Ultimately, bowhunting isn’t much different today than it was when Bear toted his hand-made bow and arrows into the big woods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in pursuit of whitetail deer. Although hunting strategies and gear are constantly changing, these core principles remain. Doing so will ensure you’ll be prepared when next season begins.Īll of Bear’s commandments still hold true today. If you want to stay atop your game, put constant effort towards whatever goals you set for yourself. The process of scouting new areas, identifying game-rich environments and honing your skills is an ongoing process. “Next year’s hunt begins the minute this season’s hunt ends.” Failure to hunt areas with significant sign can leave you empty-handed and ultimately frustrated. Sign such as rubs, scrapes, tracks and beds are telltale examples that you’re hunting where deer hang out. Look for physical evidence that deer are in the area you plan to hunt. “Take only the gear to the field that allows you to hunt longer, harder, smarter.” When you allow yourself to blend into your surroundings, you’ll drastically increase your chances of intercepting wild game. Regardless of what you use to stay hidden, sit still and be quiet. “The best camouflage pattern is called, “Sit down and be quiet!” Your grandpa hunted deer in a red plaid coat, think about that for a second.”Īlthough modern camouflage patterns are always useful, Bear stresses the importance of being still rather than just wearing the latest and greatest in concealment technology. This means in late fall and winter, they’ll spend most of their time in sunlight-exposed hillsides, but will revert to the shade when the temperature warms during hotter months. Much like humans, deer need to regulate their body temperature. Approaching from downwind will significantly reduce the odds of deer pin-pointing your location. This commandment hopefully goes without saying, but it’s still just as true today as it was the day Bear put it into practice. In the cool of the day, move uphill in the heat of the day, move downhill.”ĭon’t let the deer catch your scent. You’ll be surprised how you’ll stay out of sight and mind. Rather than noisily marching into an area, meticulously evaluate your every move. Modern hunters can also utilize this tactic, especially when entering treestands. Keep an eye out for the flicker of an ear or a set of deer legs sneaking through the woods. Think about most deer you see in the woods – they take a few steps, stop, listen, and continue on with their seemingly high-alert body language. “Don’t look for deer, look for movement and remember it’s what they’re looking for, too.”ĭeer are cautious animals, and very rarely will they move in a way that easily alerts potential predators. If you can enter the woods undetected, you’ll see more of your quarry close-by. In his first commandment, Bear advises all bowhunters to pay keen attention to twigs, logs and anything else that can alert game animals. Being able to identify and avoid noisy hazards while entering the woods prevents your quarry from discovering you. Stealthy woodsmanship is instrumental in the success of any bowhunter. “Don’t step on anything you can step over.”Īvoid anything on the ground that could cause unnecessary noise. His wisdom lives on to this day – and whether you’re a brand-new bowhunter or a seasoned veteran, Bear’s practical insight is always worth revisiting. More important than the early bowhunting videos where he shared his adventures, Bear is probably best known for his inspired 10 Commandments of Hunting. However, Bear left behind much more than an iconic archery name. Little did Bear know that his small archery shop located in Grayling, Michigan, in the late 1940s would still be in business long after his death in 1988. He dedicated his life to archery long before it was a well-known sport. Most notably known for his worldwide bowhunting adventures and for founding Bear Archery, Bear is largely credited with putting the archery community on the map. Bowhunting and archery are no different – and any discussion about the icons of the sport is incomplete without mentioning Fred Bear. As with most lifestyles, certain pioneers often blaze a trail for others to follow. Erik Barber Conservation Featured September 20, 2018Īs a new hunting season begins, reflecting upon seasons long past helps us understand how the hunting community arrived to where it is today.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |