Bow Hunting Whitetails

By Dragan Vujic

A comprehensive book on hunting whitetails with a bow. Loaded with information, this book has something for everyone from novice to veteran. Topics include selecting the right bow, gaining familiarity with whitetails, learning what drives whitetails, kill zones on a whitetail, styles of hunting, trailing and recovering whitetails, effective strategies and tactics, and how to hunt and harvest a nocturnal buck during legal shooting hours. Over forty pictures are included in the book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Mar 9, 2007
• ISBN: 9780595875481

Dragan Vujic

Dragan Vujic is a writer and an avid outdoorsman. He resides in rural southern Ontario, Canada where he enjoys a quiet, serene lifestyle. Dragan may be contacted at: [e-mail] or [e-mail].

Book preview

BOW HUNTING

WHITETAILS

Dragan Vujic

iUniverse, Inc.

New York Lincoln Shanghai

BOW HUNTING WHITETAILS

Copyright © 2007 by Dragan Vujic

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

iUniverse books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

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The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

ISBN-13: 978-0-595-43207-3 (pbk)

ISBN-13: 978-0-595-87548-1 (ebk)

ISBN-10: 0-595-43207-7 (pbk)

ISBN-10: 0-595-87548-3 (ebk)

Printed in the United States of America

Dedicated to my friend, Paul Needham, funeral director, for generously sharing several prime pieces of whitetail hunting real estate.

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Contents

Introduction

PART I Getting Started

1The Contemporary Bow Hunter

2 Archery Equipment

3 Styles of Hunting

4 Shot Placement

Recovering Wounded Whitetails

PART II Gaining Familiarity With Whitetails

6 Appearance

7 Social Structure

8 Habitat

9 Predators and Competitors

10 Communication

11 Breeding Behaviour

PART III What Drives Whitetails?

12 Weather

13 Food Sources

14 Phases of the Moon

15 Time of Year

16 Time of Day

17 Scents

18 Doe to Buck Ratio

19 Hunting Pressure

PART IV Strategies and Tactics

20 Scouting

21 Stand Hunting

22 Stalking and Still Hunting

23 Calling

24 Rattling

25 Decoying

Party Hunting

27 Baiting

Hunting in the Suburbs

29 The Four P Strategy

PART V Miscellaneous

30 The Nocturnal Buck

31 Odds and Ends

32 Crossbows

33 A Few Tales

The River Flats Buck

Lyn’s Monarch

Conclusion

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Introduction 

Hello. My name is Dragan Vujic. I have hunted and harvested whitetails since the mid-sixties. Although I have pursued these elusive game animals for over forty years with a variety of firearms, I have only been chasing them with archery equipment for approximately half that time. However, even twenty years is a lengthy period to accumulate an abundance of information. Bow hunting has inspired me to become a better hunter. You have to be much more woods wise in order to kill a deer within twenty meters, juxtaposed to blasting him at a hundred and fifty meters with a scoped rifle. Bow hunting presents all hunters with a supreme challenge.

In order to get closer to a whitetail, I have had to become more conscious of scent dispersion, wind direction, flow of thermals and whitetail senses—vision, hearing, and smell. I have also had to discipline myself to sit absolutely still. An added dimension involved the use of aerial perches. Calling deer within bow shot range was another skill that required mastering. Needles to say, my knowledge of whitetails increased exponentially when I commenced hunting these majestic creatures with primitive weapons. Stepping into the whitetail woods with archery equipment levels the playing field. The challenge of deceiving the acute senses of any deer in its natural environment is a monumental accomplishment.

Whitetail hunting is a passion—a passion of the very heart and soul. Some may even call it an obsession. It stirs our emotions. We have all felt the excitement, the rush of exhilaration and the experience of being truly alive. I absolutely love every aspect of every adventure. Each year when autumn rolls around, I look forward to stepping into the deer woods. My heart is happy. The wonderful smells, sounds and sights of the forest always enchant me. The crispy crackle of leaves underfoot lets me know that I am in the right place at this time of year. This is indeed an opportunity to participate in and commune with nature. I love to feel and breath the fresh country air.

Hunting deer is a challenging endeavour and an exciting sport. It is an intriguing recreational activity. Every time a hunter steps into the deer woods, he or she looks forward to the opportunity of harvesting a whitetail and putting healthy food on the table. Some of us anticipate the possibility of hanging a deer head on the wall. The thrill of the chase and satisfaction of the kill is always a rewarding experience. However, sometimes we all have to settle for merely the thrill of the chase. But, in any event, we all experience a natural hunter’s high, which is neither drug nor alcohol induced.

