Bow slings/packs/shields

[Justin]

The past few years I've been contemplating getting a bow sling that I can use to throw my bow over my shoulder or on my back when I'm walking to/from my stand. I seem to carry more and more crap every time I walk into the woods, and with the addition of camera gear I've been thinking about it more and more. My only problem is that I've always wanted to be ready in case a shot presented itself on my way out in the mornings, or in the evenings. With my bow in a sling around my neck I'm sure a Booner would stand in front of me at 20 yards and laugh in my general direction as I humbled around like a moron trying to get an arrow ready.

What say you, my HNI bowhunting brothers? Yay or Nay on the bow sling apparatus?

[FLboy77]

No I wouldnt use one for just the reason you stated. I want to be ready for that opportunity when it presents itself. But with all the stuff you carry into the woods It may not be a bad idea for you. Just try to find one that you can get your bow in and out of quickly (if thats possible).

[peakrut]

With all the crap you got It sounds like you wouldnt get a shot off anyways brotha.
Get a sling so you wont be draggin ass by the time you get to the spot.
How many times have you had a chance thus far walking into or out?

Out,
T

[mobow]

I use a Primos sling and like it. But, to be honest.....I pack my stand in nearly every hunt, so it's just not very practical. And, on hunts when my stand is already in place.....It sure isn't difficult to carry, and as you mention, I could be ready quicker for a potential shot op. Now, where they are really nice to have is when you're dragging a deer out or carrying various other "stuff" in or out.

I will say, they are quite handy and do make carrying the bow simple. I just don't find them all that practical....well, maybe "needed" is more the word I'm looking for. There are times when they come in handy though.

[GMMAT]

Justin:

I've never worried much about shot opportunities on the way to stand. In fact...I think I've nocked an arrow on the walk in about twice.

If you're trying to free up your hands....but not simply add another USELESS piece of gear to weight you down...."I" would look at the bow bat. You may be able to eliminate another piece of gear and free up your hands in the process. They have several gear pockets...and they act as a gear holder (attach to the tree) once you're on stand.

If I ever go the route of a bow carrier type piece of equipment....I'll give this a hard look.

My .02

[Justin]

ORIGINAL: peakrut

How many times have you had a chance thus far walking into or out?

It only takes once peakrut! It only takes once!!!!!!!!!!

And if it happens, I'm blaming you personally.

[early in]

ORIGINAL: peakrut

How many times have you had a chance thus far walking into or out?

Exactly! Where I hunt, a deer isn't going to stand around longenough for you to be able to shoot him/her, I can assure you of that!!

[peakrut]

Crap, thats ok I have back up in Cole A.K.A PEAKRUT_JR

ORIGINAL: Justin

It only takes once peakrut! It only takes once!!!!!!!!!!

And if it happens, I'm blaming you personally.

[peakrut]

Bow bat? GOOGLE time, thx

EDIT: Very interesting but I just remembered a hunt.

JZ I do recall after numerous days of not seeing much I got lazy walking to my stand and right when I came around this corner of the brush to a meadow there he was a beautiful
9 pointer about 3 1/2 years old just staring right at me from about 30 yards away. If I would of been ready with bow in hand and taken my normal precautionsI would of had him.
Yes I would of shot him for sure. This is actually one of the difficult problems of hunting the private I do is trying not to bump them going in.
So my answer the moreI thought about it is NO during day light hours. Early morning hunts before daylight yes it would be nice. Afternoon hunts NO unless you carry the bow in then use the sling
once it gets dark on the way out.
Ive changed this dang post 3x in 5 minutes.[:@]
*

ORIGINAL: GMMAT

Justin:

I've never worried much about shot opportunities on the way to stand. In fact...I think I've nocked an arrow on the walk in about twice.

If you're trying to free up your hands....but not simply add another USELESS piece of gear to weight you down...."I" would look at the bow bat. You may be able to eliminate another piece of gear and free up your hands in the process. They have several gear pockets...and they act as a gear holder (attach to the tree) once you're on stand.

If I ever go the route of a bow carrier type piece of equipment....I'll give this a hard look.

My .02

[OHbowhntr]

ORIGINAL: GMMAT

Justin:

I've never worried much about shot opportunities on the way to stand. In fact...I think I've nocked an arrow on the walk in about twice.

If you're trying to free up your hands....but not simply add another USELESS piece of gear to weight you down...."I" would look at the bow bat. You may be able to eliminate another piece of gear and free up your hands in the process. They have several gear pockets...and they act as a gear holder (attach to the tree) once you're on stand.

If I ever go the route of a bow carrier type piece of equipment....I'll give this a hard look.

My .02

GMMAT,
I've killed 2 skinheads in the past 4 yrs on my way to my stand. I always have an arrow on the string and ready if I'm anywhere, where a shot may present itself. I don't see a good use for a sling in my practice, but one of those "thigh sling" things that you can rest the bottom cam in and will hold the bow sure sounds nice.