1. New analysis says no harm from X-bows…
…and about the same effectiveness as compounds. Interesting look at the impact of crossbows by Patrick Durkin using DNR data from central and eastern states that have relaxed crossbow hunting regs over the last decade:
> …thus far found no harmful impacts on deer herds, and most find the crossbow’s effectiveness differs little from compounds when used for hunting.
> [An OH study found] the average shooting distance for compound hits was 22.6 yards, and the average miss was 31.6 yards. The average shooting distance for crossbow hits was 22.4 yards, and the average miss was 31.1 yards.
> A 2008 study of bowhunters [in MD] reported little difference in wounding rates between compound and crossbow shooters. [Wow!]
> States generally find that crossbows help retain bowhunters, especially those who would otherwise drop out as they grow older.
2. NV: More new gear goodness from SHOT.
The guys over at Realtree.com have a huge SHOT Show roundup of just about everything. If you can’t find something you want in this list, you need to take up golf! This Hi-Point 1095TS in 10mm is pretty cool:
3. Are hipster millennials the future of deer hunting?
Maybe not the future but:
> More millennials are exchanging their Kombucha for crossbows and concealing their man-buns under camouflage caps to take up one of the oldest pastimes known to man — hunting.
> Last month, Field to Fork, which operates in 8 states, held an event aimed at those new to hunting. The newbies were paired with mentors and trained to use crossbows before being taken out to hunt in places a little closer to civilization for their first time.
> “Earthy crunchy aligns very well with deer hunting.”
Some of these folks might have built-in ghillie suit camo:
4. IL: Deer hunting = fewer car wrecks.
> From 2008 to 2016, deer-related crashes have declined in Champaign and Vermilion counties by more than 50%.
> IL uses deer-related crashes as a barometer to measure deer population trends. A 2008 task force called for 14%…with the statewide goal reached in 2012.
5. How deer can survive the polar vortex.
It’s keeping a lot of us indoors, here’s how the deer get by. Nothing real insightful here, just in case you’re wondering:
> …winter [coat], which consists of thicker, longer, and darker hairs…while also growing in a much thicker undercoat. This winter coat absorbs more sunlight and traps more body heat.
> …their bodies also begin to retain more fat…. They are generally less active, sometimes dropping their metabolism by half, which allows them to save energy and eat less.
> …in brutal conditions deer gravitate to stands of thick spruce, pine and other conifer trees, which provide thermal cover from wind and snow.
6. Germany: New stag-calling winner.
Yep not whitetail hunting, but interesting and hilarious!
> The title of Germany’s Deer Caller Champion was snatched by 54-year-old Thomas Soltwedel…at Europe’s biggest hunting fair “Jagd & Hund” (“Hunting & Dogs”) in Dortmund.