Bow hunting whitetails is more of a mind game than a physical sport. You apply accumulated knowledge and skill in an attempt to outwit and harvest a big game animal on its own turf. You take shots at relatively short distances. Excitement erupts whenever you see a large buck up close. Your heartbeat accelerates and your mind sends tremors through your body. Confidence comes with perpetual practice with your bow. You know how your weapon of choice shoots and you know that you can kill a whitetail within a prescribed range. However, mastering self-control over your emotions takes time in the field and exposure to your prey.

Whitetail hunting is a perpetual, lifelong learning experience. It is like taking a university program that has no graduation date. Although there are no alumni from Buck U, there is a large fraternity—a brotherhood. I am proud to be a member of that social group. Whitetail hunting is a cherished tradition. It is a priceless privilege. Some may even perceive hunting whitetails as a spiritual experience with all of its associated rituals. Undoubtedly, the first deer harvest grants us the rite of passage. We may now call ourselves a whitetail hunter. Every time you sit in a deer stand in the early hours of the morning and watch the day unfold you experience a rejuvenating effect that defies description.

Knowledge is relative. Although I may know more than some, I certainly know less than others. My purpose in writing this book is to share some of the knowledge that I have gathered over the past two decades of bow hunting whitetails. I hope that you find this information useful in your own endeavours. Bow hunting whitetails is not about arrowing down a buck every time you step into the woods, it’s about enjoying and appreciating the wilderness and the wildlife within. Harvesting an admirable buck is the bonus.

Here are a few thoughts to consider. If you are reading this book, you are a hunter who loves to hunt. I have hunted for over forty years and I have savoured every moment that I spent hunting. As hunters, we are all wildlife stewards, conservationists and environmentalists. We respect, appreciate and enjoy nature and wildlife. Similar to farmers, we harvest what the land provides and take it directly to our kitchen tables. There are no intermediaries, no giant meat conglomerates and no huge supermarkets.

Hunters participate in the natural food chain. There are no hormone supplements, no steroid injections and no other meat enhancing additives. Whitetails in the wild are not genetically manipulated organisms. Styrofoam and plastic packaging is avoided entirely. There is no unnecessary pollution of our environment. Our venison and other wild game is fresh, drug free, healthy and extremely low in fat content. Every autumn I look forward to eating venison and sharing it with family, friends and the less fortunate.

We preserve and manage the wilderness ecosystems. Any form of hunting is a wildlife management tool and a method of preserving the habitat. By harvesting whitetails, we reduce the farmer’s annual crop damage and lower the rate of vehicle and wildlife collisions. All hunters make a substantial financial contribution to the national economy every year. Deer hunting is something that we all value immensely. It is a rich heritage that is worth protecting and passing on to our children.

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PART I

Getting Started 

1

The Contemporary Bow Hunter 

Today’s archer must possess the stealth, knowledge, skill and cunning of yesterday’s Aborigine in order to harvest a whitetail with a bow and arrow. He or she must be devoted to the perpetual learning experience of hunting. The bow hunter must be sensitive to the land that he hunts and possess an intimate understanding of nature and his prey. It is no easy feat to outsmart a deer at close range on his own turf. In this hunting style, the individual must have acquired wisdom of the woods and physical agility to even get close enough to this game animal to take a decent shot with a high probability of a kill. The archer sits on the opposite end to the sniper on the same deer hunting continuum.

The bow hunter is a breed apart from the individual who uses a rifle, muzzle-loader or shotgun. An archer’s philosophies, motivations, perceptions, satisfactions and reasons for hunting are different from those of the gun hunter. For the bow hunter, harvesting a whitetail becomes a bonus, not a prime directive. In the process of bow hunting, the individual develops patience and endurance. Predominantly hunting alone, the archer cares not for the camaraderie of the deer camp. Bow hunters step into the woods in order to commune with nature and relax. They savour, moment by moment, the sights and sounds of the ever-changing autumn scenery. Archers rise to the challenge of getting close enough to a whitetail to kill this majestic animal with a primitive weapon.

