Northeast Hunting Profiles

Every once and a while we are going to profile hunters who are at different levels within the Hunting Industry. Some may be trying to break into the industry or others may already be mainstays whether its retail or film production.  We will strive to profile people from the Northeast, but if someone is doing something special we will break out of the region.  If you know or are interested in us profiling a certain someone please contact us and let us know.  Our first profile is going to be Northeast Archers. Full disclosure: I am a member of this group, and am committing some shameless self promotion. Please forgive me.

Who-

Northeast Archers consists of three members, Rob Wrobel, Jim Eden, and Chris Ward.

Where do they hunt-

Rob and Jimmy live and primarily hunt New Jersey while Chris lives and hunts in Massachusetts. We make annual trips to each other’s states. We’ve each hunted different states in the Northeast, but are hoping to start consistently hitting the many great areas we have here.

What do they hunt-

We are primarily deer hunters, but put a bow or gun in our hands and we’ll chase anything.

Rob and a Massachusetts Tom

Where to find them-

Website- http://northeastarchers.com/

Twitter @NEArchers,

YouTube-  http://www.youtube.com/user/TheNortheastArchers?feature=mhee

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Northeast-Archers/226903670654223?ref=tn_tnmn

 Why should you be interested?-

Northeast Archers primarily hunt public lands in the not so glamorous hunting area of the Northeast. Like a majority of hunters in the country we scout ourselves, hang our own stands, check our own trail cameras and hunt on a budget. We have full time jobs, families, friends and all the other obligations that life offers to compete with our time in outdoors. What we produce and offer are the realist most genuine stories our talents will allow. We are getting better each and every day at telling our stories through film and words, hopefully you’ll join us on the journey.

Hunt smart and SAFE!!!!!

Jimmy Eden

Chris Ward

left to right. Jim Sr., Bob Sr., Uncle Steve, Jimmy, Chris, Pop, Rob

2012 Moose Lottery Festival Schedule of Events

http://www.rangeleyoutdoors.com/2012-moose-lottery-festival/

Weekend ATV Incident

Lyman, Maine – On Sunday, Maine Game Wardens located an ATV rider who had not returned home due to an unexpected overnight stay in the woods. On Saturday May 12 at 4:00 PM, David Flaherty, age 38 from 158 Jordan Springs Road in Alfred, drove his ATV on trails to visit a friend named Jack King who lived on North Berwick Road in Lyman. Jenevieve Flaherty, Flaherty’s mother, became concerned when her son did not return home that evening. She called the York County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 9:00 PM. Warden Service was notified at 12:10 AM early Sunday morning to assist in the search.

http://www.maine.gov/ifw/news_events/pressreleases/2012/05-14A-12.htm

New Hampshire

Public Hearing June 5, 2012, on Proposed Cod and Lobster License Transfer Rules

CONCORD, N.H. – The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing regarding proposed groundfish restrictions affecting Atlantic cod length and creel limits for recreational anglers, as well as rules governing the transfer of lobster licenses, on Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at the Urban Forestry Center, 45 Elwyn Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2012/news_2012_Q2/cod_lobster_lic_rule_hrg_051712.html

NH Moose Hunt Lottery Deadline Is Friday, May 25
May 18, 2012 - If you haven’t submitted a lottery application and want a chance to hunt moose in New Hampshire this fall, then you better get moving! The deadline for entering the New Hampshire moose hunt lottery is Friday, May 25, 2012.

Changes in Place for OHRV and Snowmobile Event Permit Application
May 18, 2012 – Because of recent rule changes, a new application form now must be used when applying for Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle (OHRV) and snowmobile events.

Public Hearing June 5 on Proposed Cod and Lobster License Transfer Rules
May 17, 2012 - N.H. Fish and Game will hold a public hearing on proposed groundfish restrictions – cod length and creel limits for recreational anglers – as well as rules on the transfer of lobster licenses, on Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at the Urban Forestry Center in Portsmouth.

Coming Soon: Limited All-Terrain Vehicle Reciprocity with Vermont
May 15, 2012 – All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) enthusiasts in New Hampshire and Vermont will soon be able to enjoy limited ATV reciprocity between the two states.

