Bow Hunting Deer 101

Last weekend I was out deer hunting in Fulton County Georgia and I killed a two and a half year old cull buck and I thought I would share a tip that I think helped me to harvest that deer. Any modest bow hunter will admit that he or she had to start somewhere and undoubtedly had a great deal of questions at first. I know did and still do have a lot of questions to ask as there is still much to learn. Anyways, the lesson to be learned in this bow hunting 101 tip has to do with stand placement.




I was set up in an area that was semi open with a bunch of old, white oaks that were loaded with ripe acorns. There was a fence that sort of separated the hardwoods from a thick pine forest. Going into the area, I knew that deer often would bed down and just hand out in that pine thicket, and then hop the fence to eat a bit. After locating the most prominently used crossings over that fence, I picked out a tree that was about ten yards in front of that fence. Now the deer hunting 101 tip that I used here was the positioning of my climber. Rather than facing my stand towards the direction that the deer would be approaching, I turned my back to the deer. Now, the reason that I do this is simple. The tree blocks my figure so that the deer are less likely to locate my position. You see, if you face the approaching trails, then the deer are able to see you location. To get back to the story, I heard the deer approaching from behind me and it walked right in front of my location. Now usually I would have a compound bow in my hands, but not this time. I was actually packing a brand new Barnett Wildcat C5 Crossbow. This tip is great for those hunting with a compound because a deer with its back to a hunter is less likely to spot the movement as the hunter stands or draws the bow back. I have learned through past experiences that any little advantage helps. Anyways, the deer walked right up to a big, loaded persimmon tree to grab a bite and I sent a 20 inch arrow tipped with a muzzy broad head right for the kill zone. The buck ran about thirty yards and hit the ground. That basically concludes the deer hunting 101 lesson that I wanted to cover. Next post will be about how to sharpen the broad heads after they have been shot, thus making your equipment reusable and stretching a few dollars.

The Block Archery Target

Hey everyone, do you know what time of year it is? Well, if you live in the southeast, more specifically Georgia, then you know that it is archery season for deer. As exciting as this time of year is for myself and many hunters throughout the area, it is important to remember the basic fundamentals of the sport in order to maximize success. What I am here to talk about today is archery targets. Yep, as fun as all of this hunting stuff is, it is important to put those jubilant emotions away and practice first. Trust me; if you practice you will be thanking yourself later. I cannot tell you how upsetting it is to miss a big buck. By practicing with your bow and arrow, you are going to become better and better and placing arrows where you want them. With better control, you will more than likely become a better bow hunter and therefore more likely to see success out in the field.

Now that we have gotten through all of that blabber, let’s talk about the best archery targets out there. Note that some of the more notable or trusted brands are going to be more expensive. So before purchasing an archery target, you will need to assess what you want out of it. So for the rest of this post, we will be talking about the epitome of a great bow hunting target. It is called the block target. I can remember when this particular product hit the shelves. It was definitely the first of its kind. From there on it basically set the bar for top quality. What was so innovative about this product? When it first came out it was the first layered archery target to come out. Rather than most of the other players out in the market, this particular item used layers stacked upon layers to stop arrows with friction rather than force. Now that we have gone over a brief history of the block archery target, let’s talk about some of field logics newest items. By the way, field logic is the company that makes it.

The field logic block 4x4 archery target is their newest I believe. If you watch the outdoor channel, then you more than likely know how cool looking this item looks. As cool as its visual appeal is, it also has a nice price on it as well. However, I will attempt to rationalize the price later. Anyways, to my knowledge broad heads can be shot into the block archery target. This is great news because shooting what you will be hunting with definitely helps with accuracy and precision. If you have no idea about what I am talking about, then be sure to check out my last post on targets for broadheads. If you have not seen the commercial, then you will be happy to know that this particular product is said to be able to withstand approximately twenty thousand shots by arrows. They apparently tested it and showed pictures of it after being shot twenty thousand plus times. Here is how I rationalize the price though. Okay, say you buy a forty dollar target that only has one side that cannot be shot with broad heads. Now say you purchase the block archery target for around a hundred dollars or so and you get a target with four sides to shoot at. So you are basically getting four times what the other product has, plus you have the satisfaction of knowing that you have one of the top products out there. I thought that was just something that many people never think about.

Broadhead Targets

As an avid bow hunter myself, I like to put as many advantages on my side as possible. Archery is an art folks, an art that requires the utmost precision, accuracy, and form. There are even more items that factor into the perfect shot such as distance and wind. If you want to become a successful bow hunter, then the facts are that you will have to practice. AS with almost any other sport, practicing is a key element to success. Many bow hunters tend to pick their bow up about a month before the season starts, shoot a few arrows, and are then take off to the woods. I feel that almost any person that has participated in this sport has done this at some point in time. Heck, I still do it. However, it doesn’t take a whole lot of missed opportunities for that idealism to change. I missed one giant buck a few years back because of a simple, lack of preparation. I didn’t have my pins set up right and I did not take the time to mark off yardage landmarks. As you can probably guess, it did not take me long to go home, pull out my gear and get with the program. That hunt and that buck are still fresh on my mind even to this day. I suspect that it will stay there for a long time – reminding me to practice and have my stuff together.


