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Dumbing down for the season

Sgt. Beardface

Sgt. Beardface

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2019
Messages
967
Location
D over Delaware
About three months ago I had an epiphany while laying in bed, I had over-complicated my entire bow hunting life. I had a Mathews VXR, micro adjust single-pin sight, micro adjust full containment rest, offset 10”stabilizer, rear 8”stabilizer, and an anchor sight. My arrows were heavy(ish) with 19% FOC, and 200 grain single bevels out front, fletched with 6 degree Zingers. I honestly didn’t shoot any better, I didn’t have more faith in my shots, and I had no-more faith in my deers killing abilities than I did with my old Bear Whitetail II. The only difference was I didn’t enjoy it anymore. So I sold it all, and I now have a NoCam (had one before that I loved but sold because it because it was slow; I am a dumbass) a Whisker Biscuit (maybe a G5 Expert that I just found in the garage, so I can return the WB), some cheap 2 pin, a carbon tube with some weight on the end, FMJs w/blazers and Muzzy Ones out front. Not gonna lie, for awhile I was so apprehensive I thought I had messed up, newer is always better right? The last few months have really brought the fun back to shooting for me. And I am more excited then ever for deer season. All this is to ask:

anybody else ever had anything like this happen? Or is this more of my dumbassness? Also, this isn’t to stir up drama, I’m not bashing anybody’s setups or choices for their bow, just my experience. Also, 18 days till opener.

-Chuck
 
Joking aside, I totally get it. I think I know more about archery than the average bowhunter. I can do most emergency repairs and am a sufficient enough backyard tuner. But I farm out most of my bow tech work and really have no desire to go down some of the crazy rabbit holes people do with scientific physics theories.

Same kinda goes with climbing/saddle hunting/elk hunting gear, I've caught myself on the precipice of being an obsessive ounce counter but always step back and realize my time is better spent K.I.S.S. and using that time to either make money or whatever it takes to get myself more time out in the field. You quickly get to a point where any gear efficiency gains are so insignificant you are better off just focusing on how to actually hunt more. Thinking like an economist vs an artist/engineer/tinkerer.
 
I was complete opposite haha . Had a old pse that shot good and killed deer but I only shot it the week before season and never put a lot of time or effort into shooting except for when hunting . Last year I went "all out" bought a new bow and decked it out in the nicest things I could afford . Having the new setup got me excited again and now I shoot almost every day and I shoot 3D on the weekends. I feel more confident and fired up for hunting then I ever have . Obviously I could've kept the old bow and saved thousands and it would've killed just the same but for me it motivated me to get serious about archery and really be dialed in .
 
Sgt. Beardface said:
About three months ago I had an epiphany while laying in bed, I had over-complicated my entire bow hunting life. I had a Mathews VXR, micro adjust single-pin sight, micro adjust full containment rest, offset 10”stabilizer, rear 8”stabilizer, and an anchor sight. My arrows were heavy(ish) with 19% FOC, and 200 grain single bevels out front, fletched with 6 degree Zingers. I honestly didn’t shoot any better, I didn’t have more faith in my shots, and I had no-more faith in my deers killing abilities than I did with my old Bear Whitetail II. The only difference was I didn’t enjoy it anymore. So I sold it all, and I now have a NoCam (had one before that I loved but sold because it because it was slow; I am a dumbass) a Whisker Biscuit (maybe a G5 Expert that I just found in the garage, so I can return the WB), some cheap 2 pin, a carbon tube with some weight on the end, FMJs w/blazers and Muzzy Ones out front. Not gonna lie, for awhile I was so apprehensive I thought I had messed up, newer is always better right? The last few months have really brought the fun back to shooting for me. And I am more excited then ever for deer season. All this is to ask:

anybody else ever had anything like this happen? Or is this more of my dumbassness? Also, this isn’t to stir up drama, I’m not bashing anybody’s setups or choices for their bow, just my experience. Also, 18 days till opener.

-Chuck
Click to expand...
I've been guilty of buying "new and improved" but always find myself going back to "tried and true". Gear doesn't define the hunter.
 
Petrichor said:
I did the same years ago. This is why I rock a recurve. Talk about simple.
Click to expand...
I tried a recurve when I was stationed in Charleston, and I sucked, but wanted to get better. The gentleman that was helping me passed away, and it kinda just killed it for me. He was an awesome teacher, and built beautiful bows, mine never got finished.
 
Sgt. Beardface said:
About three months ago I had an epiphany while laying in bed, I had over-complicated my entire bow hunting life. I had a Mathews VXR, micro adjust single-pin sight, micro adjust full containment rest, offset 10”stabilizer, rear 8”stabilizer, and an anchor sight. My arrows were heavy(ish) with 19% FOC, and 200 grain single bevels out front, fletched with 6 degree Zingers. I honestly didn’t shoot any better, I didn’t have more faith in my shots, and I had no-more faith in my deers killing abilities than I did with my old Bear Whitetail II. The only difference was I didn’t enjoy it anymore. So I sold it all, and I now have a NoCam (had one before that I loved but sold because it because it was slow; I am a dumbass) a Whisker Biscuit (maybe a G5 Expert that I just found in the garage, so I can return the WB), some cheap 2 pin, a carbon tube with some weight on the end, FMJs w/blazers and Muzzy Ones out front. Not gonna lie, for awhile I was so apprehensive I thought I had messed up, newer is always better right? The last few months have really brought the fun back to shooting for me. And I am more excited then ever for deer season. All this is to ask:

anybody else ever had anything like this happen? Or is this more of my dumbassness? Also, this isn’t to stir up drama, I’m not bashing anybody’s setups or choices for their bow, just my experience. Also, 18 days till opener.