Needless to say, a bow hunter requires a high level of skill and a great degree of personal physical strength. This type of hunting places the hunter and his quarry on a more equal footing. The odds are shifted in favour of the whitetail. It becomes a contest of skill, cunning and wits. This presents an opportunity for the archer, who is involved in a perpetual learning experience, to sharpen and refine his or her woodsmanship. A sharp eye and a steady hand are basic requirements.

A bow hunter must always study the nature of the animal that is hunted and constantly learn its ways. There are numerous demands—patience, stealth, self-reliance, woodsmanship, whitetail savvy and outsmarting the object of desire.

The bow hunter must match reason against instinct. All of this is necessary to get close enough to take a shot. A good shot requires countless hours of continuous practice. The ability to harvest depends on proficiency.

In the process, the archer, with his relatively primitive weapon, develops a closer contact with the outdoors. This individual systematically studies and enjoys nature. He or she incrementally acquires a better understanding of whitetails. Skill and hard earned experience of the hunter are pitted against the wariness and speed of a whitetail in the creature’s own backyard. The intelligence of deer and their ability to elude pursuit often boggles the human mind. An archer must move slowly and quietly. He must always be alert to fleeting opportunities.

The woods are a quiet, peaceful and tranquil place. There are no artificial noises. Silence reigns. No one ever knows when you have arrowed down a deer. Nothing compares to the thrill of observing an arrow winging towards its intended target. Hit or miss, the experience is still exhilarating. There is no loud bang to alert anyone in the vicinity that a shot has been fired. Normally, one chance is all you receive. Once an arrow whistles past a missed whitetail, the fortunate animal rapidly departs.

Wind is the foremost consideration of the archer. An astute bow hunter must constantly be aware of wind currents due to the up-close and personal nature of the encounters. The whitetail’s keen sense of smell must be avoided at all costs in this condensed shooting range where there is no distance to dilute or dispense human odour. Any whitetail will quickly abscond upon catching a whiff of a lurking hunter and may stay away from that area in the future. The deer may go on predator alert the next time that it approaches this region. Bucks are always testing the wind irrespective of the weather conditions—rain, snow, sleet or sun.

Whitetails will almost always scent check any area prior to entering. They will predominantly make the best use of the available cover. An experienced archer initially locates and analyzes the cover that deer will likely utilize when they come into a region. Thereafter, the bow hunter will set up either downwind or crosswind of the cover. In this manner, the archer gives the whitetails the security of cover that they require. Simultaneously, the bow hunter positions himself in a spot that the deer will not use. Thus, the hidden archer, in most cases, will not be discovered.

With a bow, a fanny pack and a handful of arrows, a bow hunter melts into nature’s shadows and slips into a different reality. Traditionally, bow hunting is a close up enterprise. Whitetails have a tendency to materialize out of nowhere. Suddenly, the archer finds himself so close to a magnificent animal that even the slightest movement will spook this wild creature. Is this not the greatest experience of all? I am always thrilled to be in such close proximity to a deer. Then comes the moment of truth. All of your practice, planning and preparation come into play as you cautiously attempt to take the shot. In most instances, one chance is all that you will receive to harvest this whitetail. A single properly placed razor-sharp broad head will take down this prey.

In any event, bow hunting whitetails is a lifetime learning experience. As each season passes, hunting skills are honed and further developed. Becoming familiar and proficient with archery equipment takes time. You are running a race with no finish line. There is no graduation date from the school of whitetail hunt-ing—often called Buck U. The journey stretches into infinity and the learning never ceases. This is one university that has no alumni, but the brotherhood is enormous. Bow hunting offers abundant opportunities to develop an intimate relationship with nature. One gains a greater appreciation of solitude. However, the cherished memories that an archer accumulates along the path are absolutely priceless.

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Photo Credit: Allan Cunningham

2

Archery Equipment 

Although ability plays a major part, personality determines the choice of archery equipment and shooting style. Bow hunting is more of an art than a science. Archery is the art of shooting arrows from a bow or crossbow. Archers experience a need to express themselves. After all, any hunting tool is an extension of oneself. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the realm of hunting whitetails with primitive weapons. Despite the fact that success is never guaranteed, the prospects of harvesting a whitetail in the wild are heavily dependent on commitment—commitment to become proficient with a particular piece of archery equipment and commitment to perpetual learning with respect to the subject of whitetails.

