Q: I am an avid reader of Bowhunter Magazine, and I look forward to each issue and the information and hunting stories you and the other writers contribute! I am planning an elk hunt in Montana with my brother, nephew, and close friend. Could you make some recommendations on arrow/broadhead choices for the hunt? Scott Cool, via e-mail

A: Thanks for your e-mail. First, let’s establish the number-one goal of every elk hunter — a bilateral pneumothorax — otherwise known as a double-lung collapse. If you only puncture one lung on an elk, the odds of recovery are close to zero. That makes maximum, and hopefully two-hole, penetration more important than on just about any other North American big game animal.

There are many factors to consider: draw weight/length, arrow speed/weight (both kinetic energy and momentum), and broadhead construction. All of these factors are intertwined in their importance. If you shoot low poundage, or a short draw length, your arrow speed will be adversely affected, necessitating a heavier arrow and a broadhead designed for maximum penetration. Heavier draw weights and longer draw lengths make the other factors less critical, but they are still important.

Personally, I tend to vary my arrow weight according to the species I am hunting. I may want a flatter trajectory for antelope, deer, or caribou, but for a very tough animal like an elk, I prefer an arrow in the 500-grain range. I have a 30.5-inch draw, and I typically shoot 67 pounds. Because this setup delivers plenty of energy and momentum, I can shoot most any quality broadhead from fixed blades to heavily built mechanicals like the Rage Trypan and not worry about penetration.

We don’t have the space to get into all the physics, and there is plenty of dispute among bowhunters on this topic, but without knowing your specifics I would recommend an arrow weighing at least 450 grains (total arrow/broadhead) for elk. An arrow’s front of center (FOC) is also important to penetration, and I strive for at least 12 to 13 percent or more.

Yes, if your draw weight and arrow speed are exceptional (well over 300 fps), you might get by with a lighter, flatter arrow, but I still wouldn’t go below 400 grains under any circumstances. Will it work, yes, but if the shot is in any way marginal, a lighter arrow will not likely bail you out. If your draw weight and arrow speed is average (under 280 fps), your total arrow weight should go up. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but consider the recurve archer who is shooting only 190 to 200 fps and using arrows of 600 grains and up. They certainly don’t go down in arrow weight. In almost any scenario, a heavier arrow will penetrate better on a live animal. And no test medium can replicate the real thing.

Broadhead design does matter, but mostly in a basic sense. If you start with a well-tuned bow, there is no question the best penetrating broadhead is a cut-on-contact, fixed two-blade design like a Muzzy Phantom, Magnus Stinger, or Iron Will broadhead. A fixed-blade broadhead and certain mechanical heads are next, and then comes the really wide-cut mechanical broadheads. If you hope to drive a two-inch-wide broadhead completely through an elk, you had better have some energy and a heavy arrow behind it. If you do, it’s devastating.

By now, you can see that all these factors are codependent, which is why there is so much debate. If you’re an average archer shooting 65 pounds at a 28-inch draw, I would shoot an arrow/broadhead combo that weighs around 475 grains (with decent FOC), and a strong, super-sharp broadhead that gives you confidence. Then hunt your way close and drive it through both lungs. Good luck.

Interested in a hunting adventure? Look no further than Alabama, where the extended hunting season and large number of turkeys make for a thrilling adventure. The Alabama Turkey season provides a range of possibilities to bag a gobbler, whether you’re an experienced hunter or a novice. The prospects of a successful hunt are high since the bulk of turkeys are taken during the spring season and because both the fall and spring seasons have hefty bag limits of five gobblers each. Although decoys are only allowed in the spring, the longer season gives you plenty of time to manoeuvre.

Alabama Turkey Hunting Season

Alabama has more wild turkeys due to conservation efforts that began in the early 1900s. Their initiatives have opened countless hunting opportunities. Controlled burning, wildlife openings, and timber harvesting have helped the turkey rebound. Most turkeys are harvested in Alabama’s lengthy spring. Hunters may take one gobbler per day throughout the fall and spring seasons, while decoys are only allowed in spring with limited usage limitations.

Below here are Schedule for the latest Turkey Season in Alabama.

ZONE-1

Alabama Turkey SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote Zone-1Saturday, March 25, 2024Monday, May 08, 2024Decoys allowed April 4

Counties: Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Blount, Butler, Bullock, Butler, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Cleburne, Coffee, Conecuh, Coosa, Crenshaw, Cullman (except north of Lewis Smith Lake and north of Cullman County Road 437 and west of Interstate 65), Dale, Dallas, DeKalb, Elmore, Escambia, Et

ZONE 2

Alabama Turkey SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote Zone-2Saturday, April 01, 2024Monday, May 08, 2024Decoys allowed April 11

Counties: Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, and Winston. Colbert, Cullman (north of Lewis Smith Lake, north of Cullman County Road 437, and west of Interstate 65).

ZONE 3

Alabama Turkey SeasonStart DateEnd DateNote Zone-3Sunday, November 19, 2024Monday, November 27, 2024No decoys allowed Zone-3Sunday, December 10, 2024Sunday, January 01, 2024No decoys allowed Zone-3Saturday, March 25, 2024Monday, May 08, 2024Decoys allowed April 4

Counties: Covington, Monroe, Randolph, Clarke, Clay, Talladega, and Covington.

Note:

Type of HuntGobbler LimitNote Gobblers OnlyOne per day, four bag limitDuring combined fall and spring season Special Youth Hunt (Decoys Allowed)Saturday & Sunday the week prior to opening of spring season Special Disabled Hunt (Decoys Allowed)One day prior to all regular season opening days. Participants must meet medical requirements of regulation 220-2-.109(2)(d)

Bag Limit

Alabama Turkey Bag LimitNote The daily limit is one gobbler.There is a total of 4 gobblers that may be taken in the autumn and spring seasons combined. No more than two gobblers may be taken from any Wildlife Management Area, Conservation and Hunting Area, or National Forest Ranger District.N/A For the first ten days of each season, only one gobbler may be taken from each WMA, CHA, and National Forest Ranger District.N/A

License Requirements

License RequiredDescription All Game Hunting Licenseunless exempt Harvest Recordpaper form or on the app Wildlife Management License and map permitIF hunting on a WMA Harvest Reporting48 hours to report turkey harvest through Game Check

U.S. Forest Service Ranger & WMA Districts

AreaStart DateEnd DateTime Limit Bankhead Ranger District; WMAs – Lauderdale, Freedom Hills, Black Warrior, Coon Gulf, Riverton CHA and Martin CHASaturday, April 08, 2024Monday, May 08, 2024daylight – 1 p.m. REMAINDER OF NATIONAL FORESTS DISTRICTS (Talladega Ranger District, Shoal Creek Ranger District, Oakmulgee Ranger District, Tuskegee Ranger District and Conecuh Ranger District) and WMAs THAT ALLOW TURKEY HUNTINGSaturday, April 01, 2024Monday, May 08, 2024daylight – 1 p.m.

