Episode: Fred Bear’s Fourth Commandment of Bowhunting
Release Date: June 11, 2023
-On the Trail … Man that was a big move… and are you done with your draws?
-(3:23) Question of the week from Gene
I use Thunderhead Broadheads which uses replaceable blades. Can those be sharpened as well? If so, how?
I have been reluctant to shoot birds with a bow because of potential broadhead & arrow destruction. As opposed to big game, on level ground you're usually shooting downward with the arrow traveling at high speed after it passes through the bird and into the ground. Any solution to this issue?
-(11:01) Exercise of the week – Stretching/Yoga
I know it’s hard to get into stretching, but it’s supprisingly good for you, so… you should probably be doing it, and I probably should too.
-(15:55) Commandment #3 – Fred Bear’s 4th law of Bowhunting
The Best camouflage pattern is called, “Sit down and be quiet!” Your grandpa hunted deer in a red plaid coat. Think about that for a second.
In this segment we look into how deer see and what you need to do to beat their eyes. They’re better than you might think.
References:
-https://www.themeateater.com/wired-to-hunt/whitetail-hunting/deer-vision-how-whitetails-see-color-light-and-movement
-https://deerassociation.com/the-20-biggest-deer-research-discoveries-of-the-last-decade/
-https://getd.libs.uga.edu/pdfs/miller_elizabeth_a_201305_ms.pdf
The Beyond Hunter Ed – Broadhead Sharpening 101
https://youtu.be/g1zeXAwMZ3w
The Not So Basic Basics of Bowhunting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtcmd7n2w1M
KME Self-Aligning Broadhead Sharpening Jig:
https://www.3riversarchery.com/kme-self-aligning-broadhead-sharpening-jig.html
Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener:
https://www.amazon.com/Work-Sharp-Precision-Additional-Sharpening/dp/B09FWWDFF9/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1U16P1WY4QE5A&keywords=worksharp+precision+adjust+elite&qid=1685406586&sprefix=workshar%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExNzVCSTg4TThaNE9BJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzg1NTcwMks5T1lXVEFaNjY0WSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzkzNTQyMjZNM0QxUllGU1ZGOSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
The Deer Hunter’s Guide By Francis E. Sell:
https://www.amazon.com/Deer-Hunters-Guide-Francis-Sell/dp/B0006BLZIY
Episode: Wind and Thermals Discussion
Release Date: June 4, 2023
After the last episode with the brief discussion of thermals I decided I wanted to tackle the wind, thermals storm winds and thermal hubs in more detail and break it down to the basics, so I asked my dad to join me for the discussion. It was a good look at what goes into deciding where to hunt and how to make your stalk.
The Not So Basic Basics Of Bowhunting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtcmd7n2w1M
Episode: Fred Bear’s Third Commandment of Bowhunting
Release Date: May 28, 2023
-On the Trail … The Not so Basic Basics of Bowhunting was a blast, check it out on Youtube, and the deadline for the draw is coming up in 3 states out west…
-(4:20) Question of the week from Kade
What licensing/permits/classes do I need to get started?
We dive into all the things you’re going to need to get out there for your first hunt. We all know about hunter ed classes, but some states require more and some tags have different requirements, so we go through how to figure out what exactly will be required to get out there.
-(12:14) Exercise of the week – RUCKING!!!
If there’s one thing that signals the start of summer training for hunting it’s RUCKNIG, and it’s time to get to kicking your own butt so you are ready for the fall.
-(18:30) Commandment #3 – Always approach downwind. In the cool of the day move uphill; in the heat of the day move downhill.
One thing that can’t be talked about enough when discussing big game hunting is the wind. It’s vital to OBEY, defined as comply with the command, direction, or request of; submit to the authority of, the wind. And this law brings up not only the predominant wind direction but leads us into a discussion of thermal wind, storm wind and how water affects wind movement in the woods.
