Additional resources for the bowhunting web reader.

Blogs and web resources that receive a recommendation here on dvMA must meet the same high standards as products, gear providers and outfitters that receive a positive recommendation.  Content must good (my opinion), coherent, regularly updated and highly archery related.  Authors must be good and ethical folks and hunters as far as I can virtually tell.  They must be responsive to comments and e-mails.  This is why you don’t see me recommending some of the larger bowhunting and archery forums that I do feel are valuable resources – either through actions or unresponsiveness I don’t believe they live up to dvMA standards (and dvMA may not live up to theirs).  With that in mind here are some that I do recommend in no particular order.

Father and son Mike and Mike Adams during a 2009 bowfishing trip to Wisconsin.

Up North Journal – A father and son explore Michigan’s outdoors and record their experiences through blogging, web casting and pod casts.  Mike Adams, the UNJ patriarch, was the impetus behind dvMA.  I’ve bowfished with Mike and Mike and despite our differing outdoor schedules we continue to brainstorm current and future ideas.

Jerry “Ike” and Lindsey Eullit at the 2011 ATA show.

Ike’s Outdoors – Bowhunting video “How To’s”, product reviews and more.  I’m a big fan of Ike’s Outdoors.  I met Jerry “Ike” at the 2011 Archery Trade Association show.  You can find my review of the Ike’s Outdoors Basic Bow Tuning DVD here .

The SoCal Bowhunter – Al lends an interesting California bowhunting flair to this eclectic blog roll.  Great photos and reviews. 

The Western Wanderer – Running and bowhunting.  Need I say more?  Hardly more to life than that.  Another California influence, John hunts critters throughout the west.

Emily of Scent Free Lip Gloss

Scent Free Lip Gloss – From inception Emily’s Colorado based blog has been both entertaining and informative.  Regular updates, outstanding photography and great adventures make this a must read in my opinion.

Michael Larson’s Archery Report takes a logical approach to answering diabolical bowhunting questions.

Archery Report – Another Colorado based blog – Michael brings us the latest bows and presents a logical approach to answering some of those often debated diabolical bowhunting questions we all get our panties in a wad about. 

Africa Hunting.com – Forums and resources for the hunter considering an African adventure.

And, finally, if you didn’t know dvMA does a nearly daily bowhunting related snippet on the dvMA FaceBook page.  “Like” it to get your daily bowhunting fix.

happy hunting, dv

If you liked this blog you may like the following:

• An Interview With Robin Parks of Aim’n Low TV
• An Interview With A Bowhunting Booking Agency
• An Interview with Straight ‘N Arrow Archery
• Mostly Archery Top Ten Blog Posts
• dv’s 2010 Bowhunting Year in Review
• Photographing Your Hunting Trophies
• People Pictures From The Archery Trade Association

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Copyright © Jerry E Long, 2009-2011

 By Jerry Long, April 19, 2010   

Follow along with me on an after-action virtual visit to the Madison, WI Deer and Turkey Classic held 9, 10 and 11 April, 2010.

As a general rule I try to stay away outdoor expositions such as the Deer and Turkey Classic for a variety of reasons.  First, they conflict with the fine balance between outdoors time and family time and in my case/opinion are really neither.  Second, without an extremely close grip on the wallet they can vie for dollars that could be spent on actual outdoors adventures.  Even when not tempted by such events I often need to remind myself that my money should be spent on hunting and not on (the latest nifty) hunting equipment.  The last time I attended one was 1993 or 1994. 

However, I had one particular need that was best served by attending so I asked outdoors buddy Seth to join me and up we headed on Sunday morning.  After cursing Tom Tom for taking me way southwest to get northwest (I should have been suspicious when it said there were gravel roads involved – huh?? – this ain’t Kansas) and paying our $10 entrance fees (after $2 coupon) Seth Seth got me oriented towards the PSE Archery booth.  That’s where our expo adventure started.

PSE Archery – I shot the Axe 7 in a fifty pound target bow, the Axe 6 in fifty-five pounds and the Vendetta XL in fifty-five pounds.  No thoughts yet on the line up – not enough weight to judge draw cycle or after shot performance.  All three bows naturally rolled forward after the shot which was nice.  One thing I’ll say is that, whether calling PSE directly or talking to representatives in person, everyone is very nice.