Hunting Regulations for Turkey in AL

• Before going out to hunt for deer or turkeys, you must have a harvest record, whether it be on paper or an app. Additionally, it is against the law to transfer any deer or turkey before noting the harvest on the harvest record and to fail to report any deer or turkey taken via Game Check.

• Except for turkey, all lawful game animals and birds may be hunted from elevated tree stands only with a bow and arrow or handgun.

• Hunting migrating birds or turkeys without using live decoys is not permitted.

• Hunting is not permitted when using electronic dove, turkey, or waterfowl calls. However, they can summon predators when that species is being hunted.

• Those decoys used for turkey hunting that include mechanical or electrical components capable of creating sound or movement or that can be controlled to do so, including any that are portable or linked to weapons like fans or reapers, are forbidden. After the first ten days of the spring turkey season, as well as during the special spring hunts for disabled people and youngsters, legal turkey decoys are permitted.

• It is against the law to import, possess, sell, or offer to sell live any species of mongoose, wild rabbit or hare, deer, raccoon, fox, skunk, coyote, wild turkey, wild rodents, wild goat, sheep, antelope, or other exotic game from any region outside of Alabama, as well as any fish from the genera Clarias, Serrasalmus, or Mylopharyngodon.

• Any turkey, domestic or wild, may not be released into a state’s wild region.

For entire regulations you may read our Latest Alabama Hunting seasons article.

There’s nothing quite like hunting whitetails during the rut. Georgia deer hunters are fortunate in that with a little travel, we can hunt the rut from mid-October through the end of the year — that’s two and a half months of rut hunting action!

To give you an idea of the 2024 rut dates, I’ve included a map below that breaks the peak of breeding into two week intervals. If you’d like more specific dates, check out the table below that narrows it down even further to the best week for each county.

Georgia Rut Map

The map and table were created based on research done by the University of Georgia (UGA) and Georgia DNR wildlife biologists that found a strong correlation between deer-vehicle collisions and rutting activity. By looking at deer-vehicle collision reports across the state, UGA and the Georgia DNR were able to pin down the peak of rutting activity for each county.

Keep in mind, these are just guidelines for Georgia’s peak breeding dates. There will always be does that come into estrus early or late, which can result in a flurry of buck activity outside of these “typical” rut dates. More on that below.

2024 Rut Dates by County

October 13-19

Ben Hill, Camden, Candler, Glynn, Jenkins, McIntosh, and Telfair counties.

October 20-26

Atkinson, Brantley, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Columbia, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Jefferson, Liberty, Long, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, and Ware counties.

October 27 – November 2

Bacon, Baldwin, Echols, Hart, Jasper, Lanier, Lincoln, Monroe, Putnam, Schley, Taylor, Warren, Washington, and Wilkinson counties.

November 3-9

Appling, Bartow, Barrien, Bibb, Bleckley, Butts, Chattooga, Clayton, Cobb, Crawford, Dekalb, Dodge, Dooly, Elbert, Floyd, Gordon, Greene, Hancock, Haralson, Henry, Houston, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Lowndes, Macon, Marion, Meriwether, Montgomery, Morgan, Newton, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Peach, Pierce, Pike, Polk, Pulaski, Rockdale, Spalding, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Toombs, Treutlen, Twiggs, Upson, Walker, Walton, Wayne, Wheeler, and Wilkes counties.

November 10-16

Barrow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattahoochee, Cherokee, Clarke, Coweta, Dade, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Franklin, Fulton, Gilmer, Gwinnett, Hall, Harris, Heard, Jackson, Madison, Muscogee, Murray, Oconee, Pickens, Sumter, Talbot, Troup, Turner, Whitfield, and Wilcox counties.

November 17-23

Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Dawson, Fannin, Lee, Randolph, Stewart, Tift, Towns, Union, and Worth counties.

November 24-30

Baker, Banks, Calhoun, Dougherty, Habersham, Irwin, Lumpkin, Mitchell, Rabun, Stephens, Terrell, Thomas, Webster, and White counties.

December 1-7

Quitman

December 8-14

Decatur and Grady counties

December 15-21

Early and Miller counties

December 22-28

Seminole County

What About Weather or the Moon Phase?

You may wonder how we know that these dates will apply to the 2024-2024 Georgia deer season. We know because the whitetail rut occurs the same time every year for any given location. It doesn’t change based on weather factors, moon phase, or anything else. That has been documented in study after study over the years.

What can change from year to year is how much rutting activity you witness where you hunt. Keep in mind that while the dates listed on this page are peak rut activity, there are always outliers that fall outside of that peak. Some does may come into estrus a little earlier and some will come in later.

When you see rutting activity where you hunt will be determined by the timing of does coming into estrus in that specific area. And since there appears to be a genetic aspect to a doe’s estrus timing, you may see that pattern repeated year after year. If the rut dates listed above don’t correlate with when you typically see rut activity, it’s probably because you have a doe or two that are going into estrus outside of the typical date range.

How to Hunt the Georgia Rut

In my mind, there are two keys to taking advantage of the whitetail rut. The first one is to spend as much time in the stand as possible during the peak dates. Bucks are on the feet and moving more than ever during this time, so you never know when a great buck you’ve never seen before may walk into your shooting lane.

