Arrow Archery

Crimson Talon has some of the meanest looking broadheads on the market today, and it's an image they proudly portray in their packaging and marketing. They offer a line of fixed blade and mechanical broadheads to suit every need.

Crimson Talon broadheads make use of a patented Spin-Tite Airfoil Technology™ that improves ballistics by spin-stabilizing the arrows from the front.  This is the same concept as using helical vanes to increase arrow spin and stabilization, only doing this at the front of the arrow via the broadhead, instead of the rear vanes.  The helical vane approach increases drag, and you suffer a loss of speed due to the drag.  Crimson Talon claims that you will see a 4 to 8 foot per second increase in arrow speed when using their broadhead lines.

One other big benefit of the Spin-Tite Airfoil Technology™ is that Crimson Talon broadheads inflict a spiral wound channel.  The wounds inflicted by their broadheads will not close or clot.  This results in more trauma, shorter blood trails, and increased game recovery.

CRIMSON TALON XT

The Crimson Talon XT broadheads are available in 100 grain and 125 grain weights. Both of these models have a 1-1/4" cutting diameter from the .024" thick blades. They incorporate the Spin-Tite Airfoil Technology™ to achieve a high speed spin and an arrow that flys true. They inflict massive wounds and will provide you with an easy to follow blood trail.

CRIMSON TALON HYPERSPEED

If you are searching for a broadhead designed for crossbows, or for very fast compound bows, then look no further than the Crimson Talon Hyperspeed. In addition to the Spin-Tite Airfoil Technology™, this broadhead makes use of 11 airfoils in the point to ensure that spin-stabilization occurs. They use the same .024" thick blades and offer a 1-1/4" cutting diameter. They are available in 100 grain weights, and inflict the same spiral wounds as its cousin.

CRIMSON CUDA

If you are in the market for a mechanical broadhead, then the Crimson Cuda is the one for you. This is the only mechanical broadhead on the market that has the patent-pending Spiral-Kut Tip™.  That's right, a mechanical broadhead that inflicts the same Spiral Wound Channel™ as the fixed-blade broadheads from Crimson Talon.  They use very thick, .036" surgical steel blades.  Mechanical broadheads are known for flying like field-points.  They open instantly on contact, but you will want to use the replaceable O-rings to ensure they stay closed during flight.

CRIMSON CROC

What makes the Crimson Croc broadheads unique, is that the main blades are coated with Teflon to reduce friction on penetration, and to provide more passthroughs. You get the same spin-stabilized arrow flight from the Crimson Croc, with the added benefit of four cutting surfaces. The main blades are serrated to inflict a wound that will have the buck down quick. The main blades are a thick .040". They are available in two weights; a 100 grain model with a 7/8" cutting diameter, and a 125 grain model with a 1-1/8" cutting diameter.

CRIMSON VIPER VENOM

This fixed blade broadhead offers an impressive cutting diameter. The 100 grain model gives you a 1.25" cutting diameter. The 125 grain model gives you an impressive 1.5" cutting diameter. Combine that cutting diameter with the devastating patent-pending Spiral Wound Channel™, and you have a combination that can put your game down quickly. The variable degree axial flow airfoil technology spin-stabilize your arrow from the front, giving you tight groups. This is yet another impressive offering from Crimson Talon.

Crimson Talon offers one of the most unique broadhead lines of any manufacturer on the market. They have implemented impressive features and innovative technology across their entire line of broadheads. And they have managed to do all this and offer their broadhead line at prices that are comparable to inferior broadheads.

I've hunted a lot of places where you just can't use a treestand. Whether it's a hot trail through a thicket, a fence row on the edge of a field, or just a section of woods that doesn't have a good, straight, mature tree to hang a stand in, conditions like this will force you to a ground blind.
The cream of the crop when it comes to ground blinds has to be the Eastman Outfitter Undercover Pro 360. This blind uses a camouflage mesh shell that gives its user complete 360 degree vision, without the need to open windows to peer through. This is a truely innovative idea that you can appreciate if you have ever hunted from a traditional ground blind. No more opening windows, and peering from side to side on the lookout for approaching game. No more being surprised by a deer that approaches from a direction where you didn't have line of sight through an open window. These are all drawbacks of traditional ground blinds that are solved by the Undercover Pro 360.
This blind also has realistic 3D leaves that cover the entire blind, helping it to blend in better with the surrounding cover. It has a total of 11 windows that open with silently to give you access to numerous potential shooting lanes without spooking your game. Eastman has also integrated brush loops that allow you to attach brush and vegetation from the surrounding area. This will allow the Undercover Pro 360 to disappear in the surrounding vegetation as it takes on the look of the existing area.
They have also added a built-in carbon lining that reduces odor and human scent to help you beat a deer's nose. While you can easily see out of this mesh blind, the game can't see in. The shoot-through mesh is ideal for bow hunters.
This blind can be set up and taken down in seconds, and has a backpack carrying bag for easy transporting to and from your hunting area. When set up, the Undercover Pro 360 is approximately 6.25 feet long x 6.25 feet wide x 5.5 feet tall.
This blind is more than roomy enough for a comfortable hunt. If you don't like heights and prefer not to get into a treestand, then a ground blind is the way to go.

