Category: Hunting Gear

An Alternative to Hunting Guns – Hunting Bows

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hunting bow for sale at GrabAGun

Archery for Hunting, Pleasure, and Self Defense

While it is true that an arrow has little chance against a bullet, don’t discount the hunting bow as an unworthy weapon. Proficiency in archery played a vital role in mankind’s survival for thousands of years. The skill of archers often determined the fate of kingdoms, societies, and countries. Ancient man even depended upon the bow for food and protection. As a sport, target archery is very popular and has had a place in the Olympic Games since 1972. Many hunters have taken to hunting bows in place of their usual hunting shotguns or hunting rifles.

History of the Compound Bow

The invention of the compound bow in 1966 by the late H. Wilbur Allen of Missouri created a more efficient bow for hunting. It is very popular due to its being easier to handle at full draw as well as providing a greater velocity arrow, which results in better penetration than recurve or long bows are capable of.

As a defense weapon, a great number of ‘preppers’ have bows in their arsenal. Not only is it useful in hunting and fishing, but it provides an almost silent weapon. Under cover, an archer can strike without the smoke and noise of guns. Today’s graphite and alloy arrows do not bend and are shatter resistant. They also attain a higher velocity and flatter trajectory than older arrows.

The Science Behind Bow Hunting

There are many factors to consider when a novice begins with archery. Any novice can do well to take archery instruction. It is easier to learn proper form and habit than to ‘un-learn’ improper habits. Here we will look at just a few of the factors that influence becoming a more accurate archer, and will enable the novice to realize that there is a science behind archery.

To become an accurate archer, spine is something to take into account. Spine is the stiffness of an arrow shaft and must be compatible with the archers bow weight. The reason for this compatibility requirement is a phenomenon called the Archer’s Paradox. When the arrow leaves the bow it does not fly straight toward the target, rather it actually deflects around the bow. A properly released arrow of correct spine will stabilize itself, whereas one that is too stiff or too flexible will create target acquisition problems. The use of improperly spined arrows will cause an inconsistent grouping of arrows. Your individual arrow length and grain, as well as arrow point type and weight, are important factors to be considered as well.

If you do not already know your individual arrow ‘fit’, your best option is to request it at an archery pro shop where professionals can provide the correct arrow. Archery pro shops are not the same as your local sporting goods store which generally will not know the grain of arrows or how to determine your proper length so make sure to find a place that will do fittings.

Types of Hunting Bows

Modern hunting bows include the compound hunting bow, crossbow, long bow, and recurve bow with the compound bow being the most popular. Hunting bows have higher draw weights than target bows. Hunting draw weights are determined by state and wildlife regulation, but generally are established at a minimum of 40 pounds. The crossbow generally has a higher draw weight minimum of 125 pounds. The higher minimum draw weight ensures adequate penetration for taking down game. Most experienced bow hunters will use even greater draw weights. Check your states requirements under bow hunting rules and regulations to ensure your compliance with the rules in your area.

GrabAGun stocks bows, arrows, shafts and points, and archery hunting supplies. Go to GrabAGun.com to check out our extensive stock of guns for sale, gun parts, and hunting accessories.

Staying Warm on the Hunt

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Chemical hand warmers work great to help a hunter stay warm, but if you hunt a lot sooner or later you are likely to run out on the coldest day of the hunt. Through the years I have learned to be innovative with what I have when an hour or more out in the wilderness.

There is an alternative to chemical hand warmers that is reusable over and over again. If you have ever had a back ache you may have used heat to relieve the pain. Heating pads are okay but bulky and tend to slip for some areas of pain such as knees and between the shoulder blades. I searched the shelves in drug stores and retailers and found some alternatives that you heat in a microwave for my lower back pain and unlike a heating pad they were portable. I decided to try them in hunting season one frigid week at bear hunting camp utilizing a fellow hunters camper generator powered microwave.

Wrapped in flannel or a towel they hold heat for hours and are a great solution for cold weather hunting. Available in various sizes (depending upon where you shop) the smaller sizes are great to slip into pockets for hand warmers, just heat them up before leaving home or in the camp microwave if available.

