Bowhunter brings you expert advice from legendary Bowhunters! Each issue is filled with updates from major bowhunting organizations, coverage of bowhunting locations across North America, complete coverage of the sport and much more.
THERE IS DEBATE over who first uttered those words. Some claim it was Mickey Mantle, but whoever it was, he was an enlightened man. As I write these words, I just finished a workout in preparation for a mountain goat hunt. I’m happy to say one thing was missing — pain. No pain in the knees, ankles, hips, or back. I’ll shoot my bow later today and will feel no pain in my shoulders or elbows. I’m blessed —so far. The latest rage is the “hunter athlete.” Bowhunters, young and old (mostly young) are taking their passion to the next level by going to the extreme to get in shape. They train in gyms and take part in long-distance trail runs, then combine those efforts with extreme mountain-based 3D shoots.…
A TROPHY IS A TROPHY Dear Bowhunter, As I was reading through the July 2021 issue, I came across Chuck Adams’s article, “Thoughts About Trophy Hunting,” and it really hit home with me. I have been hunting whitetails since 1978, when I was a kid in Nebraska, and have been lucky enough to harvest a few deer over the years. I made myself a promise back then that if I took a buck, I would show my respect by having it mounted, so I would always have that memory of the thrill of the moment. I have taken some heat over the years for some of the “little deer” I have hanging on my wall. I wouldn’t change anything I’ve done, and I do my best to take any and…
JOHN MUSACCHIA wasn’t the type to sit around. A hard-working Brooklyn native who had retired comfortably with his family to Marathon, Florida, after selling off a very successful New York-based restaurant, he soon had other adventures in mind. John had been shooting stickbows since the early 1950s and had taken a slew of North American big game, but now he dreamed of settling his aim on African plains game, and maybe a Cape buffalo. And that’s exactly what he did in the summer of ‘72 in the brushy grasslands of Mozambique. While John and wife, Barbara, had a mostly tranquil trip to beautiful Southeast Africa, his encounter with a big buffalo ended with a rifle shot and left John understandably shaken. His broadheadarrow combo just couldn’t handle the buffalo’s thick,…
AT DAYBREAK, I was practically moaning in my one-man tent, sore and achy from the previous day’s workout. I had endured a strenuous, eight-mile hike through the Nevada backcountry while carrying a hefty, multi-day pack. However, I knew the August sun wouldn’t wait. The potent rays promised serious warmth, and it wouldn’t be long before the area’s bucks ventured into the thick cover to take refuge from the midday heat. I snugged up my lightweight boots, grabbed my hydration pack, along with a handful of energy bars and snacks, and shouldered my bow. Before long, I was picking my way through the aspens, angling up to a rocky, alpine ridge. The trees and large boulders scattered along the slope kept me hidden and off the skyline. As I moved around…
I HAD BEEN HUNTING the same big Wyoming elk for nearly two weeks. The 6x7 had distinctive antlers and lived on a heavily timbered ridge where I could find him almost every day. But due to unpredictable wind, plenty of satellite bulls, and alert cows in his harem, that bull kept giving me the slip. Everything changed on a warm morning in late September. I heard the bull’s distinctive bugle just after dawn, as I trotted along a well-traveled elk trail. Suddenly, a menacing “woof” exploded in front of me, and a high-shouldered, silver-backed bear lumbered into view barely 20 yards ahead. The grizzly was on the same trail as I was, and I hustled downhill with bear spray in one hand and my .454 Casull handgun in the other.…
Marginal Meat Salvage Overnight animal recovery can present problems after an arrow hit late in the day. Where legal, it is wise to attempt a follow-up with lantern or flashlight, if you are sure your critter is dead. Never push a crippled animal after dark because it might go a long ways and complicate retrieval. Trailing in the dark is foolish in grizzly country, and a poor blood trail can make finding your animal impossible unless there is daylight to help. In most places, you must legally salvage all edible meat — even after predators eat their fill. You should document the sad results with photos, tag what’s left of your animal, and trim up any meat that’s left. Be sure to check local laws or call a game warden,…
