Busy Weekend At The Pro-Shop
Archery season is right around the corner and I cannot wait to get to hunting. I’ve done some scouting, marked my spots and I have been practicing with my archery tackle more often than I ever have. Still, I had to be sure everything was set up right on my bow and back-up bow before I hit the woods. The pro’s over at Archery Outpost have always done a great job with tuning my gear and helping me out. I don’t care what anyone says, even after archery hunting for 26 years, I can always use some help with the fine-tuning.
The first thing I had to have them do was to cut my new Easton – Full Metal Jacket arrows to the correct length. I measured my draw length using the basic calculation of height, arm span, divide by a thousand, do a back-flip, etc. I came up with 29.5″ three times. It didn’t seem right. Years ago, when I was 16, the pro shop said I was drawing 31″. I was then told a few years later by another pro that was incorrect and my draw was too long. Back and forth, back and forth. It was very frustrating not having it explained as to why you need a certain length. Wait no longer, Al! The explanation they gave me, and showed to me, was this – you need 1.5″ of clearance from the back-end of the broadhead (end of the arrow shaft) to the grip on the bow. Otherwise you run the risk of a good slice in your fingers. Gee, let me think about that… do I want to be drawing on a 300 lb. black bear and cut into my finger? Not in your life! After measuring and adjusting the cables I was drawing 30.5″. Right on! I felt so at ease knowing we had that part out of the way.
Then we had to adjust my peep on both bow. I am testing out the Loc-A-Peep system on both bows (review to come soon). We made the proper adjustments and and discussed the new peep system. What happened next is what I love about hunters helping hunters. One of the local hunters was shooting and drilling the bullseye out of each of his 5 targets. No lie, I watched him fling a dozen arrows and center punch each one. It was an incredible display. When he was finished, he came over to talk to us and he watched me draw my PSE Vengeance back. He immediately noticed my top cam was lagging. I would have never known had it not been for him. Connor made the proper adjustments and after shooting a dozen arrows I was very happy. The bow was shooting fast, dead quiet and accurate. I shot a dozen arrows with my X-Force and that was also right on the money, too. A big thank you to Connor over there at AO. Great customer service and fun to talk to (and a helluva shooter). I now feel confident that my gear will function exactly as it needs to.
Now that I have my arrows cut and inserts glued in, I just have to wait a couple more days for the epoxy to cure before I fletch them all and then do some practicing. Once I start with the FMJ’s I’ll be shooting a 445 grain arrow. That’s work on deer, hogs and bear with ease. I just have to make the shot.
Going over your bow set-up each year is a good way to get to know it intimately. It just feels right. If something is off you will know it right away. I found this interesting article, Build the Ultimate Speed Bow, over the weekend about bow set-up and the speed of your bow. It’s a good read and makes you think about what you are shooting and what you may want to switch to next year.
Have a great week everyone. Be sure to check back this week as I will be having a contest to give away some handmade, custom bow grips.
Cheers,
Al
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