Even though the majority of today’s bow hunters prefer to hunt with the most modern compound bows equipped with the latest accessories, some still prefer the challenge of recurves and longbows devoid of any additions. Other archers have opted to hunt with crossbows. My definition of bow hunting and archery includes individuals who hunt with crossbows. The final decision of whether to use a compound bow, a recurve, a longbow or a crossbow is highly subjective based on pure preference. The basic tackle consists of a bow, quiver, arrows, field tips, broad heads and targets. Optional items may be a release, glove, sighting system, stabilizer and arrow rest.

Selecting the proper archery equipment that fits you personally is the key to enjoying a future filled with a multitude of whitetail hunting memories. We are all unique. This is a good thing. Diversity makes for an interesting universe. Irrespective of the fact that the world of bow hunting has gone Hi-Tech, a broad spectrum of traditional bows are still manufactured. If one decides to use a bow rather than a crossbow, there is a multitude of bows to choose from. Where do we start? What to we look for? How to we make the best choice for us? In order to shoot accurately, a bow must fit and feel right. One size does not fit all. Selecting the right bow and correctly adjusting all the additional accessories, makes shooting very enjoyable. Thereafter, attaining accuracy becomes almost effortless.

Consistently being able to hit your mark is a natural consequence of shooting the correct set-up. Initially, an archer determines eye dominance and discovers his draw length. Subsequently, the range of suitable bows may be narrowed down to those that fall within the draw length. Fit and feel come next. The best bow is the one that feels right and fits you personally. Every successful archer generally customizes his or her shooting apparatus according to physical strength, draw length, physical size and few other personal preferences and variables.

2.1 Eye Dominance.

Eye dominance or master eye is a personal variable that must be established at the outset. All bows, compound and traditional, only come in two basic models—right-handed and left-handed. Right-handed individuals predominantly have a right dominant eye and, therefore, shoot with a right-handed bow. Conversely, left-handed individuals possess a left dominant eye and, accordingly, employ a left-handed bow. On relatively rare occasions strong arm and master eye are mismatched. In other words, a right-handed person may be handicapped with a left dominant eye or vice versa. This is a minor inconvenience, but not a major catastrophe.

In a normal situation where hand and eye dominance match, a hunter should simply choose a bow configured for that side. However, if hand and eye dominance are mismatched, the future archer should select a bow based on eye dominance, not on hand dominance. Shooting is a highly visual activity. Sight determines your ability to focus and effectively hit targets. The hand can be trained, but the dominant eye will always prevail. In other words, a right-handed person may have to shoot in a left-handed manner. Although it may feel awkward at first, eventually the person will become comfortable and shoot much more accurately.

Determining eye dominance is an easy undertaking. With both eyes open cover a distance object with your right thumb. Now, close your left eye. If the object remains hidden, then your right eye is dominant. However, if the object becomes visible, you are left eye dominant. In another variation, you can alternate opening and closing your eyes and taking note when the object is hidden or visible. The object will always be visible when it is viewed with the subordinate eyes and hidden when viewed with the dominant eye. Conduct this experiment several times in order to confirm your master eye.

Eye dominance is also important to the crossbow hunter, even though most crossbows can be fired from either side. The sighting systems for crossbows are similar to those on rifles, which can be shouldered either left or right and shoot with the same degree of accuracy. The crossbow hunter must determine his or her dominant eye in order to determine the correct side to shoot from. Aiming with the stronger eye ensures superior accuracy. Invariably, a gun hunter will shoulder the crossbow the same way as a rifle.

2.2 Draw Length.

Another personal aspect is draw length. The correct draw length for a particular individual is extremely important. When a bow is held at full draw, the draw length is the distance between the grip and the bowstring. Shoulder width and arm length determines draw length. A bow should be selected based on one’s personal draw length. Draw lengths differ depending on whether you intend to choose a recurve bow or a compound bow. According to the Archery Manufacturers and Merchants Organization (AMO), an extra inch and three quarters should be added to obtain the draw length of a compound bow. This addition is not necessary for recurves. The arm holding the bow should be slightly bent inwards. At full draw, the shoulder connected to the arm holding the bowstring should be in a down position. If the shoulder is elevated or rises in the draw process, the draw length is too long.

Since mechanical firing devices are used on crossbows, the draw length is not overly crucial. However, all other factors being equal, a longer bridge, which increases the draw length, will cause the arrow to travel faster. In this situation, the manufacturer determines the draw length. In most cases a bridge length is selected that is the best fit for the bow being used.