Vermont

Public Hearings May 22 & 23 on Proposed Bear Hunting Regulation

VERMONT FISH and WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

Contact: Mark Scott Director of Wildlife, 802-583-7194 or mark.scott@state.vt.us
Forrest Hammond 802-885-8832

Public Hearings May 22 & 23 on Proposed Bear Hunting Regulation

WAITSFIELD, VT – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board will hold two public hearings to discuss a proposed bear hunting regulation designed to increase bear hunting opportunities, stabilize Vermont’s growing bear population and provide Fish & Wildlife Department biologists with additional data to better manage black bears in Vermont.

The hearings will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, at the Kehoe Conservation Camp in Castleton and Wednesday, May 23, at Lyndon State College in Room 100.

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Detail.cfm?Agency__ID=2016

Be Alert to Avoid Moose on the Highway

VERMONT FISH and WILDLIFE

WAITSFIELD, VT – Drivers need to be alert and cautious because moose are on the move, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. Moose are more likely to be crossing roadways at this time, especially after dark or early in the morning as they move from wintering areas to spring feeding locations.

More moose are hit by motorists in the spring than at any other time of the year. There is another peak of activity in September and October, the breeding season for moose.

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Detail.cfm?Agency__ID=2015

Cliff Tops and Overlooks Closed to Protect Nesting Peregrines

Waitsfield, Vt. –– Hiking Vermont’s hillsides is a great way to enjoy a warm spring day, but the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department recommends you check to see if the area you’re planning to hike or climb is open. Eleven cliff areas are currently closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons.

“Peregrine nesting activity has been observed at approximately 40 sites this spring,” said John Buck, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department biologist. “But, we only closed the cliffs where there’s a chance of people disturbing the nesting birds.”

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Detail.cfm?Agency__ID=2019

New York

DEC: Second Annual Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week Starts May 20

Governor Cuomo Signs Proclamation to Encourage Residents to Learn About Emerald Ash Borer and Report Infestations to DEC

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Awareness Week will be held from May 20 – May 26, 2012 to encourage state residents and visitors to become better educated about the emerald ash borer and the destruction it causes to trees, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. In observance of EAB Awareness Week, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued a proclamation urging all New Yorkers to exercise environmental stewardship to protect trees from infestation that can be devastating to landscapes, habitats and forest product industries.

“With Memorial Day marking the beginning of the camping season, it is important to remind those traveling in New York State to only use local firewood,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. “By stopping the human transport of this insect and increasing early detection of new infestations, we can greatly reduce the economic and environmental damages this pest can cause.”

http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/82206.html

Connecticut

State Agencies Stepping Up Efforts to Detect Invasive Emerald Ash Borer Beetles – Detection Traps to be Deployed Statewide in 2012

 Reminding Residents to Not Move Firewood

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) along with The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) and the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System today announced 590 detection traps will soon be set out across the state to monitor for the presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) in Connecticut.  Because of the recent EAB findings along the western edge of Dutchess County New York – about 25 miles from the Connecticut border this year’s detection trap effort will be expanded to all counties including Windham and New London.

Monitoring of the traps will be led by the University of Connecticut Extension System in cooperation with CAES, DEEP Forestry and State Parks personnel, the state Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Additionally, many landowners, wood product businesses and municipalities have agreed to host a detection trap again this summer on their property.

http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?Q=504372&A=4173

DEEP Gives Advice on Young Wild Animals in Spring

If You Care, Leave It There

Spring and summer are busy times for people and animals.  Many animals are setting up territories, building nests, or finding den sites to give birth and raise their young.  At the same time, people are spending more time outdoors and the chances are greater that someone may come across a young bird or mammal that may appear to be orphaned or injured.  In situations where young animals are found, keep in mind it is normal for many animals to leave their young alone for long periods of time, so your help may not be needed.  In all likelihood, the adult is nearby watching and waiting to return.
White-tailed Deer: This is especially true with deer, as the only time a female (doe) will be found with a fawn is during feeding times.  Fawns are fed three to four times a day, each feeding lasting about 15 minutes.  During the long periods left alone, newborn fawns instinctively freeze and will lay motionless when approached.

http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?Q=504464&A=4173

Pennsylvania

GAME COMMISSION OFFERS PROJECT WILD PROGRAMS FOR EDUCATORS

 HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Game Commission today announced a series of upcoming professional development opportunities offered as part of the agency’s Project WILD program.  Classroom teachers, early childhood teachers, informal educators, homeschool leaders and Scout and youth group leaders are welcome to participate in these workshops.

