[Konrad]

in reply to: Tomahawk Broadhead? #41683

Yep, very similar to the German Kinetic. In fact, when I first saw the photos (not a very good web-site), Silver Flame leapt into my pea brain.

There are some differences in shape.

I will try to contact Tri-Blade tomorrow by phone. There is no pricing on the web-site.

Thanks,

K

[Konrad]

in reply to: Primitive Rifle Kill, Okay to Post??? #45236

Congratulations!

I have a “modern” front loading weapon (cap lock) but still get tremendous satisfaction when fellow marksmen saunter down to my bench and inquire as to what devise I am using to produce that large, single hole in the target…and all that smoke.

I hand cast my own projectiles and use large quantities of fffg black powder.

What great fun until the cleaning time comes.

Removal of the barrel and placing the breech end into a bucket of hot soapy water, then pumping a swab up and down is the fastest, easiest and most effective bore cleaning method I have yet to discover.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Nugent, redux #53698

It doesn’t bother me that Mr. Wray complains about lack of a charismatic hunter to represent his position in the media.

What does bother me is his easy willingness to cast stones at someone willing to stand in support of both firearms ownership and hunters’ rights. I have no doubt that the NRA (of which my wife and I are both members) will review Nugent’s charges and take appropriate action.

Until our Mr. Wray comes up with his mythical perfect representative, I am afraid I will have to accept Mr. Nugent’s help in these matters. I would gratefully accept Mr. Wray’s constructive help too.

The tone of his missive makes me wonder if he wasn’t one of those embarrassed by Charlton Hesston’s rhetoric as president of the NRA.

Eating one’s own proves nothing of one’s own righteousness or the justification of one’s own positions.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Hunting Bigfoot in Texas #33675

I live in Washington State. About three years ago (yes, we were cash strapped even then) I wrote a letter (well composed and respectful, I might add) suggesting that an official Sasquatch tag be sold in addition to the regular hunting license. My idea was to boost Fish and Wildlife revenues. Heck, I would have paid good, cash money for one myself, just to have it framed!

There was deafening silence from WSFW.

Not only do they lack a sense of humor, they missed out on a real bonanza in cash.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Help with removing inserts from carbon arrows #47713

Only one small word of caution on removing inserts from carbon shafts. Carbon composite arrows are fibers (long molecules, chopped threads or wound threads) of carbon bound together in an epoxy matrix. Virtually all epoxy technologies begin to degrade at temperatures over 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

After removing those inserts which were most likely installed using epoxy glue, careful examination of the shafts is highly suggested prior to use. If enough heat is used to break down epoxy glue, there is a strong likelihood some damage has also been done to the binding epoxy matrix of the shaft material. Do not be surprised if when no visible damage is found and a hard surface is encountered during shooting the shaft collapses in upon itself. I would be hesitant in using previously heated carbon composite shafts when hunting if extreme penetration is of paramount importance.

I am by no means advocating panic. I am just pointing out an epoxy chemistry fact.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Aiming Methods #39601

The key pieces of information the videographer stressed were confidence built from years of shooting and turning the conscious mind “off”. Confidence only comes from complete familiarity with the equipment. In my case, all of those years ago, I had been using the same equipment for ten years (over half of my life). I had launched arrows at all sorts of targets and at all sorts of ranges.

It may sound silly but I had even launched arrows using my feet, just to see how far the bow would cast (many times). All of that information, while it could not be processed in degrees of elevation or yards or feet per second, gets subtly programmed into the mind. One begins to “know” without thinking.

Is it possible to consciously turn off the mind while practicing?

I believe so.

The failures in hitting the target must be enjoyed equally with those that are successful.

Take pleasure in the flight.

I also own a modern, compound bow with the finest sights on the earth, a mechanical release and feed it the straightest alloy arrows available. Are the small groups at fifty yards gratifying? Yes, they are.

Is plugging a balloon pinned to a hay bay with a cedar shaft gratifying?

You bet!

There is little in life so thrilling as that little “pop” of a cheap balloon and the “thrum” of a sweet bow.

There is little in life as relaxing without having to think about it.

(You will note I said little.)