2.3 Draw Weight.

Draw weight is the maximum amount of weight required to bring the bow to full draw. This personal variable differs according to an individual’s specific build and physical strength. A bow must fit the shooter with respect to draw weight. If the draw weight is right, the archer should easily be able to put the pin on the target and draw the bow straight back to his or her anchor point without straining or shaking. Thereafter, the shooter should be able to repeatedly hold the sights on target for a few seconds. If one cannot accomplish these tasks effortlessly, then that individual is drawing too much weight.

Pointing the bow up or down in an effort to come to full draw indicates that the draw weight is too high. The inability to hold the pin on the target for a few seconds also indicates that the draw weight is too heavy. Pick a draw weight that is right for you. A smooth draw ensures consistent accuracy. But, beware that most jurisdictions have minimum draw weights for hunting whitetails. These regulations many vary from region to region. The length of the bow is also an important consideration. Consider where and how you intend to hunt deer.

Draw weight determines arrow speed and trajectory. It may be trite to say that the greater the draw weight, the faster the projectile velocity and, consequently, the flatter the trajectory. However, becoming more proficient with range estimation and arrow drop may enable the whitetail hunter to lower his or her draw weight and consistently harvest more game animals.

The same physical laws apply to crossbows. A stronger draw weight in conjunction with a longer bridge will increase the velocity of the arrow. Although one may be able to pull back and cock the string on a crossbow with a compound bow, one may not be able to do so in the bow is a recurve. In the latter situation, if the draw weight is considerable, a cocking aid may be required.

2.4 Fit and Feel.

Consistently successful shooting is directly dependent on having the correct equipment that is properly suited to the individual archer. One size definitely does not fit everyone. Poor shooting always results from archery tackle that is incongruent with the shooter. Relaxation and comfort are key considerations. In order to place one’s arrows accurately shot after shot, the archer must remain relaxed and comfortable throughout the entire shooting process. This can only be accomplished if there is a natural correspondence between the shooter and his or her archery equipment. Take the time to find out what works best for you personally.

On crossbows, the length of pull (LOP), same as on a rifles, is the most important consideration. If the butt of the crossbow sits inside your elbow joint and you can freely move your trigger finger in and out across the trigger, then the fit is correct. If you have to reach for the trigger, then the length of pull is too long. This can be corrected and adjusted by having a gunsmith cut out a small portion of the butt. Most adjustments are between one quarter to three eighths of an inch. On the other hand, if the length of pull is too short, that is, your trigger finger slides above the trigger area, a rubber pad may have to be added to the butt.

2.5 Bows—Traditional and Modern.

Modern Bows encompass all of the compound bows. There are literally hundreds of makes and models to choose from. The greatest advantage of any compound bow is what is commonly referred to at the let-off. Simply stated, the let-off is the force required to hold a bow at full draw. All compound bows utilize cams and cables to reduce the force needed to maintain a bow at full draw. The reduction can be anywhere from fifty to eighty percent. For example, a person can hold a seventy pound compound bow with a fifty percent let-off at full draw with only thirty-five pounds of pull. Similarly, an eighty-pound compound bow with an eighty percent let-off can be maintained at full draw with only sixteen pounds of pull. Essentially, the technology of compound bows allows the hunter to hold any bow at full draw longer using less force. Thus leads to consistently more precise shooting.

The let-off is extremely important when selecting a modern bow. However, be aware of any state or provincial restrictions regarding let-off for hunting purposes. In addition, keep in mind that, until recently, the Pope and Young Club record book did not accept any animals taken with compound bows that have a let-off greater than sixty-five percent. Also, this organization does not accept any animal harvested with a crossbow. The following is the current position of the Pope and Young Club with respect to let-off published on its website; Effective January 1, 2004, animals taken with bows have nominal percent of let-off greater than 65 percent shall be listed with an asterisk (*) in the Records. Originally, Art Young and Saxton Pope hunted with straight bows. In 1957 the Pope and Young Club was founded. Among other things, this organization records the harvest of large animals taken by practically any bow, except a crossbow.

