Sports Parents

Whitetail season is now officially over in Illinois. The stands are packed away and the layers of late season gear are back in their scent free totes, and its time to transition to the next season. Throw away the scent free shampoo and hang up the rattling antlers. In only a couple months it will be time to fill the pre-dawn woods with the hoot of the barred owl in pursuit of turkeys!

In preparation for the season, I’ve stripped my bow down and am beginning to start the tuning process all over again. I’ve turned the poundage as low as my bow can handle and have switched to a full containment rest due to the possibility of having to put a stalk on a strutting tom. The lower poundage allows the hunter to stay stable at full draw for a longer period of time which is vital to bow hunting turkeys. They seem to never stand still for more than a split second and when they do their often at an awkward angle.

Along with the decrease in poundage, a different broadhead can be utilized. Archery turkey hunters usually turn to large diameter mechanicals. These heads leave room for error when shooting at on the go turkey. They will also loose energy quickly when hitting your target. A hunter is better off shooting a bird and the bird running off with the arrow in the bird than blowing right through. With the arrow still in, the blades are still cutting if the bird runs off. Chasing birds with archery equipment is best suited for hunting out of a ground blind. To prepare, the hunter should always practice shooting out of the blind from a seated position. As funny as it sounds, sitting in a chair in a small enclosed blind is a challenge especially with another hunter and camera in the blind. Chasing spring turkeys is a blast and a heck of challenge for a bow, but with some practice and preparation you can not only have fun hunting these beautiful birds, but also be successful.

 

Archery has become a very popular sport, and with a little understanding of a few basic terms, you should be able to get started in this great sport. Here are a few basic terms to help you get started in archery.

Adjusting draw weight – Draw weight is the peak amount that you pull back when you draw the bow. Draw weights on bows are adjustable on average 15 pounds down from the maximum weight on the bow. To adjust the draw weight you simply turn the two bolts on the limbs exactly the same clockwise for more weight and counter-clockwise for less weight (never turn the limb bolts out further then described in the bows manual). Here are some references to help determine how much weight you might pull and how to pick a weight if this is the first bow that you are buying.

Draw Length – Draw length is the most important part of the bow setup. Without correct draw length the shooter will be inconsistent or uncomfortable with his or her bow. Here is how to determine correct draw length. Stand naturally (don’t stretch) with your arms out and palms facing forward. Then simply measure from the tip of one middle finger to the tip of the other across your back (its easier to have someone help). Once you have that number , divide it by 2.5. If you shoot a release off the string, this is your draw length. For shooters that wish to shoot a string loop, add 1/2″ to that number. If you want to  shoot wih fingers, add 1.5″. If you come up with a number that is not an even number for length then round down. This will make it more comfortable and easier to shoot.

Measuring Arrow Length – Correct arrow length is measured from the bottom of the nock groove to the end of the shaft This distance includes a portion of the nock, the nock insert or outsert if any, and the shaft length. The point is not included. This is the length used for shaft selection.

Tru-Fire is the world’s largest release manufacture for a number of reasons. All Tru-Fire releases are 100% American made all the way to the wrist strap. All releases feature a lifetime warranty and many useful features. For 2009 Tru-Fire kept their great tradition rolling with the Edge releases.

The new Edge release is designed with smaller than a dime sized trigger head on it. Although the Edge smaller it still has all the functionality and great features that all Tru-Fire releases are equipped with. The Edge release line utilizes a linear motion bearing which delivers an extremely smooth trigger feel. Just pull the trigger back to open the jaws, and let up on the trigger to close the jaws. For length adjustment on the Edge, just a simple lockdown set screw. Once you have the correct length just simply tighten the set screw and the length will be locked in place. The Edge release line has many different options, foldback  triggers or standard,  nylon or leather straps that boast great camo patters, and even a pink camo for the ladies. Next time you’re in the market for a new release aid, make sure that you give the Tru-Fire Edge a try; you’ll really like the smooth feel and great features on this release.

Tru-Fire has been making great releases for a number of years. Some other releases to check out from Tru-Fire are, Hurricane series releases, 3D Hunter hand held releases,  Bulldog and 360 series releases. Remember all of Tru-Fire products are 100% American made.