Ohio deer hunting continues to top the list of trophy whitetail destinations due in large part to an excellent deer management program. Ohio’s deer management program is designed to control the state’s deer herd by harvesting does, while maintaining a very conservative buck harvest. Deer hunters are allowed to harvest one antlered deer in Ohio per year. This allows for a balanced population while maintaining the necessary conditions to produce world class deer like the ones below.

Record Setting Ohio Whitetails

Ohio’s World Famous Hole in the Horn Buck

Ohio is home to some of the biggest whitetail bucks in the world, including the #2 non-typical of all time.The “Hole in the Horn” buck. This unbelievable buck is not the biggest buck ever killed in Ohio because it was found dead in Portage county in 1940 and scored an incredible 328 2/8 inches! An amazing Ohio record whitetail.

Ohio’s Beatty Buck

Another huge whitetail buck exceeding 300 inches.Yes, I said 300 inches! The Beaty buck is the biggest buck ever killed in Ohio and was harvested in Greene county on November 8th 2000. The Beatty buck was 4 1/2 years old which was confirmed through laboratory testing in which a tooth is cross sectioned and studied under a microscope, similar to aging a tree. 4 1/2 years old! How is that for genetics! Another incredible Ohio record whitetail.

Ohio’s Jerman Buck

On November 10th 2004 in Warren county, a giant typical buck fell to a well placed shot from Brad Jermans crossbow and became the new Ohio record typical with a score of 201 1/8…Unbelievable Ohio record whitetail!

Ohio’s Mike Rex Buck

In 2005, on opening day of archery season, Mike Rex of Athens, Ohio killed this buck that had 17 points, 15 inch brow tines and scored 218 6/8. What a beautiful Animal!

Ohio’s Amish Buck

Another record buck was harvested on opening day of archery season in 2006. The Ohio Amish buck. Jonathon Schmucker of Seaman Ohio, located in Adams, county downed the 36 point buck on the first afternoon of the 2006 season. The buck scored an incredible 291-2/8, making it the number two whitetail in the state and the biggest buck ever killed in Ohio with a crossbow.

The Amish buck was reportedly fed Lucky Buck deer attractant prior to being killed.

This combination of incredible genetics, proper herd management, and an abundance of agriculture and cover makes Ohio one of our top choices for bagging a trophy whitetail!

Top Areas For Ohio Deer Hunting

While trophy bucks can be found in every corner of the Buckeye State, Coshocton, Licking, and Muskingum counties in east-central Ohio top the list of most deer harvested. These counties consistently produce massive bucks and offer some great opportunities for public land deer hunting.

For harvesting trophy bucks, three Ohio public deer hunting areas come to mind in this part of the state, Dillon Wildlife Area, Woodbury Wildlife area, and the Conesville Coal Lands.

We personally hunted the Dillon Wildlife Area during the first week of November in 2007, and we can tell you that, while receiving a fair amount of pressure, if you look closely, you can find unpressured deer. Study the maps and look for places that other deer hunters will overlook. We did exactly that and had a 150 inch 10 pointer at 40 yards chasing a doe recklessly through the woodlot. There was not another hunter around and we were within 100 yards of a main road!

The Woodbury Wildlife Area comprises almost 20,000 acres of prime whitetail habitat in east central Ohio. There is good public access along state routes 16, 36, 60 and 541, as well as numerous county and township roads. Again, the key to finding a trophy buck is to study maps of the area and find small spots that other hunters will overlook. These spots do not have to be miles into the timber. They can be right under everybody’s noses!

The Conesville Coal Lands are another great place to hunt deer in Ohio and it consists of about 12,000 acres of prime whitetail habitat in Coshocton and Muskingum counties. Hunting here requires a free permit available at local bait shops or by contacting American Electric Power at www.aep.com/. Click here for tips on hunting AEP Land.

Perhaps the best way to bag a trophy buck, is to gain access to private land, and the way to do that is to hire an outfitter. There are many to choose from, but we have hunted with Matt Hopkins and Jim Woodward from Wolf Creek Whitetails and we have been very impressed. These guys provide you with quality, unpressured, private land to hunt with treestands already hung and plenty of food plots. You can also bring your best climbing tree stand if you prefer. They have access to some of the best land in Morgan County. Check out their Ohio trail camera pictures!

Another Ohio outfitter that we have heard good things about is Joe Miller from Woodbury Outfitters. They offer unguided and semi guided hunts for antlered deer. Whichever outfitter that you choose to hunt deer in Ohio, be sure to book early in order to get the dates that you want, good rut weeks fill up fast.

In addition to the east central part of the state, southwestern Ohio is rapidly gaining fame as a trophy buck hotspot, thanks in part to the Amish Buck and the Metzner Buck both taken in Adams county.

Ohio’s Metzner Buck

Taken in Adams county in 2006 on land bordering Brush Creek State Forest. Justin Metzner’s buck scores and incredible 196-6/8, making it the second biggest buck ever killed in Ohio by a bowhunter!

Top Ohio Public Deer Hunting Areas In Southwest Part of the State

RELATED: How Many Hunters In The US

Brush Creek State Forest

Brush Creek consists of over 13,000 acres of steep hillsides, deep hollows, and narrow ridge tops. Prime hardwood forests with supplemental feed for the whitetails on the private farms bordering the forest. This is where the Metzner buck was taken in 2006. Look for more huge Ohio bucks from this area in the future!

Tranquility Wildlife Area

Tranquility consists of over 4000 acres, about 400 of which are dedicated to food plots. Approximately half of this area is mature hardwoods and there are plenty of places for big bucks to hide, as evidenced by a 165 inch buck taken during the December muzzleloader season! Don’t overlook this Adams county gem for antlered deer.

Shawnee State Forest

Consisting of over 60,000 acres, Shawnee is the largest state forest in Ohio. Ongoing logging operations make access easier along the many logging roads. This is extremely rugged country…So be prepared. There is a lot of 5 to 6 year old new growth which provides prime habitat for big Ohio bucks to grow old. Look for some monsters to come out of here in the next few years!

If you are looking for access to private land…Our choice for Ohio outfitters in this part of the state is David Lusk at Southern Ohio Outfitters. David has over 6,500 acres of prime whitetail habitat, including food plots, that has been managed to produce some of the biggest bucks Ohio can offer. Again, be sure to book early, good rut weeks go fast!

Here is our summary of why you should try your hand at Ohio deer hunting

• Ohio has the right terrain, habitat, crops, food plots and genetics that consistently produce big bucks.
• Ohio has a short gun season, held after the rut and only allows shotguns and straight walled cartridge rifles.
• Ohio sells Non Resident hunting licenses and deer tags over the counter for only $149.
• Ohio has a one-buck per year limit and can be taken with any weapon, any county or in any zone on the same deer permit.
• The Ohio deer hunting season runs from September until February, making it a four month season.
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources has very consistent regulations with a great website www.dnr.state.oh.us/

Another option for hunting deer in the Buckeye state is to get an Ohio deer hunting lease of your own.

Ohio Deer Hunting Season

Ohio deer hunting season is one of the most liberal in the United States. The archery season season begins on September 27 and goes all the way to February 1st, with Sunday hunting allowed, that means a possible 127 days afield. That is a lot of time in the woods and reason enough to take up bowhunting. Keep in mind that crossbows are allowed in Ohio during archery season.