If you have access to a microwave in camp, whole shelled corn or rice in a sock works for a couple hours worth of relief for sore muscles. For the average tube sock half-full start at 30 seconds and check. Add 15 seconds until you have the heat you desire for stiff & sore muscles. I don’t advise this for hand warmers as corn and rice provide a moist heat, which can ultimately cool you down. The moist heat sure feels good on sore muscles though. Be aware though, that corn and rice heated too long will burn!

Self wicking socks are unsurpassed in performance. Field tests indicate self wicking socks can stay dry as long as 3 days without changing. For those die hard hunters who refuse anything other than wool socks carry extras and change when sweating makes the feet cold. Just be sure to bring a Ziploc bag to store the ‘old stinkers’ in when you change.

Insulated coveralls can’t be beat for keeping the body warm. But let’s face it, sometimes things happen like a spill in the creek, or forgetting to ensure they still fit before packing for the trip. A trick this writer has used in such situations was wearing sweat pants under outer pants. This may require a larger size of pants but works well, and are comfortable if thermals make you itch. When sweat pants are bit more extra insulation than is needed, flannel pajama bottoms worn under pants are a more light weight alternative to sweat pants. Though these alternatives won’t match your coveralls performance, they aren’t a bad substitute in a pinch.

When the weather is frigid and the fur lined hat doesn’t keep your head and ears warm enough, slip a toboggan on before donning the hat.

Wilderness camp sometimes requires a little innovation when you forget to pack all the essentials or the unexpected happens. Use your imagination and take stock of what you have to use as a substitute and keep on hunting!

Get all your hunting essentials online from GrabAGun! Shop hand and foot warmers, scents, feeders, game calls, and hunting accessories.

Hunting Cameras

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As many unfortunate hunters have discovered, the theft of hunting cameras is on the rise. There are claims that night vision cameras infrared function will activate cell phone cameras alerting the thief to the presence of the trail camera. If this is accurate, there is little you can do to prevent the theft of trail cameras with infrared other than placement in little used areas.

GPS technology has yet to develop game cameras with a GPS locating feature. Perhaps in the near future the small GPS components of cell phones and newly released DSLR cameras will be adapted for use in hunting cameras. For smart phones that are GPS enabled you can download the free app Prey (before the phone goes missing), and for non-smart phones subscribe to the app Accu Tracker with a small monthly fee. If you have a Prey account when the phone goes missing, you simply log into your account to locate your missing smart phone. With Accu Tracker you log into the website to locate the missing phone. Hopefully these apps or others will be soon be of assistance to hunters whose trail cameras go missing.

Until the technology arrives for use in game cameras, the following hints can assist you in preventing theft and assisting in possible recovery.

  • Position long range night vision game cameras well away from commonly used trails and roads.
  • Camouflage game cameras, and don’t make the mistake of cutting brush for this purpose. Dead brush can be a dead giveaway to camera thieves. Some hunters use natural looking artificial plants that blend well into the foliage appropriate for the season. It will keep its color much longer than brush. Keep in mind, during the winter when the leaves fall bright greenery can be as much of an alert as dead natural brush. Use fall colored foliage in the fall, or place the camera in an area where natural foliage and brush help to screen it. If using placed material do not block the camera’s eye, field of vision or motion sensor with foliage.
  • If visual contact alone is the only means thieves have of locating your game cameras, keep in mind that the eye sees the nearest object best, placement where brush and trees are between paths, trails and the camera, will assist in making it ‘disappear’ into the landscape.
  • Shadows are fleeting, but can assist in hiding the camera. Some cameras are camouflaged, but if not placed on the appropriate tree will stick out like a sore thumb.
  • Mark all trail cameras in a means you can identify. It isn’t a bad idea to put your telephone number on the camera with the message to call (your number) if anyone tries to sell it.
  • There are trail cameras available that send the images to a website. This has double the benefits as you can see game in real time and it does the same with thieves. These are photos you can turn over to law enforcement to assist in capturing the thieves and are considered evidence. These models cost significantly more but are well worth the money if your cameras are being stolen as fast as you set them up.
  • Last but not least consider a game camera with password protection. It won’t prevent theft, but it will prevent anyone else from using the camera!

GrabAGun online gun dealers has game trail hunting cameras for sale with the same great discounts we apply to our gun sales. Shop our site today!