The second key is knowing where the does are and using that information when developing a strategy to catch a cruising buck looking for a receptive doe. If you can find some type of funnel on the downwind side of a doe bedding area, then it’s only a matter of time before you get a shot opportunity.

Final Thoughts

There’s no better time to be in a treestand than during the rut, and we have over two months to chase it here in Georgia. I hope you’re taking advantage of that opportunity! Hopefully the Georgia rut map above, along with the table of 2022 Georgia rut dates by county will help you schedule your hunts this year so you can extend the rut-hunting action.

If you disagree with any of the dates listed in this article, we’d love to hear about it. Let us know what county you hunt, and what dates you think best fit the county based on your observations.

By Beyond Seclusion

In today’s article, Beyond Seclusion uses a Springfield Armory SAINT Victor to try to determine what the effective range of a 9mm carbine is. While a 9mm pistol is suitable at 0-25 yards, the ballistics of the cartridge make shooting the handgun at 50 or 75 yards a trickier proposition. Yet, rifles and carbines are expected to provide excellent accuracy at 100 yards or 100 meters. Does shooting a 9mm round from a carbine offer a significant long-range advantage over a pistol?

When it comes to guns and shooting, what do most of us like to do? Sure, we all consider self-defense, but what do we truly like to do more than anything? Send rounds down range, “BANG THE STEEL”, test our skills, have a reason to spend time with friends outside, and just enjoy shooting without breaking the bank.

Many of us also like the challenge of shooting at distance, not just up close at 50 yards and under. But what if we took a pistol caliber carbine (PCC), which is normally intended for closer-in distances, and pushed it out to longer ranges? Springfield’s SAINT Victor 9mm may just be the solution we are looking for regarding this project.

Let’s see just how far we can shoot a 9mm carbine.

The Platform: SAINT 9mm Carbine

Why the SAINT Victor 9mm? This is where the time-tested 9mm chambering comes into play. It has been in service with militaries around the world for more than 100 years in pistol, carbine and submachine gun forms. It is also a very pleasant-shooting round. You can carry a lot of rounds and accurately put them on target quickly, efficiently, and most important, accurately. The FBI even went back to the 9mm after many years with the .40, an endorsement particularly attractive to the civilian market.

The Springfield SAINT Carbine is an excellent gun that feeds reliably from industry-standard stick magazines. It uses top quality materials and construction. As an industry-leading pistol-caliber carbine, it should be an excellent platform to test the maximum effective range of the 9mm.

We are not here to debate the effectiveness of the 9mm hollow point compared to other calibers — that is an entirely different debate. I will say it is my preferred choice for concealed carry and home/self-defense. Remember, we are not talking in the military sense here folks; we are talking about the civilian world. So, with that in mind, addressing the desires mentioned above regarding going to range, practice, fun, accuracy, cost of ammo, distance, etc., the 9mm is definitely a top contender in my opinion.

For most of its history with the military, the 9mm was primarily chambered in pistols and submachine guns. It was about 20-30 years ago we started really seeing PCC’s introduced into the civilian market. They really took hold and are now incredibly popular. The reasons why are everything we just mentioned. One of the biggest reasons is the cost and availability of ammo, not to mention accuracy out of a rifle and the extra velocity you get with the longer barrel.

I typically get at least an extra 200+ fps of muzzle velocity from a 16” rifle barrel compared to a pistol-length barrel. That also typically gets you 100+ ft/lbs of energy from the rifle and puts us in and around 500+ ft/lbs of energy, which is nothing to turn your nose up at. It’s shy of a 5.56 NATO carbine’s power, but easily surpasses that of the standard 115 gr. 9mm ammo.

So What Is the Effective Range of a PCC?

So, what does that mean for us? We can have our cake and eat it too.

We can shoot more for less than any other caliber other than the .22 LR, and we get an audible “BANG” on the steel out to 200 yards — and even 300. I actually tested this once — I was able to punch through 3” of pine wood and ring the steel at 400 yards with 16”-barreled PCC with a scope. That’s pretty reasonable penetration for a pistol caliber past 100 yards.

At 50 yards, we can achieve MOA groups and easily bang the steel out to 200 yards.

Not long ago, Springfield introduced the SAINT VICTOR 9mm Carbine. Their SAINT line has been very successful with an outstanding reputation for quality and accuracy. It made perfect sense to add the 9mm to that line.

With a 16” barrel and SAINT AR quality, we should easily be able to reach out to 200 yards. I included the link below to the SAINT Carbine for all the specs & tech. With an optic with a bullet drop compensator (BDC) reticle, I was actually able to reach out to 300 yards. I will be completely honest, it is a real challenge at 300. The hold-over is somewhere around 6-12 feet depending on the ammo and bullet weight. With absolutely no wind, it is very repeatable. The bullet is going really slow at that distance, and any wind will really move it. 200 is ridiculously easy and with little hold-over with a 50-yard zero.

I used a Primary Arms GLx 2x Compact Prism Scope with the ACSS Gemini reticle and BDC. It was absolutely perfect for this gun. We zeroed at 50 yards just like described in the manual, and the BDC took us out to 200 yards without difficulty.

The SAINT 9mm is light and streamline. It just feels comfortable in the hands both for bench shooting and standing. If you are shooting from the bench with a bag, you may find the 32-round mag challenging. You will have to have a pretty tall bag, or simply get a 10- or 20-round mag so it is not digging into the table. I was very surprised how easily I was able to consistently hit the steel at 200 yards standing. The 16” barrel really helps with that.

Conclusion on 9mm Bullets from the AR Platform

The 9mm PCC has very little recoil. You literally could shoot all day with no notable effect on your shoulder — maybe your wallet, but not your shoulder. It’s just fun to shoot and, with the ability to reach out to 200 yards, which compared to a pistol, offers a better experience. What’s not to like?

The bottom line? 9mm is cheap, and you can shoot more for less. That lends the pistol cartridge to be a very fun shooter that is still practical and effective. And, as I’ve hopefully demonstrated here more accurate than many people would assume.

Editor’s Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the “Go To Forum Thread” link below to jump in and discuss this article and much more!

