[Konrad]

in reply to: When The Compound Was Born… #37173

I shot traditional for my entire life and actually looked with distain on those who used the wheeled things.
I also was unable to hit with accuracy and consistency much beyond thirty yards with my bare bow. The archery club I attended had two targets with 80 yard ranges and various others well beyond 40.
About the age of 27 I bought my first compound bow. It was a Bear Kodiak Special. It was as long as my Kodiak Magnum and colored in the same motif. Within a short time I was hitting out to 50 yards with hunting accuracy and could actually score at the 80’s most of the time in competition.

After two weeks I knew this was the wave of the future.

That Bear was stolen and I bought a PSE (Precesion Shooting Equipment) wheeler. That purchase was VERY disappointing (terrible vibration, noise and lousy accuracy) and due to other life changes dropped out of the sport for almost 20 years.

I still have the Magnum but it was damaged in a move and when I started studying the sport again to re-enter, I was amazed at the engineering improvements since my last exposure. I began practicing with my wife’s Browning recurve but found age and nerve damage had caught up with me.

When the check book did come out, I bought a Bear Truth, single cam, parallel limbed, 60 pound draw with an 80% let off. The addition of sights and a stabilizer allows me to practice at 50 yards 98% of the time with shocking accuracy.

It’s nice to see them fly but it’s also nice to hit what I’m pointing at.

I will add that I will be getting“light” poundage Kodiak Hunter. Much as I like my Truth, I just love those green and wooden recurves.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Target Panic #31380

A technique that works very well is to get VERY close to the target, close your eyes, draw, and focus on your anchor point and posture (skeletal form) and release when set.

If you do this about ten times at the beginning of your practice session, you will soon learn what it feels like to be at full draw and relaxed during the release. Remembering that feeling and posture with your eyes open will greatly aid in boosting your confidence level. That, I believe is the root of target panic. It is the fear that you won’t be on target long enough to properly aim and release.

Building muscular strength (weight training) also aids in combating this dreaded disease.

I too have the tee shirt. In fact I have the entire rainbow of colors (one for every day) and a bumper sticker. My wife asked if I would like a coffee cup but I had to draw the line somewhere.

Get strong and relax.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Technology Kills Tradition? #50666

Good answer, I am in agreement.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Bow Season vs. Crossbows #35084

Dave and Steve, points well made!

I was in no fashion suggesting there should be a “Hands Off” approach to hunting regulations.
I live in one of the most heavily regulated states in the Union (Washington State). I think perhaps mandatory classroom training; field testing and an appropriate fee should accompany a crossbow stamp applied to a general hunting license.

I do, however, stand by the idea we need a stronger hunting community, not a smaller one.

Say what you will about some of the nuts who are members of the National Rifle Association. Their strength in numbers (read that membership dues and contributions) is what has carried the battle to protect our firearms ownership rights to DC repeatedly…and won.

Crowded hunting lands are managed here by controlled hunts (black bear, cougar, whitetail, blacktail, moose, sheep, mountain goat and elk) where selected numbers of hunters are issued permits covering specific dates and areas. Harvests are strictly supervised by the men and women in the funny green hats.

I think the fact that there will continue to be increasing numbers of “hunters” trying to spend time a field is inescapable.
They just aren’t making fewer people!
We need to come to grips with that fact before it gets out of control not after all the game has been slaughtered.

I think we are closer together on this subject than seen at first blush.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Bow Season vs. Crossbows #34254

Crossbows vs.…

When large scale archery was introduced to the battlefield, it was considered by many to be cowardly.
When firearms were introduced as weapons, they were considered by many to be cowardly…
The hunting community complained the cap lock ignition system “wasn’t fair” when first introduced.
The hunting community complained the breach loading firearm was not fair when introduced. Many considered the repeating rifle unsportsmanlike (i.e. Winchester lever action).

The muzzle loading community (once known as “Traditional Firearms Enthusiasts”) fought long and hard for a separate (from “modern firearms) hunting season and eventually was successful.

