Pine Ridge Archery — Pine Ridge Archery

Bow Hunting The Whitetail Rut

For most deer hunters, the whitetail rut is the stretch of the season that is looked forward to the most. Bucks are searching for does to breed and the search can turn into a chase in the blink of an eye. It is a time when truly anything can happen, and that “buck of a lifetime” could step out at any moment. Whether you are hunting with a rifle or a bow, you can witness the amazing rutting activity that takes place during this time of the season. However, bow hunting calls for being in a significantly closer range than rifle hunting to have a shot opportunity. That closer proximity is what makes bow hunting so special.

In early November of this season, I had an unforgettable hunting experience that reminded me of what really makes bow hunting during the rut so remarkable. It was a brisk morning with the temperature in the low thirties, slight frost on the ground, and little to no wind. I could not have asked for better conditions to climb up into a tree stand for a hunt. At daybreak I could already hear some deer up and moving as the leaves were crunching beneath their feet. Not long after that a young eight pointer came cruising in at about thirty yards out, which was a good indication of how the rest of the morning would unfold.

Before I knew it, I was in the middle of a whirlwind of deer movement. Doe family groups, young bucks, and a mix of a few mature bucks were all moving within my view from the tree stand. Some were moving up to fifty yards out and some were passing through right beneath me. It seemed as if I was surrounded at times. Several of the bucks throughout the morning were grunting and chasing does in several different directions. The rut was most definitely in full swing. I had my bow ready and was expecting to have a shot opportunity at a mature buck at any time with the kind of activity I was seeing.

A bit after nine o’clock I could see some movement in the overgrown field to my left. The field was grown up to the point where I could only see a large set of antlers slowly making its way through the overgrowth. I quickly grabbed my bow and pulled out my grunt call hoping to lure him in close enough for a clear shot. I gave one quick grunt and after a few seconds he responded with an aggressive snort-wheeze. However, he wasn’t moving a muscle. I let out another grunt anticipating that this time it would get him moving in my direction. Again, he responded with a snort-wheeze and began leaving a rub on a tree close to him. As he still was not moving, I gave him one more hopeful grunt. Unfortunately, he responded with one last snort-wheeze and headed off in another direction. Although I didn’t get a shot opportunity at that particular mature buck, the close interaction I had with him made it one of the most memorable hunts I have ever had.

Being up close and personal with these animals is one of the reasons I love bow hunting so much. You get to see and hear things out in God’s creation that you never would otherwise, and it always keeps you coming back for more. It really makes you appreciate and respect the animal that you are hunting, especially when it all comes together, and you are able to harvest the mature buck that you’ve been after.

Written By: Tate Carter

Top 3 Archery Christmas Gifts For 2022

Christmas is almost here, and you may be looking for that gift for your archer to find under the tree for that next time they head out to the woods or range.   Most Bowhunters have the latest & greatest gear as it gets released throughout the year.  However there are a few items we offer here at Pine Ridge Archery that may be missing from their arsenal of gear to help them be a little more efficient the next time they hit the field.

BOWFISHING 101

During the summer, most of us shoot into targets to prepare for the fall bowhunting season. This time of year, there is one thing you can do to keep your skills sharp that is more fun than just shooting into a pile of foam. You can go bowfishing. Bowfishing is increasing in popularity largely because it is action packed. Getting started in bowfishing doesn’t need to break the bank. Brodie Swisher, founder of the Bowfishingtour.com, knows a few things about bowfishing. “Bowfishing is a great sport that bowhunters can participate in almost any time of the year. One of the great things about bowfishing is people can get involved in it without breaking the bank,” Swisher explained.

Some guys have high-end bowfishing boats equipped with fancy motors, expensive lights and raised platforms, but you don’t have to start there. “Many people start by picking up a pawn shop bow and a bowfishing real kit that comes with a bowfishing arrow and tip, away they go,” Swisher added.

The most sought after fish is the carp, but many go after garpike, dog fish and a few other species. “The cool thing about bowfishing is there are many carp to go after. It isn’t like going deer hunting where you might hunt for weeks without a shot opportunity. Most people who regularly bowfish rarely go home empty-handed.”

The best time to go bowfishing is during the late spring and early summer when carp and other garbage fish are spawning in the shallows of lakes and rivers. “If a person is starting out in the sport, they can wade around and shoot fish during the heat of the day and have a great time,” Swisher noted. “It’s fun and it keeps a person’s muscles strong and helps with eye hand coordination. I think it can help a person become a better all around archer.”

People who want to take the sport to the next level can bowfish at night while using spotlights. “Bowfishing at night is a blast. Shooting at fish as they go swimming by under the light is fun and there are many all night tournaments around the country that add friendly competition to the mix, which makes it even more exciting.”

If you get into bowfishing, you will end up with piles of carp. “Many people use the fish for fertilizing gardens and rose bushes. Some people even eat them. Regardless of what you do with them, shooting them is a great way to pass the time in the summer when there is nothing else to hunt,” Swisher suggested.

When bowfishing, most people use a recurve or bow like a Mathews Genesis. These bows can be fired quickly and without being at full draw. If bowfishing sounds like fun to you, get a cheap bow, outfit it with a bowfishing kit, a set of Pine Ridge Archery Finger Savers so you can quickly and easily draw, and fire the bow. You will be good to go.

 

30 Day Plank Challenge

We are getting in shape for hunting season and we want you to join us!  Take the 30 Day Plank Challenge (#pineridgeplank) and be in better shape come hunting season.  This is of course one part of a full fitness program, but we think it is a great start or add on.  

Simply follow the daily chart below and post a photo(s) of yourself "planking".  We will pick some lucky folks to get some Pine Ridge Archery swag along the way.  Be sure to post your photo on http://facebook.com/pineridgearchery and use the #pineridgeplank

You do not need a special trip to the gym for this, simply carve out a small space and dedicate a couple of minutes.  It is that easy!  

Ready...set...GO!