Some of my worries about ARCHERY Elk Hunting
03-16-2007, 05:23 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location:
Posts: 1,251
Some of my worries about ARCHERY Elk Hunting
So, as abunch of you know, I am moving to Colorado in July for Elk and Muley hunting...wait, I mean new job, that right, I am moving for a new job! 
Anyway, I have been working a lot with my back tension Tru Ball Ultra Xtreme, and have began to have some doubts about using it in that environment. Now, I shoot therelease awesome, but I am beginning to wonder how well I will shoot it at, say, 11,000 feet after running up a mountainside. I also worry about having to hold my draw for a minute plus and then having to inititate my shot through back tension. Just seems (to me)that the back tension releaseis not made for those who need to hold their draw for a long period of time. Again, I hope that practice will make perfect...so with that said, I am going to give it a shot, but Ill have a finger trigger release as backup. Any bowhunters here hunt elk with a BT release?
Also...I dont have a handgun permit, and was told that it is a little iffy to hunt in Colorado without a handgun. How many archers here sport a sidearm when bowhunting for the big 'ol buglers?
I think this belongs in this forum, cause it has to deal with archery. If I am wrong mods..sorry, you can move it to wherever.
Anyway, I have been working a lot with my back tension Tru Ball Ultra Xtreme, and have began to have some doubts about using it in that environment. Now, I shoot therelease awesome, but I am beginning to wonder how well I will shoot it at, say, 11,000 feet after running up a mountainside. I also worry about having to hold my draw for a minute plus and then having to inititate my shot through back tension. Just seems (to me)that the back tension releaseis not made for those who need to hold their draw for a long period of time. Again, I hope that practice will make perfect...so with that said, I am going to give it a shot, but Ill have a finger trigger release as backup. Any bowhunters here hunt elk with a BT release?
Also...I dont have a handgun permit, and was told that it is a little iffy to hunt in Colorado without a handgun. How many archers here sport a sidearm when bowhunting for the big 'ol buglers?
I think this belongs in this forum, cause it has to deal with archery. If I am wrong mods..sorry, you can move it to wherever.
03-16-2007, 10:13 AM
#2
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4,127
RE: Some of my worries about ARCHERY Elk Hunting
Although there are lots of folks who use back tension for 3D shoots, I only know one who uses back tension for hunting. And he admits it'snot the best deal for quicker shots. I tried one and, although it shot well, went back to the trigger type. Same thing with the Trophy Taker fall away rest. Great for 3D. Went back to the whisker biscuit for hunting.
03-16-2007, 11:41 AM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Erie, Colorado
Posts: 1,530
RE: Some of my worries about ARCHERY Elk Hunting
Howler,
It is Not Illegal to carry a side arm during any season in Colorado. The weapon must be open and visible (not concealed). Do you need it? Not in my opinion...it is just extra weight.
Campo,
I have several friends that hunt with BT releases. I do not. I think practice is the key. But, it utimately comes down to which release you have the most confidenceshooting. You do not need a side arm...a good radio and gps would be a better choice for the weight.
It is Not Illegal to carry a side arm during any season in Colorado. The weapon must be open and visible (not concealed). Do you need it? Not in my opinion...it is just extra weight.
Campo,
I have several friends that hunt with BT releases. I do not. I think practice is the key. But, it utimately comes down to which release you have the most confidenceshooting. You do not need a side arm...a good radio and gps would be a better choice for the weight.
03-16-2007, 11:58 AM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southwest Ohio
Posts: 2,849
RE: Some of my worries about ARCHERY Elk Hunting
Campo,
I have only gotten to hunt elk in CO 6 or 7 times, but I have never had any need for a side arm. I did see a black bear fairly close up one time, but he wanted nothing to do with me. I have never seen a mountain lion, but one of the cows I shot had scars down her back from what I assumed to be a mountain lion. At any rate, I agree with huck, it is just a lot of weight, and for a flatlander like myself, it isn't worth it.
If you are worried about people, then I would suggest a featherweight revovler.
I have only gotten to hunt elk in CO 6 or 7 times, but I have never had any need for a side arm. I did see a black bear fairly close up one time, but he wanted nothing to do with me. I have never seen a mountain lion, but one of the cows I shot had scars down her back from what I assumed to be a mountain lion. At any rate, I agree with huck, it is just a lot of weight, and for a flatlander like myself, it isn't worth it.
If you are worried about people, then I would suggest a featherweight revovler.
03-16-2007, 12:33 PM
#8
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,679
RE: Some of my worries about ARCHERY Elk Hunting
For the releaseI would use a trigger style for hunting. They are much easier and quicker to use in a huntingsituation. Especially at altitude and out of breath.
IMHO a side arm is well worth it. On three seaperate occasions in about 5 or 6 years of each otherwe have had bear encounters at or near camp.
One tore up a bunch of our camp and ate a bunch of food stuff. We had pre packed in some things like the wall tent, canned goods, lighter fluid, etc... and while were gone during the week a very large bear (judging from the size of the tooth punctures in the cans) decided to help himself to our stuff. I am glad we weren't there.
Another one skirted the edge of the meadow that we camp on, growling the entire time.
Another one (a small bear this time) came within 30 yards of my father one morning while he was sitting against his favorite tree ambushing the elk as they come up the mountain. Thankfully it was small and it simply ran off.
This is enough for me to carry a side arm whenI am bow hunting elk.
IMHO a side arm is well worth it. On three seaperate occasions in about 5 or 6 years of each otherwe have had bear encounters at or near camp.
One tore up a bunch of our camp and ate a bunch of food stuff. We had pre packed in some things like the wall tent, canned goods, lighter fluid, etc... and while were gone during the week a very large bear (judging from the size of the tooth punctures in the cans) decided to help himself to our stuff. I am glad we weren't there.
Another one skirted the edge of the meadow that we camp on, growling the entire time.
Another one (a small bear this time) came within 30 yards of my father one morning while he was sitting against his favorite tree ambushing the elk as they come up the mountain. Thankfully it was small and it simply ran off.
This is enough for me to carry a side arm whenI am bow hunting elk.
03-16-2007, 05:16 PM
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Elizabeth Colo. USA
Posts: 4,413
RE: Some of my worries about ARCHERY Elk Hunting
It is Not Illegal to carry a side arm during any season in Colorado. The weapon must be open and visible (not concealed)
Too much weight to carry up and down a mountain though, IMO! Black bear just as soon run from ya as to run at ya! Although a good friend of mine did shoot a mountian lion that was stalking him several years ago. He shot it and then reported the incident to the DOW. He never got fined and laterbought the lion back when the DOW had an auction!
03-16-2007, 06:05 PM
#10
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: drummond mt.
Posts: 786
RE: Some of my worries about ARCHERY Elk Hunting
I always carry a sidearm while bowhunting.Reason being I have had numerous bears respond real quick like to the sound of cow talk that I was making. If you know what I mean?