Enterprising folks saw an opportunity to sell more equipment and introduced the modern muzzle loader that in many states is legal for use during what was once known as “Traditional Firearms Season”, now euphemistically referred to as “Muzzle Loading Season”

Anyone with half a brain can see there is no relationship (other than the fact that projectile and propellant are introduced from the front of the barrel) between a cap lock Hawken and a Thompson Center Encore mounted with a variable magnification Leupold scope.

The archery community said (and in some circles still does) the compound bow is unsportsmanlike and would see it removed from an archery hunting season. The debate over whether a crossbow is “fair” for the pursuit of game during archery season is somewhat like a difference without a distinction.

Practice, scope or not, with even a modern crossbow, will not get you much more than 40 yards effective range. The limitations of science apply across the board. The crossbow can no more gain an advantage (other than sight picture stability) than the compound. Both of their effective ranges are not much further than the traditional longbow.
Oh, and by the way, is fiberglass laminated construction with epoxy resin binders fair?

This particularly applies to the current light/fast arrow craze.

Those enamored of spending time in the woods will continue to do so regardless of weapon choice. Those who opt for the crossbow looking for the “magic solution” to their archery problems will soon be disappointed and drop out. Historically, those who were issued the crossbow were eventually issued a firearm. Dedicated practice was not inherently part of their character makeup.

I own a number of weapons ranging from a boar spear to a couple of 375 Holland and Holland chambered rifles. When in the field, I always feel like my quarry has the upper hand.

I for one would prefer more folks with quiet, limited range weapons in the woods rather than more people armed with weapons they might be tempted to use at 300 yards.

The more folks we have hunting, the stronger we are as a community to resist the anti-hunting, anti-weapons crowd.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Robin Hood #33915

Very cool…it is a shame how the “realists” want to spoil a good legend (my father is one of them).”Robin Hood was really a hood, a bandit, etc, etc, etc…

I still believe in Santa, no matter what the realists say.
Every year my hair gets whiter and whiter and he looks more and more familiar in the mirror! Living proof he must exist.

Robin Hood lives in my back yard.
I have seen the arrows.

[Konrad]

in reply to: National Archery in the Schools Program #31509

NASP uses the “Genesis” wheeled bow; however, it is a constant draw weight bow with no let-off or “back wall” to draw against.

Basic technique, marksmanship, sportsmanship, team work and building self confidence based on small successes (not just getting patted on the back because you are drawing breath) are the primary focus of the program.

Of course, it is supported by some of the larger archery product manufacturers in the business. They are farming future recruits for their products and I think it is a smart approach.

The equipment, while wearing wheels, is very basic. No sights, stabilizers or mechanical releases.

I agree, it is a win/win situation and I too wish it was around when I was in school.
Only the girls got to take archery.
When I asked if I could go shoot with them instead of playing football, my coach smiled at me and said, “Go run track Konrad (that’s not the exact term he used) if you don’t want to play football.”

I never understood why he didn’t want me to go play with the girls!

http://archeryintheschools.org/activea.asp?CompID=44&action=&CategoryID=&ProductID=

[Konrad]

in reply to: Best Bang for the Buck? #27816

Patrick wrote: THAT is exactly what I’m looking for, for my son! My 45# Baraga is just too much for him right now. I’m afraid it’ll cause bad habits and I didn’t want to spend over $300 on a a bow he’ll outgrow in a year. Thanks for the heads up Dave!