One vital aspect of bow hunting that many hunters fail to comply with is practicing a little every day. Some of the professionals, I am speaking of those that shoot for a living, state that they would rather see people shoot just a few times every day than shoot a lot one day a week. It is just as important to train those muscles and have them conditioned before the hunt. With that said, let’s talk about a new innovative product that is out to help with this issue. In the past, many hunters used their field points only to sight their compounds in and for practice. Rarely did people ever use a broadhead just to see where it would place. As it turns out, some broadheads do fly differently than field points. However, there are others like the rage that flies just like a field point. So, it is important to use a target that has a face or surface for broad heads. The block is a good one, and the thirty five dollar buckmaster broad head target works as well – I have one by the way.

Ground Hunting Blinds - Everything You Need

Why Are They Important?


This particular type of tree stand is important for a wide variety of reasons. For one, it is a very accessible and convenient method for folks to get out and hunt. Many people who are handicapped or can no longer climb up in a tree stand really find these ground hunting blinds useful. Other advantages of using one of these blinds is that they are much easier to setup than a regular tree stand. Regardless of whether we are talking about a lock on or a ladder stand, a deer hunting blind is way simpler to configure and put into place. Yet another reason is that they are just as versatile as a climbing tree stand. Climbers are better in my opinion because they allow the hunter the advantage of elevation; however, grounds blinds can be just as advantageous. They can be moved around with ease and allow the hunter to move around while sitting out in the field.

What Is The Best Method For Setting Them Up?

The best method by far for blending one of these things into the surrounding is to use sticks and brush. Using this type of stuff will help to keep the ground blind hidden and keep us hunters from being spotted.

Who Makes The Best Ground Blind?

If I am being asked this question, I would have to say double bull archery or Primos if you will. Double bull ground blinds are expensive, but you will rarely hear anything negative commented about their products. Kind of makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

How Much Do They Cost?

They can cost anywhere from fifty to one hundred dollars, depending on the brand or qualities. The Sportsman’s guide a nice one for around fifty dollars that has worked for me, but it is all relative to what the hunter wants out of the stand.

Deer Hunting 101: Staying Undetected

Today’s topic of discussion will center on the essential elements of staying undetected by deer when hunting. I would like to first state that although different environments call for varying methods. However, the basics are all the same. In order to begin this assessment it is a good idea to identify the problem at hand. The problem is that the whitetail deer has an extremely keen sense of eyesight and smell. Okay, with that said, our ideal situation is hunt these animals without being detected. So from here on we will address tactics under three different categories – sight, hearing, and smell.

How To Hunt Deer Without Being Seen

1. Select The Best Camo Pattern

Obviously you will need some camouflage. To be even more precise, it is even better to go with a camo pattern that matches the surroundings of your hunting location. Consider the time of year you will be hunting, such as the color of the leaves, and whether or not it will being snowing during your hunts.

2. Minimize Movement

No matter how efficient you are at holding still as a hunter, you will more than likely make a few movements while out in the field. Whether its itching your nose or moving your head to scan the area, some movement Is necessary. With that said, it is important to pay attention to the manner in which these movements are made. I usually hold as still as possible, while slowly scanning the area around me.

3. Understand Deer Sign Language

Imagine this scenario, a few deer come out, should you hold still or continue to scan? In order to do the right things out in the field, it is vital to understand deer sign language. That’s what I call it, you can call it whatever you want. When a deer is nervous, it will show. They can act like they are going to eat something and then pop their heads back up to try to catch a hunter moving. This is a pretty instinctive tactic on their part and is actually very effective. Many hunters will go ahead and move when the deer lowers it’s head, and then bam, the deer pull the trick and you are spotted. One good deer hunting 101 tactic is to watch for the flicker of their tails. When a deer flickers its tail, it usually means that everything is cool. In other words, they think that everything is safe and will continue to do what they were doing. Whenever I bow hunt, I always assess the situation for the proper time to stand and draw. If I can, I usually want a deer that intends to feed in the area to actually spend a few minutes feeding before I draw. This sort of lets the deer get acclimated to the area and therefore increases the chances that I will be able to draw undetected. Note that during the beginning of bow season, deer will flicker their tails a lot more because of bugs.

4. Wear A Face Mask

If you want to increase the chances of going undetected, it is a good idea to wear a face mask. Netted masks are a good idea for the hot months. If you can stand the heat, this is a good idea. It just minimizes a few movements and helps to break up the hunters outline and make it harder for deer to spot you.