Workshop offerings range from Pennsylvania Biodiversity, a hands-on conservation education program that examines genetic, species and community diversity to WILD about Waterfowl, a session designed to explore the conservation, management and on-going banding of ducks and geese. New to the summer series is Flying WILD, a hands-on conservation education program that examines bird biology and conservation.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=12775&PageID=648010&mode=2&contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/marketingsites/game_commission/content/resources/newsreleases/newsrelease/articles/release__051_12.html

UNDERSTANDING FAWNS AND KNOWING TO LEAVE THEM BE
No good comes from mothering nature anywhere in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG – It’s an annual chapter in nature that begins in May, peaks in early June and always goes largely and surprisingly unnoticed. But with time, the annual birth of hundreds of thousands of white-tailed deer has the potential to influence the lives of most Pennsylvanians and many wildlife species.

Whitetails represent one of the Commonwealth’s most vibrant and valuable natural resources, but also serve as one of its most problematic. The complexity of their management is closely tied to their health, habitat and conflicts with people. This is compounded further by the whitetail’s inherent adaptability and resilience and the desire of many Pennsylvania hunters – who primarily finance wildlife conservation – to see more deer afield.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=12775&PageID=648010&mode=2&contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/marketingsites/game_commission/content/resources/newsreleases/newsrelease/articles/release__052_12.html

New Jersey

Education Programs for Groups Offered At the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center

May 14, 2012

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds educators that a year-round line of programming for schools and organized groups in grades pre-K – 12 is available at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center. All programs are designed to support most major subject areas while teaching about wildlife and the environment, and can be used to meet state standards for core course proficiencies as well as scout badge requirements.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/news/2012/peq_groupprogs.htm

Big Carp Are Happening…NOW!

By Matt Janiszewski and
Mark Boriek, Principal Fisheries Biologist
May, 2012

Many New Jersey anglers don’t realize it, but we live in one of the best locations in the United States to fish for carp. Carp fishing is very popular in many places throughout the world, but for the most part these freshwater giants aren’t sought after by many people in the U.S. Only in recent years has fishing for carp begun to gain popularity in this country, and as carp anglers grow in numbers and discover untapped fisheries more and more reports of great catches begin to surface.

In recent years the tidal freshwaters of New Jersey have produced fish of gargantuan proportions. The combination of abundant food sources and the sheer size of these rivers, particularly the Passaic, Hudson, Raritan, and Delaware, allow carp to grow into true giants. Multiple 40-pound specimens captured over the past few years have put New Jersey on the map in the carp fishing world.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/artcarp12.htm

Everyone enjoy your weekend, and if you are getting out in the woods, BE SAFE!!  This video is from Northeast Archers, and stars myself. Hope you enjoy.

Last year Pennsylvania went to full day turkey hunting for the last half of their season. New York is now debating the issue. New Jersey and Massachusetts (states I hunt) hunt only half days.