The deer gun season in Ohio is for shotgun and straight walled cartridge rifles, and is typically held after the rut.

The state also has a youth deer gun season that is held before the regular deer gun season.

There is also a muzzleloader season in January. This can be a great time to hunt big deer in Ohio, as they try to fatten up after the rigors of the rut.

If you are serious about harvesting a mature buck in Ohio, then you must hunt during archery season in order to take advantage of the rut.

Click on the link to visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website complete regulations regarding the Ohio season dates.

The best time to harvest a mature buck in Ohio is during archery season and the November rut!

Ohio Trail Camera Pictures

Check out these trail camera pictures submitted by Ohio deer hunting outfitters Wolf Creek Whitetails

Holy Ohio big bucks.com batman!

Click here for more Ohio trail cam pics.

Planning Your Ohio Deer Hunting Trip

It doesn’t matter if you are hunting public land or with one of the top Ohio deer hunting outfitters, you need to be prepared.

So we have put together a checklist of some of the commonly forgotten items that you need for your deer hunting trip.

• Hunting License – You’d be surprised how many people forget this!
• Boots and Socks – Click here for the best hunting socks you can buy.
• Bow or Crossbow – You’d be surprised how many hunters have to turn around after they’ve started their trip because they forgot their weapon. Here is our guide to the best beginner compound bow.
• Broadheads – Here is our guide to the best broadheads for deer.
• Flashlight or headlight
• Rain Gear – Some of the best deer hunting in Ohio that I have had was in the rain. Don’t forget your hunting rain gear and your best tree stand umbrella.
• Hand Warmers
• Thermos – Very handy for all day hunts.
• Knife – Check out our guide to choosing the Best Deer Hunting Knife.
• Target – Always good to take some shots when you get to Ohio. Here is a guide to the best archery target for broadheads and field points.
• Calls – I like to bring a grunt call, bleat call and a set of rattling antlers.
• Tree Stand – Here is our guide to the best tree stand. Even if you are hunting with an outfitter, consider bringing a climbing tree stand. It will give you the ability to move on your own, if you see a pattern to the deer movement.
• Safety Harness and Rope or strap – Bring the best hunting safety harness that you can afford.
• Binoculars – Here’s our guide to the best hunting binoculars.
• Rangefinder – I actually bring two of these. Here is our guide to the best rangefinder for bow hunting.
• Cooler – For getting your meat home.

Those are just a few of the more common items that deer hunters forget to bring when they travel to hunt deer in ohio.

Leave your comments below. We would love to hear about your experiences or just leave us an Ohio deer hunting report.

What does a raccoon taste like? If you’re a meat lover, especially exotic ones, this question would be in your mind.

Like any exotic meat, raccoon meat is not found on the open market.

So, many people don’t know what this meat tastes like.

Some may even wonder if it’s edible- to which we say yes.

This post serves as a guide to what raccoons taste like.

We will also provide tips on how to cook this meat and if there is any risk to having this raccoon meat.

What is Raccoon?

A raccoon is a nocturnal animal known for its intelligence. It’s a mammal found mainly in North America.

This little furry animal is known for its distinctive features, especially its tail and masked face.

Another fascinating aspect of this animal is that it’s been around for decades.

Raccoons are omnivorous animals and are surprisingly seen during the day.

It eats fish, snails, fruits, and vegetables.

You can also see them feasting on garbage in the city if there is food scarcity.

Hence, cleaning and cooking raccoon meat thoroughly is necessary before consuming it.

Raccoons are also scavengers, which make them likely to carry parasite or diseases.

Their meat might be nutritional, but proper cleaning and cooking are required.

It also applies to any exotic or bush meats since they are prone to carry diseases.

What Does Raccoon Taste Like?

The taste of raccoon meat may vary depending on what it eats.

If it feeds on dead animals or garbage, it is likely to have an unpleasant smell.

Raccoon meat tastes like chicken or turkey but greasier.

Some even say it tastes like beef, but that’s debatable.

Everyone has different taste buds, so you may not get the same feedback.

But one thing we can say is that- raccoon meat is tender and buttery.

It’s rich-flavored meat that tastes best when it’s roasted or barbecued.

This meat’s texture is tender, making it delightful to eat.

However, its strong smell might be offsetting.

We’d suggest using herbs or spices to eliminate the smell.

It might be smelly when raw, but once you cook correctly, the smell goes away.

Those who have tasted the meat also compare it to fried lamb.

It shares the same tender texture and flavor.

Unlike other exotic meat, raccoon meat is tastier, mainly because of its buttery texture.

It’s not chewy or strenuous, mixed with enriching flavor.

Eventually, it depends on how you cook the meat.

Correctly cooked raccoon meat shouldn’t be tough or chewy.

That way, you can enjoy its soft texture and the aroma of herbs.

Getting your hands on good quality raccoon meat would be an excellent way to enjoy this exotic meat.

It’s tastier, healthy, and safe for your health.

However, that seems challenging as this meat is not found mainly in the open market.

How to Cook Raccoon?

Raccoons are scavengers and filthy animals.

If you get your hands on this exotic meat, ensure that you clean it properly.

Wash the meat with clean water twice or thrice to get rid of dirt.

Once the meat is cleaned, set it aside and wash your hand before you proceed with cooking.

Slice the meat according to your preference and season it with salt and herbs.

This will help eliminate strong odor and make it more flavorful.

Since the meat is tender, you don’t have to marinate it overnight.

You can cook this exotic meat differently, but our recommendation is roasted.

Also, to have a better taste, remove fats from the meat.

Check the steps below to make a roasted raccoon.

But before that, these are required ingredients that you should have:

• ½ cup flour.
• Black pepper.
• Bay leaves.
• Onions.
• Cooking oil.
• Salt.

Season the meat pieces with pepper and salt; bread them with flour.

Take a frying pan and sprinkle cooking oil over it.

Put the pieces and then brown for some minutes.

Once the pieces are brown, transfer them to a roasting pan.

Add bay leaves and slice onion for more flavor.

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake at 375F for two hours.

And there you go. The roasted raccoon is cooked and ready to eat.

What is the Risk of Eating Raccoon Meat?

Racoon meat is edible, and there is no risk attached to it unless it’s undercooked.

Since this animal is filthy, it might carry diseases or bacteria.

Hence, it’s crucial to cook thoroughly to eliminate these.

You’d be surprised to know that this exotic meat is packed with nutrients.

It’s healthier than beef and is a rich source of protein and potassium.

But be wary when purchasing raccoon meat.

Some people might sell infected ones, which we’ll not know, especially if you’re new.

Ensure that the meat doesn’t have too much odor.

Admittedly, it has a strong smell, but poor-quality ones might smell worse.

Avoid eating raw raccoon meat which might be dangerous.

Additionally, if you have health issues like a weak immune system, then it would be better not to have it.

We also advise pregnant women to avoid eating this exotic meat.

It might not be suitable for your newborn as this meat might carry diseases that would be harmful to your baby.

Compared to other exotic meat, raccoon meat is tastier because of its tender texture.

Eventually, it all depends on how you prepare and cook the meat.

Final Thought

As we conclude the article, we hope it was helpful and has answered your question regarding raccoon meat and its taste.

This tiny animal is popularly known for its distinct features and intelligence.