If you have been hunting for a while like me, I'm sure you have found yourself in this situation... You've shot a deer, but maybe didn't hit it as good as you would have liked. You've picked up a blood trail, but it isn't a very good one. You know that the deer has probably traveled a good distance, and it is starting to get dark. That blood trail is drying up, and the drops you find are getting further and further apart. Your chances of finding that trophy buck tonight are starting to look slim...
I've been there. A few more times that I care to admit. If you have been in that situation, then I can sympathize with the frustration that is felt. If you haven't been in that situation, it is probably only a matter of time.
The deer hunting industry markets a ton of products to hunters that are worthless, and designed just to take a hunter's money. That is why I love it so much when I see a product that is really designed to solve a problem and fill a need. And that is why I love seeing a product like the Primos Mini Bloodhunter.

Every hunter is going to carry at least one flashlight in their pack anyway. So why not carry one that will not only serve as a flashlight, but also help to enhance a blood trail, and increase your chances of finding your game.
The Primos Mini Bloodhunter is a water-resistant flashlight that runs on 3 AA batteries.
It serves as a normal flashlight in two modes, red light or green light. The red light can be used as a small area light that will not spook game. The green light is more powerful, and can be used as a walking light, but also will not spook game.
When used as full strength, the red and green light are filtered together to produce a light spectrum that enhances the color red, which will make your bloodtrail stand out. It also has a reduced strength mode that still combines the red and green lights together, giving you the same blood-enhancing light spectrum, while reducing shadows at the same time.
The Primos Mini Bloodhunter can run for 4 hours on two LEDs at full strength, or for 6 hours on 2 LEDs at reduced strength. What I really love about this, is that it is portable and will fit snugly in any pocket or pack. This is a must-have gadget for any hunter, especially those who love to hunt in the evening.
Primos also offers the Bloodhunter Spotlight. This is a larger model that has a rechargeable NiCad battery pack. It isn't as portable, but will fit nicely in any backpack and is ideal for the avid hunter.

If you are in the market for new broadheads, then check out the line that Grim Reaper has to offer. They have two hot open on impact offerings, with the Grim Reaper Razorcut and Grim Reaper Razortip models. For a fixed blade offering, they have the Grim Reaper Hades.

The Razortip line has embedded razors in the point, and 3 mechanical blades that open on impact. No rubber bands or "O" rings are required like with other mechanical broadheads. On impact, the blades open to a 40 degree angle, leaving a huge entrance wound. They are available in 75, 85, 100, and 125 grain weights, with cutting diameters ranging from 1 and 1/8" to a whopping 1 and 3/4". They fly like a fieldpoint and cause massive trauma, minimizing your shot to recovery time.

The Razorcut line is similar to the Razortip, but has a single cut-on-contact tip blade which is mounted on a bullet point. They are available in the same weights and cutting diameters as the Razortips, and offer superior bone-penetrating capability. I have seen pictures of a Razorcut broadhead that completely penetrated and passed through the bone shoulder ball of a mule deer. Now that is some serious penetration.

Grim Reaper's new fixed blade offering comes in the form of their Hades line. This broadhead cuts in both directions, since the front and back blades are both sharpened. The blades are .035" at their thickest point. These broadheads have 3 blades using a 4 point internal locking system. They are steel-tipped for great penetration. The Hades comes in 85, 100, and 125 grain weights. They all offer a 1 and 3/16" cutting diameter.

So if you are looking to follow shorter blood trails, then give the Grim Reaper broadheads a look. Their slogan is "...shorter blood trails ... longer stories...".

