[Steve Capps]

in reply to: Stalking #40601

Ed,

I’m not sure I would say stalking is becoming a lost skill. By that I mean I don’t believe its a technique that great numbers of bowhunters were ever adept at. I was fortunate enough to be taught to hunt by a WWII medal of honor winner. This man shot a shotgun from the hip and could sneak up on anything. Men of his age all held him in esteem but the one thing I noticed was that none of them hunted the way he did. Instead most of them hunted from box blinds and “permanent” treestands.

Unfortunately too many hunters these days define success by the kill. The stillhunter and stalker have a different definition. For us the hunt is the success, the harvest is just one aspect of that.

For me stand hunting is hours of boring inactivity followed by seconds of excitement. Stillhunting and stalking allows me to actively learn about the environment I’m in and the wonders it holds. I feel like standhunting places me above my environment and limits the things I can learn.

[Steve Capps]

in reply to: Getting in shape #38063

I walk and use one of those archery specific stretch band gadgets daily to reinforce muscle memory.

[Steve Capps]

in reply to: Stumpin' #24830

Be sure to cook those thoroughly.:D

[Steve Capps]

in reply to: How far will you shoot? #24540

R2 makes a good point. I once had the privilege of discussing this topic with a couple of legends, Dick Sage and Glenn St. Charles. Both had taken a lot of game at distances that even modern compound shooters would consider extreme (80-100 yards). In fact the jist of our conversation was centered around their appreciation of hunters who could get in close to their quarry. They reasoned that it only takes a good (or lucky) shooter to make a long distance shot, it takes a good hunter to get close.

[Steve Capps]

in reply to: Accuracy #23840

Without seeing you shoot I’d have to guess its a concentration problem. Under 15 is in your “automatic zone”. The longer distance requires greater concentration on your aimpoint and your practice has conditioned you to focus without conciously thinking about it. The middle distance rationally should be easier than the long distance and your brain is aware of that, so it lets your concentration wander. Just take an extra second to focus on the smallest detail you can see on your target no matter what distance its at and it will tighten up your groups.

[Steve Capps]

in reply to: longer distances #23825

I agree that getting closer is half the fun and the best chance for a clean harvest. I personally try to get it under 15. I once shot a fox at one yard on the ground. But there is a certain sense of satisfaction watching your arrow arc toward a distant target that is a large part of the romance of traditional archery. One of the best ways to practice longshots is at a field range. Check out your local NFAA club.

[Steve Capps]

in reply to: pray for us #21200

The river is still rising but is expected to crest tomorrow. Its an inch shy of the record now. Good news is that everybody in the community came together to effectively raise the problem levee two feet. We should be ok. I’m going home to sleep in my own bed tonite. God is good.

[Steve Capps]

in reply to: pray for us #20065

No water yet but we decided to head for higher ground while we can still get out. Thank you for your prayers.

[Steve Capps]

in reply to: pray for us #19740

28 feet and rising. It tops the levee at 29. Loading my bugout gear now. Oh btw its raining again.

[Steve Capps]

in reply to: unstringing necessary? #12055

compounds and x-guns have to be cased or a lock affixed to cables and stings. Who knows why? Chicago politicians make our laws for us. Maybe afraid the gangbangers are going to do driveby arrowings.

[Steve Capps]

in reply to: unstringing necessary? #10993

At home on the rack mine are strung. I only unstring for transport because its the law here in Illinois.

[Steve Capps]

in reply to: I need some advice on stalking and getting close to game #19758

When you think of moving slowly you are moving too fast. Think grapevine slow. Plan your hunt for an area of deer concentration such as funnels leading between feeding and bedding areas then become part of the habitat. If you must move do so only to improve your position. You will never beat a whitetail’s nose so mind the wind. rustling leaves are a part of nature’s ambience but cracking sticks are not. Avoid lifting your feet completly off the ground by sort of sliding your toes forward to gently clear a path for your foot. Blending into the background is far more important than screening your foreground.

[Steve Capps]

in reply to: Interests #61478

History – reading, watching, and exploring

Bass fishing

Watching the grandchildren grow

Gardening

And I too always inhale

[Steve Capps]

in reply to: Please introduce yourselves, I'll start #61458

Hi I’m Steve. I shot a borrowed recurve about 40 years ago and was instantly hooked. Went over to the darkside in the 80’s when I got active in the tournament scene but eventually returned to my addiction to the arc of the arrow. I’m a retired Marine living in Illinois with my wife Kim and grand daughter Kymbrah. Health problems limit my time in the woods these days but I always buy a license and manage to get out a couple times a year.

[Steve Capps]

in reply to: My kind of bowhunting #27957

I too especially enjoyed the article. In a day and age where newer means better its nice to know there are a few greybeards and future greybeards preserving our heritage. Keep up the good work.

[Author]

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