Its meat is tender and not chewy compared to other exotic meats. It’s edible and nutritional too.

However, avoid having undercooked raccoon meat as it may carry parasites or other diseases.

It might be harmful to your health, leading to various health implications.

So, clean the meat well before you cook it.

If you’re new, refer to the guide above on cooking and preparing raccoon meat.

About The Author

As you embark on your quest for archery greatness, it’s important to remember that progress is achieved through consistent effort, learning, and adaptation. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the many facets of becoming a better archer, hopefully equipping you with the knowledge and tools you need to elevate your skills and even surpass your own expectations. So, prepare to unleash your inner archer as we embark on this transformative journey together.

Unlocking Your Archery Potential

Starting the journey to becoming a better archer can be a rewarding endeavor filled with excitement, challenges, and hopefully some personal growth. By dedicating yourself to the continuous improvement of your skills, you’ll not only experience the satisfaction of hitting your targets with greater accuracy but also discover a passion that can last a lifetime. This guide is designed to help you unlock your full archery potential, offering insights into techniques, equipment, and practice strategies that can elevate your performance.

Navigating the Guide

This guide is split up into several different sections, each focusing on the different aspects of personal archery improvement. From perfecting your form and technique to choosing the right equipment, developing a personalized practice routine, and harnessing the power of mental focus, we’ve got you covered. Additionally, you’ll find answers to common questions on improving in archery, tips on learning from the experts, and advice on competing and growing as an archer. So, let’s get started on your path to archery mastery!

The Foundations of Archery Excellence

Let’s begin by examining the foundations that underpin all successful archers: form and technique. Mastering these crucial aspects of archery will give you a solid base on which to build your skills and develop your own unique style. From the subtleties of stance and posture to the intricacies of aiming and releasing, we’ll guide you through the key elements of archery excellence, ensuring you’re well-equipped to hit the mark every time.

Stance and Posture: The Building Blocks

A solid foundation is key to becoming a better archer, and it all begins with your stance and posture. Try to keep your feet shoulder-width apart, with your non-dominant foot slightly forward. Distribute your weight evenly between both feet, and maintain a slight bend in your knees. Keep your back straight and your head up, creating a stable and well-balanced platform for shooting.

Proper posture not only improves your stability and balance but also promotes consistent shot execution. Remember to maintain this posture throughout your shot, as any changes can affect your aim and overall performance.

Get a Grip: Mastering Bow Control

Developing the correct grip on your bow is crucial for accurate shooting. Your grip should be relaxed and consistent, allowing the bow to sit comfortably in the groove between your thumb and index finger. Avoid gripping the bow too tightly, as this can cause torque and negatively impact your shot. Instead, keep your hand relaxed and let the bow’s riser rest against the pressure point at the base of your thumb.

With a relaxed grip, you’ll minimize the chances of introducing unwanted movement or inconsistencies in your shots. Practice maintaining a consistent grip to build muscle memory and ensure better bow control.

Drawing and Anchoring: Precision from Start to Finish

Drawing and anchoring your bow correctly are essential for shot consistency and accuracy. To draw your bow, extend your bow arm forward while pulling the string back with your other hand, keeping your elbow in line with the arrow. Gradually draw the string back until it reaches your anchor point, which is a consistent point of contact between your hand and your face. Common anchor points include the corner of your mouth or the tip of your nose.

It’s crucial to establish a consistent anchor point for every shot, as this will help ensure your aiming is steady and reliable. Practice drawing and anchoring smoothly to develop a reliable, precise shooting process.

Bulls-eye Aiming: Hitting the Mark Every Time

Aiming accurately requires focus, proper alignment, and a steady hand. To aim effectively, align your bow’s sight pin with your target while maintaining your anchor point. Keep your eye on the target, and focus on a small, specific point rather than the entire target face. Remember to breathe steadily and relax your muscles to minimize any unwanted movement.

As you release the arrow, follow through with a smooth and controlled motion, keeping your bow arm extended and your drawing hand moving along the same plane. Consistency in your aiming and release will help you hit the mark with greater accuracy, leading to improved performance over time. If you really want a crash course in aiming, stance and more, I’ve written a full guide about archery tips for accuracy, check it out to improve your shots.

Gear Up for Success

As you hone your archery skills, it’s crucial not to overlook the role that the right equipment plays in your success. With an array of bows, arrows, and accessories to choose from, finding the perfect combination for your needs and preferences can be a game-changer. Below, we’ll help you navigate the world of archery gear, offering insights and advice on selecting the ideal equipment to complement your abilities and enhance your performance. Together, we’ll ensure you’re fully prepared to tackle any challenge that comes your way.

Finding Your Bow Soulmate

Choosing the right bow is a personal decision based on your preferences, goals, and style. Let’s explore the different types of bows available, so you can find the perfect match for your archery journey.

Recurve Bows: The Classic Choice

Recurve bows are popular among beginners and Olympic archers alike. They feature a simple design with limbs that curve away from the archer when unstrung. Recurve bows offer a balance of power and control, making them a versatile option for target shooting, field archery, and even hunting. If you’re looking for a traditional archery experience with a proven track record, a recurve bow might be your ideal choice.

Compound Bows: High-tech Precision

Compound bows are a modern innovation that utilize a system of pulleys and cams to provide a mechanical advantage. This design allows for a smoother draw, increased accuracy, and reduced holding weight at full draw. Compound bows are often favored by hunters and archers seeking the highest level of precision. If you’re drawn to cutting-edge technology and desire unparalleled accuracy, a compound bow could be your perfect match.

Longbows: Embracing Tradition

Longbows are the quintessential traditional bow, boasting a rich history that dates back centuries. These bows have a simple, elegant design with a long, gently curved limb. Longbows require more physical strength and skill to shoot accurately, making them a popular choice among traditional archery enthusiasts. If you’re passionate about history and enjoy the challenge of mastering an ancient art, a longbow may be the bow for you.

Your Essential Archery Arsenal

Equipping yourself with the right accessories can make a significant difference in your archery experience. Here are some essential items to consider adding to your arsenal:

The Right Arrows for Your Bow

Arrows come in various materials, lengths, and spine stiffness, which can significantly impact their flight and accuracy. Choose arrows that are compatible with your bow’s draw weight and length, as well as your specific shooting needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different arrow types to find the ones that work best for you. I’ve written a complete guide all about what type of arrows you should use, check it out for all of the details.

Protecting Yourself: Armguards and Finger Tabs

As an archer, ensuring your safety and comfort during practice and competition is paramount. Two essential pieces of protective gear that can greatly enhance your shooting experience are armguards and finger tabs. These accessories not only protect you from injury but can also improve your shooting consistency.

Armguards are designed to shield your bow arm from potential string slaps that can occur if the bowstring grazes your arm upon release. They are typically made from durable materials such as leather, plastic, or fabric and are secured to your forearm with straps or elastic bands. Choosing the right armguard involves finding one that provides adequate coverage and a comfortable fit without restricting your movement.

Finger tabs, on the other hand, protect the fingers of your drawing hand from the friction and pressure generated by pulling the bowstring. These small, often leather, pieces are worn on your fingertips and create a barrier between your skin and the bowstring, reducing the risk of blisters and calluses. Finger tabs can also enhance your shooting consistency by providing a smooth and uniform surface for the string to slide off during release. When selecting a finger tab, consider factors such as the thickness of the material, the fit on your fingers, and any additional features like an adjustable finger spacer or ledge for anchoring.