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Featured in this video

The Rage Hypodermic Crossbow Broadhead is one of the greatest innovations in modern archery hunting in several areas. That said, it may not be perfect for everyone, but I’ve found it to be my favorite tool in my broadhead toolbox thus far. I just finished my fourth deer hunting season exclusively using these broadheads, and I have alot of insights to share.

I’ve seen plenty of reviews where people talk hypothetically and scientifically about these broadheads, quoting all the marketing materials or synthesizing other online reviews and it’s obvious they have never touched let alone shot one of these broadheads.

That isn’t going to be this review. I have four sets of antlers that these broadheads have brought home for me, not to mention some does the Rage’s have put in my freezer as well. And I have bought every single broadhead with my own money. This review is packed with information and insight that the cookie cutter reviews can’t provide.

How They Work

The rage hypodermics are a mechanical broadhead, which means they fold up neatly for storage and shooting. But upon impact, the cutting blades expand outward to drastically increase the cutting diameter. One some models the blades are held in place by a collar, other models have no collar, more on that later.

These broadheads are simple to work with, safe to handle, and thus far in my experience, 100% reliable. The goal of mechanical broadheads is to provide a larger cutting diameter than is feasible with fixed blade broadheads while being more aerodynamic and accurate. Do they achieve this goal? In short, yes.

Specs

• 2-Blade Crossbow Broadhead
• 100 Grain or 125 Grain
• Hybrid Hypodermic Tip
• Stainless Steel Hypodermic Ferrule
• .035″ Blade Thickness
• 2 ” Cutting Diameter
• High Energy SHOCK COLLAR™ or No Collar Blade Lock
• 3 per Package
• Replacement Blades Available

If you are new to crossbow hunting, here is a podcast episode I did on How To Pick Your First Crossbow For Deer Hunting.

Massive Effectiveness – Hype or Truth?

Rage boasts a lot of big colorful words to describe how impressively effective these crossbow broadheads are, along with the non-crossbow versions. Do they live up to that hype though? Are they really that devastating on deer? My experience with archery hunting is that if you hit a deer in an ideal location, that deer is going to die. And if you hit it in a bad location, it may or may not die, and you may or may not recover it. Shot placement is everything to achieve a quick humane kill.

These hypodermic crossbow broadheads are no exception to that simple truth. I have botched a shot and lost a deer. But if the hunter can do their part and place the shot in a good spot, these things are amazing. The stories below illustrate that quite well.

Cast Studies Of How They Really Work

The first shot I took with a Rage Hypodermic Crossbow Broadhead dropped the deer to the ground, in place, at 30 yards. The deer couldn’t go five feet. The wound was so impressive, and deer bled out so much and so quickly that it was a little bit nauseating to me. I kid you not. The deer was unconscious within seconds, it dropped right to the ground and couldn’t get back up. I was immediately sold on these broadheads. They were unbelievably effective.

The second deer I shot was a nice buck walking at 23 yards. I watched it run less than 50 yards and pile up right in front of me. This shot was not as gruesome as the first, but it was impressively effective. The deer was not conscious for more than a few seconds.

The next buck I shot ran 75 yards or so but left such a large blood trail that I could not believe there was any blood left in the deer by the time I found it. Far more blood than with any rifle kill I’ve had on a deer. Again, a very fast and humane kill.

I could go on and on, but the bottom line is this. Every deer where I was even close to a vital area was on the ground within seconds and didn’t go more than that one at 75 yards. The blood trails were always easy to follow when I didn’t watch the deer go down. Sometimes the blood trails were excessive and other times they were average. But each time the deer went down fast, humanely, with minimal suffering and was easily recovered.

How Well Do They Penetrate?

When it comes to arrows, everyone wants a pass-through shot, myself included. A pass-through double lung shot will quickly kill a deer 100% of the time and provide the most trackable blood with the largest margin of error. Plus, a pass through arrow is most easily recovered and reused. These Rage broadheads have not always given me a clean passthrough shot though.

I would say 60% of the time the arrow has gone through the deer and cleanly come out the other side. The other 40% of the time the arrow has poked through the other side of the deer to some degree but remained lodged in the deer. I hate this, because almost every single time the arrow has been broken, usually sheared off when the deer runs next to a tree.

However, the effectiveness of the broadhead has not diminished at all in these situations. The deer do not run any further or bleed any less. The broadhead does its damage, its game over every single time. What keeps the arrow from cleanly leaving the deer? I cannot tell. These things tend to go right through rib bone like nothing. I am wondering if the bow I’ve been using needs the string replaced and is losing some velocity. But the bottom line is a 100% fast kill rate on all deer shot anywhere close to a vital area.

Do They Always Work?

Yes, so far. I have not had one fail to deploy, deploy improperly, or malfunction in any way. I shoot, the broadhead opens, and the deer quickly expires. I have full confidence that these are going to work every time. I’ve shot deer as far as 40 yards and have never had an issue with the broadheads. They just work. As they should.

Can They Pass Through Bone?

I hate this question, because it is not often asked responsibly. No archery hunter should ever fire into the shoulder or at any bone other than a rib. It is irresponsible and unethical. No broadhead, no matter what it’s made of, fixed, mechanical, titanium, or weighing 600 grains can reliability pass through the thickest part of the shoulder of a gull grown deer, let alone with enough power to humanely kill the deer. Often the arrow will deflect, sometimes it will bounce off, if it goes through its trajectory can be greatly altered. It is a not a shot hunters should take or try to find special equipment for. Stop it.

Stop chasing this foolhardy idea, it is wounding too many deer. Never aim for hard bone and don’t try to build a heavy arrow setup that gives you a better change of taking the deer if you do. You will focus on the wrong things and botch more shots because of it. These broadheads and all broadheads will do what they are designed to do, go through both lungs and kill a deer quickly. If you want to shoot through the shoulder, then use a rifle. For more, check out my podcast episode Heavy Arrows Vs. Fast Arrows For Deer Hunting.

Can You Shoot Through Mesh In Ground Blinds?

This is a hotly contested subject! Shooting through the mesh of a ground blind with any broadhead, let alone a mechanical broadhead like the Rage Hypodermic is greatly debated. Rather than quoting arguments and articles, I’ll just tell you the truth. It works, its fine, and it works great. 80% of the deer I’ve shot with these have been from ground blinds and through the mesh. I have not noticed any difference whatsoever of shots going through the mesh vs. those not through the message. It’s a non-issue.