The Not So Basic Basics Of Bowhunting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtcmd7n2w1M
The Deer Hunter’s Guide By Francis E. Sell:
https://www.amazon.com/Deer-Hunters-Guide-Francis-Sell/dp/B0006BLZIY
Episode: Fred Bear’s Second Commandment of Bowhunting
Release Date: May 14, 2023
-On the Trail … There’s still 2 days until the CA DFW Not So Basic Basics of Bowhunting and I hope you guys got your draw in for Nevada.
-(4:50) Question of the week from Kade
Where am I even allowed to hunt?
We look at the options from public to private land, and if you want more information look back at episode 1 (Public Land) and 9 (Military base Hunting).
-(11:35) Exercise of the week – Dumbbell Row
If you’re an archery guy you need some form of row in your work out. This is one option.
How to do it:
https://exrx.net/WeightExercises/BackGeneral/DBBentOverRow
https://www.strengthlog.com/dumbbell-row/
-(13:40) Commandment #2 – Don’t look for deer, look for movement. And remember that’s what they’re looking for too.
As almost everything in hunting goes, you need to slow down. This law is no exception, when you move too much you lose opportunities, but you do need to get to the right place, what’s the balance and remember to look for movement.
2 days left to sign up for the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife webinar – The Not So Basic Basics Of Bowhunting here:
https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/198396
Episode 9: Military Base Hunting:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/47ZFBAETdDAHvO0Qjwj3YK?si=42dcfecc2e564ecb
Episode 1: Public Land Hunting Opportunities:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1g9Lncp8x7mRjmd4WpwEHn?si=66a974bba1224910
Episode: Fred Bear’s First Commandment of Bowhunting
Release Date: May 7, 2023
-On the Trail you find out how my draws are going this year… spoiler alert, it could be better, but there’s still time.
-(5:12) Question of the week from Nick
Which is better for a beginner – archery or rifle hunting?
There are reasons to choose both, get my take in the episode.
-(11:13) Exercise of the week – Dumbbell Lateral Raise
I use this, it grows your shoulders, and helps keep the bow up.
How to do it:
https://exrx.net/WeightExercises/DeltoidLateral/DBLateralRaise
https://www.strengthlog.com/dumbbell-lateral-raise/
-(13:22) Commandment #1 – Don’t step on anything you can step over
I discuss my take on not only why this is important for your hunting, but give you some ideas on what you can do to put this commandment and what it means into action in the field.
Sign up for the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife webinar – The Not So Basic Basics Of Bowhunting here:
We're back...
And better than ever....
NEW EPISODES EVERY SUNDAY
Episode: Shot Sequence
Release Date: August 14, 2022
Summary: In this episode we discuss my initial impressions of the book "The Deer Hunter's Guide" by Francis E. Sell that was published back in 1964. Spoiler alert, despite the change in technology his writings about basic woodsman-ship and his advice on that subject is some of the most succinct writings on the topic. The book is dense, but I put it up there as a good read for the experienced hunter and the novice alike. Then we dive into the main topic explaining the importance of a personal shot sequence and look at the California Hunter Ed shot sequence, the National Bowhunter Education Foundation Shot Sequence, the USA Archery shot sequence and finally my own personal shot sequence. With all those steps out there I encourage you to look at your strengths and weaknesses and develop your own to bring your shooting to the next level.
"The Deer Hunter's Guide" By Francis E. Sell:
https://www.amazon.com/Deer-Hunters-Guide-Francis-Sell/dp/B0006BLZIY
CA Hunter Education Shot Sequence Video:
Release Date: July 17, 2022
Summary: As hunters we face ever changing weather conditions and long periods of physical exertion followed by long periods of needing to remain as motionless as possible. Those two things usually add up to one big problem... COLD. One of the most important things you can do to keep yourself in the field in the fall is to make sure you're as comfortable as possible. In this episode we discuss the basic layering system I use to stay comfortable from the early season in California to the northern Wisconsin gun deer season and everything in between. The cloths themselves may change but the system is the same, base layer, warm layer, insulation layer and outer layer.