By always investing in quality protective gear, you’ll be safeguarding yourself from injury and discomfort while promoting a more consistent and enjoyable archery experience.

Bowstrings and Nocking Points: Fine-tuning Your Equipment

Smart Shopping: Quality Meets Affordability

Common Questions on Improving in Archery

Along the path to becoming a better archer, questions and uncertainties are bound to arise. Addressing these common concerns and providing practical guidance can be instrumental in boosting your confidence and refining your skills. In this section, we’ll tackle some of the most frequently asked questions in the world of archery improvement, and hopefully give you some valuable insights and tips to help you overcome obstacles and continue your upward trajectory. With clarity and understanding, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.

From what distance is it best to practice in order to increase your accuracy?

When starting out, it’s best to practice from a shorter distance, typically around 10 to 20 yards. This allows you to focus on perfecting your form and technique without the added pressure of hitting distant targets. As you become more comfortable and consistent, gradually increase the distance to challenge yourself and further develop your accuracy. Ultimately, the best distance for practice will vary based on your individual skill level, goals, and the type of archery you’re pursuing.

How can I improve my archery at home?

Improving your archery skills at home is possible with the right approach and resources. Here are a few tips to help you practice effectively at home:

Create a safe shooting area: Ensure you have a clear, unobstructed space to shoot, and always use a suitable backstop to catch arrows. Here’s my guide all about how to build a backyard archery range.

Focus on your form: Use a mirror or video recordings to assess and refine your stance, grip, and drawing technique.

Strength training: Work on building your core, back, and shoulder muscles, which are essential for archery performance.

Stretching and flexibility: Incorporate stretches that target the muscles used in archery to improve your range of motion and prevent injuries. Here are 15 exercises for archery that’ll really up your game.

Mental training: Practice visualization techniques and breathing exercises to enhance your mental focus and manage performance anxiety.

How many arrows should I shoot a day?

The number of arrows you should shoot daily depends on your skill level, goals, and available time. For beginners, shooting 30 to 50 arrows per session is a good starting point. More advanced archers may shoot between 100 to 300 arrows daily to maintain and refine their skills. The key is to focus on quality over quantity: prioritize proper form and technique, and avoid overtraining to prevent injuries. As with any sport, it’s important to listen to your body and adjust your practice routine accordingly.

Crafting Your Personalized Practice Plan

Developing a personalized practice plan is a crucial aspect of your growth as an archer. A well-structured and targeted routine will not only help you build and reinforce your skills but also foster a deep sense of commitment and discipline. Below, we’ll delve into the process of designing a practice plan that aligns with your goals, incorporates effective drills, and emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery. With a tailored approach, you’ll be on the fast track to achieving all of your archery related aspirations.

Mapping Your Archery Journey

Creating a customized practice plan tailored to your needs and aspirations is crucial for steady progress in archery. Start by identifying your short-term and long-term goals, and then break them down into manageable, achievable steps. Be realistic about the time you can commit to practice, and consider incorporating a mix of technical training, strength and flexibility exercises, and mental skills development into your routine.

Aiming High: Setting and Achieving Goals

Goal setting is a powerful tool for staying motivated and tracking your progress in archery. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to provide a clear path to improvement. Monitor your progress regularly and adjust your goals as needed to ensure they remain challenging and relevant to your evolving skills.

Drills That Make a Difference

Incorporating effective drills into your practice routine can help you hone specific skills as well as enhance your overall performance. Consider trying out the following drills:

Blank bale shooting: Blank bale shooting involves practicing your shots at a close distance, typically 5-10 feet, without a target face. This drill helps archers focus on their form, release, and follow-through without the distraction of aiming. By concentrating solely on technique, you can develop consistent and accurate shooting habits that will translate to better performance when aiming at targets.

Endurance shooting: Endurance shooting drills involve shooting a high volume of arrows in a single session, building both physical and mental stamina. These drills help improve muscle memory, increase shooting endurance, and develop mental resilience under fatigue. Remember to maintain proper form and technique during endurance shooting to prevent injury and reinforce good habits.

Various distances: Practicing at various distances is essential for developing adaptability and improving accuracy across different shooting scenarios. Start at shorter distances, gradually increasing the range as you become more comfortable and accurate. This drill helps you understand how your sight picture and aiming techniques change with distance, ultimately making you a more versatile and confident archer.

Pressure drills: Pressure drills simulate high-stress situations, such as competition or hunting scenarios, to help archers improve their focus and performance under pressure. Examples of pressure drills include shooting with a time limit, competing against a partner, or setting specific scoring goals. By exposing yourself to pressure situations in practice, you’ll be better prepared to handle nerves and maintain focus during real-life events.

By incorporating these drills into your practice routine, you can target specific areas of your archery skills and make meaningful progress toward becoming a better archer.

How to Shoot Better Groups with a Bow

Consistently shooting tight arrow groups is a sign of excellent technique and accuracy. To improve your groupings, focus on the following aspects:

Consistent anchor points: Developing consistent anchor points is crucial for achieving accuracy and repeatability in your shots. Drills that emphasize finding and maintaining a reliable anchor point help reinforce muscle memory, allowing you to reproduce the same shooting motion every time. Practice drawing and anchoring your bow with your eyes closed, focusing on the feeling of your anchor point, and then open your eyes to check your alignment.

Smooth release: A smooth release is vital for accurate shooting, as any tension or jerking motion can disrupt your arrow’s flight path. To practice a smooth release, focus on maintaining a relaxed grip and using a consistent release aid, such as a finger tab or mechanical release. Work on releasing the string with a gentle and controlled motion, ensuring that your follow-through is consistent and relaxed.

Bow tuning: Regular bow tuning ensures that your equipment is performing optimally, which in turn improves your shooting accuracy and consistency. Bow tuning involves checking and adjusting various aspects of your bow, such as brace height, tiller, and limb alignment. By becoming familiar with the tuning process and making necessary adjustments, you can maintain your equipment’s peak performance and prevent shooting inconsistencies.

Patience and practice: Becoming a better archer requires patience and consistent practice. Dedicate time to honing your skills, focusing on specific aspects of your technique, and learning from your mistakes. Embrace the process and understand that progress may be slow, but with dedication and perseverance, you’ll see steady improvement in your shooting abilities.

Rest and Recovery: The Forgotten Keys to Improvement

Rest and recovery are essential components of any successful training plan. Schedule regular rest days to allow your muscles to recover and prevent overtraining. Listen to your body, and consider incorporating activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation and mental focus. Remember, balance is key to sustained growth and long-term success in archery.

Mind Over Matter: Mental Strategies for Archery Success

While physical skills and techniques are critical components of archery success, the power of the mind should never be underestimated. Cultivating mental strength and resilience can give you a significant edge when it comes to performing under pressure and overcoming challenges. In this section, we’ll take a look at a few mental strategies to help you build an unshakable mindset, harness the power of visualization, and conquer any performance anxiety. By embracing these techniques, you’ll be poised to unlock your full potential and excel in even the most demanding situations.

Building an Unshakable Mindset

A strong mindset is a crucial element of archery success. Cultivate a growth mindset by embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and focusing on the process rather than just the outcome. Develop a pre-shot routine to help you mentally prepare for each shot and maintain consistency in your performance. Positive self-talk and affirmations can also reinforce your belief in your abilities and keep self-doubt at bay.