With the passing of time, this organization’s definition of bow has changed significantly. Initially, bow meant a straight bow. Later, the definition included a recurve bow. At one time, there was a great resistance to compound bows. However, as compound bows grew in popularity, the Pope and Young Club revised its standards to include compound bows, but only those that did not have a let-off greater than sixty-five pounds. Now, any compound bow, irrespective of let-off, is okay. Given its general trend over the decades, I postulate that in the future, the Pope and Young Club will accept all animals harvested with every bow, even those killed by a crossbow. Currently, crossbows are growing in popularity as more and more gun hunters venture into the domain of archery. As I mentioned earlier, my definition of bow hunters includes people who hunt with crossbows.

Over the years, compound bows have grown shorter. This decrease in length has led to faster arrow speed and improved maneuverability. As a rule, shorter bows generate more speed than longer bows. But, shorter bows, due to the acute string angle at full draw, tend to pinch the fingers of archers preferring to release with fingers. In turn, this distorts accuracy and impairs consistency. Thus, anyone employing a short bow that is less than forty inches in length from axle to axle is better off to use a release. Those that prefer to shoot with fingers and maintain their accuracy tend to pick compound bows that are over forty-four inches in length from axle to axle. In summary, the four main advantages of modern bows over traditional bows are let-off, speed, accuracy and maneuverability.

Traditional bows, which are often referred to as stick bows, consist of two styles—recurves and longbows, also known as straight bows. The limbs on a recurve bow initially sweep towards the bowstring and then angle back towards the front of the bow. On a longbow, the limbs angle back toward the bowstring, producing a single power stroke. When a recurve bow is drawn, each limb has two power curves that bend. On the other hand, when a longbow is drawn each limb only has one power curve. Therefore, recurves have more potential energy and faster speed than longbows. Also, a recurve usually draws smoother and has less hand shock than a longbow. Indeed, a recurve is a pleasure to shoot. However, longbows have the advantage of being more stable and being more silent.

Becoming proficient with a traditional bow is more difficult than acquiring the same level of accuracy with a modern bow or a crossbow. More force is required to hold a traditional bow at full draw than a compound bow due to the fact that there is no let off. A seventy-five pound bow attains seventy-five pounds at full draw. Obviously, it is harder to aim and hold steady a traditional bow. For this reason, most traditional bows lack the precision of compound bows. But, they are more challenging to shoot. In addition, traditional bows are lighter in weight and smoother to draw than modern bows.

Accuracy and silence are paramount. Any bow that you select should consistently shoot accurately and quietly. The speed of an arrow is less important than all of the above. Speed determines trajectory, which can be compensated for by several yardage pins. However, even the fastest arrows (350+ fps) fly slower than the speed of sound (approximately 1,100 fps). Since the shaft travels roughly one third the speed of sound, the whitetail always hears the arrow before it arrives. The twang of a bow string can make a nervous whitetail jump the string and effectively avoid the projectile. Make your bow as quiet as possible. Whitetails have extremely sensitive hearing.

2.6 Arrows.

Unlike bullets, arrows do not fly perfectly straight. Released from any bow, an arrow commences to wobble back and forth similar to a swimming fish. However, in most cases, the path of the arrow is reasonably straight because the oscillation transpires within an acceptable range. Carbon arrows, due to their stiffer nature, will bend less than aluminium arrows. An archer retains control over the bow until he or she releases the arrow. Thereafter, the success of the harvest depends entirely on the flight of the arrow. Thus, every bow hunter strives to purchase the most reliable and the most consistently accurate arrows on the market.

When a finger release is used, arrows will wobble from side to side. If one chooses a mechanical release, the arrows will wobble up and down. As a rule of thumb, one should use a mechanical release on any compound bow that has an axle-to-axle length of less than 112 centimetres (approximately 44 inches) in order to avoid finger pinch. To state the obvious, finger pinch will affect accuracy. It is safe to use fingers to release arrows on any bow that exceeds 112 centimetres in the axle-to-axle length. Accuracy will not be compromised in this situation.

Arrows of choice are predominantly either aluminium or carbon. Wooden arrows, due to their comparatively excessive weight, appear to have become obsolete in today’s bow hunting arena. However, some archers that still resort to traditional methods may prefer to employ arrows made of wood. A carbon arrow is currently the lightest arrow on the market. Each substance has its specific advantage. The heavier aluminium arrow may penetrate better due to the fact that it absorbs more of the bow’s stored energy when it is released. On the other hand, the lighter carbon arrow has the benefit of a flatter trajectory. Also, the carbon arrow flies faster than any aluminum arrow.