What are your thoughts?  Lets get a good discussion about this……

2011 Brook Trout Pond Survey an Overwhelming Success!

Project to continue and expand in 2012 Falmouth, Maine – Two conservation groups and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife are seeking volunteer anglers to survey remote ponds for brook trout this fishing season. This will be the second year anglers can help Maine Audubon, Trout Unlimited and state biologists gather data on which ponds in western and northern Maine are inhabited by wild brook trout. In addition, a team of biologists will be conducting “new pond surveys” on more than 40 ponds where brook trout were caught or observed by volunteer anglers in 2011. For more…http://www.maine.gov/ifw/news_events/pressreleases/index.htm

Lynx – The Maine Story

Maine is the only state in the Northeast with a known breeding population of lynx, comprising the southern edge of a larger lynx population that extends into Quebec and New Brunswick. For More…

http://www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/management/lynx_theMaineStory.htm

New Hampshire

Moose Hunt

New Hampshire’s moose hunt is nine days, starting the third Saturday in October. The 2012 hunt will take place on October 20-28, 2012. By permit only. Permits are distributed by lottery. Enter today for the chance at the adventure of a lifetime! For more….http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_moose.htm

Introduction to Trapping Workshop –

June 2, 2012, in Holderness HOLDERNESS, N.H. – Learn what skills you need to become a first-time trapper in New Hampshire at a free workshop being offered at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, N.H. The workshop will take place from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2012. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, call the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center at (603) 536-3954. This is not a Trapper Education Certification course. For more….

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2012/news_2012_Q2/Trapping_Intro_050912.html

Habitat Work Underway to Conserve Rare New England Cottontails

CONCORD, N.H. – For the New England cottontail, mild winter conditions were a stroke of luck – a lack of snow made it easier for them to hide and find food. For the biologists who are surveying cottontails, the same conditions made it maddeningly difficult to find evidence of their presence. The challenges have not slowed the efforts of biologists from New Hampshire Fish and Game’s Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program, along with partners across the Northeast, to ensure the survival of this state-endangered native rabbit. For more….

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2012/news_2012_Q2/NEC_update_051112.html

Vermont

Moose Hunting Applications Are Available

VERMONT FISH AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: May 4, 2012 Media Contacts: Cedric Alexander, 802-751-0105; Mark Scott, 802-583-7194 Vermont Moose Hunting Applications Are Available WAITSFIELD, VT — Vermont moose hunting permit applications are available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com), and printed applications will be at Vermont license agents statewide in June. For more….

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Detail.cfm?Agency__ID=2005

Sign Up Now for Youth Hunter Education Challenge

VERMONT FISH and WILDLIFE Press Release For Immediate Release: May 10, 2012 Media Contact: Chris Saunders, 802-241-3722 Sign Up Now for Youth Hunter Education Challenge WAITSFIELD, VT – Youths still have a chance to join the fun at the upcoming Youth Hunter Education Challenge on May 19th. For more…

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Detail.cfm?Agency__ID=2012

New York

Lookout for Lake Sturgeon

DEC Advises Anglers to be on the Lookout for Lake Sturgeon in the Great Lakes and Oneida Lake Anglers should be aware of spawning lake sturgeon in tributaries of the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River, Finger Lakes and Oneida Lake, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today advised. “The return of lake sturgeon to spawn in New York state’s tributaries reflects well on efforts by DEC and our partners to restore this valuable native species,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. “These fish have been part of New York’s natural landscape for thousands of years and through sound management they will remain here for future generations to enjoy. It’s extremely important that anglers fishing these waters are aware of the presence of spawning sturgeon and take all measures to avoid catching them.” For more…http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/82097.html

Pennsylvania

SPRING GOBBLER HUNTERS HAVE PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITY REMAINING

All-day season begins May 14 HARRISBURG – For those spring gobbler hunters who may feel the hunt is already over because of the early spring, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials report that there is still plenty of time to harvest a gobbler. “Our three years of radio-telemetry data show that hen turkeys did not begin incubating nests any earlier this year than the previous two years, even though we experienced a warm, dry early spring” said Mary Jo Casalena, Game Commission wild turkey biologist. “That’s because nesting is triggered more by photoperiod (amount of daylight) than weather. So, that warm spell we experienced in March was just a bit too early for most hens to begin laying eggs.” For more….http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=12775&PageID=648010&mode=2&contentid=http://pubcontent.state.pa.us/publishedcontent/publish/marketingsites/game_commission/content/resources/newsreleases/newsrelease/articles/release__048_12.html