Picture This: The Power of Visualization

Visualization is a proven mental technique used by many top athletes to enhance their performance. By mentally rehearsing your shots and envisioning yourself hitting the target, you can train your brain to execute the desired movements more effectively. Practice visualization daily, both during your practice sessions and in your downtime, to reinforce positive mental images and improve your confidence on the shooting line.

Keep Calm and Shoot On: Conquering Performance Anxiety

Performance anxiety is common in archery, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Learn to manage your nerves by incorporating relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation, into your routine. Focus on the present moment and avoid overthinking your shots. Embrace competition as an opportunity to grow and learn, and remember that even the most accomplished archers experience nerves from time to time.

Learn from the Pros: Their Experience Can Up Your Game

Learning from experienced archers and immersing yourself in the wider archery community can be a transformative experience, offering invaluable insights, inspiration, and camaraderie. Below, we’ll discuss the benefits of seeking professional coaching, attending workshops and clinics, and connecting with fellow archers both online and offline. By embracing these opportunities, you’ll not only expand your knowledge and refine your skills, but also find support and motivation to fuel your passion for the sport.

The Value of Professional Coaching

Working with a professional archery coach can greatly accelerate your progress and help you to really refine your skills. A coach can provide personalized guidance, identify areas for improvement, and offer invaluable insights from their own experience. Look for a certified coach through your local archery club or governing body and consider investing in regular coaching sessions to maximize your potential.

Sharpen Your Skills: Archery Workshops and Clinics

Attending archery workshops and clinics is another excellent way to expand your knowledge and improve your skills. These events typically cover a range of topics, from equipment selection and tuning to advanced shooting techniques and mental strategies. Keep an eye out for workshops and clinics hosted by experienced archers or coaches in your area, and seize the opportunity to learn from their expertise.

Your Archery Tribe: Connecting with the Community

Connecting with other archers can provide invaluable support, motivation, and camaraderie on your journey to becoming a better archer. Join a local archery club or participate in online forums and social media groups to share your experiences, exchange tips, and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the sport. By immersing yourself in the archery community, you’ll gain access to a wealth of collective knowledge and inspiration to fuel your growth.

Rising to the Challenge: Archery Competitions

Competing in archery tournaments is a thrilling and rewarding way to test your skills, push your limits, and learn from both your successes and setbacks. In this section, we’ll look at the world of archery competitions, highlighting the importance of local and regional tournaments as stepping stones to higher-level challenges. We’ll also discuss the benefits of participating in competitions, as well as strategies for evaluating your performance and adapting your approach for continued growth. Embrace the excitement of competition and prepare to rise to the challenge on your journey to archery mastery.

Stepping Stones: Local and Regional Tournaments

Participating in local and regional archery tournaments is a fantastic way to put your skills to the test and gain valuable competition experience. These events provide a supportive and friendly environment where you can learn from fellow archers and measure your progress against others. Check with your local archery club or governing body for a schedule of upcoming tournaments, and don’t be afraid to take the plunge and sign up!

Embrace the Thrill: Why Competitions Matter

Competing in archery tournaments offers numerous benefits for your development as an archer. It exposes you to the unique pressures and challenges of competition, which can help you hone your mental skills and learn to perform at your best under pressure. Competing also provides opportunities to learn from other archers, gain inspiration, and forge new friendships within the archery community. Embrace the thrill of competition as an essential part of your growth as an archer.

Reflect, Refine, Repeat: Learning from Your Performance

After each competition, take the time to reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement. Analyze your shooting technique, equipment setup, and mental approach, and seek feedback from coaches, peers, or even video recordings of your performance. Use this information to refine your practice routine and set new goals for your next competition. Remember, every competition is an opportunity to learn and grow as an archer, so keep striving for continuous improvement.

Putting It All Together

Becoming a better archer is not merely about mastering individual skills; it’s about embracing a holistic approach that encompasses technique, equipment, practice routines, mental strategies, knowledge, first hand experience and more.

Throughout your archery journey, you’ll encounter challenges and triumphs, but with dedication, adaptability, and passion, you can transform your archery skills and reach new heights of achievement. Remember to always be open to learning, refining, and evolving, as this is the key to unlocking your full potential in the sport you love. And as you continue to push your boundaries, take a moment to appreciate the incredible progress you’ve made and the exciting opportunities that await you on the road to archery mastery.

Keep Aiming Higher: Your Journey Continues

As you continue on your archery journey, always remember that improvement is a lifelong process. Keep setting new goals, refining your skills, and seeking out opportunities to learn and grow. Embrace the support and camaraderie of the archery community, and most importantly, enjoy the thrill of the sport. With persistence and passion, there’s no limit to how far you can go as an archer. Keep aiming higher, and let your journey to mastery continue.

DULUTH — Northern Minnesota’s moose have been hanging on for the past decade, reproducing and surviving at a rate barely able to keep up with an onslaught by wolves, bears, ticks and brainworm from deer.

First it was northwestern Minnesota’s moose that disappeared, in the 1990s, from thousands to virtually none over just one decade.

Then, northeastern moose numbers crashed by 70% from a modern high of 8,840 moose estimated in 2006 to just 2,700 by 2013.

The only good news since then is that their numbers haven’t dropped any more, hanging near the lower number with glimmers of hope that they might bounce back.

Now, an effort is underway to bring multiple groups together to bolster moose habitat and maybe work on other threats so moose can thrive — to build back to the moose numbers of 30 years ago.

“Our goal is not to have our moose population always hanging by a thread,” said Kelly Straka, wildlife section manager for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “Our goal is to see them thrive. … Moose are iconic in Minnesota. They are critical to our ecosystem in the north. And people want to see them.”

To that end, Minnesota’s moose just received a big Christmas gift from the National Fish and Wildlife Federation, a federally funded grant of $443,600 to form a new moose collaborative that will lead to large-scale habitat projects in core moose range. It was one of 55 projects selected out of 500 applicants for the America the Beautiful Grants. The Minnesota DNR and tribal natural resource agencies are adding another $43,000.

The goal is to restore massive tracts of moose habitat over the next decade — at least three areas of 10,000-50,000 contiguous acres, 15-75 square miles each — considered huge parcels even in the vast wilds of Northeastern Minnesota.

The patchwork of tribal, federal, state, county and private land in Northeastern Minnesota makes large-scale habitat restoration particularly challenging. The grant isn’t buying any land or paying for any actual work on the ground.

Instead, it’s aimed at hiring a coordinator and bringing multiple parties together: the U.S. Forest Service, tribal resource agencies, the Minnesota DNR, county forestry departments, conservation groups like the Ruffed Grouse Society and Nature Conservancy as well as many private landowners.

The grant will pay for workshops through 2024 and into 2024 to see if the participants can get past the social, political and practical barriers and agree where it’s possible to conduct massive habitat work — either intentional fires or logging or both.

“The goal is to have a plan, to get all their parties at the table and come up with a plan to see where it makes the most sense for moose, and where it’s possible for us, to create some really large-scale habitat blocks,” Straka said. “It’s not that forest management hasn’t been occurring. It just hasn’t been big enough to really help moose.”

