This is pretty particular, but I used a fixed single pin for years, zero’d at 25 yds. I just bought a Black Gold Widow Maker, has 3 fixed pins (no slider). My setup is Mathew’s VXR 31.5, 70lbs/29” DL, about 450-475 gr arrow. Does anyone with a similar setup and run 30 yd zero for first pin? If so do you like it? I feel like with my setup I can stretch my zero to 30 instead of 25. Only hunting whitetails, would like to do 30 for first pin, then 40 and 50 for other two ..read more

I used this method to climb and rappel, last fall and it has become my new way to hunt. The entire rig weighs 18 lbs. and is extremely safe and quiet. I use the platform only from my Summit Viper, my Cruzr XC tree saddle and then rappel down at the end of the hunt. I use 2 different methods for securing the platform and feel comfortable with both, but I never use any side pressure to move around the tree, as there's plenty of room on the Viper platform. I stand in it like I would... Cruzr XC, Summit Viper and Rappelling ..read more

this will be my first year using lock ons for mobile hunting due to the lack of trees suitable for my climber in the area I hunt. I bought a millennium m7 and xop x3 sticks, I know the x3 sticks are longer but I’m just looking for ideas as to how you guys secure your sticks to your stands. Pictures would be nice if you guys have any. Thanks in advance ..read more

Hey all. I hunted zone 5 in 2016 on public land and am again entered for zone 5 this year. With 5 points it looks like my odds of drawing are pretty good. Staying in Chariton and hunting not too far from there. Anyone else heading to Iowa on a DIY hunt this fall? I haven't put in for pto yet. I'd like to be there for at least a full 10 days of hunting. When would you think is the best time to go? Have my room reserved from October 26th thru November 9th as of now, but can make changes ..read more

I've been testing a lot of vane materials using new profiles and have a question for bowhunters. Are you more concerned about the weight of the vane or the durability? For instance, the weight difference is about 6.5 grains vs 8.5 grains with the heavier vane being more durable ..read more

My official rerirement years are on the horizon. A Moose hunt would "kick off" the lifelong dream of, well, hunting where and when I want to in rerirement. A shooting buddy of mine, and former coworker, has booked a Moose hunt this September with an outfitter up in the Yukon. A dream for him, his Father, and Son to kick off his rerirement before he moves back to SC. Of course I'm living vicariously through him while he prepares. Looks like a pretty sweet setup he's payed for, with... Moose hunt 2025/26 ..read more

I am looking to start planning a guided archery elk hunt 2 years in advance. Any advice, recommendations anyone has I am open to anything ..read more

I have what seems to be a clear problem and I'm not sure what to do about it. I'm a relatively new bowhunter, I had my setup done by the local shop. The bow is tuned and shoots great into the target, yet I get poor penetration shooting deer. My question is - why am I getting such poor penetration? I've arrowed four deer in the last 3 years, all decent shots from 20-30 yards. None of the 4 have been pass-throughs, penetration on each appears to be only several inches. Two of them ended up... Why Do I Get Poor Penetration ..read more

Watch for newborn fawns ( observations, question farmers mowing hay), closely monitor field trail cameras for when exactly does suddenly get skinny (dropped fawns). Then count back gestation period of 28-1/2 Weeks …200 Days + - four (4) Days… = Rut. Franklin County Virginia new Fawn spotted on 05/28/2024; so, Rut for one of my Yard deer was 11/07-15/2024. A new born fawn was spotted in Raleigh North Carolina by my daughter exactly one (1) month earlier bedded beside a driveway; so, count... Peak of Rut monitoring method ..read more

Hitting a point where I had been building points out of state BUT my strategy of building points for 'Some day hunting somewhere really nice' is going to get expensive. I didn't have a specific destination in mind other than 'Build points now and be glad I have them later'. I have 4 pts. A respectable start but not a huge pile. Finally got a great place to hunt. In order to keep my points, I have to apply to some unit that is absolutely impossible to draw with 4 points and put in where... Ever Burn your preference points off because your Draw strategy has changed ..read more