Bowhunting Equipment

Fix gear Sellecting the fix bowhunting gear. By Dave Buy. Gear assortment is althe majority certainly the most controversially discussed theme in the middle of Southern ... Correct equipment Sellecting the correct bowhunting equipment By Dave Purchase Equipment selection is probably the most controversially discussed topic amongst Southern African bowhunters, and brave is the writer who advocates specific equipment to do the job. There are many variables in equipment selection, as well as their perceived advantages and disadvantages. In the end, however, it all boils down to personal choice and what each hunter is most comfortable with on the hunt. Certainly, this choice should be guided by hunting experience of our plains game and the following may be of interest to those hunters planning on coming to southern Africa for their first plains game hunt. Firstly, for the international hunter, we need to identify what constitutes southern Africa's plains game. The term broadly covers our soft-skinned game animals, especially our antelope species. It does not apply to our dangerous game, particularly elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard and hippo. Hunting the likes of elephant, rhino, buffalo and hippo requires a heavy poundage bow and related equipment to take on their very tough hides and big bone structure. Lion and leopard also require specialised hunting experience and all dangerous game demand the compulsory guidance of an experienced and certified dangerous game guide, or professional hunter, as they are known in southern Africa. There are also exceptions to what is considered as plains game. Giraffe, for example, is considered a plains game animal, although it is certainly not soft-skinned. The giraffe requires specialised equipment to hunt because of the thickness of its hide and ribs. There is also a perception that Africa's game is tough and therefore requires a greater amount of kinetic energy and/or momentum in the hitting power of the hunter's arrow. It is true that our plains game are generally very alert, strong and have an incredible survival instinct. They have to be when living with their many natural predators, not to mention man. So, knowing that our plains game are soft-skinned but very alert and tough, what equipment should be considered for a hunt? My suggestion is a fast-shooting compound bow that will provide an arrow trajectory as flat as possible, out to say, 40 yards. Additionally, it must have enough energy to ensure total penetration on any of the plains game species, including the big eland. It is important to note that while these specs generally pertain to adult men (who is able to draw up to 70 pounds), women and youths can use lighter equipment with equal success. Their restrictions will come in their shooting distance and choice of shot placement. Having given my suggested hunting specifications, I am sure there are many who feel that I may be suggesting equipment that is too light and that a heavier set up should be used. The fact is that complete pass through can easily be achieved on an 1800 pound eland using a draw weight of 67 pounds, a 400 grain carbon arrow tipped with a 100 grain fixed threeblade broadhead and traveling at 280 ft/second. This is my personal set up, with a draw length of 29 inches, and for which I use on all plains game species. It is fast, flat and more than powerful enough. Bowhunting specs are important, but if you want to hunt our plains game successfully, nothing is more important than the shot placement, and when the shot should be taken. Shot placement Shot placement is self-explanatory for bowhunters worldwide but note that, while a quartering-in or spine shot may be considered, most of our local bow hunters will not take such shots. The reaction time of our game to the release of an arrow is generally unanticipated to say the least and percentage shots will greatly increase the risk of wounding. When to shoot The timing of the shot is critical on our plains game. Consider releasing an arrow at 285 ft/second and totally missing an alert warthog or impala at less than 20 yards, the animal having jumped the bowstring. The animal has to be completely relaxed or otherwise preoccupied when the arrow is released, or the hunter will most likely soon be following up on a wounded animal. An animal with its head down and drinking or eating does not necessarily mean that it is now in a relaxed state and ready for your shot. Bad shot placement and timing are responsible for most of our game wounds, and not the equipment used. If you are ever lucky enough to get the chance to come hunt our plains game, I hope that this information will have given you some idea of what to expect and what equipment to consider using over here.