More logging, more fires, more moose

Mike Schrage, wildlife biologist for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, watched moose numbers decline from his seat in a helicopter as part of a team of biologists who count moose each January in an annual aerial survey coordinated by the Minnesota DNR. What he saw most winters was depressing for anyone who enjoys moose.

Part of the problem is that large areas of Northeastern Minnesota, especially in the core Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and other blocks of the Superior National Forest, have trees that are too old for moose to thrive. Efforts to snuff most wildfires, a prohibition on logging in the BWCAW and a reduction in logging across the Superior National Forest and on private land has led to an older, mature forest that doesn’t offer great food for moose.

But Schrage noticed a few places where moose seemed to be doing better, namely wherever a large forest fire had occurred in recent years, like the 92,000-acre Pagami Creek fire inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in 2011 and the 75,000-acre Ham Lake fire along the end of the Gunflint Trail in 2007. Apparently, size matters when it comes to moose habitat, and these were the state’s largest wildfires since the 1930s.

It didn’t take an expert in moose biology, Schrage noted, to see what was going on. It’s in those big burned areas, now lush with new growth, where the highest moose densities have been seen in the past decade. That gives Schrage and others hope that moose will respond quickly to any large-scale habitat work conducted as part of the new collaborative.

Not every tree was burned of course, pockets of older trees remained — good cover for moose to hide in — but enough trees were gone to open the forest floor to sunlight and a new crop of vegetation for miles on end.

“I think we can double, maybe even triple moose numbers in those (habitat project) areas, if they are large enough,” Schrage added. “In the areas of the big fires, when we fly now, we may see 10 or 20 moose per 13-square-mile unit, compared to one or two moose, or none at all, in some areas outside the fires.”

Research crews for the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa now have about 30 moose wearing transmitter collars in and around the Grand Portage Reservation. In January, they will begin collaring another 25 moose in Minnesota and another 25 on Isle Royale as comparisons continue between the mainland and island moose herds.

Seth Moore, director of biology and environment for the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, is especially interested in how moose respond to the 26,000-acre Greenwood fire from 2021 in Lake County, near Isabella. While that fire forced evacuations and destroyed several cabins and homes, it also created prime moose habitat. Moore’s already seeing more moose in that area and he expects the ongoing aerial surveys to show a noticeable jump.

It’s unlikely that huge, intentional fires will be a major part of the moose habitat project — there’s simply too much opposition from home and cabin and owners now numerous across much of the moose range. But a series of smaller fires, or much larger-scale logging operations, or both, could mimic the same results as a single, larger fire.

“We have in our minds what the forest, what the northwoods, should look like. Big, old trees are usually in that picture,” Straka said. “But variety is important. Moose need variety. They need old trees for cover and they especially need young forest for food.”

Moore said social attitudes will need to change if efforts to truly restore the state’s moose population are going to succeed: attitudes about managing and killing some wolves, attitudes about large clear-cut swaths of forest and attitudes about wildfire.

Fire, Moore noted, is how nature created moose habitat for millennia.

“We’re going to have to make some difficult decisions to keep moose on our landscape in northern Minnesota,” Moore said. “I’m not sure how we got to a point where people think clear cuts are all bad. … It’s how we keep part of the forest young. And moose can’t make it without young trees to eat.”

Schrage agreed. While some people may bristle when miles of forest briefly appear blackened from fire, or void of big trees after a logging operation, Schrage says they will also be surprised at how fast the forest regenerates. And it’s that young growth that moose need most: shoots of aspen, paper birch, alder and balsam fir. Many species of tree and brush that moose favor regenerate on their own.

“I think people wouldn’t mind looking out over a clear cut if there was a moose in the middle of it,” Schrage said.

For Minnesota moose, many maladies

It seems at times as if humans and Mother Nature are ganging up on moose, throwing a bevy of problems at the big animals that they seem unable to overcome.

Perhaps foremost is the warming climate, with warmer summer temperatures taking a toll on the big, dark animals that tend to stop feeding when it gets too hot. Warmer winters allow white-tailed deer to thrive farther north and allow tick numbers to build.

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So-called “winter ticks” have become a huge problem for moose, with sometimes thousands of them building up on a single animal. Moose, for whatever reason, don’t seem to notice the ticks until it’s too late, then begin to furiously scratch their thick hides on trees in an attempt to get rid of the parasites.

That causes moose to lose their insulating hair, and many of the tick-infested moose eventually have so much bare skin exposed that they die due to exposure to the elements.

Generally, warmer winters also have allowed deer to thrive farther north over the past 50 years. Whitetails were not native to the northern forest but moved in after the massive logging and fires of the early 1900s. Deer numbers peaked during a string of mild winters in the early 2000s, thriving far into moose territory and bringing along a parasitic brainworm, P. tenuis, that, while harmless to deer, is fatal to moose.

The brainworm’s unusual life cycle requires that it passes through a snail first, and then is picked up by moose as they forage. Moore’s research found that 25% to 30% of moose mortality in Northeastern Minnesota was from brainworm, a larger percent of adult moose than are killed by predators.

Snowier winters, fewer deer may be helping

A string of deep-snow winters in the past decade has substantially reduced the region’s deer population, which is good news for moose. To curb the brainworm problem, Moore said, deer numbers should be kept to six or fewer per square mile in moose territory.

“We thought 10 (deer per square mile) would be low enough. But in areas where we had that many deer we still had a lot of brainworm,” Moore said.

The number of moose infected with brainworm seems to be dropping some as deer numbers have dropped in recent years, Moore added. But when deer numbers rebound from the tough winters, as they always have in past decades, Moore wants the Minnesota DNR to encourage more hunters to kill more deer in the state’s moose range by offering more doe permits and longer hunting seasons.

The DNR already has designated much of eastern St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties as primary moose habitat. But intentionally keeping deer numbers very low is likely not something many deer hunters in the region would support.

“The deer will come back after a few mild winters. And we need some sort of ongoing effort to keep their numbers down,” Moore said.

Wolves, bear taking most calves

Moose have lived alongside wolves for millennia. But, in northern Minnesota, wolves have grown to higher densities thanks to white-tailed deer – some of the highest densities of wolves anywhere in the world. Wolves are most numerous in areas where deer are more numerous because it’s far easier for wolves to kill a deer than kill a moose or elk.

But now that deer numbers have declined in the northeast, wolves either move out, starve or turn to other prey. And, for several weeks each summer, wolves and black bears are feasting on moose calves too small to escape. The number of calves surviving their first year, and getting old enough to reproduce on their own, is extremely low, barely enough to keep moose numbers stable. Until more calves make it, Minnesota’s moose population can’t grow.

“The primary cause of calf mortality is predation,” Moore said. Of the calves researchers have collared, 80% are killed in their first two weeks by wolves and bears.

Wolves in Minnesota are considered an officially “threatened” species, with slightly less protection than endangered status. That’s allowed an ongoing federal program to trap and kill wolves near farms where livestock have been killed. Moore thinks that would be a good idea in prime moose range, too, if public hunting and trapping moose remains off the table.

“Moose are the primary subsistence species of the Ojibwe people, that’s their livelihood, their crop, so to speak. And you wonder why we can have a management program for farmers to protect cattle but not a wolf management program to protect moose,” Moore noted.

Moore added, however, that several tribal officials across northern Minnesota remain opposed to any wolf killing efforts.