Good video!

[Konrad]

in reply to: Concerns regarding speed and kinetic energy #30733

I read that Fred Bear said success in a bowhunter is built one success upon another. Beginning with small game, confidence grows with each success. He suggested hunting does for the same reason. A small doe will aptly show the effectiveness of your equipment (A beautiful outfit if I do say so myself!).

Not only does the taking of does prove the metal of your rig; it also gets the archer more confident while being in close proximity to big game. Confidence (or the lack thereof) is one of the largest factors in bowhunting success.

A stout arrow tipped with a sharp, two edged blade, even when launched at modest velocity will bring down any North American big game…if you are close enough.

What one man can do, anther man can do.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Aiming Methods #23017

From a short story authored by me for my posterity entitled “Parental Supervision Required”…it deals with snap shooting. Please remember I was an adolescent then and the range was close. I am much older now but still quite the kid!

“It was on one cool, fall afternoon my camping compatriots (Boy Scouts) were taking pot shots with their air rifles at a flock of ducks on a private lake when I caved into peer pressure and launched an arrow into the flock of ducks resting on the water. There was no one more surprised than I to see one bird unable to take to the air after my shot. I and the godless heathens in my troop of bloodthirsties took to our canoes and pursued the hapless critter. I was kneeling in the bow of one canoe armed to the teeth while my savage companions paddled furiously to the scene. When we arrived at the likely site, I found my arrow floating in the water. I stood, fresh arrow nocked and ready to deal the coup de gras. The bird, a mud hen, surfaced directly in front of me, gulped air and dove before I could react and then I realized why I could not at first find the bird. Moments later I heard a splash to my right rear, I wheeled around and snap shot, striking the bird squarely in the body, driving it under water with the shaft’s impact, killing it instantly.

At once I was surprised with my success and with the suddenness of the event. The poor wretch floated to the surface immediately accompanied by the whoops and hollers of my band of hearties…arrgh!

We recovered the beast and returned to shore with the arrow still impaling the duck as proof of death. You would have thought I had killed a marauding grizzly bear! The celebration went throughout the camp. Even the adult leaders seemed impressed. Of course, fair chase rules required cleaning and roasting of the game on an open spit to satisfy the complete ritual.”

I too believe that turning the brain “off” most times works best.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Concerns regarding speed and kinetic energy #20965

In my humble opinion, the question is not so much about speed or kinetic energy. The question is really about getting close, accuracy and using a dependable, sharp, two edged broadhead.

After you have seen the results of your first kill, the questions you raise will be moot.

Your concerns make for interesting debate and commentary but they will evaporate when you see real results.

Of course, you know how to get to Carnegie Hall?

Practice, practice, practice…

[Konrad]

in reply to: Adult Supervision Required #27250

Yeah, but the smell would have been horrible!

[Konrad]

in reply to: Keep Your Cooler, Cooler! #9589

jmsmithy wrote: Thought it kind of strange reading that post too. Don’t know who or what Bowshooter is but I did get that tip from TBM tips email and thought it was so good I’ve used it and plan on using it for an upcoming fly-in hunt deep in the Adirondacks this October…

And yes Robin, would be nice if they credited you for the info…:roll:

Her name was and is included in the header.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Keep Your Cooler, Cooler! #59412

Hello,

I am still “In Training”. My wife asks me for what?
I’ve broken a few arrows since my last visit and only lost one but I’m still plucking away and having fun. I may get a chance to sneak around in Northern Idaho this fall (early) with a camera.

Apparently the two sources are somehow connected. BowShooter is a relatively new archery web-site that covers almost all aspects of the “world’s oldest sport”. There are not many members (free) or traffic yet but I signed up for their tips and receive the weekly one from both TB and BowShooter. Whenever I have an opportunity to pass on what I think is a good idea, I broadcast it far and wide.

Maybe you have been subverting the paradigm all along without knowing!
I wonder, is that kind of like inverting the pumpkin or converting the bumpkin or parodying the…Oh, never mind.

