[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: EFOC high wind video #47649

Nice shooting, Jason! And it’s great to see folks truly getting out and experimenting with these setups in challenging conditions to see what EFOC is capable of first-hand.

One point that I keep coming back to, and that makes so much sense to me is – why steer the arrow from the rear, when you can steer it from the front? Your video is a great example of what happens to improved flight stability when you focus on the latter.

Personally, I’ve found that the smaller, stiffer fletching that I’ve been using (4 x 2-1/4″) doesn’t tend to hold much water at all when wet. You can always treat them with a little waterproofing agent as well, but like others have said, the benefits of not using more fletching than is really required can be worth it. If your arrows are tuned correctly, and you have enough weight up front that the arrow is being “pulled” to the target rather than steered frome the arse-end, it really shouldn’t take much fletching at all.

You said you experimented with 2-1/4″ previously – was that 3 or 4-fletch?

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: When "friends" turn out to be enemies #47607

While it’s frustrating and unfortunate, I don’t think that any of this should be surprising to anyone who has paid attention to the path that the NRA has taken over the last several decades. The NRA exists solely to lobby in favor of firearm ownership – they are not a conservation, or “hunting values” organization at all, despite many people expecting that they should be. Which shouldn’t be taken as a defense of the NRA by any means (I walked away a long time ago for the reasons cited by others above).

I think it’s important for a larger audience to understand the ways in which the NRA has, for a long time, actually worked against the interests of hunters at the same time that it has worked to protect 2nd Amendment rights. But that audience largely lies beyond those of us on this forum.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: New to Flu Flu Fletching #47530

I agree, T-Roy – full length spirals can create a lot of drag and slow an arrow down quite fast. Fun for target practice, or maybe grouse, but I certainly wouldn’t use them on something like pheasants.

One thing to keep in mind with spirals – they are a matter of adjustment and experimentation, no different than straight-fletch flu-flus are. You’ll have to play around with them to see if, and how, they’ll work for your needs.

If you find that spiral fletching with full length feathers gives too much stopping power, you can play around with using shorter feathers for less spiral.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: What ya got goin? #46992

ausjim wrote:

Bruce, that stove looks a touch heavier and less packable than the kidney stoves we discussed :shock::D

Just a touch heavier. It’s made out of titanium, packs flat, except for the stove pipe which rolls up to about 8″ long and 2-1/2″ high. The whole deal weighs 2.5 lbs.

Here’s the stove broken down and in the stuff sack, with a 1L. bottle for scale:

Combined with the tipi tent (150sq. ft.), the whole thing is just shy of 10 lbs. Split it between a couple people and you can carry it just about anywhere into the backcountry.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Big Jim's Side Quiver #42920

Steve Graf wrote:

OK now, what about that perty pocket quiver you was showin’ off the other day, eh? I reckon you look like a porcupine with all them quivers hangin’ about your person chuck full of arrows whilst you stalk that wily stump! 😆 8)

Well now, different quivers for different things, dontcha know…

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: New to Flu Flu Fletching #42898

Here’s a little tutorial on making sprials. It’s quite easy:

http://www.trueflightfeathers.com/flu-flu.htm

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: New to Flu Flu Fletching #42379

It really just depends on how much you want to slow the arrow down. You can do 3, 4, or more.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Big Jim's Side Quiver #42298

Here ya go, Mike:

http://safarituff.com/arrowmaster_deluxe.html

They also make a basic “Duiker” model that does not include the accessory pocket or the storm cover. In my opinion, those two things are definitely worth the extra $20.

And of course, if you want more capacity, their Arrowmaster is the way to go.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: What ya got goin? #42291

David Petersen wrote: I got out midmorning for a few hours today with Dave Sigurslid, my first turkey hunt this year. Heard a couple of distant gobbles, saw lots of fresh sign, but no close action. And no matter! The grass is green, willows are heavy with catkins, the wildflowers are gorgeous, all the birds are singing their spring love songs, the woodpeckers hammering everywhere, the creek running cold and clear, elk fat with calves and standing around in grassy meadows by the hundreds and it just smells like spring everywhere. It was hard returning to the quiet empty cabin. Soon, I’m going to take the dogs up the creek on a super short backpack trip and bivouac there for a night, near a small waterfall. It’s something I’ve talked of doing for decades and just never got around to. Now is the time.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Big Jim's Side Quiver #42262

colmike wrote: Bruce

I just received 3 books you recommended today. The comment I got was “tell that hammer guy your on fixed income”!

This next request ain’t gonna be easy:D

By the way–that hammock seat you recommended is great. Have used it for last 5 days on Turkey. What a simple yet functional piece of gear.

Think I will wait for a few days to start the psych on the quiver8) That is a beauty.

Mike

Mike –

Glad you like the hammock seat. While I really do try to keep my hunting pack as minimal as possible, that seat has earned a place strapped to the outside of my pack and goes with me just about everywhere in the woods now. It’s small and light, and allows me to sit comdfortably (and thus patiently) for much longer than parking my bony @$$ on a log. I certainly see a lot more animals when I sit for long periods of time in the right places. I used it earlier this week for a couple days of turkey hunting and loved it.

As far as the quiver goes, my Duiker is still my “go to” hunting quiver for most things, but I’ve always wanted a nice, classy leather one as well, for stumping and small game. And this one fits the bill perfectly.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Short recurves…suggestions? #42151

ausjim wrote:

Bruce,

I have thought the same thing to avoid shipping costs. We had been loosely planning 2015 but it looks like a full year for me at work. Dang it all.

Well, you’ve got a bunk at the Hammer Ranch with your name on it, anytime.

BYOV (Bring Your Own Vegemite). 😉

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Southwest DIY Javelina Hunts? #42150

Forager wrote: So, are the things worth eating?

Yup. Think sloooow-cook pork recipes…

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Short recurves…suggestions? #41702

Jim –

Why don’t you just come to the States this Fall (for elk) or in January (for our Az. javi hunt) and you can pick up a new Mag 48 at the same time? 😉

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Hammer is Zappa! #41106

J.Wesbrock wrote: Bruce,

I just wanted to thank you for the kind words in TBM. Much appreciated.

It was a good piece, Jason.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

in reply to: Facebook Fued #39456

Robin –

You truly are the perfect example of what a moderator should be – we all know what the rules are, and on the rare occasion that someone steps over the line, you’re there with a gentle reminder. Moderators on other forums could learn from this. 😉

Thanks again for all you do.

[Author]

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