Release Date: July 9, 2022
Summary: In this episode we take everything we talked about over the last two episodes and put it together to give you a complete system to know when to shoot and when to look for a better shot. We build on the animal's vital zone size in part 1, and your weapon's and personal capabilities in part 2, and we add the environmental factors, animal behavior and weather into the mix to give you a full picture of when the shot is a high percentage shot and when the conditions are not quite right.
References:
Arrow Ballistics Calculator:
http://www.bestcrossbowsource.com/crossbow-arrow-ballistics-calculator
WASP Archery - Arrow speed calculator without a Chronograph:
https://www.wasparchery.com/blog/how-to-calculate-arrow-speed-without-a-chronograph/
Hornady Ballistic Calculator:
https://www.hornady.com/team-hornady/ballistic-calculators/#!/
Colorado Parks and Wildlife - Lesson 10 -Elk Hunting Ballistics:
Animal Vital Zone Sizes:
https://chuckhawks.com/kill_zone_game_animals.htm
Shoot or Don't Shoot By Phil Mendoza:
https://www.amazon.com/Shoot-Dont-Bowhunting-Number-Percenter-ebook/dp/B07LBHJ2V4
Release Date: July 3, 2022
Summary: In this episode we aim to expand your confidence when it comes time to take that shot. To do this we expand on the introduction and look at how to determine your capabilities as a shooter and then show you how to figure out how capable your equipment is when it comes to taking down big game.
References:
Arrow Ballistics Calculator:
http://www.bestcrossbowsource.com/crossbow-arrow-ballistics-calculator
WASP Archery - Arrow speed calculator without a Chronograph:
https://www.wasparchery.com/blog/how-to-calculate-arrow-speed-without-a-chronograph/
Hornady Ballistic Calculator:
https://www.hornady.com/team-hornady/ballistic-calculators/#!/
Colorado Parks and Wildlife - Lesson 10 -Elk Hunting Ballistics:
Animal Vital Zone Sizes:
https://chuckhawks.com/kill_zone_game_animals.htm
Shoot or Don't Shoot By Phil Mendoza:
https://www.amazon.com/Shoot-Dont-Bowhunting-Number-Percenter-ebook/dp/B07LBHJ2V4
Summary: In this episode we start tacking one of the most important decisions we make in the field each year. Is this a shot I should take or a shot I should pass? The repercussions of this decision are well known to all of us, and in the heat of the moment is not the time to be making the decision. This episode is the intro to a series where we are going to put a system in place that can be used with any weapon system to make sure you are taking the shots you should and passing on the ones you should. In the end that's going to translate to more tags filled and less tag soup.
References:
Animal Vital Zone Sizes:
https://chuckhawks.com/kill_zone_game_animals.htm
Shoot or Don't Shoot By Phil Mendoza
https://www.amazon.com/Shoot-Dont-Bowhunting-Number-Percenter-ebook/dp/B07LBHJ2V4
Release Date: June 16, 2022
Summary: FINALLY!!!! We're back in the classroom teaching Hunter's Education. Additionally this episode we discuss how my turkey season went and how life can get in the way of hunting. We also talk about the lessons learned this year, the good, the bad and the ugly.
Episode: Archery Accessories
Release Date: February 1, 2022
Summary: Last weekend I took my son out in the field with me. It was a great experience, but there are some lessons learned with taking kids in the field with you, so we go over them to make sure when you take your kids you can have a great experience as well. Then we dive into the meat of the episode, and there are a lot of different accessories that we put on our bows. Today we cover the three big ones, sights, rests and releases and what your should be looking for in each of them to make you a better archer.
