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Real interesting bow shot/kill info outta OH shows most shots are close!
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> For one question, the study determined the average distance each deer hunter shot their first arrow using their weapon of choice. Compound hunters took the longest shots at 25.5 yards, followed by crossbows (24.7 yards) and stickbows (18.4 yards). The mean-yardage distance for all three was 25 yards.
> Since all 3 weapons were attempting to harvest a deer within 26 yards, this is probably occurring because all hunters are hunting in the same habitat, which allows, on average, shots less than 30 yards.
> The report also looked at the differences between the 3 bow types in relationship to the yardage where a hit was recorded. …there was a difference in yardage between a first-shot attempt and whether an actual hit was made. Their data showed compound (22.6 yards) and crossbow (22.4 yards) hunters were basically the same in yardage where a shot connected…traditional hunters had the closest yardage at 15.8 yards.
> “The average distance for all archers’ initial shot was 25 yards, but shots resulting in a hit were almost 30% closer than those who missed.” As you’d imagine, accuracy decreased with distance for all weapon types.
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> Another interesting question had to do with the distance a deer traveled after being shot. On average, deer harvested with a compound bow traveled 82.1 yards, while crossbow-harvested deer went 64.7 yards. And although the survey sample was small, deer taken by traditional bowhunters traveled an average distance of 57.6 yards.
> Why did this occur? Most likely because shorter shooting distances combined with heavier arrows made pass-through shots much more likely.
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So deer aging techniques are NOT 100% accurate? 👀
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> The study used deer on the King Ranch [TX] and examined more than 7,000 deer harvested from 2000-2014. The age was estimated by tooth wear and by Cementum Annuli (CA), a technique in which the tooth is extracted, sent to a lab, and “growth rings” are counted at the root of the tooth.
> In comparing the estimates based on tooth wear to the CA method, researchers found some variation, but the estimates were within one year of each other more than 70 percent of the time.
BUT:
> Using information on 134 known-age deer from a study called the Buck Capture Project, teeth from deer older than 2 years when harvested were examined by 6 trained observers, and teeth were sent for CA aging at 2 labs.
> The results of tooth wear examination were correct between 43% and 51% of the time, but 87% of the estimates were within 1 year of the actual age. The CA results from the labs were correct 60-62% of the time, and 93% were within 1 year.
Wow so the CA estimates weren’t 100% on the money!
> “The tooth wear examinations had a tendency to overage young deer and underage older deer. The CA method was better for older deer. Both techniques are good for management, as they get within plus or minus 1 year most of the time.”
> “If it’s a younger deer, go with the smaller number. For an older deer, go with the higher number.
> “…after you shoot it doesn’t matter what the teeth say. He’s as old as he’s gonna get.”
Right! 😁
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Could CWD be a variant of sheep “scrapie”?
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Mentioned in an article about the TX deer breeder who is fighting the state wanting to kill off his high-fence herd based on alleged positive CWD tests:
> Williams, along with some whitetail experts, contends CWD may actually be a variant of scrapie, a disease discovered in sheep several hundred years ago.
> “They (TPWD) can’t show you one case of a white-tailed deer shriveling up dying in Texas from CWD,” Williams said. “CWD is a political disease in TX. It’s different in OK and LA.”
> TPWD officials say they have evidence of two free-ranging whitetails that were showing clinical signs of CWD before they were euthanized to avoid further suffering – one in Del Rio in 2019; another south of Dalhart in 2018. Both deer tested positive for the disease, according to Chandler.
> TX biologist: “For some reason, a few people seem to imply that because it’s scrapie (if it was), that we should ignore the occurrence and not have a control program in place. In fact, it changes nothing since the disease is highly infectious.
> “We have a scrapie program in the US that has resulted in the depopulation of thousands of sheep over the years. That has only slowed because there is a genetic combination that makes the sheep “resistant” to classical scrapie.”
Here’s insight into the legal part in case your interested:
> “Nobody has ever tested TPWD’s assertion that these deer are a threat to other deer. They’ve never had a court or independent agency to review it. …it’s an opportunity for us to challenge their science – an opportunity for us to cry foul on their allegation that they have to kill all the deer to prevent the spread of CWD. They are killing the deer to test them to see if they have CWD.”
> Riggs says the case also raises issues of property rights and procedural due process. “When you have a property right you are entitled to notice in a hearing. It’s one of the fundamental premises of our Constitutional system. Government can’t run over you unless they give you the opportunity to say why they shouldn’t.”
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US Senate now getting involved in CWD.
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> Sens John Hoeven (R-ND) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) have introduced legislation to address a host of state and federal needs in the fight to contain CWD….
> The Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act calls for an annual $70 mil investment through fiscal year 2028, split between CWD management and research priorities.
