For those who have shot deer with both Trad. and Compound gear. How would you describe the difference in your tracking (if necessary) jobs. Guess I am just wanting to hear how they have differed. Thanks
Sorry can't help ya, when I shot my buck this past season with my longbow he fell over dead about 10-15 yards from my tree. ....so there was tracking needed!
Thanks Woodsman. Only right answer, I guess. I was just wondering if pass thrus were the norm (large amounts of blood) as with a compound? I am thinking, probably not. I could be wrong, thus my question. Also, at your effective range, how is penetration? (With a proper, and not-so-proper shot placement? Just wondering. BHF, that is the kind we always "want", true enough. Thanks
OK... A fair question as you explained it. I've never taken "long" shots with either compound or Traditional, don't remember ever taking a deer over 20 yards with the majority being probably 10-15 yards. I can understand your question concerning penetration but I've seen little difference. Traditional equipment is no different in that a properly matched arrow to a well tuned bow and a sharp broadhead will achieve ample penetration. I've shot deer with both types of equipment and gotten less than expected penetration but still recovered the animal I think mostly due to good sharp, strong broadheads. Quite a few years ago I did some 3-d shooting with a compound and in the process went to a somewhat lighter arrow. I hunted with that set-up using the old Bear Broadheads and took a number of deer with excellant penetration. The following year I changed to a pencil point broadhead that was much bigger, much wider. I lost several deer before switching back to the old bear broadhead and got full pass-thru with a short trail. You already know this stuff... But... I recommend a sharp cut-on-contact broadhead, 8-10 grains arrow weight per pound of bow poundage and shoot the maximum amount of bow weight that you can accurately shoot at the distance you plan to shoot your game. A sharp broadhead, placed in the correct spot will do the job very well and doesn't even require a complete pass thru to do it.. Many years ago there were a number of experienced Hunting Archers who actually suggested that a complete pass thru WASN'T something desirable to pursue. Traditional equipment in hunting conditions is equal to or perhaps better than a compound.. If I didn't believe it I wouldn't use it.. Woodsman
Very well put, and answers my question completely Woodsman. I just want to be as prepared for what may be ahead of me this season, that's all. Thanks for the replies, and the experienced answers. Bobby
Hey, if ya got a question all ya gotta do is ask.. I'll answer it if I can and if not.. somebody else probably can!! Saw 4 bucks together.. Not a lot of antlers yet but out to the first fork.. 3 of them were very big bodied. Already thinking about a stand location where I might get a shot. I was sitting under a large evergreen tree and at 12 yards they never had a clue I was there.. woodsman
The doe that I shot last year was probably the easiest tracking job ive ever had. Wasnt a complete pass-thru but more of a poke-thru, if you know what I mean... She ran about 40 yards and piled, of course there was a pile of snow on the ground for that job so tracking was pretty easy. Im sure you've heard it but I guess I can say it again anyways... Its not about the equipment that you use but more about how you use it. Make a good shot and you will be rewarded with a nice blood trail.
No difference. If you make a bad hit, with either compound or trad, it is going to be a long day. If you hit on the money, either compound or trad, you will find them quick. The key is to hunt in your effective range and take good shots.