A laser range finder is one gadget that I won't get into a treestand without. This tool is critical for ensuring the accuracy of my shots, and results in more successful hunts.
Once I get situated in my stand, I'll use my laser range finder to range trees or other objects that are within my shooting lanes. For example, I'll identify and make a mental note of trees, rocks, or bushes that are out 20 yards, 30 yards, and 40 yards to correspond with the pins on my bow sights. I'll look for these points of reference in all directions that I anticipate my shots will develop. Throughout the course of the hunt, I'll double-check these markers to mentally reinforce their distances.
By getting an accurate distance to these points of reference, I can instantly make the determination on which pin I will shoot from. No guesswork involved. When that deer steps up next to that tree I ranged at 30 yards, I can lay my 30 yard pin it it and cut my arrow loose with confidence. If he has stepped a few yards inside of that tree I ranged at 30, then I can still shoot confidently with my 30 yard pin, and just shoot a little low.
I will also use my range finder when sighting in my bow or practicing. By ranging the target that you will be shooting at, you can ensure that you will have the same accurate range measurement during practice that you will have from your stand during the hunt.
When looking for a range finder, note the expected accuracy error. Most of these will be + or - 1 yard, which really won't affect your shot. Also ensure that you find one that will range objects at a minimum of 20 yards, since this is typically where most bow hunters have their first pin set. I personally use a Bushnell Pro Sport 450. It is water resistant, and can range objects between 5 - 999 yards. Should I choose to gun hunt or muzzleload one season, this range finder can be used then as well.

I've found the bow for my wife. It's the PSE Pink Chaos Bow.
Yes, It is Pink ! ! !
New for 2009, the Pink Chaos measures 32" axle to axle and has 12" split limbs. With draw lengths adjustable from 17" to 27", there is a fit for every frame. You get 10" of draw length adjustment without a bow press. The draw weight is adjustable between 30 to 40 lbs, and it has a 65% let off. This bow is also available in a 40 to 50 lb model. The Chaos is still rated at 286 IBO. With those speeds, this bow is perfect for the lady hunter or the hobbyist. The pink break up finish is styled for the lady's touch.
I like the fact that the PSE Pink Chaos is comes in a ready to go package. With a peep sight and loop, the Cobra 3 fix pin sight, and a drop-a-way rest, it is ready to shoot right out of the box.
Or how about a setup with F-16 sights, a Whisker Biscuit rest and a peep wheel.
It's time to take the wife hunting!

If you are tired of your noisy treestand, then you must not be hunting in a lone wolf stand. I own many different tree stands, from APIs, Ole Mans, Gorillas and Loggys. Some are better than others, but most all of them carry the potential to make noise. I like to stand up when I shoot. I try to stand up as early as possible, partly because of my concern that my stand might creak or pop. It is a problem that has cost me deer in the past. It is tough enough to beat a deer's nose, let alone their ears. That is why I've been looking at the Lone Wolf treestands.
They solve this problem by manufacturing their platforms in one piece cast aluminum. This provides a sturdy, but silent base. No creaks or pops from hollow tubes or worn welds. They have also added non-slip footing to their base to minimize the possibility of slips. The one piece aluminum platform is at the core of their quality design. It doesn't stop there though. They have minimized the amount of moving parts on their stands.
Lone Wolf has several models of Hang On Stands, Climbers, and Climbing Sticks. They also offer a selection of hand climbers and seats. Their hang on stands typically weigh in the 11-22 lb range, but have a weight rating of approximately 350 lbs. I'm particularly fond of the Assult Hang On Stand, that comes in at 11 lbs ... Ideal for a long hike into the woods.
As far as climbers go, I like the Lone Wolf Alpha Sit & Climb. It weighs just 20 pounds, a huge platform, and a comfortable, contoured foam seat pad and back rest. It fits trees betwee 6" - 19" in diameter, but longer traction belts are available for larger trees. The Alpha Sit & Climb has an exclusive cam-action fastening system that features a locking tooth design. This makes for easy on and easy off, as well as easy adjustment.
Lone Wolf has also made a Wide version of the Alpha Sit & Climb. It only weighs one pound more at 21 lbs, but has a roomy 21" wide seat.
So if you are in the market for a new stand, check out what Lone Wolf has to offer. Lone Wolf is making a lot of noise amongst hunters, but their stands are quiet as can be.

The most important piece of gear that a hunter who hunts from a tree stand can have is a safety harness.

Do you wear one?

Hunting with a safety harness is common sense. Let's face it, hunting from a tree stand can be dangerous. You may think that since you are in a climber that you don't need one, but accidents can still happen. Should a cable fail, or some other mechanical malfunction occur, what's to stop you from taking a 20+ foot drop to the ground?
My safety harness is the one piece of gear that I am always double checking to ensure that I have before I leave for my hunt. I do this, because I have forgotten my harness in the past, and I have to tell you that I just wasn't comfortable sitting in the stand. The risks are great, and something as simple as nodding off during a hunt could be the last thing you do. Besides your safety harness, you also need to make sure that you have a good point to anchor it to the tree. I love the cinch ropes that come with the API tree stands. They are adjustable, easy to put up, and offer great security.
Many years ago, I heard stories of a hunter on the property near us that fell from a stand and died. He was missing an arrow from his quiver, and it was suspected that he had fallen while taking a shot.
The following year, a good friend of mine took a fall from his tree steps, and ended up with a pretty nasty concussion. He was wearing his safety harness, but was untethered at the time, because he was transitioning from his hang-on stand to his tree steps. This can be one of the most dangerous times of your ascent or decent. The time where you are transitioning from your steps to your stand. He didn't remember much of what happened after the fall, but did remember losing his balance, and reaching back for his stand. Appearently he missed.
So it is important to make sure you are tethered before making the transition from steps to stand. And don't untether until you have transitioned from stand to steps at the end of your hunt.
This is one piece of gear that you don't want to skimp on. The safety harnesses that come with your tree stand are typically junk, and should be thrown away. I recommend a lineman style harness, or a vest style harness. I have been hunting with a Seat of the Pants harness that I have owned for years.