“It’s a difficult topic. … I realize some tribal people are opposed to killing any wolves. But we have to realize what’s at stake here? Do we want to lose moose in Minnesota?” Moore added.

Good news, then bad news, but still hope

Last winter, the annual state survey of moose in Northeastern Minnesota showed an increase to about 4,700 moose after their numbers appeared stuck around 3,500 for several years. Crews will be back out next week to start the 2024 survey, with results released in spring.

The 2022 aerial survey found calves comprised an estimated 19% of the population with an estimated 45 calves per 100 cows. That’s the highest both indicators have been since 2005, when the population was near its peak and considered healthy. Both factors are indicators of potential improvement in reproductive success, critical to increase overall moose numbers.

In 2005, when the moose population was healthy, 52% of all cow moose surveyed had a calf still alive in January. That number dropped as low as 32% in the worst years recently but rebounded to 45% in 2022, the 2022 survey found.

But the 2022 survey was conducted in January, still early in a winter that became so severe that even long-legged moose struggled to survive, Moore noted. Some areas of moose range had nearly three feet of snow on the ground well into spring.

“We lost most of our collared deer due to winter severity last winter. But we also lost probably 25% of our collared moose. They started going in April and were still dropping even into July … they just got so weak during winter they couldn’t recover and died,” Moore said. “I have a feeling that the (2024) moose survey is going to be back down again after seeing so much mortality after last winter.”

Moore wants to see a cooperative effort eventually agree to a Minnesota moose recovery zone — an experimental area where extra efforts would be tried to see if moose numbers can be increased. That would mean not only large-scale swaths of fires and logging, but also an ongoing effort to keep deer numbers very low as well as some sort of focused wolf management, at least short term, to give moose calves a fighting chance at growing up.

Moore said he believes the effort can work if obstacles are overcome.

“I have some hope. I think it’s possible to keep moose on our landscape, but we have to act soon,” Moore said. “The good news is that the (Minnesota) DNR seems to be reinvesting some time, energy and thought into moose again, and that hasn’t really happened for a while. We need the DNR, and the Forest Service, fully engaged to really make this work.”

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Fishing takes on many forms and why one angler does it versus the next varies as much as personalities do. A handful of anglers after they get very adept at catching fish consistently progress into trophy hunters and chase records, including world record crappie, intentionally. But most any angler would be thrilled to catch a record fish whether it be a state record or the very rare world record.

While in bass fishing, the thought of catching a world record seemed impossible again. Then, it was tied not so many years ago. And in crappie fishing, the black crappie world record was broken just a few years ago and it “officially” has the title of the largest crappie ever caught while the white crappie record has stood for more than 65 years even though it’s just a few ounces less.

With amount of state crappie records being broken in recent years, there will likely be another world record caught very soon. Many think the world records are swimming around now in some of the souths best lakes. But I believe that the world records are likely swimming around in a smaller body of water in the most prominent potential states. States where there is bountiful forage and longer growing seasons offer crappie a long time to get to weigh more than 5 pounds. And with the numbers of 4-pounders coming out of lakes like Grenada, I figure it’s only a matter of time before we see another world record crappie.

Let’s take a closer look at the world records and some of the bigger state record crappies ever caught.

WORLD RECORD BLACK CRAPPIE

Biggest Crappie Ever Caught

Angler Lionel “Jam” Ferguson was casting a Kalin’s Triple Threat Grub in John Deere color when he got the biggest bite of his life in May of 2018. He was fishing a small private pond in Tennessee when the big black crappie hit. He landed his crappie and weighed it at 5 pounds, 7 ounces, setting not only the new Tennessee state record for black crappie, but it also happened to be the new world record black crappie.

You can find Kalin’s Triple Threat Grub from the following retailers​:

• BassPro.com
• Walmart.com
• Amazon
• FishUSA

Not only was it the biggest black crappie ever caught, but to our knowledge it is officially the biggest crappie ever landed by an angler as the white crappie world record is 5 pounds, 3 ounces. There were rumors of a 6-pound crappie caught in Louisiana in 1969, but there are no details still to support it and supposedly it was thought to be a hybrid from the photos, so no one recognizes it as a record in the state of Louisiana or by the IGFA because it wasn’t classified as one type or the other. More on that catch later.

He bested the previous black crappie world record of 5 pounds even. You can see the full story of Ferguson’s world record crappie here.

WORLD RECORD WHITE CRAPPIE

Mississippi’s biggest crappie ever

In July of 1957 Fred Bright was fishing below the Enid Dam when he hooked and landed a white crappie weighing 5 pounds, 3 ounces. That record has now stood for 66 years although it’s reported as being caught in the reservoir not the river below it.

There are little to no details on this catch. It is said that he caught the fish with an Orchard Industries Action Rod with a Denison-Johnson reel. But no mention of bait, so most guessed it was caught on a live minnow. But for the most part that’s speculation.

The only mount of the fish was a replica. There are a couple of photos circulating as the official pictures of the catch. But outside of that there is not a lot of information. We’d love to know more on this story if anyone comes across some information that would be helpful.

Many believe the next world record white crappie will come out of Mississippi because so many 4-pounders have been caught in recent years in Mississippi fisheries. And anglers are getting better at catching the nomadic roaming big crappie on the larger reservoirs.

Some believe the record could come from Mississippi but equally likely in Alabama, Tennessee and Texas. These states have long growing seasons, but they also get optimal cooler weather that prolongs a crappie’s life. And they have very fertile fisheries in terms of forage. But some of us believe that the record will come from a smaller overlooked fishery near the world class trophy lakes.

LARGEST CRAPPIE EVER CAUGHT?

The unrecognized tale

So while this is a little tougher than the white crappie record information to track down, in 1969, for a time, the state of Louisiana recognized a supposedly 6-pound crappie that was caught from the bank in an airport canal on a cane pole and minnow.

In the book Crappie! by Jim Robbins, he recounts a story from another editor about the catch:

“Bob Dennie, editor of the Louisiana Conservationist, tells an interesting story of the largest crappie ever caught in Louisiana or, for that matter, the world. In November of 1969, Lettie Robertson was fishing from the bank in the Westwego Canal when she hooked and landed a crappie which was photographed and then weighed on certified scales at 6 pounds. A new world mark that would best either of the two current record holders in the black crappie or white crappie categories.”

“Lettie, glad that all the uproar over the catch was finally over, took the fish home and ate it for supper. However, Lettie’s crappie suffered a worse fate. The photograph could not reveal whether the fish was a white or black crappie, and since no bonafide authority had viewed the remains, it could not be recognized as a world record for either species. The state of Louisiana didn’t understand why there was so much fuss about whether it was black or white, they listed it as the state record sac-a-lait.”

Louisiana only recognizes the two crappie species individual records on their records list now. So probably back then they had no idea their state record crappie was also a world record and would be under much scrutiny. So it never came to be.

