Typically, we’ll go out and warm up before we get serious about making food, accurate shots. The problem is, I’ve never had the chance to warm up before shooting at a deer. That’s why I think it’s important to learn what you have to do to make that first shot perfect, every time, without any warm up.

For me, the difference between the first shot and the 10^th shot is just a matter of relaxation. When I shoot my first hot, my muscles are usually tight, and I’m feeling a little tense. I usually warm out of it and allow myself to relax. However, if I can make myself fully relax during the first shot, I can almost guarantee that it’s going to hit in the middle. But this is really hard to do, especially when you’re shooting at a big buck. It’s something you just have to practice.

Now, here is what I do to practice that first shot: For a month or so before hunting season, I keep my bow out in my garage, and every time I walk y, I grab it and shoot one arrow. It may take me several days to shoot one group. These groups aren’t necessarily as tight as they would be if I warmed up and shot all the arrows at one time. And not only that, the group might be somewhere other than in the middle of the target. But I sight my bow in based on the results of a series of first shots.

If you can get all your first shots to group together, especially if they group in the same place as they do when you’re warmed up you’re truly ready to go hunting.

Coues’ deer are only found in Arizona, New Mexico, Sonora, and Chihuahua. Mexico, making finding a trophy area to hunt a little easier than other species that are found in more locations. Coues’ deer occupy relatively rough, wooded terrain with steep canyons. Typical whitetail habitat is mixed oak woodland, but they can be found anywhere from ponderosa pine/mixed conifer forests at 10,000 feet down to the upper limits of semi-desert grassland. Typically, most Coues’ deer are found between 4,000 and 7,000 feet above sea level.

The Coues’ deer rut usually starts around the end of December and runs into February. That’s one of the great things about these little deer is that the best time to hunt them is after many of other hunts out West are over. Since it’s so far south, it is usually nice weather to boot.

Arizona has some fabulous Coues’ deer hunting, especially for DYI hunters who don’t want to hassle with going to Mexico. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because you are staying in the U.S. that there won’t be hassles. If you apply for hunts along the Mexican border, immigration issues could impact the overall enjoyment of your hunt. Not all trophy units have immigration issues deal with, so if you want to avoid the potential headaches, look in units that aren’t located in that vicinity.

Arizona’s Top B&C Coues’ Counties

A crucial skill in bow hunting is learning the idiosyncrasies of each species. Here are some things I’ve learned about hogs:

• Hogs don’t get much credit for their eyesight because they tend to ignore things as they’re busy rooting up food. However if they stop to pay attention, he’ll pick you off even if your still.
• Hogs can’t turn their heads much, and their peripheral vision isn’t great. Take advantage of these traits by making up ground when they’re pointed away from you. Be cautious of piglets; they seem to spot hunters quicker than their elders do.
• Hogs make up for their inability to turn their heads but constantly moving and spinning around as they feed. This can make for difficult shots.
• Hogs tend to be heavy sleeper, especially in larger groups, so don’t be afraid to stalk a group of bedded hogs.
• Boars have a “plate” of gristle over the shoulder area to protect them from the tusks of rival hogs. Don’t crowd the shoulder unless you aim low. Or wait for a slight quartering-away shot.
• Finally, do not underestimate their noses. If the wind shifts you’re toast!

Pick a spot on your game behind the shoulder, a third to halfway up its side, a little farther back if the deer, or other game is quartering away. I usually aim for the opposite shoulder. Focus on that spot through your peep and peak up. Pick the correct sign pin on that spot and bury it there. This keeps your head down and in and lessens the chance that you’ll pull the shot high. Watch the fletching disappear into that spot. Stay focused with your bow arm straight, follow through and let your hand-eye coordination will the shaft into that spot and through your game.

This is the most important step but the one where a lot of guys and gal’s often mess up in the heat of the bottle. You must fight the urge to drop your bow and jerk up your head to see if you got him. If you laser the yardage and pick the right pin, you put the smack down on what you’re hunting for!

In my experience, most bow hunters and 3-D shooters alike, have never thought about how they stand when they shoot a bow. Because correct stance is essential for tip-top archery accuracy.

