the old bulls often are solitary or in bachelor herds, and typically live apart a lot of the year.

Elk are the noisiest member of the deer family in North America. Bulls have a loud vocalization composed of screams known as bugling, which can be heard for miles. They vie for dominance through bugling, sparring, and chasing wannabe rivals away.

Elk Hunting
Elk are hunted as a game species, and are often subject to limited, legal sport hunting. Hunting has been utilized as an elk management system to keep the amount of elk in balance with their habitat. Hunting license charges make a contribution to elk research, and the acquisition of additional vital elk habitat.

Elk Farming
Although elk are regarded as pests by many farmers, some farmers raise them commercially for hunting, meat production, and velvet collection. The beef for meat production is leaner and higher in protein than meat or chicken, but is typically tougher requiring marinating, grinding, or stewing. Bulls produce velvet each year with an average two-year-old male producing 9 pounds of velvet. The velvet is considered by some cultures to be an aphrodisiac. Western North America, and New Zealand are the home of many commercial elk farmers.

Whether you relish hunting them, eating them, or simply enjoying their majesty, magnificence, and beauty, all must admit that they add depth of appreciation to our lives.