[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Spring Turkey Hunt #23902

I grew up in Minnesota and have hunted turkeys here in NH for the last few years. One of the best guides for beginners I’ve seen on the subject is published by Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: Maine Spring Wild Turkey Hunter’s Guide. Virtually every part of it is applicable to hunting in the Gopher State as well.

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Bear Kodiak Magnum Question #23655

You might consider adding Quviut String Silencers. I have them on my 1958 Kodiak and folks often remark on how quiet the bow is. (I don’t shoot super heavy arrows, only a little over 10 grains per pound of draw weight, so it’s probably not primarily due to arrow weight.)

I think they’re available at various trad retailers as well as the link above.

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: brace height problems? #19400

Forgive the question if there is no basis for it, but is this draw weight new to you? If so, it could be that you’re not coming to full draw, which could put the string smack on the armguard at the place you mention.

Your 6″ brace height is substantially below the 7.5″ to 8.5″ recommended by Samick, which could indeed be part of the problem.

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Bear Collectables #16967

The number one place for pricing used archery equipment is eBay. There has been a very active market there for Bear items for the past several years.

You can do searches for either current or completed listings (i.e., sold and unsold items) that will give you an indication of the market value. For just the completed listings, under “Search including” click on “Completed listings”. You’ll need to tinker with your search terms, as with any search, to get the most helpful results.

eBay Advanced Search

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Man can live on peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches #7841

It starts with breakfast, for which I recommend a large serving of oatmeal loaded with whatever you want to add. Oatmeal provides energy throughout the morning for me.

I know it’s fashionable in some circles to trash Powerbars, but the original version (in various flavors) is hard to beat for fuel during the day. I keep them inside my clothing to keep them soft.

Your body needs water to function well. If it’s a long day ahead of me, I’ll carry a water filter during the non-winter months (in addition to a water bottle or two) or a very light weight stove during the winter. If you’re not stopping to dehydrate fairly frequently, you’re doing it wrong. 😉

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: "Looking for Lagomorphs" trailer #59083

ausjim wrote: Hahaha, that’s excellent. Was it a shock proof camera or were you just very lucky?

I was extremely lucky, aided in that by the fact the camera spun around unencumbered after being struck. For any interested, it’s a somewhat older Canon PowerShot A550.

Here’s the (near) coup de grâce:

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: "Looking for Lagomorphs" trailer #58960

David Petersen wrote: That’s creative, Charles–from the bunny’s pov. But why didn’t the camera run away when you shot? 😆

The camera was “stumped” at the time. 🙂

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: The blunt truth, or: The more things change, the more they stay the same #55825

Steve, I’m going to use only wood. And a bowfishing boat sounds like it would be fun to build and use … “OOPS! I did it again.” 🙂

Dave, I’ll organize some of the info regarding your questions that I have found and post it here within the next day or so.

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Are The Young Hunters Out There? #55502

grumpy wrote: NASP???

National Archery in the Schools Program

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Are The Young Hunters Out There? #55485

Right NOW is the time to strike. The news was full this past week of reports like this one: Interest in archery has surged thanks to characters such as Katniss Everdeen.

Yes, a lot of these kids will be handed a compound bow initially. As someone who qualified as a NASP instructor and did my level best to get it started in local schools, I am all in favor of making archery fun and easy for kids when they first start out. The NASP approach has a documented history of getting thousands of kids involved in archery. Whether it’s a stick or pulleys that get a kid interested is immaterial to me. There’s all kinds of time for introducing them to the challenge of hunting with traditional tackle.

And take a kid hunting when you can. There are all kinds of ways to get that done, whether among your family or through Big Brothers/Big Sisters, etc.

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Bear spray videos #54644

Every place I’ve lived I’ve come across black bears at close quarters, with the exception of AK. (I don’t hunt them.) The only time I didn’t feel in control of the situation was on Vancouver Island. A large boar was feeding in a berry patch right alongside the trail and he did not want to move. Even with a German Shepherd Dog and two terriers accompanying my wife and me, he would not move. We found a different route.

Now that I’m bereft of the services of a large dog to keep me aware of what’s going on in the woods, I waffle from time to time on the carrying of bear spray for black bears. I have it but I almost never carry it. But every now and then, a black bear demonstrates for some unfortunate human the two essential rules about bears:

1. There are no rules about bears.

2. In doubtful cases, refer to Rule No. 1.

Dr. Stephen Herrero is THE expert on bear attacks. His perspective is worth keeping in mind on this particular subject: Stephen Herrero on Black Bear Attacks

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Takedown sleeve choices #51999

Thanks, Steve. I have indeed watched the first two segments of the video, which helped convince me to go that route. I’ll post a link here later today for the benefit of others.

I spent a few weeks this fall in hazmat garb, including a full mask, while refinishing our log home. At least I won’t need the 35 foot manlift for this job …

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Rookie Mistakes #51596

Can’t remember ever making any mistakes. But this guy learned from his last year: ALWAYS bring two

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Takedown sleeve choices #51589

Thanks for the info. Two Osage staves are on their way to me, and I’ve spent the better part of the day researching sleeve construction.

I’ve pretty much settled on composite carbon and fiberglass with epoxy for the sleeve construction. I’m very familiar with epoxy from building a kayak two years ago, and I’ve found some great online resources for carbon sleeve design and construction. Once the leather grip cover is in place, ’tain’t nobody gonna know what lurks beneath when I’m shooting my “trad” bow. I’ll just have to assemble it under cover of darkness. 😉

[Charles Ek]

in reply to: Field Photos #38097

Doc, go put your wallet in a safe deposit box and give the key to someone responsible. OK, now you’re ready to look at the Nikon Df camera.

BTW, it will work with your old lenses …

[Author]

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