Soap Mesa Outfitters provides the highest quality archery hunting, or bowhunting, for both elk and mule deer. Big game season for archery begins in September. Therefore, there’s no time like the present to begin exploring which bows and accessories you’ll need for your epic hunt.
The Awe of Archery
Some researchers claim that archery dates back to the Stone Age, nearly 20,000 B.C.E. Therefore, there is a rich history of archery in every culture, including our own. Thankfully, bows and arrows were constantly improved upon–leading to the more durable and powerful versions we see today.
While we think the history of archery is fascinating, you may be wondering, “Why should I go bowhunting when I have a rifle?” Sure, rifle hunting is awesome, and it’s rewarding. However, there is no greater thrill than testing your skill and stealth than bowhunting.
Bowhunting requires both knowledge of the equipment and skills learned through smart practice. If you’re interested in good exercise and honing your target-directed motor skills, bowhunting is for you. Furthermore, the overall hunting experience is more peaceful. The quietness of the bow and arrow doesn’t disrupt the peaceful setting, and if you happen to miss, you may still have a chance for another shot. Plus, getting as close as 40 yards to a bugling bull will certainly get your adrenaline pumping. Bowhunting isn’t for every hunter, but the work put into archery yields great returns when you bag your first buck.
The more you practice, the greater your game will be.
How to Select a Bow
If you’re interested in getting into bowhunting, we recommend visiting your local archery shop. Here, they can measure your draw length. It’s important to try out several types of bows, to see which one is going offer the best draw weight for you. Make sure when you’re selecting a compound bow, that you select a model that is geared towards shooting, and not one for speed. Most likely, you’ll have this bow for a long time, you want to get it right the first time.
The majority of bows come in 10-pound increments. For most large game, and ideal draw weight for large game ranges between 60-70 pounds. However, don’t’ feel discouraged if you find it a struggle to pull back this weight. You’ll become stronger and your technique will improve the more you practice. Let’s face it–bowhunting large game requires a lot of practice.
Arrows
While you’re visiting your local archery shop when selecting a bow, the archery professional will also advise you on the correct spine weight, or stiffness, that match your draw weight and length. Some hunters prefer heavier arrows, while others prefer lightweight arrows. Ultimately, your selection will come down to your draw weight and length.
As for material of choice, we recommend carbon. However, there are other materials that are quite comparable and durable, so be sure to ask your pro shop on options. Secondly, you want your arrow to glide like a rocket and penetrate deep. Many hunters tout arrows with a thinner diameter and smaller fletching. This can potentially eliminate wind drag and fly faster towards your target.
Compound Bow Accessories
A few accessories can increase your overall accuracy and consistency.
In order to make the most of your hunt, you’ll want to collect a few accessories.
Here’s a few accessories to get you started:
- Bow Sight: You’ll want a fiber-optic one with light-gathering sight, and one that is easy to adjust.
- Arrow Rest: There are two types–the drop away and the whisker biscuit. Both have pros and cons, but here’s the gist: Whisker biscuits are more basic, durable, and provide accuracy. The drop away can provide the best possible accuracy and speed, but may be more complicated. Either way, each type of rest will be as accurate as you are with your compound bow.
- Quiver: You’ll want to purchase one that will keep your arrows snug and covers the broadheads safely.
- Peep Sight: This small circular piece of plastic helps with aim. It allows you to line up your string with the front pin of your bow sight. Overall, it can help with shooting consistency and accuracy, but we all know that consistency is earned through a great deal of practice.
Five, Epic Hunt Days
In a year full of uncertainty, you can be certain of this: Soap Mesa Outfitter’s archery hunts are the best in Colorado.
No matter your skill level, our guide will take your hunting game to the next level. Moreover, our private land, and the remote National Forest Permit, limits the access to the general pubic–leaving more elk and deer with your name on them. Licenses are over-the-counter for elk hunts, and deer hunts are on the Colorado draw system. While not mandatory, the Colorado Parks & Wildlife provides an optional class on bowhunter education. This hunter education course covers archery equipment, proper use of tree stands, and hunting techniques specific to bowhunting.
About Our Guide
Darrell has been a bow hunter since he was 16 years old. During that time, compounds were not even on the drawing board. Allen and Jennings entered the scene with their compound bows and now look what archery hunting has become.