New Jersey

Living with New Jersey Black Bears” DVD

The Living with New Jersey Black Bears DVD includes 60-minutes of video on the biology, habits and management of black bears in New Jersey, Arkansas, Florida and New York and steps the public can take to better coexist with black bears. The DVD also contains a 15-minute segment, which can be viewed below, devoted solely to the management of black bears in New Jersey. For more…http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/bearfacts_dvd.htm

 White-tailed Deer in New Jersey

2011-2012 Harvest Data New Jersey’s deer herd is a major component of the landscape throughout all but the most urbanized areas of the state. Deer affect our forests, farms, gardens, backyards and roadways. From a population reduced to a handful of deer in the early 1900s they rebounded during the 20th Century to a thriving herd today. For more.. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/deer.htm

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By Rob Wrobel

This story originally appeared on NortheastArchers.com.  

1994. 14 years old. It was my first year bowhunting. Dad owned a fishing and hunting store, mainly a wholesale bait shop in Central New Jersey in which he let me work at for 3 dollars an hour.  That 3 dollars an hour pretty much went to pay for my consumption of hunting and fishing equipment. Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops catalogs were the only place I thought money should go at that point. Funny the amount of boat/marine stuff that I wanted every year, we didn’t even have a boat at the time. I’m 31 and I still don’t have a boat, but if I did, there is a faded crumbling list of things I already know I want.

My $3 an hour for grinding dirt for packaged night crawlers, cleaning killie and shiner tanks, interspersed with long breaks of shooting in the back, or wandering the Old Bridge woods, probably never came close to paying for all the stuff my parents bought me, supposedly with the money I “earned”.  Earned was much more. I never bought a cup of nightcrawlers that had such fine soil in it than what I produced at my father’s instructions. And you know what they say ” you are what you eat”.  Never another store in our area would allow you to come in and order 1 dozen big killies, or a pint or a quart for that matter. You now get what comes in the net. Not my Dad. He gave what was asked, because who wants to go flukeing with inch long killies?

On with the story at hand. I had a sweet bow that my parents bought me, and some great hunting partners. Uncles, my Dad’s friends. Guys to look up to if only for certain things. But that’s life at 14, when adults bring you into their world. Hindsite will point out all of our faults, but at that time they were kings to me.

George and my Dad helped me build a stand between two oaks. Nothing special, just a platform and seat.  Dad always wanted me carrying around this heavy ladder stand. I presume to be safe, or maybe to keep me out of his good spots.  That stand haunts me. Like carrying a Prius on your back.  It’s probably something that still pushes me to hunt as light as possible. The built stand allowed me to ditch the ladder stand and the two couldn’t be thanked enough for that. If that was only all.

The full year is a blur to me, still in school, not hunting weekdays. Some weekends during bow season still being taken up by fall baseball. I was pretty decent back then. Both with a bow and a glove, but not so much a bat. I don’t even know how many times I was out bow hunting but at one point a doe was standing 30 yards from the built stand. Didn’t even see her come out. Just appeared, like a gift.  My 14-year-old nerveless body wasn’t phased by 30 yards, chip shot. She went down and died with a bleat, which confused me. It was my first deer, Why was she bleating? I didn’t even know it was called a bleat at this point.  Fear of wounding, fear of losing, fear of failing I called Geo on the walkie talkie, or ran to his stand, I can’t even remember which. He took me through the blood trail, explained the “dying bleat,” and brought me to my first deer.

Friends, family and hunting partners come and go and sometimes come back again. Some even leave this world forever. But the beauty of hunting is the connection that can never be broken between Men. The times shared, the times enjoyed or suffered are never forgotten and forged in a manner that could not be stronger. Thank you Dad, Mom, George, Jim and all the other adults that brought me along, taught me, loved me and spent their time on me.

left to right: Geo, Me, Dad and Uncle Don with a mess of pheasants

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board on Wednesday gave a preliminary approval to one of the proposals designed to stabilize the growth of the bear population in Vermont. They want to also expand hunter opportunities, and provide the Fish and Wildlife Department biologists with important data that will help better manage the black bear population in Vermont.