5. Thermacell Insect Repellant

Using a thermacell is a good idea to help minimize movements made during the hunt. Folks, we have all been there, it is really hard to hunt when the mosquitoes are hovering all over you. This deer hunting insect repellant helps to create a bubble or shield around a hunter and help to keep those pesky insects away. I know they help me decrease movements made on the hunt by not having to shoo insects away.

6. How to Hide A Treestand

Okay, now we have come to the subject of treestands. By simply sitting in a treestand, the hunter gains a great advantage. Being above a deer’s normal level of sight can help to prevent deer from spotting a hunter. Being in a elevated position also allows the hunter to see more of the area, which is another hunting 101 tip. A few more tips include using foliage and limbs to hide a tree stand. If there is a small tree next to me, then I usually try to find a way to tie to my stand. I take a rope or string to pull the tree and leaves next to my stand which helps to keep me hidden. A few other methods for doing this are to use artificial tree limbs or a camo drape.

How To Eliminate Odors

1. Use scent elimination products such as scent away.
These will help to keep deer from detecting out smells. A pretty basic 101 tip, but it does help.

2. Carbon activated clothing and boots
Some people use shoes and clothing by companies such as scent shield that absorb human odors and thus decrease the chance of being detected by the whitetail deer.

3. Hunt The Wind
Pretty basic tip here, but it is always better to hunt with the wind in your face and have the deer come from in front of you.

4. Approach stand from opposite direction that the deer enter from.
This is not always possible, but in some situations it really helps. Try approaching a stand from behind and with food sources and trails that are in front of the stand. This is another basic deer hunting tip. The idea is to not walk all over the hunting area, or at least the areas where you think that the deer will be walking through. The idea is to not increase the likelihood of having a deer smell where you walked in.

5. Don’t Park Your Vehicle Close To The Stand
Now, I understand that this is not always possible. Some people cannot, or do not want to walk a decent distance to their stand. If I am hunting an area where I think the deer are close, such as near a bedding area or something like that, then how much sense does it make to drive within a hundred yards of the stand, shut the door, get all your gear, and then walk to the stand? Deer are not overly educated, so why give them the advantage? As a hunter who really enjoys the sport, I like to put the advantage on my side or put the odds in my favor. I guess it is the predatory instinct of a hunter, Now if you are just out there to get away from the job or house, then this may not matter, but it does have some logic to it. Think about this: the majority of the year, the woods are predominately quiet right? So, when all the hunters come rolling in during the fall, then within a few days they are going to start changing their patterns. Studies have shown this to be true. An example of this would be to tag a deer with a collar or gps tracking device – which has been done before by wildlife biologists or DNR officers. They monitor patterns during the off season and pay attention to what the deer do when hunting season comes around. I do know that a big buck, for instance, will develop patterns or trails that they take. When they are bumped out of an area, the usually make adjustments to those patterns. This is just a survival instinct, but I have paid attention for long enough to find some truth in it.

How to Keep Deer From Hearing You

1. Use silent clothing
Before you buy a piece of camouflage, check out its texture and see how much noise it makes when manipulated. This will give you a good idea of what noise will be made when moving in the stand.

2. Cough Silencers

These work, but take a little bit of practice.

The New Line Of Carbon Express Crossbows

I have to say that I was a little taken back when I heard that there was a new crossbow on out on the market. I was aware that there were a few new players out, such as wicked ridge and Crossman – which are some notable brands. However, when the name “carbon express” is spoken, those who have been around in the archery industry for awhile tend to listen. For those that don’t know, Carbon Express is a company that makes some very high quality arrows. I am not totally sure, but they may have been a pioneer in the archery business by creating the first carbon arrow. Like I said, I am not sure about that one, but I do know that they are some good arrows. Anyways, when I heard they came out with a brand new line of crossbow, I was a little excited to say the least.

After reviewing the brand site for the different types of carbon express crossbows, there was much to talk about and analyze. The main questions that people are asking have to do with the stats. In other words, what does this crossbow have to offer that others do not? Well, just by looking at the carbon express line of crossbows, one can easily see that they look really cool. The structure of the stock is definitely unlike anything that I have seen before. However, looks do not put game on the ground, so let’s talk about stats.

When it comes to people’s perception of a particular crossbow, there are certain features that have to hit the mark. Of course, looks are one of those features, however there are a few more. Speed is yet another. The Covert XB-3.3 has an arrow delivery of 330 FPS which is not bad at all. No, it is not the fastest crossbow out there, but it is not the slowest either. It also has a fourteen inch power stroke and a 185 pound quad limb design.

Now, I know all of that sounds great, but there is yet another player in the Carbon Express Crossbow lineup called the X-Force 850 Pro which has a blistering 350 fps arrow delivery. Folks, three hundred and fifty feet per second is pretty fast. The fastest crossbows out there are somewhere around 405 fps. This model has a 175 pound draw weight and a 16 inch power stroke. So, the overall impression that I get from this line of crossbows it pretty awesome.