| Bowhunting.net
BowTech Bowhunting Tips
Hunter success is determined by many factors, and in order to maximize that figure, it’s best to capitalize on those elements which are in our direct control. Choosing the best fitting, most accurate shooting bow within our budget is a start. Proper bow accessories, practice and preseason scouting all play a roll, too. But once hunting season hit’s, what’s in the pack come crunch-time can make all the difference in the world. No matter where I’m hunting for the day, be it out of a remote spike camp in a remote wilderness or a short drive from my Oregon home, there are some items I’ll always have in my pack. Not always are these items used, but every one has played a roll at one time or another in my success, safety, survival and/or proper recovery of a game animal. These are items I personally rely upon based on over 30 years of pursuing western big game. Because of my profession, my top priority is a camera. I carry a Canon 20D digital camera, but a simple point-and-shoot is all that’s needed. With so many hunters sharing a deep passion for what we do, what better way to relive the memories than through photos. Stay away from disposable cameras with plastic lenses, as they do no justice to the animal, the hunter or the beautiful terrain. For less than $100 you can get a compact digital or 35mm camera that takes great shots. With the camera, include an extra battery and roll of film. You’ll always find a wind-checker bottle in an easily accessible pouch of my pack. When closing in on an animal, I’ll slip it into a pant pocket or even carry it in hand. Don’t be afraid to use these, I’ve gone through a bottle in a single day. They are a small price to pay for success. In addition to the basic allen wrench set, an extra release aid, game calls, flashlight, toilet paper, trail ribbon, rope, space blanket, mole skin, athletic tape, aspirin, ibuprofen and an antihistamine, I’ll also have duct tape and super glue. Duct tape has many uses, ranging from boot, clothing and minor gear repair to covering up hot spots on your feet and sealing leaks in rain gear. Super glue is perfect for sealing cuts, especially those encountered by broadheads or knives. A small knife (and sharpening steel) is essential, and one with a four-inch blade is enough to quarter and bone and elk, as well as cape it. In case of an emergency, a couple health bars or trail mix, a mirror and fire starter are must haves. If I’m in the wilderness, away from base camp and many miles removed from civilization, I’ll also include an MRE, just in case I get stuck out there. A GPS, map and compass are a good idea, but honestly, I’ve only relied on a GPS one time to get me out of the woods. If hunting new area, these tools can be worth it, and I’d rank a good topo map the most valued of the three. I’ll also carry extra string serving, as well as string wax and fiber optics for my sight pins. I’ve hunted in areas so dry and dusty, that waxing the string each day, sometimes twice a day was necessary. I’ve also been in country so rugged, I’ve destroyed three sets of fiber optics in as many days. Be sure to have a lighter to properly set these fiber optics. Finally, I’ll carry a set of cotton gloves, a stocking cap and often an extra pair of socks. Should you get caught out at night, you want to keep your extremities warm. Even on early season, high country hunts where temperatures may reach 80 degrees by day, they can get to below freezing at night. Prepare for the worst without bogging yourself down. Besides being in the best physical condition possible, take care of your feet. If your feet aren’t working, the hunt’s over. Clip toenails as short as possible a day or two prior to the hunt. Make all efforts to keep feet dry during the hunt. Tend to hotspots, blisters, jammed toes and all else you may encounter. Deal with the discomforts before they debilitate you. Finally, the most important element
of all; water. Bottles with the screw on
filter are preferred, though purification tablets also work well in preventing
giardia and other microbial contamination.
With the screw on charcoal filters, I’ve drank from some scary water and
been just fine. By equipping yourself
with what you need to keep your bow and body functioning throughout the day, as
well as being prepared to deal with emergency situations, your success rates
rise and personal risks diminish. For more on BowTech & Check out Scott Haugen © Copyright 2005 by Bowhunting.net |
