Iam fairly new to bow hunting & looking to increase the odds of recovering the deer I shoot. I've seen a couple different radio frequency tracking devices on-line (Bow Bug and ATS Trackmaster) that look pretty neat. Both can be integrated into the arrow in different positions and supposedly do not affect flight speed or accuracy. I need some advice before I plop down $200 plus on one of these units. Can ya'll help me out by giving me some input to my questions below so I can make a more informed choice ? In your reply you can just number your answers 1 to 6. I would sure appreciate it. If it works out, I will have some nice pics of my ten-pointer to post !

1) Have you seen or heard anything about electronic game tracking systems available for bow hunting ?

2) Have you used one of the systems or know someone who has ? Did the tracking system work as promised ?

3) Is the $200 plus price for Bow Bug and the ATS Tracker System Product reasonable ?

4) Do you know if either the Bow Bug or ATS Tracker Systems are available in retail stores ? What do you think about buying sight unseen from a website ?

5) Are there other good tracking/recovery products out there besides the two I have seen on-line ?


6) If you have never used one, would you consider using an electronic game tracking/recovery system like this in the near future ?

Hungryhunter,
I'm new to bowhunting myself. I couldn't find the "Bow Bug" online, but I looked up the ATS Trackmaster. I'm colorblind, and something like this would be the answer to my problem except for one thing. The ATS Trackmaster employs a braking mechanism that's designed to keep the arrow in the deer. If I understand things correctly, getting a good pass-through is important for a number of reasons, like having a good, clean entrance and exit would so the animal can bleed out quickly. Also, I've heard more than a few experienced hunters talking about the importance of examining their arrow after the shot. I don't believe that I'd use a product that leaves the holes plugged.

most of my shots are pass throughs so the only thing that would help me find is my arrow... just thought id let ya know bcuz if ur shooting a high draw weight might be the same thing for you.

Hoytultratec - the Trackmaster has a arrow penetration limiting device that prevents pass thru. Not sure I like this, but it does prevent pass thru. The Bowbug detaches from the arrow and sticks in the side of the animal with prongs, like a fish hook.

Littlecheif - here is the website for BowBug. www.bowbug.com

Personally, I wouldn't waste any money on tracking devices. Like what was said early, shoot pass thrus and you won't have much to worry about. Save that $200 for other stuff and just pratice and you won't ever have to use a tracking device...

Hungryhunter,
Thanks for the website. I think that seeing an arrow rigged like this would drop my confidence level more than a little. I'm colorblind, but I'll go for the massive blood trail and take my chances.

tlutterba,

Have you ever shot a deerwith an arrowand could not find it?

I personally dont have any experience with tracking devices and dontk now anyone who has used them. As mentioned in an earlier post, the majority of my shots are pass throughs so they wouldnt help much. Just take your time and dont walked too quick and you can follow the blood.

Couldn't find what, the arrow or the deer?

I have lost deer, but have never not recovered an arrow.

I dont think I would spend 200 or less for that matter. Take only good, ethical shots. Wait.....Wait some more....then look for the arrow, blood trail, animal.