You should stand with feet parallel to one another and about shoulder width apart. Distribute your weight equally on both feet, point your toes a bit toward the target – not square to the target and never more than 90 degrees away from the target. How much you face the target is a matter of personal preference and comfort. I stand with my toes about 45 degrees away from where I am. Pointing your toes slightly toward your target is called an “open stance.”  This helps accuracy because it moves the bowstring away from your chest and bow arm during the shot. If the string even slightly brushes your clothing, or bare arm, your arrow might veer severely to one side. This disaster leads to alot of missed shots each year. And archers rarely realize the problem – when you bundle up to bowhunt, cold weather game, an open stance is particularly important. Clearance between string and clothing is vital so you can make a good shot.

Simple Venison and Mushrooms

• 2 to 3 small steaks per person, cut 1/2″ thick and trimmed of all fat
• 1/2 stick butter or margarina (4 tbsp)
• 2 cloves garlic, diced
• pepper and salt to taste
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh, sliced mushrooms per person
• 1/8 to 1/4 cup Red Wine (optional)
• flour
• 1 cup water (approximate)

Melt half the butter or margarine in a large skillet. Saute mushrooms, garlic, and onion and set aside. Tenderize meat with a mallet, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Dredge meat in flour and brown in the rest of the butter or oil.

Remove meat from pan and add the wine and water to make light gravy. For thicker gravy, mix about a tablespoon of flour with a small amount of water and stir the paste into the sauce. Season gravy to taste. Return the meat, mushrooms and onion to the pan and simmer, covered, for about 15 mins.

Serves 3-4

A legend of Bowfishing, Kurt Vevoda, once told me – “One of the beauties of bowfishing is that getting to the fish can involve little more than a pair of shorts and tennis shoes in the right place and the right season.” But life can be as complicated as you make it, and bowfishing is no different. Big, shallow, running flat bottom boats with huge bow mounted elevated platforms and enough lights to illuminate the Dallas Cowboy’s football field is the signature gear of deadly serious bowfishing enthusiasts. Certainly, specialized rigs will increase the catch, but most fish hunters get by with much less according to Kurt.

A good pair of chest waders or a small boat can lead to plenty of great bow fishing action. For most of us, stealth coupled with an understanding of the fish we seek, are more important than how we get there. Finding fish that are undisturbed or otherwise preoccupied with spawning can lead to fast shooting. Don’t forget the polarized glasses!

Carp don’t need to be active to offer opportunities either. On cold days, carp may lay low, but skilled spotters take many as the carp sit in one place and literally bury their head in bottom weeds. The real action starts when carp spawn.  At these times, they become super-social, active near the surface or in very shallow water, and highly distracted. Carp can be taken in nearly any season or the right water, but spring and early summer are unmatched for finding fish in the shallows – visible and accessible. It’s what we’ve been waiting for! And for a good recipe Terry Crocquet said baked carp over rice and Tabasco! Thanks Terry, I’ll pass on that.

Hunting wild hogs successfully on public land is mostly “Luck of the Draw.” A few dedicated hog hunters seem to always bring home the bacon the rest of the crowd seldom scores. After years of hunting government land, I’ve found that the following tips will tilt the success odds in your favor.

Do your homework

There are many tools available to public land hog hunters: internet, government publications, maps and the telephone – that often go unused. You’d be surprised a just how much information about hunting wild hogs is available through a quick internet search. Likewise, many game departments publish material that provides lots of where-to-go information for hog hunters. Of course, you’ll need maps an computer mapping software – and don’t neglect to use the telephone to contact game department biologists working in the prospective hunting area.

Learn to use a GPS

While maps are essential, the use of a GPS instruments can be equally as valuable. With this electronic device you can pinpoint your position, mark various waypoints (trails, water holes, bedding and feeding areas) – even in the dark.

Bows and Temperature Changes

Q: In general, how is a bow’s performance different between warmer temperatures and colder ones? On hunting trips, the temperature will be warm the first couple days before a cold front moves in and drops 20 or 30 degrees. What adjustments might I need to make after a big temperature change?

A: The temperature does control the draw weight of a bow because as the temperature is reduced, the limbs become stiffer. However, I know of no published data on how this change in stiffness is related to degrees of temperature.  I doubt that 20-30 degree change in temperature would be very noticeable to an archer shooting in the field. If you want to find out just how this relates to your bow, I suggest that you try shooting at various ranges during the day with the same sight setting and draw weight setting , and guage the effect that it has by the point of impact on the target. Then, if necessary, you can adjust the draw weight to compensate. I doubt that you will find it worthwhile.