This vote is going to be able to extend the annual bear season by four extra days and will establish a new, black bear tag for the hunters that want to pursue bears in advance of the deer rifle season that starts in November. The season for both bear and deer rifle will increase from five to nine days with this new proposal.

Those bear hunters that are looking to pursue bears from the beginning of September until the opening day of deer season are going to be required to purchase bear tags which are $5 for residents of the state, and $15 for non-residents. Those hunters that are only wishing to hunt bear during the overlap time period can continue to get a bear tag along with their deer tag on their general hunting licenses for no additional cost. These changes are expected to take effect in 2013.

“We’re fortunate in Vermont to have a healthy, and growing, black bear population,” said Mark Scott, Director of Wildlife for Vermont Fish & Wildlife. “The additional four days of hunting opportunities we’ll add in November under this proposal will help us to slowly stabilize the bear population.

Additionally, the bear license will enable us to gather essential information about hunter effort and success as well as an idea of overall bear hunter numbers, measures that are vital for better estimates of bear populations across Vermont. It is our belief that bear management in Vermont can then be more responsive to changing bear populations and public interests.”

The estimated bear population by the biologists is around 6,000 animals. This is at the upper end of the population goals that are outlines by the Vermont Big Game Management Plan for 2010 through 2020. Four hundred of these bears were harvested in 2011, and hunters typically will harvest around 400 to 600 black bears each season.

The annual bag limit for these bears is one per hunter. “In 1990, Vermont’s bear season was shortened by four days in November because we had an objective at that time to increase the bear population,” said Scott. “We achieved that objective, and now we’re aiming to stabilize the population. In recent years we’ve seen a tripling of bear-human conflicts and an eightfold increase in automobile collisions with bears.”

As part of the rule process that the Fish and Wildlife Board has come up with, the proposal has to be voted on at two or more upcoming board meetings, and agreed upon. On top of this, the department is also recommending that one or more public hearings are held in relation to the adoption of this rule.

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You will have more opportunities. This is because bow hunting runs through a longer portion of the year compared to rifle season. These extended seasons give the hunter more opportunities to be in the great outdoors. Some species are restricted since you may need a special license in order to hunt them. You can acquire this through an application, or get a general over the counter tag through your local tag office. Each state has different rules and regulations for bow season.

Traditional or high tech. These two choices are important. Being close enough to the game so you can shoot with a bow is not only exciting, but exhilarating and you’re going to need something that doesn’t make sound while shooting. The question you should ask is whether or not you want to use a traditional recurve or long bow or a high tech compound bow. The decision that you make should be based on your level of motivation and the amount of time that you have to invest into bow hunting. Traditional means need less time, and you learn more by the more you shoot the bow. Compound bows need more training and practice beforehand. This is because you have to tweak the bow to your specifications to get the right shot.

Price ranges of the bows? A high quality recurve or long bow can be anywhere from $200 to $800 depending on the make and design of the bow. Adding accessories such as bows and a quiver will run another $100 or so. Although, if you want the more high tech option, think about doubling your money and your efforts since it is for the sport of archery and not just hunting. There are many different options to the new hunter. You should take the bow down and feel it in your hands, are you comfortable with it? You can buy this equipment secondhand, but there is also a beware out there for the buyer when it comes to any kind of used equipment. This is because it can be run down, and if you spend a little extra you can have peace of mind. The sky is the limit for these bows and accessories.

Choosing the right bow is important. Some considerations that you’re going to want to keep in mind are the poundage, shooting style, draw length, sights or no sights, and matching the shaft of the arrows to the bow and draw weight from your shooting. If you’re using compound bows, short axle to axle lengths usually require you to use a mechanical release of some sort. The draw length is probably the most important decision. If it doesn’t fit, then it is useless. Men’s bows have the largest draw lengths, while women’s and children’s are shorter. Each person’s length depends on their finger and release shooting style.