Pat’s right…Thanks Dave!
I will check them out.
K

[Konrad]

in reply to: Best Bang for the Buck? #26708

David Petersen wrote: Konrad — need more info. Like, what draw-weight? There are some amazing bargains in lighter-draw bows you won’t find in heavier sticks. Is this a serious question because you are shopping, or just curious what folks think? dave

I’m too old and damaged for the heavy stuff.
I would like to be able to practice daily (weather and time permitting) and yet still be able to pursue the occasional Blacktail or Whitetail should the opportunity present itself.
Maybe even take a poke at a carp.
I’m thinking 40 pounds at 28 inches (I draw 27) maximum.
I would probably enjoy 30 even better but that is too light for legal big game hunting here in Washington State.
I might even forgo the hunting part because I still have what pure traditionalists might call an “illicit” relationship with a compound bow (yes… sights, stabilizer, release and all!)
You have a point, Dave.
Perhaps a lighter draw would be a strong candidate.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Kodiak Magnum Limb Damage? #61447

Thanks for the tip. i’ll be contacting him right away.
I’m glad I didn’t saw the limbs off to “prevent someone from hurting themselves”.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Arrow Selection #34659

http://www.eastonarchery.com/products/selection

Find your actual arrow length and then plug in the numbers.

I think for every 1 inch of draw length differing from the marked weight on your bow is 2 pounds (added or subtracted). You may want to put a scale on it with a marked arrow for accuracy.

If you calculate a point more than 150 grains, extrapolation by substitution of the next range higher bow poundage works for every 25 grains added.

Now I’ll bet you’re really confused! I hope you can make sense of this.
PS I have also found carbon composite shafts can crack, chip, crush and splinter without breaking in two.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Helical..RW or LW? #34556

I think HalfaHun got it…the hen feather on right helical (right wing feathers should be used) strikes the hand and riser. The least amount of interference, the better launch.

He is also right about matching fletching twist and bevel of the broadhead when using single bevel blades. A single bevel induces rotation during flight.

Observe your twist by pointing your arrow up and looking at the leading edge of the feather. If it is offset to the right, you have a right hand twist and it will produce a clockwise rotation (when viewed from the arrow’s rear).

The same applies to single edged, single beveled broadheads. If the ground edge is on the right when the head is pointing upward, it is a right-handed blade.

http://www.abowyer.com/tips.html

I have been using the Bitzenberger jig for 30 years and believe there is none finer. I have read; however, if you plan to change from right to left twist, you need to buy the correct nock receiver as well as the clamp. Mine is set for left twist (learned right-handed shooter) and I bought it as a young adult along with my Bear Kodiak Magnum (forth bow growing up). I continued the left-handed twist practice when I went to a compound. Some will tell you right handed twist will keep your points tight. I learned that bow string wax works perfectly for keeping points snug. Why change?

High speed video shows an arrow does not begin stabilization rotation for about 15 feet. That is why it is so crucial to cast with a minimum of disturbance and get everything going in the same direction at the same time..

Hope this helps…have fun!

[Konrad]

in reply to: recurve/mechanical release #33442

Excellent information!
Thumb rings, I had never heard about.
Thanks, I can see some playing in the shop soon.

[Konrad]

in reply to: weight forward dipping? #26712

Greatreearcher wrote: You could try the weight tubes? But just get the heavy ones and glue them in the front? Just spitin in the wind here, lol. I have never really thought about it??? Best of luck!

It’s not a bad idea. The over-all weight of my completed arrow is 480 grains. Perhaps by combining a lighter tube in the rear and a much heavier one in front…I could still maintain my “tune” and receive the benifits of FOC.

Sounds like the fun is not over! I love to play. My wife says I’m a Tweaker.
I had resigned myself to waiting on some GrizzlyStiks.

[Konrad]

in reply to: Bear Kodiak Magnum-a good choice? #23604

I got my Kodiak Magnum in the late 70’s (new, Grayling). I used it well for about 4 years. The best I ever got was accuracy to 35 yards (never at game). 47 pound draw weight
I have a short, 27 inch draw but it never was very stable – rotationally – for me.

It was, and still is, the sexyist bow I ever held. Whenever I show it all you hear are OOOO’s and Ahhhh’s. It sadly suffered limb damage during a 2,500 mile move and now I’m afraid to string it and Bear says they won’t even look at it.
I’m going to buy another one day.
If memory serves (you know how that works, I guess), I think gave about $70 for it back then.
If it’s pretty, go for it!

[Author]

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