I believe the benefits of the mesh to conceal the hunter outweigh any theoretical cons about shooting through mesh. It does not seem to impact the velocity, range, accuracy, or penetration of the broadheads. And no, they do not deploy when shooting through the mesh. This debate is waged largely by people who have no experience. I can tell you first-hand, the mesh hasn’t hurt me one bit.

Collar vs. No Collar

Rage makes a version of the Hypodermic crossbow broadheads with a collar and without a collar. If you are unfamiliar, the collar is just a little plastic ring that holds the blades in place. When the broadheads hit the deer, the collar snaps off and the blades open. The no collar version uses a newer mechanical mechanism to replace the collar.

There is alot of debate about broadheads that use a collar being inferior because the collar requires “alot of energy” to break and that energy is not able to go into the deer. I talked to Rage about this very point at length, and according to them, the people who make the broadheads, this is completely untrue. The amount of energy required to break a collar is inconsequential.

People accidently snap collars when brush touches the broadhead in a quiver, which is one of the main reasons they created the no collar version. The collar and the no collar broadheads perform almost identically.

Keep in mind, it is in their best interest to push the no collar models because they cost more. So, to say the cheaper and older collared models have the same performance is just plain honesty. I personally prefer the collar version because it is cheaper than the no-collar.

The Best Part – They Fly Like Field Tips

Hands down, the best feature of the Rage Hypodermic Crossbow Broadhead is that they fly just like a field tip. I can practice with field tips as much as I want, and then put on a broadhead and will have the same accuracy at every range that the field tip has. This means I only need to practice with one set of ranges. I am able to hit what and where I am aiming much more easily.

Because shot placement matters more than anything else and everything else when it comes to deer hunting. And these broadheads help me place my shots better. That is the number one reason I like them. The better the hit, the cleaner the kill, the faster you can recover the deer and the better quality the meat. Here is a short video I did about how long to wait to recover a wounded deer from two different perspectives. 

Can You Re-Use Them?

People sometimes also say the no collar version of the broadheads is better than the collar version because you won’t run out of collars. Well, neither of these broadheads are very re-usable. They are essentially a one-shot tool. The arrows you can easily re-use, the broadheads rarely are. Rage does make replacement blades you can swap out, so if you do that and sharpen the point of the arrow and nothing is bent, you could re-use them.

But for the trouble and cost, I just throw on a new broadhead every time so I can have peace of mind than I am at 100% for the next deer. I do save my used broadheads that are still in good shape for small game or even turkey hunting. I asked Rage directly if the broadheads were typically single use items and they agreed that they are.

Mechanical vs. Fixed Blade Broadheads

I will not go into the same level of detail describing any specific fixed blade broadheads, but I want to mention the general pros and cons of them. The biggest three benefits that fixed blade broadheads have are less complexity, better able to break through bone, and are more easily re-usable. The cons are that they often drop faster or fly different than field tips, may have less range, and do less damage to the deer.

For me, and only me, I value the mechanical broadheads much higher than fixed blade versions. I prize the ability to accurately hit the deer above everything else, and the Rage’s excel in this area. I have not seen any reliability issue with the Rage’s despite their greater complexity, and I would not likely take the time to straighten and re-sharpen fixed blade broadheads after use anyway, so they would still be single use items for me. In terms of ability to “smash through bone”, you shouldn’t be doing anyway, as I noted previously.

So, for me, it is no contest. Accuracy trumps everything and being able to more speedily dispatch a well hit deer trumps any theoretical potential to break through bones I shouldn’t be aiming at. You may have different priorities and ways to rate the value of these tools for your use. Always use what fits YOU best.

The Cheapest Way To Get Them

I have found the most cost effective way to buy the Rage Hypodermic Crossbow Broadheads with a collar and without a collar is from Amazon. The prices fluctuate throughout the year but when they are low, especially for the version with a collar they can be very inexpensive. Always be on the lookout for good deals though. You never know where you might find a great price. I will buy them anytime during the year to keep my stock up to an acceptable level.

Conclusion & Recommendations

Are the Rage Hypodermic Crossbow Broadheads the best option on the market? I can’t say that. There are lots of other options I have yet to test. But of everything I have put my hands on, these are thus far the best tool I’ve come across. Why? I can hit what I’m aiming at better than anything else, they work every time, and they do all that a broadhead can do to bring down a deer fast and humanely. So I give them top marks.

Be sure to listen to The New Hunters Guide Podcast and check us out on YouTube.

Till next time. God bless you, and go get em in the woods!

George Konetes Ph.D. – Founder and Host of the New Hunters Guide.

The New Hunters Guide is simply what George wishes he would have had when learning how to hunt; a single place to get practical hands on knowledge about different kinds of hunting, gear, strategy, and tips that can improve your comfort and fun factor in the woods.

From marshy backwaters and iced-over lakes to clear cobbly mountain rivers, from tidal flats and murky bays to the wild blue outback of the offshore ocean, anglers in North America enjoy the pursuit of some of the finest game fish anywhere. And here at Mountain House, we’ve been helping fuel fishing trips since 1969-including with just-add-water meals that pair nicely with fresh-caught trout or panfish!

To celebrate the marvelous diversity of North American game fish, let’s put the spotlight on some of the most popular—and some of the most all-out legendary—from both freshwater and saltwater habitats. (That includes the “anadromous” game fish, such as salmon, that run between fresh- and saltwater.)

We’ll start things off by looking at those fish that, statistics suggest, are the most-cast-for among anglers in the United States, and then celebrate a non-exhaustive roster of game fish that can be called genuine finned legends.

The Most Popular Game Fish in the U.S.

According to the most recent (2016) National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, these are the most popular game fish in the U.S.