Accessories are also another important factor with bow hunting. This part can be a bit overwhelming, but you should start with the basics. Basic pin sights, side mount quiver, a stabilizer, and kisser button. You can really add as much or as little as you want to your comfort level. You also need to purchase the correct size arrow shafts. They are graded based on the thickness of the wall and diameter. You can visit the technician in the archery shop to find out which ones you need based on your selection of bow. There are also arrow types and fletching combinations. Aluminum shafts are the most economical for hunting. Carbon arrows are the most popular, and cedar shafts are the most widely preferred of hunters. Plastic might not be the best option, it is the cheapest however.

Learning to shoot the bow. This is important since there are many components to bow hunting. You have to know how to draw, aim, and release the arrow from the bow. Technique and stance are both important as well. You can even get lessons from a local qualified archery instructor. To keep it simple; learn to shoot with the fingers first since you have to have a feeling of the bow. A shooting tab or gloves will help you get a true feeling of the string. The biggest thing with this is preference and how comfortable you are with the bow.

Practice makes perfect. When it comes time to become a new bow hunter, you should know that the more practice you get, the better off you will be. Repetitive drawing and aiming is important to learn how to shoot the bow correctly and accurately. You should get knowledge from other bow hunters to find out the specs of bow hunting. Start shooting at 10 yards, and then slowly move your way up to further yards. 3d targets can be the best thing as well when practicing in the field. They provide you with a more realistic approach to practicing.

Shot placement is important. You want to take precautions when it comes to wounding and then losing game while out in the woods. You want to kill, and by doing this you have to understand how bow hunting needs to be accurate in order to kill. Delivering the arrow into the vital organs will do just that for you. Penetrating both lungs is a good starting point. If you hit one, wait at least 30 minutes before tracking them down. They will usually not move more than 40 yards.

Incoming search terms:

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My brother and I have grown up breaking through endless acres of dense pine forest, climbing over boulders scattering the Appalachian foothills, and wading (and cursing) our ways through the eerie and silent labyrinths of cedar bogs in this territory.

There are few hunters, and even fewer deer to be seen in this neck of the country, and I promise I’m getting to the point here soon: hunting, for my family, is only partially about bagging a trophy buck. It’s just as much, for us, about walking silently through the woods, about enjoying the thrill of tracking and becoming one with nature, about channeling the heritage of our ancestors who hunted alone over hill and dale in the driving snow and wind and rain.

We are track hunters, jump hunters occasionally, and we rarely find ourselves thirty feet up in a tree for the better part of a morning or an afternoon—with so few deer to so many square miles of wilderness, one’s best bet in these woods is to go where the deer are, rather than hope that they return the favor.

…Whiiiiiiich is why I felt like such an IDIOT when I first tried on the Mossy Oak Drystalker 2 Scent-Stop Parka Treestand and Raintamer 2 Pant Treestand as our hunting party assembled the gear for the coming day’s rifle hunt. My first thought as I pulled the surprisingly lightweight and insanely comfortable pants was “wait a second, where are the pockets?” My second thought, embarrassingly, was “wait, no belt loops? There’s no way this drawstring alone will hold up until noon…” Now, the joke is on me: had I done any advanced reading I would’ve known that the Raintamer 2 Pant, though being “100% waterproof, breathable, and windproof,” is uninsulated, and possesses only one zippered back pocket.

Another initially disappointing feature was the sizing of the pant: at 5’8” I’m not the tallest drink of water, certainly, but the ostensibly “large (L)” size of the pants (which fit perfectly at the waist, mind you) had these things a good six inches too long for my legs.

Knowing the cold, rugged, wet, and unforgiving terrain that lay ahead of us that day, I couldn’t help but picture these baggy pantlegs soaked with bog-water and caked with snow and mud and moss, dragging noisily behind me on my walk out of the woods.

The Drystalker 2 Scent-Stop Parka felt more robust (it is, after all, “made from soft/quiet microfleece & insulated with 4oz polyfiberfill”), and I was plenty pleased with the proliferation of pockets (six total). It felt reassuringly more size-appropriate, and I totally dug the hood; it was also very quiet as I wound my arms and brushed them against my chest. Still, the “adjustable closures” left a lot to be desired (let’s just call a Velcro spade a spade, alright?).