> In both bills, $35 mil per year for research would focus on:
- Methods to effectively detect CWD in live and harvested deer and the surrounding environment
- Best practices for reducing CWD occurrence through sustainable harvest of deer and other cervids
- Factors contributing to spread of the disease locally, such as animal movement and scavenging
> Another $35 mil per year for management, including surveillance and testing, would prioritize:
- Areas with the highest incidence of CWD
- Areas responding to new outbreaks of CWD
- Areas without CWD that show the greatest risk of CWD emerging
- Jurisdictions demonstrating the greatest financial commitment to managing, monitoring, surveying and researching CWD
- Efforts to develop comprehensive policies and programs focused on CWD management
Let’s see if it helps.
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Do you have self-defense insurance?
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Excerpted from the BassBlaster email, an interview with ex-Special Forces soldier Jamey Caldwell. Obviously not directly deer-related but still important to know – and tho Jamey has a relationship with this company, we do not.
The question to him was: Should fishermen who travel carry? I assume you do – what’s your setup or what do you recommend?
> “I think 100% they should. The way the world is going and in some of the areas we fish crime is definitely a consideration. I carry a Glock 19 [in] my MOD1 Holster so I have my Glock 19 and a spare mag, and that’s it. I don’t carry a rifle or anything crazy, but I always carry a pistol.
> “I’m not a big fan of the super subcompact pistols because you’re limited in the rounds you carry…now you always want to have more than 6 rounds on you…you won’t encounter just 1 person, it might be multiple people you have to deal with.
> “Anyone who does [carry] make sure you’re doing it right and watch out for the states you should not carry in. NY is a big one. We go there all the time and they are very, very strict…if you don’t have a NY concealed-carry permit, don’t carry or you’ll be thrown in jail.
> “CCW Safe [one of his sponsors] – they provide insurance for guys that carry. There’s some epic stories where guys had to defend themselves with a sidearm and ended up killing somebody. It’s scary to see what happened to them – you’re not necessarily innocent til proven guilty. One of the guys would’ve been prosecuted for murder were it not for [CCW Safe]. These guys are professionals….
> “It’s cheap for the insurance – I highly recommend it. We have insurance on our boat, motor, cars – we’re covered for everywhere we go. But guys carrying a gun to protect themselves and their families don’t think about what happens if they have to use it.”
Here’s Jamey:
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About the same level reduction as they think the deer herd has decline, in the low single-digit percents.
> In a major win for public lands access, 4 MO hunters were declared “not guilty” by a WY court in a “corner crossing” case that garnered national attention.
> The WY chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: “We are happy for these hunters, and we hope we can avoid future scenarios of criminal prosecution of the public for attempting to access their public lands and waters. We are committed to advancing this conversation and we hope we can find solutions that result in increased public access while respecting the property rights and concerns of all.”
…sounds like not a lotta deer in that county?
> “It will take 3-4 years for the deer population in Windsor County to recruit additional mature bucks and replace those that were illegally taken this fall.”
Cool idea! Short notice tho – it’s May 14 in Ogden:
> Each contestant will have the chance to field judge different animals representing 5-6 different species. Contestants will have a set amount of time to judge each animal from varying distances of 50-100 yards away.
> The…optics observation deck will provide multiple tripods with spotting scopes and binoculars. Each animal will be scored from the optics platform, with contestants providing a net score. Additionally, each entrant will guess the gross score and outside width for tie-breaking purposes.
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Had that deer in Dec DB email, here’s why Buckmasters chose it – the first time a TX deer was chosen:
> Tarif Alkhatib’s 2021 Grayson County whitetail will be the 32nd recipient of the GLC, first awarded to the world-record Tony Fulton Buck in 1996. The award is given to our Deer of the Year based on the margin by which an animal rose to the top of state or national rankings.
> Measuring less than a half-inch shy of 200″, Tarif’s 7×7 is the Lone Star State’s new typical compound bow record. It eclipsed Robert Nichols’ former #1 taken a quarter-century ago in Kleberg County by nearly 15″.
> The Southeast contains over 6.7 mil paid hunting license holders who spend over $251 mil annually on licenses, tags permits and stamps. This contributes to the roughly $8.8 bil spent annually by deer hunters in the Southeast, which includes a total multiplier effect of $15.8 bil.
11. 2A stuff.
Line of the Day
The statement “high levels among herds” is 100% false, even if you accept that what our gov’ts are saying deer Covid it is true. Mentioning because the mass media tends to create its own “facts” sometimes, which then can become “reality” for some folks….
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Reviewed by Rifle Shooter Mag, MSRP = $766:
> At first I was nonplussed by the lack of a heavy match-profile barrel, since the “LR”…suggests long-range shooting. Then I…realized that Mossberg has created a rifle that’s easier to shoot well yet still light enough to pack up a mountain.
> Ergonomics are excellent. The double-stack polymer magazine is easy to load, and the bolt functions easily and without drama. And while not the equal of a match-grade aftermarket trigger, the LBA is pretty good.
> Reliability…was stellar during my tests. A few times I chucked a loose round into the ejection port, and those too fed into the chamber without an issue.
> Away from the bench, the feel of the Mossberg is great, more like rifles costing double what it does. Worked like you mean it, the action runs like a well-oiled pickup truck. Thrown to the shoulder, the stock seats naturally, and the Monte Carlo comb positions the cheek and eye well behind the scope. Balance is good too.