Freshwater—excepting the Great Lakes:

1. Black Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth)
2. Panfish
3. Trout
4. Catfish/Bullhead
5. Crappie
6. White Bass, Striped Bass, and Striped-Bass Hybrids

Freshwater—Great Lakes:

1. Walleye/Sauger
2. Salmon
3. Steelhead

Saltwater:

1. Red Drum (Redfish)
2. Striped Bass
3. Flatfish (Flounder, Hybrid)
4. Sea Trout (Weakfish)
5. Bluefish
6. Salmon

Greatest Game Fish of North America

We don’t have the room to do a truly comprehensive runthrough of the most all-out esteemed freshwater and saltwater game fish of North America. But the following certainly all deserve a place on such a list. What constitutes “greatest?” Well, it’s certainly subjective, but these fish all demonstrate the significant fighting spirit, elusive wiliness, or impressive size—sometimes all of the above—which really fire anglers’ dreams.

(1) The Black Basses

Among the black-bass genus, Micropterus, are two of the most iconic freshwater sportfish on the continent: the largemouth and smallmouth basses. Largemouth bass strike lures across a large native range of eastern North America—from the Hudson Bay and Great Lakes drainages down into the Mississippi and throughout the South and Southeast—but have also been widely introduced elsewhere on the continent and around the world. Basis of a major multibillion-dollar recreational angling industry, largemouths favor lakes, marshes, swamps, and sluggish alluvial waters, and prey on other fish, frogs, and crayfish.

Smallmouth bass—even more renowned than largemouths for pure fighting spirit—are less tolerant of warm waters than their largemouth cousins, not extending into the Deep South. They’re also more likely to be found in colder, swifter streams and rivers.

(2) Walleye

This toothy, zombie-eyed fish, found from the Arctic Mackenzie River down to the Mississippi and introduced extensively outside this native geography, inspires obsession among warm-water and icefishing fanatics alike. Record walleyes have spanned 3.5 feet and weighed 25 pounds. Fond of big, murky, shallow lakes and boasting sharp low-light vision, walleye often hunt at night and in the crepuscular (twilight) hours. The walleye’s smaller relative, the sauger, is another prized game fish.

(3) Muskellunge

The mighty “muskie” is the king of the widespread pike clan and found only in North America, where it occupies the Hudson Bay, St. Lawrence, Great Lakes, and Mississippi basins. This apex freshwater ambush predator—which gobbles everything from other fish such as yellow perch and gizzard shad to muskrats and waterfowl—may exceed six feet in maximum length and weigh upwards of 70 pounds or more. Despite the muskie’s typical hovering or slow-cruise mode, it can burst to 30 miles per hour to strike. Besides its important role topping the aquatic ecosystems it inhabits, this “fish of 10,000 casts” is coveted and challenging quarry.

(4) Northern Pike

The muskie’s only slightly smaller relative, the northern pike also ranks as the most broadly distributed freshwater fish in the world, prowling a huge Eurasian range as well as much of northern and central North America. A common predator targeting fish, frogs, small mammals, and waterbirds in clear lakes and alluvial backwaters, northerns are also well known for their cannibalistic tendencies. The long-standing North American record for northern pike is a 46-pound, 2-oz. fish hauled from New York’s Sacandaga Lake back in 1940.

(5) Trout/Char

These beautiful salmonids haunt many an angler’s dream from the Southern Appalachians to the temperate rainforests of the Pacific coast. From brook trout in the east and “lakers” in the Northland to cutthroats, rainbows, and the anadromous steelhead, North America’s trout and char are big-time quarry for spincasters and fly-fishers alike. And boy, does trout-fishing take you into some drop-dead gorgeous country… (Check out our roundup of some of the best trout streams in the U.S.!)

(6) Salmon

With their epic journeys between pelagic ocean and interior spawning rivers—journeys involving almost unbelievable physical strength and endurance—salmon capture the imaginations of anglers and non-anglers alike. They support huge recreational and commercial fisheries. North America’s species include Atlantic, coho, Chinook (king), sockeye (including the land-locked kokanee form), chum, and pink salmon. The Atlantic salmon and the bigger-yet Chinook are the biggest, historically tipping the scales past 100 pounds.

(7) Striped Bass

The much-admired striper ranks as the largest of the temperate basses, seven species of which call North American waters home. This sturdy fish—which can reach six feet long and weigh north of 100 pounds—is, like salmon, anadromous, feeding in the ocean and spawning in rivers. Unlike most salmon, though, an individual striped bass can make multiple spawning runs in one lifetime. Stripers inhabit the Atlantic coast from about the mouth of the St. Lawrence south to the tip of Florida as well as the Gulf of Mexico, with introduced populations on the Pacific coast and in numerous landlocked lakes. Surf-casting is among the go-to methods for landing stripers, which are strong fighters and impressive jumpers.

(8) Red Drum

The hard-hitting red drum—aka redfish, aka spot-tail bass—delights inshore anglers, especially along the Gulf Coast, and especially when the migratory schools of spring and fall course through inlets and bays. Most coveted are the biggest redfish, the “bullreds,” which in exceptional cases may reach five feet and weigh on the order of 90 pounds.

(9) Mahi-Mahi

The unmistakable mahi-mahi—also called dorado or dolphinfish—is among the flashiest sportfish of the pelagic realm, what with its vivid bluish-green body, its long dorsal crest, and the agile fleetness it employs in pursuit of flying-fish and other prey. That vibrant mahi-mahi body—which can reach seven feet in length—is marvelously sleek, but the head is distinctively blunt and high-browed. Offshore anglers chase mahi-mahi on the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts southward, in the Gulf of Mexico, and off California and Hawaii.

(10) Wahoo

Sleek the mahi-mahi may be; sleeker yet is the wahoo (ono in Hawaii), that great dart-shaped speedster of the high seas. “Hoos” are big mackerels, capable of reaching six feet and more than 180 pounds, and just about everything about them—from the pointy tips of the needle-tooth jaws to the forked tail—looks sharp-edged. The thrillingly fast wahoo, which snaps up squid and small fish, is a celebrated, energetic fighter (and also popular for eating).

(11) Yellowfin Tuna

Supporting a major commercial industry, yellowfin tuna are also legendary sportfish, renowned for their size, their beauty, and their stunning speed and agility. Reaching seven feet and 400-plus pounds, yellowfins range in the Atlantic from Massachusetts south and in the Pacific as far north as California’s Central Coast.