The PSE Axe 7.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – Seth reminded me my fishing license expired at the end of March.  Twenty dollars to the nice lady and I was good to whack and stack some more fishies.

Wisconsin Bow Hunters – After four to five years of communicating via archery forums and e-mails I finally met my WBH District Representative who does so much to help preserve our bowhunting heritage here in Wisconsin.

Safari Room Taxidermy – I’ve chosen Safari Room Taxidermy to mount the gemsbok trophy I’m hoping to bring back from South Africa – here’s a link to the dustyvarmint African Archery Safari 2010 article page.  They were just as pleasant and helpful in person as on the phone and their sample work was outstanding.

A beautiful gemsbok.

Byron Ferguson – I’ve always regretted not buying long bow trick shot Byron Ferguson’s book the last time I saw him at a Duck’s Unlimited Outdoor Festival in Virginia.  This time I asked him to sign the copy of Become The Arrow I bought.  That’s another $10 down.

Become The Arrow by Byron Ferguson.

Greg Miller - Being that I’m a nearly entirely self-taught (which isn’t saying much) whitetail hunter Wisconsin native Greg Miller is an author I’ve long turned to for technique.  I’d waited years to have him sign my copy of Proven Whitetail Tactics.  He indicated it is now out of print and recently a signed copy in pristine condition went for over $400 on e-Bay.  Mine gets read too much to be in pristine condition, but I’m thinking it is going in my fire safe along with the signed copy of Greg’s Aggressive Whitetail Hunting when I’m not reading them.

KME Sharpeners – This excellent little device makes putting a razor edge on the smallest little replaceable blades like those in my Wasp JakHammers or normal-sized heads like Slick Tricks or Magnus Stingers a cinch.  Although I don’t have any problems utilizing mine, the demonstrated technique looked infallible and I learned about a final polishing technique utilizing corrugated fiberboard.

The KME broadhead sharpener. 

Knife booths – One anonymous knife vendor yielded another ceramic rod steel for $3, see How To – Use a Sharpening Steel.  Another had an excellent selection of Victorinox-Forschner knives; see Forschner Knives – Buy Now, Thank Me Later; but not the 8-inch chef’s knife I was looking for. 

A ceramic steel.

Dakota Hunting Trips – I stopped to see Chris at Dakota Hunting Trips who I used as the outfitter on my 2006 pronghorn quest.  Two things I’ll always remember about Chris.  One, he stuck with me through three embarrassing 32-36 yard misses and eventually led me to success at 28 yards.  Second, when pulling up to an abandoned farmstead for some post-pronghorn-hunt-bunny-whacking he said, “I hope you don’t mind lots of blood and screaming.”  I didn’t and I don’t – I nailed a cottontail in the shoulder with the first shot at 32 yards – go figure.

Chris poses with my lucky-to-have pronghorn.

Adaptive Sportsmen Incorporated – I always like to say hello to ASI president John Mitchell.  The guy is an inspiration to me.  What can be better than an organization that allows able-bodied persons the privilege of helping physically challenged hunters get into the field?  See a video from the 2009 ASI turkey hunt here.

I pose with dedicated whitetail hunter Heather during the 2008 season.

Muddy Treestands – In the top ten of questions on bowhunting forums is, “What about Muddy Treestands and Sticks?”  I learned about improvements to their 2010 line and inquired about obtaining a set of sticks for a review for you, the reader.  I’ll follow that lead and see where it takes me.

Rhino Blinds – An anonymous vendor had Rhino blinds in stock.  I’ve been seeing good discussion regarding the products and the company on archery forums.  The blind seems well-constructed, reinforced in all the right places and has the right features.  At $220 it has my attention.

Camp Wild Girls – I had the pleasure of meeting fellow Skinny Moose blogger and hunter Terri Lee Pocernich of Camp Wild Girls.  