Out we went: 20mph winds, 5°F in the overcast 4AM November morning… I could see myself bee-lining it to the truck by mid-morning, frozen to the bone.

…and yet, this is where the otherwise predictably critical train leaves its tracks.

The pants did prove to be somewhat noisier than my traditional green woolies, making a silent approach difficult with rustling branches swooshing along the sides and the legs rubbing against each other. With thermals underneath, however, they stayed warm enough, considering the mix of walking and stand-taking I incorporated into my morning hunt. The legs were indeed too long and baggy, but were more bothersome rather than technically impeding.

The jacket held my walkie, my clip, my knife, and my obligatory bag of Halloween candy; it also stayed PLENTY warm with only one long thermal undershirt and was extremely versatile and comfortable. Both garments stood up to some serious snags on undergrowth and low broken pine boughs with only minor scratches and fiber pulls.

I realize that until now I’ve made no mention of the visual aspects of these garments, an error I’ll immediately correct. Mossy Oak doesn’t disappoint with its camo patterns (see below). As soon as I’d bemoaned this northern winter for its lack of snow, I bit my tongue realizing that this pant/jacket combo was about as camouflaged as I’d ever been, or would be. Perfect, absolutely perfect, though admittedly better suited for the earlier stages of the hunt (bow season) rather than after the snow falls.

Again, no big surprise here, since the garments are meant to be worn by the treestand hunter, thus most likely one gripping a compound bow. They are nonetheless visually striking and well-broken up, with lifelike real-tree patterning and shades that perfectly match the northern woods in fall. (Reviewer’s note: in the photo, check out the Mossy Oak hat I’ve been rocking for the past three years as well… huge fan of their hunting products, and proudly embrace their continuing influence in the hunting community.)

And thus, beginning with a caveat, I’ll end with one too: I didn’t give this product a truly fair shake, taking it out for track-hunting rather than stand-hunting in the freezing November woods of my home state. But you know what? This stuff still held up, still outperformed my expectations, and I can only imagine that if I had pulled these babies out for a couple late fall days up in our treestand, they would have blown my socks off (if I could see them beneath the extra-long pants, that is).

That says a lot, to me, about a company’s product: versatility, durability, and quality. Welcome to my future hunting wardrobe, Mossy Oak Drystalker 2 Scent-Stop Parka Treestand and Raintamer 2 Pant Treestand.

Quality (★★★★)

It’s immediately obvious that these are well-made garments, and the jacket is particularly comfortable, flexible, and warm. Zippers, clasps, and closures are all well made, and the outer materials are durable enough to last at least two to three seasons, probably more. I can’t help wishing that the pants (though both they and the jacket are ostensibly 100% waterproof) had a bit more insulation, and a more robust waistline than a simple drawstring (Please, Mossy Oak, just add beltloops and take these pants straight into the ‘badass’ category…).

Beware of the lack of pants pockets, those of you hunters that carry more equipment with you than Robinson Crusoe had on his entire island. Also, the rather generic sizing can leave much fitting to be desired for shorter or longer bodytypes. All that said, these certainly constitute high-quality hunting apparel.

Reliability (★★★★)

I’d turn to these first given the right weather and hunting conditions. It’s hard to imagine other jacket/pant tandems beating the combination of camo pattern, comfort, durability, and performance for stand hunting.

Price/Value (★★★★)

I mentioned above that I’d bet my rifle these pants/jacket would last at least two to three seasons… at only $80 for the jacket and $80 for the pants, that’s a hell of a deal.

Referability (★★★★★)

Jealous of the new duds I’d worn out that hunting day, and cognizant of a greater need for such apparel given his much greater expertise and enthusiasm for treestand bow-hunting, I didn’t only refer these to our good friend Tim (ex-army, currently a Sherriff’s deputy and longtime hunting/shooting enthusiast), I gave them to him.

He also had glowing reviews of the performance and comfort that these babies offered, and has raved about them to his buddies at the station, as I have to my friends and family in and out of our hunting party. Home run, Mossy Oak!

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