Loading ...Posted on: July 9th, 2010 Silent Setup
My AlphaMax after getting the silent treatment
Even though season starts tomorrow for us along the coastal area of California, most of the country is still a few months away. So for them, and still some of us getting a late start to hunting season in the Golden State, it is important to make sure your setup is at top performance for hunting.
I would hope by know you have a least touched your bow. Far too often, guys pull their hunting bow out of the closet a few days before season, fling a couple arrows and take to the hills. You will be doing yourself a service if you take a few weeks ahead of opening day and make sure you are ready.
I’m not going to go into detail about setting up your hunting bow in this post, I’m just want to offer a little tip that I see so many people overlook before hunting season. After tuning and sighting in your bow, take a little time to make sure the bow not only functions well but is absolutely silent.
A few years ago, I missed an opportunity at an excellent Coues’ deer because the felt on my rest was worn out. As I drew, the arrow screeched across the rest and sent the big buck propelling out of sight and out of my life forever.
Now, I don’t take any chances. I use felt and moleskin all over my bow–just to ensure I won’t miss an opportunity because of an unnatural sound. Getting shots at animals with a bow is hard enough without having to overcome things that can easily be avoided. Anywhere there is metal and I think an arrow could touch it, I put moleskin. It is cheap, easy to apply, and can save you from seeing a buck’s tail as it bounds off.
I use moleskin instead of camo felt because it is easier to find, cheaper and sticks better to the bow. If having a tan-color piece of moleskin bothers you on your pretty camo bow, then simply take a Sharpie and color it black, or any color you wish. Before adhering the moleskin, take a cotton ball dipped in alcohol and clean the any surface it will touch. This will ensure better adhesion.
After making your setup silent, take an arrow and in a completely quiet room, draw your bow to make sure there is zero noise. Then simulate nocking and arrow and any movements you might make while making a stalk or sitting on stand. If your arrow comes into contact with anything on the bow, make sure there is moleskin there. This simple tip will help you be quieter and more lethal during close encounters.
One more reason why shooting for weeks before season is a good idea: you will less likely be surprised by problems in the field. I watched a TV show last week and the hunter was in a tree waiting for a buck to pass under his stand. When one did, he drew and the broadhead kept pulling off the rest and sticking to the magnet on the riser that triggers his lighted nock as it passes. This guy was lucky to kill the buck because it was two yards away and he was able to short draw the bow and still hit home. But how many of us spot-and-stalk hunters get two yard shots? None.
Point is, shoot your bow like you will be during hunting season and eliminate preventable problems in the field. Good luck this season!
Using several small pieces makes it easier to fit entire area
Use pen to trace where cut should be made
Now I’m ready to hunt!
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