(12) Tarpon

Easily on the shortlist of greatest saltwater game fish of North America, the tarpon is the spectacular “silver king” of the subtropical Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. These hulking, heavy-scaled fish, which may reach eight feet and weigh more than 300 pounds, would be impressive enough from a size perspective alone, but it’s their tremendous strength, mettle, and aerial ability that takes them into rarefied status.

(13) The Billfishes

Billfish account for some of the biggest, most visually striking, and swiftest of all fish, and certainly their ranks include arguably the most coveted saltwater game fish on Earth. Smaller species in North American waters (though all of them very large bony fish) include the lovely sailfish, longbill spearfish, and the white and striped marlins. The swordfish—the hulking “broadbill”—is a grand fighter that may reach 14 feet and more than half a ton. And then there’s the superlative blue marlin, that swift, high-leaping, utterly incredible giant that can exceed 16 feet and more than 1,800 pounds. It’s hard to imagine a more impressive beast on the other end of your line.

Don’t Forget Mountain House on Your Next Fishing Trip

Now, we’re entirely aware there are many fantastic species we’ve left off the above list, from heavyweight blue catfish and white sturgeon to king mackerel, permit, and bluefish. But hey, that’s the wonderful diversity of the saltwater and freshwater game fish of North America!

Meanwhile, whether they’re biting or not, make sure you’ve got some delicious, just-add-water Mountain House meals along for your next angling adventure! (Bonus: You can even use a Mountain House pouch to cook a fish.)

Maine is blessed with a healthy, stable population of black bear, conservatively estimated at 35,000. Statewide we average 9 bears/100 square miles; in our area, WMD 9, the percentage is much higher. Our region in north central Maine, is a consistent producer of adult bears each season and the new state record bear weighing 699 lbs. was taken on a bear bait less than 20 miles from our lodge in 2012. In the areas we hunt, our hunters consistently tag better than 1 out of every 3 bears taken here each fall. That is not due to sheer numbers but the quality of the hunt. As bear hunting outfitters we limit each weekly hunt to 10 participants, to ensure personalized service. We have hunted this area since 1995 and know how to do it right! We manage our hunting area for a sustainable harvest, consulting with the state bear biologist for harvest goals to maintain a healthy, stable population of mature bears.

Our goal is to provide you the hunter an opportunity to harvest a mature Maine Black Bear dressing over 200 lbs. (add approx. 17% for live weight). Bears reach full adult size, at about 4-6 years of age. Boars average 250-600 pounds and measure 5-6 feet from tip of nose to the tip of their tail. Females are smaller, weighing 100-400 pounds, and measuring 4-5 feet in length. Males stand about 40 inches tall at the shoulder whereas sows seldom exceed 30 inches in height. We have virtually 100% sightings for each hunter and over 90% success rate. (Some good bears are passed by discriminating, returning hunters waiting for a bigger trophy than their last bruin.) Year after year we have about one third of our hunters coming back for another hunt.

The four-week bait season for bear varies slightly each year, but is generally the last week of August through the third week of September. The state tabulations for 2018 (latest available at this time) show the following:

Nonresident hunters took 63% (2,064) of the 3,314 bears tagged and 92% (1,903) of them were on guided hunts. 94% (3,127) were adult bears and 57% were males. 74% of successful hunters took their bear over bait

The numbers show that your very best chance to shoot a mature Maine black bear is to book with a reputable guide and outfitter. And of course we hope you will consider Northern Pride Lodge for your Maine bear hunt.

Choosing Your Bear Hunting Guide or Outfitter

There are many bear outfitters or bear guides to choose from. Make your choice carefully. We are avid hunters ourselves, and we strive to provide to you the type of hunt that we would look for when we are booking a guided hunt. Here are some of the things that set us apart from other operations:

• We have sighting in at the range upon arrival and orientation meetings the first night. Often a Game Warden will join us for our evening meal and you will gain a world of insight from his experience. After dinner, we review recent game camera pictures, and explain how to judge the size of a bear, shot placement and share many tips.
• Our stands are comfortable and safe, 15 foot steel ladder stands certified by the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association. We require safety straps and have plenty available if you do not have one.
• Our sites are pre-baited starting in July (when the law first allows), monitored by game cameras to pattern the bears’ activity for up to 30 days prior to your hunt (see pictures on right), and set up with our prevailing winds in mind.
• We set our stands to provide bow hunters 16-20 yard shots and gun hunters with 30-35 yard shots.
• Stands are set for left- or right-handed shooters and have shooting rails or bow hangers, as needed by the hunter.
• We have many bear bait sites in several different areas. We hunt one area each hunt week, ensuring that each week’s hunters, throughout the season, can hunt “fresh” areas.
• We place you on active sites, monitored with game cameras and we have multiple sites available for each hunter. You won’t get stuck staring at the same scenery day after day. 100% sightings.
• Our guides deliver you directly to your stand, make sure you are situated and freshen the bait (which is included in your hunt, no additional fees, no up-selling to a “premium bait.” Every stand gets the best.)
• Each hunter is provided a radio for safety and quick response by your guide.
• We will field dress and hang your bear in our cooler shed. We have good butchers and taxidermists we can recommend as well.
• We provide scent free soap, and advice on scent management as well as keeping your hunting clothing scent-free.
• Always ethical, lawful hunting. Never cited for a violation.

If you would like to see the freshest game camera pictures, just like us on Facebook.

How We Run Our Bear Hunts Here in Maine

Our bear hunting packages provide a great opportunity to harvest a big game trophy that eludes many hunters who have spent a lifetime in the woods. The thrill of seeing a mature boar or sow silently appear at the edge of your vision is enough to get anyone’s heart beating faster!

The way we set up our hunts and bait sites makes it easily enjoyed by anyone capable of climbing a ladder. We accommodate bow hunters, muzzleloaders, pistol and rifle hunters and we have stands to accommodate right- or left-handed hunters, at comfortable, confident shooting distances. Youths can get a youth license and hunt, accompanied by an adult; at 16 years old they can hunt on their own. We can set a pair of stands together for a parent and child shared hunt and a lifelong memory for both. On the other hand, we have had hunters in their 80’s bag their bear! Your guide will drive you to within easy walking distance and get you settled into the stand. We can also accommodate couples or those unable to climb with ground blinds.