-Chuck
Click to expand...
My Brother-in-law and I went back to the recurves this year for the same reasons. KISS is more fun. Good Hunting!
 
Sgt. Beardface said:
I tried a recurve when I was stationed in Charleston, and I sucked, but wanted to get better. The gentleman that was helping me passed away, and it kinda just killed it for me. He was an awesome teacher, and built beautiful bows, mine never got finished.
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear that. It definitely takes a bit of practice.
 
In my opinion, practice, good (perfect not necessary) tuning, and confidence in yourself and your setup are the three keys to archery for bowhunters. If it's not fun, you won't practice; and if you don't practice, you can't have confidence (at least not well-founded confidence). So, having a setup that's no fun knocks out two of my top three keys to archery. In that regard, I'd say it's pretty clear that you made a good decision switching back to your old "fun" setup. And if you don't want to nerd out on tuning, that's easily outsourced if you have a half-decent bow shop nearby. Good luck, and happy hunting!
 
I struggle with this a lot with all my gear too. Grass always seems greener on the other side. This is somewhat true for bows with me but it is definitely true with climbing methods and platforms/stands. I have bought and sold a few pieces of expensive gear because for the $$$ it wasn’t what I thought or hoped it would be. I find myself happiest for the most part with the “upper end” of the “middle of the road” prices gear most often. The hunting industry is a big one but not nearly as big as some so for me I feel like I can only try so many things before it gets repetitive or “close” to something I’ve tried before. So for several seasons now this whole trend/habit of buying and trying is winding down for me a little compared to where I was before. Thankfully because I have been known to abuse my bank account periodically. I feel much better when I’m not doing that and am content with the gear I found and am happy with.


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I had/am going to the same process up to a certain point. Full discloser, I have a newer 'better' bow from trading stuffs but I'm still going to rock my Creed for the foreseeable future. I am practicing traditional with a recurve when I can, and will be hunting with it in a few years once I'm more confident in it. I think there is always a middle ground and compromise between all things. I'm not giving up on researching about the best arrow build or the best innovation because good ideas are good ideas.

Simple things make you appreciate eccentricity of more complicated things.

Attention to details and passion about fine tuning make you appreciate the fact that human can over come adversity with hard work and dedications.

I hear all the time and never agreed with the motto. "Work smarter, not harder". Sometime you just want to focus and grind at something just because it is good for your mental health to destress.

I think we all go to the process of wishing to be more simple, attention to details, to some balance, then etc etc.

Important thing is to keep the passion active.
 
It's easy to get caught up in the new gadgets. I think that's part of the reason I sold my saddle setup (gasp). I feel like it almost complicated things more so than simplified them. Different platforms, sticks, new saddles, etc. Honestly couldn't get comfortable. Not saying I'm completely against it. I like watching THP and the success they have hunting on the ground. It really appeals to me because of the mobility and lack of gear you need to carry. I think I'm also going to use my hang on with two sticks and aiders just to simplify that setup. Also debating on using my EZ V or single pin sight. Have messed around with taking my 8" stabilizer off because it honestly just gets in the way most of the time in hunting situations.
 
I can understand and respect your decision. I say whatever allows you to enjoy the sport of bowhunting in an increasing manner, go for it.
 
BuffaloBill said:
It's easy to get caught up in the new gadgets. I think that's part of the reason I sold my saddle setup (gasp). I feel like it almost complicated things more so than simplified them. Different platforms, sticks, new saddles, etc. Honestly couldn't get comfortable. Not saying I'm completely against it. I like watching THP and the success they have hunting on the ground. It really appeals to me because of the mobility and lack of gear you need to carry. I think I'm also going to use my hang on with two sticks and aiders just to simplify that setup. Also debating on using my EZ V or single pin sight. Have messed around with taking my 8" stabilizer off because it honestly just gets in the way most of the time in hunting situations.
Click to expand...
I actually sold my saddle set up too. Went to the ground, portables, hang ons, presets, etc. still love this site tho…
 
BuffaloBill said:
It's easy to get caught up in the new gadgets. I think that's part of the reason I sold my saddle setup (gasp). I feel like it almost complicated things more so than simplified them. Different platforms, sticks, new saddles, etc. Honestly couldn't get comfortable. Not saying I'm completely against it. I like watching THP and the success they have hunting on the ground. It really appeals to me because of the mobility and lack of gear you need to carry. I think I'm also going to use my hang on with two sticks and aiders just to simplify that setup. Also debating on using my EZ V or single pin sight. Have messed around with taking my 8" stabilizer off because it honestly just gets in the way most of the time in hunting situations.
Click to expand...

Im about in same boat. Too much going on with most peoples set ups. I have tried so much different saddle gear and methods and its sucking the life out of hunting for myself. Im gonna run my jx3 for a bit but i have a feeling i will be sick of 1 sticking and fooling with ropes and straps. Then I will go to the lwhc and spend more time hunting a tree to yse with it. Dam near about to come full circle to my summit climber or just ground hunt like a boss.


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The Viper line of sights are very robust as well. They have a nice side plate single pin with toolless micro adjust.
 
I love the light weight setup, portability and packability of the saddle for sure. I do admit I feel like I get disillusioned with the whole world of saddles sometimes too. When that happens I find that I think more and more about just going 100% lock on setup. Another thing I get tired of is facing the tree the entire time too.

Like many others I have sunk a lot of money into saddle hunting and hunting in general. I’ve been on a quest to find the go-to setup/set of gear to stick with for the long haul and not feel like I have to look back.

I will be saddle hunting majority of the time this year again with some lock on stand time too. Will probably revisit this issue myself either by the end of the season or knowing me before the season is done.


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