Aluminium arrows generally have a four digit number inscribed on them. The first two digits measure the diameter of the arrow in increments of sixty-fourths of an inch. In contrast, the last two digits inform you of the wall thickness of the arrow and are measured in one thousandths of an inch. I used to shoot an Easton Gamegetter II 2117 with my Indian XI compound bow. Easton is the manufacturer. Gamegetter II is the model. However, the number—2117—gives me the relevant information. My arrow is 21/64ths of an inch in diameter and the wall thickness is 17/1000th of an inch.

Carbon arrows do not have these specifications imprinted on them. Instead, carbon arrows are referenced in terms of spine strength (or flexibility) and Grain Weight Per Inch (gpi). The spine strength is measure in one hundred increments—100, 200, 300, 400, etc. A higher number indicates a less flexible arrow. The gpi is obviously calculated in grains. One can determine the total weight of the arrow by multiplying the length of the arrow by its gpi. For instance, I shoot an Easton Epic with a dpi of 8.7 and a length of 28 inches. Therefore my arrow weight is 243.6 grains (8.7 x 28), plus my 100 grain Montec broad head, plus the weight of the insert, plus the weight of the plastic vanes, plus the weight of the nock, plus the weight of the glue. The important factor is to maintain consistent arrow weight in order to ensure repeated accuracy. The spine strength of my arrow is 400, which means that it is a relatively sturdy shaft.

Recently, I purchased a Bowtech Tribute. I have switched to carbon arrows—as mentioned in the previous paragraph, the Easton Epic 400 with a gpi of 8.7. This was not my first experience with carbon arrows. Two years ago, when I decided to try hunting with an Excalibur Exomax crossbow, I opted to try carbon arrows. I found that the carbon arrows appeared to fly flatter and penetrate further. In addition, they seemed to be durable and consistently accurate in flight.

2.7 Fletch.

A group of fins or vanes at the back end of an arrow is referred to as fletching. These fins, which are made from either plastic or feathers, are responsible for guiding the arrow on a relatively straight flight path. Similar to rifling in a gun barrel, fletching causes an arrow to spin when released. Since plastic vanes are more durable than feathers, they are predominant on most modern arrows. However, even though they may wear out quicker than plastic fins, feathers are more forgiving. Traditional archers, shooting recurves and longbows, prefer feathers. Feathers are the only option if a traditional archer shoots off the shelf without the assistance of an arrow rest. Only feathers will compress and slip past the shelf smoothly. Plastic vanes will cause the arrow to bounce off the shelf and fly erratically.

The best fletch colours are bright green, yellow and red. All of these bright colours are easy to see among the autumn colours of the deer-hunting season. White also readily stands out among the fall foliage, but will be difficult to discern once snow blankets the land. The absolute worst colours are orange, brown, beige, and black. These poor choices blend in with the autumn environment and are virtually impossible to detect. They are dull and difficult to see among the fallen leaves. These colours only become visible after the first snowfall. In any event, avoid blue, bright or dull, like the plague. Blue is the one colour that deer can see extremely well. I have a personal preference for bright green and bright yellow. With this selection, I have experienced few difficulties in retrieving my sent shaft. Hit or miss, I have found my arrow in most instances.

2.8 Arrowheads.

Although arrowheads come in a multitude of shapes and sizes, there are only two main categories—practice points and hunting tips. The latter group is commonly referred to as broadheads. In addition to possessing the virtue of true flight, every broadhead must be able cut through and penetrate flesh and bone. Razor sharpness is an absolute must. The most popular broadheads weigh either one hundred or one hundred and twenty five grains and have three replaceable slicing blades. In summary, the three main requirements of any broad head are: 1. Consistent Accuracy; 2. Razor Sharpness; 3. Ability to Pass Through A Deer. Archers always choose practice tips in the same grain weight as their broadhead.

There are three different broadhead tips—chisel-tip, conical-tip and cut-to-tip or cut-on-contact-tip. Each type has virtues and vices. Chisel-tips and conical-tips are excellent for smashing through bone. They are undoubtedly the optimum choice for broadside shots. However, they have a tendency to deflect on less than flat surfaces. The chisel-tips and conical-tips have been known to bounce off game animals on angling shots and neck shots. On the other hand, the cut-to-tip broadheads start cutting and penetrating as soon as they make contact with flesh. They are ideal for neck shots and angling shots. But, these models lack the penetration capability of conical-tips and chisel-tips when it comes to smashing through bones. Thus, the cut-to-tip points may bend or come to a halt upon contact with bone. Recently, I have commenced carrying four arrows—three with chisel-tips and one with a cut-on-contact-tip.