Good to hear from you,
K

[Konrad]

in reply to: Carbonated Clothing #9240

Dave wrote:

“As we move through the woods we transfer body scent to vegetation from every body contact. So do all you can not to contact vegetation by stepping over it, going around it, and packing some pocket-sized Fisker garden snippers and clipping limbs across paths you regularly use. Avoid using your hands to move limbs out of the way or lean on trees for balance — a majority of the scent we leave behind comes from our hands. Have a clean body and clean clothes. Use a cover scent on the fronts and outsides of your pants and shirt or jacket arms and use those arms rather than hands to push limbs aside when you move. And don’t forget your shoe laces! How many of us wear “scent proof” rubber boots, such as the beloved LL Bean Maine Hunting Shoe, yet never give a thought to the tremendous amount of scent we transfer to our shoe laces every time we lace up? Use cover scent. Carry a small foam pad to sit on. It keeps your butt warm and dry and keeps scent off the places you sit. And more. I do these things instinctively and manage to hunt dense woods right in amongst ’em and come and go on the same route every day for a month, and never get busted … any more. In the early days I did stupid things like spray waterproofer onto boots and wondered why all the elk disappeared after a few days. This caution is as critical for tree-stand guys as it is for me.”

It is funny how a decade of failures can be compiled into a one paragraph!

By following simple procedures, game can be had at reasonable ranges. The “trick” is in the understanding of the procedures.

I view this in the same way as my Christian faith. If you read The Book, you come away with a very simple Salvation. People can’t believe how simple it truly is and so they complicate it with rules, regulations and labels.

My own scent procedure includes storing my cloths (after air drying) in a garbage bag that has Adler and Cedar twigs with leaves and keeping the rubber boots far from the garage and house.
Even if it didn’t help, I like the Cedar scent.

If I could just keep the wood peckers away!

[Konrad]

in reply to: Bow Season vs. Crossbows #10110

Archery has woven its thread throughout my life since I made my first stick bow in the 2nd grade. There have been periods where other things took precedence over archery and the practice was pushed aside (trying to support a family has a way of pushing EVERYTHING aside).

In these later years, archery has become a “way of life” for me. The old saying is: guys think about sex every 4 seconds, well, in between, I’m thinking about improving my archery skills. I realize not every hunter has the dedication to diligently practice throughout the year come rain, sleet, snow, 95 degrees and 8 degrees; however, I can say there was a time I couldn’t devote that focus on the World’s Oldest Sport. I would hate to have had someone dictate to me because I was not performing at my optimum accuracy; that I couldn’t buy an archery tag and go to the woods with my bow.

There will always be some folks who will shoot beyond their capacity be it with long bow, compound, muzzle loader (I have to laugh about that term. Has anyone seen what passes for a “muzzle loader” these days?) or modern, center fire rifle. I continue to believe that most hunters have a sense of right and wrong and abide by a code of behavior.

Since I stumbled on to the muzzle loader topic, I find the parallels between primitive archery hunters complaining about compound bows to be in the same vein with “traditional” muzzle loaders objecting to the use of modern muzzle loaders. The difference for me is a modern muzzle loader requires no more skill to use than a modern rifle whereas consummate skill with the compound requires continual time at the butts.

Contrary to many opinions, the compound bow does require practice. Most of the “bowhunting” magazines suggest at least 4 months of preparation before heading a field. This is a completely different requirement than Billy Bob taking his scoped ’06 or modern muzzle loader or crossbow off the rack, picking up the same box of 20 rounds he has had for three years, and heading to the range to “sight in” with two of those rounds.

I find it easy to judge Billy Bob harshly.
I have to place the compound archer (and traditional muzzle loader) in a different category.

Things in life change. The best we can do is pass on our standards of behavior to the next generations and make them understand the reasons for those standards. No one is forcing Billy Bob into buying that cross bow or scoped “muzzle loader”. It is all about peer pressure and advertising.

And that brings me back to: Who taught he and his peers their code?
It was most likely parents and grandparents.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Leaving you with regret….. #47044

My prayers are with you and your family.
God’s promise is forever.
I left my home of 45 years. It was tough but we forged a new life and now it (that past) seems like a bad dream.
I have every expectation of seeing your posts in the near future.

God Bless,
K

[Author]

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