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> …22 specially-serialized Model 48 Long Range Carbon rifles chambered in 28 Nosler that feature a PROOF Research barrel and a Timney trigger. The stock is a custom Manners Carbon Fiber stock with a special Kryptek Obskura Nox pattern that highlights the carbon fiber construction.
> Leupold…donating the optics and mounts to make the package complete, and Nosler then mounted and zeroed each VX-5HD 3-15×44 for shots at any range.
> The payment of $6,500 for each rifle will be handled directly by Boot Campaign as a charitable donation and then the rifles will be shipped from Nosler to your FFL of choice. Boot Campaign is a 501c3 non-profit that creates individualized programs and customized care to treat the root causes of the invisible wounds of war, such as posttraumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, self-medication and insomnia.
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👊💪🇺🇸
> By packaging Leica’s 3-18x44mm Amplus 6 riflescope with their Calonox thermal sight, using the correct Rusan adapter, customers are offered arguably one of the best turnkey, day-to-night optics on the market.
> Calonox Sight features the four field-tested color modes – Red Hot, White Hot, Black Hot, and Rainbow – which offer the hunter extremely detailed and high-contrast images to accurately identify game.
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> The Sonic 6.0 is built from scratch in the USA using Easton’s seamless Acu-Carbon process for the ultimate weight and spine consistency…. The lighter overall mass weight of Sonic 6.0 also provides for a wider range of arrow build options….
> Sonic 6.0 features…factory-fletched helical utilizing our 2″ Bully vane, designed exclusively for Easton by Bohning to provide the utmost in broadhead accuracy. For those who prefer to roll their own, Sonic 6.0 is also available in a bare shaft configuration.
> …boast incredible 0.07″ thick blades made from tempered 420 stainless steel. These blades have such a thickness they require to be EDM machined. “A standard mechanical broadhead blade is stamped from sheet metal, ours are so thick they require a completely different approach to produce.”
> The 3 different weight broadheads were developed specifically for crossbows. The 100- and 125-grain have an 1.5″ cutting diameter while the monster 150-grain is 1.75″. All broadheads have a solid one-piece tempered titanium ferrule that is incredibly tough.
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> Frankly a lot of factory stock designs fall into the category of, “That’s how we have always done it,” which doesn’t do much to explain why they suck. My first .300 Win from far too many years ago pounded me unmercifully. Then I got an assignment to write about one of the new synthetic replacement stocks….
> I fitted one of the stocks to my .300 Winnie and I was astounded. It felt and acted like a completely different rifle. The gun became pleasant to shoot and oddly enough it was a lot more accurate.
> Recently I traded for a .458 Lott custom rifle built on a Mauser action. It was fitted with a beautiful walnut stock. I shot the rifle seven times and had to quit. That experience would lead a lot of people to believe the .458 Lott is too much gun. But I know better having shot several of them over the years. The problem is the stock design.
> The butt…is cut at an angle to the bore. (It’s called pitch.) The Monte Carlo comb rises to a point right where it contacts my face. When the gun fires it drives the cheekpiece into my face with considerable force.
> A wide butt plate that is square to the bore reduces the beating on your face. A stock with a lot of pitch on the recoil pad, like a lot of factory guns and my pretty .458 stock, use the pitch angle like a cam when the gun fires. It forces the muzzle up and the comb smacks your cheekbone.
> With a square (or nearly square) pitch, the gun recoils straight back and spares your pretty face. This also keeps the muzzle rise down and helps speed the next shot. The comb should be straight or sloping slightly forward so the gun recoils away from your cheek.
> The stock should of course have one of the newer high-tech recoil pads to cushion your shoulder and to absorb some of the recoil energy. A wide butt also helps dissipate the recoil – a thin butt pad will hurt you.
> It’s important, too, that the stock fits you. Have a competent gunsmith adjust the length of pull to fit your body size.
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“When people push the commercialization of the resource, or they promise in their fancy brochure that you come to ABC Lodge and you’ll have ‘guaranteed…hunting’ – well, once you move it out of ‘hunting’, what you’ve done is you’ve appealed to a whole other aspect of this ‘hunting.’ And it is ‘shooting.’ They want to ‘shoot.'”
– Former SD DNR director John Cooper talking about pheasant hunting there and what he feels that’s become. Not about deer, but it is a wise word for all of us trying to get new folks into hunting or new folks coming in. As we all know, it’s all about being out there – meat is for sure not a guarantee…at least for some of us! 😁
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What’s the DB and who does it?
The DeerBlaster is a weekly roundup of the best, funniest, newest and most important stuff about deer hunting – culled from around the interwebz FOR DIEHARD DEER HUNTERS and blasted into your inbox.
The DB is put together by a couple deer nerds 😁 from around the country. We excerpt content (and credit EVERYONE!), comment on content, do some original content…because we can’t get enough deer hunting – bet you’re wired the same!
The DeerBlaster’s a work in progress, just like we are 😂. Any issues, suggestions, whatever, just hit Reply to this email and we’ll get it. Thank you for reading!
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(908) 268 2258
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