2.9 Kinetic Energy.

Kinetic energy measures the penetration power of an arrow. Therefore, the killing ability of an arrow is directly linked to its kinetic energy. Velocity and weight determine an arrow’s kinetic energy. One can easily compute the kinetic energy of any arrow by employing a standard formula. Velocity is measured in feet per second. Weight is determined in grains. Kinetic energy is calculated in foot-pounds. Most whitetails can be harvested with any arrow exerting forty foot-pounds of kinetic energy.

Velocity = V. Weight = W. Kinetic Energy = K.

K = (V² + W) / 450,240

Velocity varies with draw weight, draw length and arrow weight. Thus, all of these factors are instrumental in determining kinetic energy. Bow design heavily influences arrow speed and kinetic energy. Recurves, due to the fact that they have two power strokes juxtaposed to one, shoot faster projectiles than longbows. A heavier draw weight in any traditional bow typically shoots a faster, flatter arrow. However, compound bows, because of their leverage mechanics, have significantly altered this once true norm. Any compound bow with less draw weight can usually out shoot a traditional bow with respect to speed. Shorter axle-to-axle compound bows generally shoot faster arrows than their longer counterparts. Although ultralight carbon arrows may fly faster and flatter, they may not necessarily exert more kinetic energy. In some instances, a heavier, slower arrow, shot from the same bow, may carry more kinetic energy. In a nutshell, the key consideration in the appropriate selection of arrows is kinetic energy, not speed.

2.10 Arrow Trajectory.

Trajectory is the path that an arrow follows from the time that it leaves the bow to the time that it arrives at the intended target. Primarily, speed determines flight path. However, irrespective of how fast modern carbon arrows are released from state of the art compound bows, they all have trajectories that resemble rainbows. Arrows do not travel in straight lines. They travel in arcs and curves. Typically, an arrow commences its flight below an archer’s line of sight, rises above it and then drops to the line of sight when it strikes the desired mark. Every archer knows that an arrow must be shot in an arched path in order to compensate for the drop and hit the aim point. The effect of gravity on trajectory is inescapable. An understanding of trajectory becomes even more crucial when one angles shots either upward or downward.

Practice shooting at different distances—10, 20, 30, 40, 50 metres. Overtime, this will give you a good understanding of where your arrows will hit at various ranges. Thereafter, in the field, you will need to acquire the ability to reasonably accurately calculate the distances that separate you from the whitetails. On level ground, this will become second nature with repetition. Initially, range finders will greatly facilitate the acquisition of this skill. Most missed shots are due to inaccurate range estimation. Arrow trajectories can be reasonably predicted over horizontal distances. However, a problem arises when you start shooting uphill, downhill or from an aerial perch.

Whenever a significant angle is involved, the rules of trajectory change. Briefly stated, horizontal distance that an arrow traverses determines trajectory, not the actual distance that an arrow travels. This is the case due to the fact that gravity predominantly affects the flight path of any arrow horizontally, irrespective of shooting angle. In other words, gravity only exerts influence over horizontal distance. For example, if the actual distance to a whitetail standing at the bottom of a valley is thirty meters, but the horizontal distance is only twenty meters then use the twenty meter pin to make the shot. When you are shooting at steep angles attempt to calculate the horizontal distance. Sighting and shooting at actual distance is a mistake that can cost you a whitetail. In most instances, if you compute horizontal distance and fire at this distance from a high tree stand, the arrow will likely sail over the back of the whitetail because it has not had the required time and distance to complete its full arc. In a word, horizontal distance always governs trajectory, not actual distance, unless you are shooting on level ground. Although the trajectory may vary depending on whether you are shooting uphill or downhill, the difference is miniscule and insignificant for hunting distances of fifty meters or less.

Even though arrow weight, fletching style and air density affect trajectory to some extent, arrow speed is the most critical factor. As a rule, a faster arrow travels flatter. This reduces the need for exact range estimation (a larger margin for error becomes acceptable). Therefore, bow manufacturers are constantly attempting to produce bows that shoot faster arrows. An archer can further elevate arrow speed by reducing arrow weight and /or broadhead weight. In addition, increasing the draw weight will automatically increase arrow speed. However, one should never