There is nothing unmanly about wearing a safety harness. It's just common sense. In some states, such as Arizona, the use of safety harnesses is even included in Hunters Safety courses now. If you own a cheap harness, or no harness at all, then take a look at some of the deals below.

Every avid bow hunter wants to carry the best gear possible into the woods. For me, this desire extends past my bow, and includes arrows, broadheads, clothing, and other accessories.
To maximize the hunt, arrow selection is probably the most important factor for a bow hunter outside of the bow and bow accessories. I used to shoot heavy aluminum arrows, but switched to carbon arrows years ago. I did this for several reasons.
One of the first things that sparked my interested in carbon arrows was the hype associated with them. With so much talk and industry buzz around carbon, I had to see what the hype was.
I had several problems with aluminum arrows that switching to carbon arrows solved for me:

1. Bent Arrows
   A problem that I have experienced when transporting my bow back and forth to hunts, or on the 4 wheeler.  The durability and flexibility of aluminum was always a concern for me.
2. Life Expectancy
   I used to retire aluminum arrows after shooting a deer with one.  In my experience, the life expectancy to aluminum after shooting a deer was not good.  Maybe it was the type or size of aluminum arrows I was using, but I have destroyed many aluminum arrows over the years.
3. Quietness
   I believe that carbon arrows are much more quiet that aluminum.  Removing aluminum arrows from the quiver, dropping it in the rest, or contacting brush or branches would often result in the metal 'tinking' sound.  I don't have that convern with the carbon arrows I shoot today.

So I've made a quick case for why I like carbon arrows better than aluminum arrows.  This is often a debated topic, and you will find people on both sides of the fence that are adamant about their arrow selection.

Which arrows do I like?  I'm a big fan of Carbon Express, especially the Maxima line.  Carbon Express is a very respected manufacturer of carbon arrows and shafts.  They have four different offerings in the Maxima line:

• The Carbon Express Maxima
• The Carbon Express Maxima Hunter
• The Carbon Express Maxima 3-D Select
• The Carbon Express Maxima Hunter Mathews Edition

I'm shooting the Carbon Express Maxima Hunters this year.  These arrows fly like a dream.  They use Bull Dog Nock Collars, Blazer Vanes, have a great Timer Illuzion camouflage pattern, and integrated weight forward technology.  They are light-weight and strong, and the Blazer vanes give them added velocity.

I haven't measured the speed of these arrows off my Mathews Switchback, but I am driving nails with them.  So if you are looking to move to carbon arrows or just looking to upgrade, check out what the Carbon Express Maxima series has to offer.

I have always been a big fan of NAP Thunderhead broadheads. This year I'll be making a change though. I've been researching the new broadheads on the market, in search of a new option that will give me a more true arrow flight. In the past, I have tried some of the 'open on impact' broadheads. These claim to give you field-point-like flight, but on two occasions shooting does, I didn't blow the arrow all the way through, even though I was shooting a fast bow. Now I have to admit, that these were large diameter cutting width open on impact broadheads, and that may have had something to do with it.
So the dilemma is the choice between choosing a broadhead that will cause massive trauma, or choosing a broadhead that will give the most true arrow flight as possible. I am opting for the choice that will give the best arrow flight, because even the biggest trauma-inducing broadhead can't replace a well-placed shot. Even a small broadhead that results in a well-placed heart or double-lung shot will yield the results I am after.
So I am looking at the Slick Trick Broadheads. Slick Trick began the super short broadhead trend back during the 2000 AMO show.
Slick Trick's design claims to yield field point flight, which is exactly what I am after. They feature four-blade broadhead designs, in 85, 100, and 125 grains. They range from 1" to 1 and 1/4" cutting diameters, and feature razor sharp blades. They use a patented interlocking blade system that provides superior strength when combined with the 1 piece steel ferrule. The characteristics I am after in a broadhead are accuracy, strength, penetration, and massive hemorrhaging. These are all characteristics that Slick Trick offers.
I'll be armed with 125 GR GrizzTricks this season. You can check out the deals on find more details on Slick Trick broadheads below.