Radios are provided for immediate access to your guide when you need him. He will come and collect you at the stand at the end of legal shooting time and take you back to the lodge for the evening meal and yarns.

Comfortable rooms and plenty of good hot food [see menu for representative meals] will be ready for you. It is always a great time of sharing stories with fellow hunters. With a limit of 10 hunters per week, you will get a chance to reunite with returning friends and to make new ones. The camaraderie between bear hunters is a special aspect of our kind of people. When we mention repeat customers let’s just say that we are not talking about everybody who ever came a second time. We have hunters that come year after year and even have a couple standing reservations for every year. We earn that loyalty and it bring us great joy. We will do everything we can to assure you have a great time on your own Maine bear hunt.

Typical Day – What to Expect on Your Bear Hunt

This is a gear list (note this as additional page) of what we recommend you have on your hunt. You can always call us to discuss special needs or ask advice on equipment and gear. We’ve probably seen it all over the years.

Your hunt with us starts with a Sunday afternoon arrival. We serve our Prime Rib dinner around 5 pm and afterward have a get together with all the staff and the weeks’ hunters, so that everyone can get to know each other. After dinner we meet in our gathering area to give everyone a rundown on what the week will be like and to answer any questions you may have. This covers all aspects of your hunt and your time at the lodge. We discuss bear behavior and review game camera photos, how to judge bear size, where to place your shot and what to do after the shot. When available, we have our local warden here to help cover local hunting laws and issues that they have encountered during previous bear seasons. This is a very informative yet casual gathering and we have been complimented many times on how helpful it has been to the hunters.

Your hunting day starts with breakfast at about 7 am. While you are enjoying your meal, your guides will be out putting fresh bait at each site and inspecting the bear sign from the previous feeding. Your morning can be spent fishing on our lake or on the nearby Roach River, which can be excellent at this time of year. Some hunters also try their luck at calling coyotes.

Lunch is our big dinner of the day and is served about Noon. After eating, you will shower and get ready to go out for the afternoon hunt. Transportation to and from your bait site is included. Wayne corrals everyone about 2:30-3:00 pm and begins to deliver hunters to the sites. You will be walked into the bait site and your guide will wait while you climb into the 15-foot ladder, T.M.A. certified tree stand, clip in to your safety line and get comfortable. Each hunter is given a radio, for safety and so when a bear is shot, the guides can respond quickly, to recover the bear. On occasion we have big bears feeding on baits in the mornings. When this happens we will sometimes put a hunter out in the AM.

Legal hunting hours end ½ hour after sunset each day. If you have not had an opportunity for a shot and are still in your stand, the guides pick up each hunter at the end of legal shooting. Your bear guide will walk in to the stand by flashlight, in order to assist you in exiting, but also to ‘spook’ any nearby bears so that they do not peg a hunter descending from the stand. Once all of the hunters have been picked up, you arrive back at the waterfront lodge to a hearty meal and tales of bear sightings and bears shot.

Book your Bear Hunt Now

We still have openings for this season so give us a call at (207) 695-2890 to hear our competitive rates and reserve your bear hunt. We are often asked which week is the most opportune to hunt. Over the entire season we have consistent success and large bears have been taken early and late in the season. Our numerous bait sites allow us to keep entire areas fresh for each successive week’s hunters. So, week 1, week 2 or week 3, you can be confident of bear sightings and shot opportunities.

Licenses are available locally or online. Check the state’s Bear Hunting Page for current regulations, license and permits fees.

Testimonials

“Thank you for the wonderful time I spent at your lodge. If anyone says they had a better bear hunt or food somewhere else they’re just plain lying.”

Joe, Georgia

“I just wanted to say thanks again for the great bear hunt I had with you this fall. Your lodge was comfortable, warm and squeaky clean. The menu was outstanding and the meals couldn’t have been better.”

“The success of your hunters is due in the most part to Wayne’s hard work and positive attitude. The fact that most of the hunters saw bear every night speaks volumes for your hunts. Of course, the best part of Northern Pride Lodge is the friendly atmosphere you provide. From the time I arrived I felt welcome and at home in your lodge.

“It’s not often that you do something that really, really exceeds your expectations but this was one of them!”

Dave, New York

“You have a really great hunting service and my hunting experience with you was just incredible and it was exceptionally exciting. …it was your attitude, friendliness and exceptionally good nature that made my stay in your house feel like my own home. All of the meals were really extraordinary, even overwhelming.”

Ellis, Georgia

Gear List – Bear Hunter’s Checklist:

Weapons: .270’s and the .30 calibers are all good choices, as are shotguns with slugs and muzzleloaders. .44 mag and larger hand guns with a good solid-base bullet, and bows and crossbows are also effective options. Sight guns in for 30 yards. We will check all guns at the range before hunting.

Safety Harness: We require a safety harness in our tree stands. If you do not have one, don’t worry-we have plenty to loan out.

Clothing: Dark camo clothing head to toe, hat, face mask and gloves. Must be quiet clothing. Scent elimination is a must, so keep your hunting clothes scent free. Clothes should be warm weather or something comfortable for 40° – 65° and sitting still for about 4 hours. Also bring rain gear, just in case.

Flashlight or headlamp: whichever is your preference.

Pee bottle (you don’t want to get in and out of the tree stand)

Boots: I prefer rubber boots or at least rubber bottoms

Coolers to take your meat back in

Slippers or something to slip into when you get back to the lodge (no muddy, bloody boots worn in the lodge, please)

Rain Gear: quiet, dark camo pattern

Seat Cushions: some stands have them, some don’t. Bring one just in case, if you can.

You will need proof of a current hunting license in your home state or proof of completing a hunter safety course in order to get your Maine hunting license. Maine hunting licenses can be obtained prior to coming to Maine by logging onto Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. Don’t forget, you need a big game license or archery license and a bear permit.

A fishing license is also required, if you intend to fish. The fly-fishing-only Roach River can be spectacular in September. Fishing licenses are also available locally, if you’d like to wait until you’ve taken your bear.

Rates

Visit our hunting pricing page for rates and options.