Among other odds and ends that was about it.  Total monetary cost was $43 not including travel, Kwik Trip donuts and a lunch snack.  Total time including travel was eight hours during which a few I should have been shooting my bow instead.  Overall I had a good time.  My jury is still out on whether it is worth it to attend.

happy hunting, dv 

If you liked this blog you may like the following:  

• Custom Turkey Call Interview On Up North Journal
• Packin It In And Out – Treestands
• Overhauling A Hunting Bow
• No Bird Left Behind - A Turkey Tale
• Outfitter Report – Javelina And Hogs In Texas
• Boar Attack – Anatomy Of A Hog Shot Gone Wrong
• Pronghorn – Rained Out
• A Clothing System For Cold Weather Bowhunting
• Forschner Knives – Buy Now, Thank Me Later
• The Best Valentine’s Day Ever – Winter Bowfishing
• How To – Make Your Own Turkey Friction Call
• How To – Make Your Own Turkey Friction Call – Part 2
• How To – Make Your Own Turkey Friction Call – Part 3
• WWAC – What Would Africa Cost?
• Return On Investment – Outdoor’s Style
• dv Goes to Africa – Expenses Part I
• dv Goes to Africa – Expenses Part II

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Over time I’ve stumbled on a few archery-related resources that are just too good not to pass along.

Airline Travel

At some point in your bowhunting pursuits you’ll likely be facing a commercial airline flight with your equipment.  In these days of fees on fees one has to plan ahead and be fully aware of the related expenses and repercussions.  Years ago on my first spring turkey hunt to Kansas I sent my bow ahead via UPS in a standard cardboard bow box and took my blind on the plane as checked luggage.  The bow arrived with the rest damaged and the blind bag was never the same after having been drug across the flight line time after time. 

This year I took my first trip to Texas, see Boar Attack – Anatomy of a Hog Shot Gone Wrong and Outfitter Report – Javelina and Hogs in Texas.  The airlines would have charged me $50 each way to check my bow.  I sent it ahead via FEDEX, round trip, for $40.  My cheap plastic case was damaged to the point where it can’t be used for that type of transit any more, but the bow was unharmed.  Additionally, due to weight restriction, the meat from my hog was donated to a Mexican orphanage while I brought home the frozen skulls, capes and meat from two javelinas in my checked luggage. 

Bowsite‘s Pat Lefemine is a well-traveled, much-experienced bowhunter.  In this article, 15 Tips For Bowhunters Who Travel, he gives us the latest straight scoop on airline travel for bowhunting.  I would add one more tip – look up the prospective airline’s baggage rules before booking.  If you have questions, call them for clarification.  Once you pick an airline print the baggage rules and take them with you to the airport.  If bowhunting travel is in your future check out Pat’s article. 

Scent Free Lip Gloss

If you don’t already know what I’m talking about you’re likely saying, “Whaaattttt?”  Did dustyvarmint get into the annual bottle of holiday Irish Cream early this year?  No.  Although I like to blog I simply don’t have the time to read a lot of blogs.  Scent Free Lip Gloss is an archery/hunting/outdoors blog I find the time to read.  Whatever the right “blogging stuff” is Emily has it; witty, humorous, insightful with great music, pictures and video.  I’ve finally added it to the blog roll (down to the right) and to the static DV’s Links Page.  Go check it out. 

Emily and Hubby with a great elk.

Archery Report

Somewhere between marketing hype and one-example-my-X-brand-set-up-is-best-anecdotes there lies some truth and fact.  I like the direction Archery Report is taking.  Check out this Fletching Review where Mike compares the performance of a number of usual and unusual fletching options as well as the Bow Speed Database where he is compiling actual speeds from user input.  I’m anxious to get numbers from my bows in there.  I’ve also added Archery Report to the blog roll and DV’s Links Page.

Mike of Archery Report with a fine pronghorn. 

happy hunting, dv

If you liked this blog you may like the following: 

• Packin It In And Out – Treestands
• Photographing Your Hunting Trophies
• Overhauling A Hunting Bow
• Archery Release Mystery Solved

Feedback, Questions & Comments

I’d like to hear your tips, feedback, comments or questions.  Please leave them below.  

Subscribe 

Like this blog? Want to be notified of updates? Subscribe via RSS feed by clicking here.