Episode: Arrow Fletching
Release Date: January 23, 2022
Summary: Most people either fletch their arrows with whatever is easiest to find on Amazon or whatever the bow shop does with them. That's fine, but if you want to take your arrows to the next level you need to understand your arrows steering mechanism. In this episode we cover what fletching is and how and why it works. Then we talk about the different materials and fletching patterns that are available as well as the benefits and drawbacks to each of them.
Episode: Kinetic Energy vs. Momentum
Release Date: January 16, 2022
Summary: Application season is on us, and in this episode we talk about the deadlines coming up to start off. Then we dive into the main portion of the episode covering the Kinetic Energy vs Momentum debate. I give you my opinion on which measurement you should use with each projectile and the reasoning behind it. There's also some examples using other sporting equipment to demonstrate the usefulness of each measurement when it comes to doing work on the animals we hunt.
Wounding Rates Article:
https://www.deeranddeerhunting.com/content/articles/fate-of-deer-truth-bowhunting-wounding-rates
Kinetic Energy and Momentum Calculator:
https://archerycalculator.com/archery-kinetic-energy-and-momentum-calculator/
"What's the difference between Kinetic Energy and Momentum" Article:
https://www.lancasterarchery.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-momentum-and-kinetic-energy/
Episode: 2021 Season Recap
Release Date: January 9, 2022
Summary: In this episode my Dad is back discussing the 2021 season. We primarily discuss what went wrong, and what went right on our OTC elk hunt in Colorado and the public land Norther Wisconsin three day white-tail deer hunt during the Wisconsin gun deer season. We also brain storm about what we'll be doing differently next year to help us be more successful in the future and reminisce about our favorite moments of the hunting season.
In this episode we discuss the third and final element of the Broadhead Delivery System, The Broadhead. This is the integral part that does the dirty work so you wont want to miss this.
Legal Considerations:
https://www.wasparchery.com/blog/broadhead-hunting-regulations-by-state/
Ed Ashby Reports:
https://www.grizzlystik.com/ashby-reports
Tanto Tip:
The Hunting Public and Ranch Fairy - Broadhead sharpening
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJJqertQbHU
Single Bevel vs Bone by Grizstick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_js9YzQfyU
Products:
KME Broadhead Sharpener
https://www.3riversarchery.com/kme-self-aligning-broadhead-sharpening-jig.html
Grizzly Broadhead
https://www.3riversarchery.com/grizzly-screw-in-broadheads.html
Steel Force Traditional Broadhead
https://www.3riversarchery.com/steel-force-broadheads-traditional-series.html
Samurai Overkill Broadhead
https://www.3riversarchery.com/grizzlystik-samurai-overkill-single-bevel-broadheads.html
Maasai Broadhead
https://www.3riversarchery.com/maasai-redline-2-blade-right-wing-bevel-screw-in-broadhead-711424.html
Tuffhead Broadheads
https://siriusarchery.com/tuffhead-home/broadheads/
Episode: Arrows
Release Date: December 26, 2021
Summary: This is the second part of the series where we look at the archery hunting system, or the Broadhead Delivery System. In this part we discuss arrows, what they're made of and what you need out of them from a hunting perspective.
References:
Dr. Ed Ashby Papers:
https://www.grizzlystik.com/ashby-reports
WHAT’S YOUR ARROW’S IDEAL FRONT-OF-CENTER WEIGHT? - Article
https://archery360.com/2019/07/16/whats-your-arrows-ideal-front-of-center-weight/
Episode: Bows
Release Date: December 20, 2021
Summary: In this episode we start our archery series. This episode is all about bows, how they work and how to find the right one for you.
References:
Bow Curve:
https://sites.google.com/site/technicalarchery/technical-discussions-1/understanding-the-bow-draw-curve
Compound Bow Choice:
http://compoundbowchoice.com/
Episode: East vs West Hunting
Release Date: December 12, 2021
Summary: This season I was thinking about the differences between hunting in the East and West, as well as what factors lead to those differences. In this episode we discuss the differences, why they are different, the hunting tactics to use in each area and who should gravitate to each style of hunting.