Arrow Archery

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!