Deer Hunting Tips

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Tips for Hunting Whitetail Deer

Deer hunting is one of the top hunting sports. With deer populations soaring many areas have increased bag limits and/or provide an extended season to allow for thinning of the deer population to provide better health for deer. GrabAGun online gun dealers has compiled a list of tips from successful deer hunters nationwide and are happy to provide the top 10 favorites.

1. Use effective scouting. Scouting can identify bedding areas, food sources, water holes, funnels, and deer trails. Gone are the days when scouting by foot or 4 wheelers were necessary. These means of scouting, while effective leave scent and spook deer. With today’s technology hunters can use game cameras, aerial photos and in some areas game maps are available.

2. Get the most out of game cameras. Set out mineral blocks or feed to bait your cameras locations. This maximizes your cameras potential to locate areas frequented by deer. Keep in mind your states hunting laws and don’t attempt to hunt game at cameras, baiting game is illegal in many states.

3. Hang treestands 20-ft. or higher, as you are more likely to be detected by sharp eyed deer at lower levels. At this height a deer has to look up to see you. This allows you to have some movement and get away with a little noise, and may make your scent less detectable. Better yet, use multiple treestands in several locations. Take wind direction into account for placement as well as the choice stand of the day. If you locate a stand on a frequently traveled trail for example, use the tree for shielding as an extra advantage. Exercise prudent precautions and wear a good quality safety harness when hunting from tree stands.

4. Avoid walking through direct areas where deer frequent. This will prevent introducing your scent to the area. Rake leaves, and trim branches in a planned path to and from the stand that avoid bedding areas and game trails and to prevent making noise as you travel to your tree stand.

5. Assure that you have a clear shot from your hunting stand or blind by trimming tree limbs. Use prudence, take away too much and the deer may avoid the area entirely. Use the branches below, along and slightly above your stand. It provides cover to break up your outline and helps to keep you hidden. Fresh cut cedar, spruce and pine can also help to mask your scent as well.

6. Many hunters swear by odor elimination, others hunt without it with successful results. If you don’t want to spray down on the hunt, use wind as your friend. If you stay downwind of deer they aren’t going to smell you. Be clean and perfume free by all means, but keep in mind many hunters have successful hunts without having to scrub up and spray as if you are a biological weapons manufacturer.

If you do find you have better results by utilizing scent eliminators, then by all means use it. Shower using scent-eliminating soap and shampoo. Use unscented laundry detergent on all hunting clothing and store them inside a sealed plastic bag. The odor-free group of hunters recommend while hunting to routinely spray down with a high quality odor eliminator, and not to forget your shoes!

7. Don’t forget to clean gear. If you store your gear in a garage, attic, basement or closet reeking of gas and grease, perfumes or other scents your gear can absorb the odor. Clean and air out equipment ahead of time. If bags can’t be laundered clean them with a scent eliminating soap and allow plenty of sunshine and air to clear the scents out. Spray with odor eliminators as necessary.

8. Practice makes perfect. There is no better tool to improve shooting accuracy than practice. Sights can break, fail and be bumped out of place. Learning to shoot deer hunting guns accurately minus the sights at various yardages is the best way to assure your aim.

9. In a perfect world you will have located your tree stand downwind of the deer. When the world isn’t perfect use the ancient trick of wetting a finger and holding it up to the wind to determine which direction it is blowing from, then get down wind of where you expect deer to approach from. A handy tool to have is a wind direction indicator, but lacking it taking note of the first to dry spot on a wet finger can accurately indicate the direction wind is blowing from and has worked well for many generations.

10. Don’t Smoke! Deer don’t smoke, and neither should you if you expect to tag a deer. Tobacco scent not only carries, it lingers. Many a soldier has met his death due to an enemy smelling burning tobacco. Deer have a much more sensitive sense of smell than enemy soldiers, so don’t smoke.

Make your hunt an enjoyable safe experience. Practice all hunting and firearm safety procedures, be aware of gun and tree stand safety, and inspect before and during the season for potential problems. Finally, be aware that though rare, deer can attack hunters, especially during the rut.

Inexperienced deer may allow a hunter to approach within 50-70 feet if the hunter appears non-threatening (no eye contact, slow movements, moving parallel rather than directly towards the deer), but the mature buck can and have been known to attack. Injuries can be life threatening or even fatal.

Get the best deer hunting guns for sale online from GrabAGun today! Shop shotguns for sale, gun sights, and scopes.