Bowhunting

I began hunting whitetails on public land when I was much younger. Being younger meant I had a lot more time to spend in the marsh and woods exploring the harder-to-get-to areas where I could escape the crowds.

While technically easy to prepare for, my first black bear bowhunt proved to be more of a lesson in black bear research than I imagined. Here are some basic pointers to help you prepare for your first bow hunt for black bear.

The evening sun made a soft halo over the combine as it penetrated the cloud of husk dust as the neighbor combed his corn field. It was November 6th, 2011, that I found myself situated at the base of a large ridge face with a lowland cedar swamp to my rear. I had an excellent view outward with a great backdrop to keep me hidden from being sky lined. Deer on the ridge above me would have a hard time seeing me with their elevated vantage point; I would be a blur in the poplars bordering the swamp below them and behind me.

Anyone who shoots a compound bow knows that a good sight is critical. Without it, you stand less of a chance of shooting tight groups or arrowing a deer in low light or at extreme ranges.

When it comes to backyards as hunting areas, many archers find nothing back there, so they look elsewhere. Other bowhunters, however, hunt their backyards often, draw their bows frequently, and release many flighty arrows on elk, deer, bears, boars, exotics and blocks. Blocks?

Where I live in Ontario, Canada, the small game hunting season for everything except varying hare is over in February. That season continues to June 15. Sadly, however, from February to about the end of March, bowhunting is impractical.

What’s the real difference between fixed and mechanical broadheads? For new bow hunters, knowing the difference is important so you can choose the right arrow point for your needs.