THE BIGGEST STATE RECORD CRAPPIE

There are numerous state record crappie weighing more than 4 pounds. In fact, 35 of the 50 states have records weighing more than 4 pounds. However only 5 states have crappie records weighing more than 5 pounds. Six, if you think the uncategorized Louisiana crappie claim should stand. Those states are as follows:

Arkansas — 5 pounds even — Lake Wihelmina —Donivan Echols — 2011 Georgia — 5 pounds even — Bibb Co. Pond — Theresa Kemp —1984 Minnesota — 5 pounds even — Vermillion River — Tom Christenson — 1940 South Carolina — 5 pounds, 1 ounce — Lake Murray — H.P. Owens — 1949 Tennessee — 5 pounds, 7 ounces — Jam Fergusson — Private Pond — 2018

A couple of states barely missed the 5 pound mark and are as follows:

Kentucky — 4 pounds, 14 ounces — Watershed Lake — Penny Hopper — 2005 North Carolina — 4 pounds, 15 ounces — Asheboro Lake — Dean Dixon — 1980 Oklahoma — 4 pounds, 15 ounces — Kingfisher Co. Pond — Frank Robinson — 1991 Virginia — 4 pounds, 14 ounces — Lake Conner — E.L. Blackstock —1967

How much does a bear weigh exactly? Well, depending on the exact species and gender, they can be as heavy as 1,500 pounds.

But they are not all preying on seals in the Arctic, and some can’t go beyond 150 pounds, such as the Southeast Asian sun bear.

For more on the factors that affect their growth, read below!

How Much Do Bears Weigh?

Bears are massive creatures, but that doesn’t stop them from running at an exceptional speed. They have robust figures with exceptionally sharp claws and jaws, hence the reputation of ferocious predators that can pose a danger to humans.

But what about the weight? How much does the average bear weigh?

Although many factors contribute to a bear’s weight, most of these animals have an average body mass that ranges between 200 and 500 pounds. That number can change when the animal is either pregnant or hibernating.

However, many bear species are much smaller than the average, while some exceed that limit to a large degree. For instance, the sun bear rarely weighs more than 100 pounds, while the average male polar bear can grow to a startling 1,100 pounds.

Now, let’s take a look at the average bear weight of all eight extant bear species that can still be found in the world. Below we rank them from the largest to the smallest.

​1. Polar Bears (Ursus Maritimus)

The polar bear is already known to be the largest bear breed, so it’s not surprising that the heaviest recorded bear in history is a 2,209-pound male polar bear that was hunted in 1960 in Alaska.

Astonishingly, this creature managed to double the already enormous 1,100-pound average bear weight that these species are known for.

2. ​Brown Bears (Ursus Arctos)

The largest recorded brown bear had a body mass of over 1,200 pounds and was discovered by a taxidermist in 1976. In 2014, there was another great discovery of a grizzly skull, which measured 27 and 6/16th inches in length.

A close runner-up, ​a captive Dakota Zoo Kodiak bear, had a body weight of 2,130 pounds with a nine-inch thick fat layer at the time of his death in 1987. It’s speculated that a year prior to that, the predator weighed 2,400 pounds. However, there was no way to prove this definitely.

3. Asian Black Bears (Ursus Thibetanus)

American black bears already have a substantial 340-pound physique, but back in 1972, a 902-pound male was discovered in New Brunswick. It’s estimated to have weighed 1,100 pounds and was 7.9 feet long.

Imagine what it would look like if a person stood next to these enormous creatures! Considering their massive physique, does it really come as a shock that a male grizzly is five times stronger than an average human being?

4. Panda Bears (Ailuropoda Melanoleuca)

5. Sloth bear (Melursus Ursinus)

6. Andean Bear (Tremarctos Ornatus)

7. North American Black Bear (Ursus Americanus)

8. Sun Bear (Ursus Malayanus)

How Heavy Is a Bear: Determining Factors

Even among members of the same species, bears can vary in weight based on several factors, which we explore in detail below.

1. Species

As demonstrated above, the bear’s species is the most important factor in determining its specific weight and body type.

Generally, some

Smaller breeds—that don’t need to be exceptionally huge to survive—usually weigh under 300 pounds. In contrast, omnivore bear species that need to hunt or need that additional skin and fur to survive in the cool climate will be bulkier.

2. Age

It surely is no surprise that aging predominantly affects an animal’s body weight. Cubs start off relatively small, usually around a pound, and gradually raise more body mass until they reach their full-grown potential.

When they are still young, before reaching maturity, bears weigh under 100 pounds. Their size substantially increases in most cases, but some species don’t grow much.

Bears won’t hunt as much as they age, which can lead to a certain weight loss, but nothing would drastically change.

3. Sex

4. Time of the Year

How much do bears weigh when hibernating?

Hibernation influences a bear’s size throughout the year. During winter, bears completely shut down. They don’t need to eat or drink and rarely urinate or defecate.

To endure that state of hibernation, bears have to cram down as much food as possible during summer, especially carbohydrate-rich berries. This results in a significant weight gain during this season, which can increase by 30 pounds in just one week.

A similar thing happens when a female bear gets pregnant. Right after the mating season, these animals can put on 100 pounds. Polar bears, specifically, can even double up their size while carrying a cub.

Key Takeaways

So how much does the average bear weigh? As you can see, their weight varies greatly among the different species, subspecies, and genders. That said, the brown bear and the American black bear are most prevalent in the U.S., and their adult males weigh around 900 pounds and 600 pounds, correspondingly.

FAQs

How much does a grizzly bear weigh?

While their size varies between subspecies, male grizzlies can grow up to 900 pounds on average, with females weighing around 200 to 300 pounds less.

How much does a bear weigh at birth?

It depends on the species. For instance, male brown bear cubs weigh around a pound, and by the end of their first year, they grow up to 200 pounds.

Not sure what mouth turkey call to get?

Look no further.

I’ve exhaustively tested ALL the best turkey mouth calls on the market. In fact, I tested everything, including: construction, sound quality, and so much more.

By the end of this guide, you’ll find the perfect mouth call.

Are you ready?

The 4 Best Turkey Mouth Calls

If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best turkey mouth calls:

1. Woodhaven Red Wasp Diaphragm: Best Overall Turkey Mouth Call
2. HS Strut Premium Flex Combo: Best Turkey Mouth Call for Beginners
3. Primos Hunting Upper Cut: Best for the Budget
4. Primos Hunting Hook Hunter: Best Primos Turkey Mouth Call

1. Woodhaven Red Wasp Diaphragm: Best Overall Turkey Mouth Call

The Woodhaven Red Wasp Diaphragm is a well-known and well-loved turkey mouth call, and for with good reason.

Beginners and seasoned hunters alike go for this budget-friendly and solidly constructed piece of hunting equipment.

This is going to seem like I have nothing critical to say about the Red Wasp, but the truth is that there just isn’t that much for me to complain about.

I have some minor gripes about airflow, but that’s really about it.

Construction

The Woodhaven Red Wasp is a three reed V-Cut mouth call made with a red latex top reed and two straight prophylactic bottom reeds.

Its shape is that of almost every single other turkey mouth diaphragm; a horseshoe. The outer half-ring is made from a premium tape, a lined locking frame with adhesive, and “only the best latex material”

This call feels obviously high quality even looking it, but more so after holding and using it. Everything feels, firm, solid, and I’d even go as far as to say hand-made. You know you’re working with some quality build as soon as you use it.

The construction is as good as I’ve seen with “premium” turkey calls. It sure isn’t lacking in this department.

Sound Quality

All of these other factors like reliability, construction, and build quality are meaningless if there’s not a good sound coming out of the call its self, and the Red Wasp Diaphragm has this in spades.

This call is going to produce a nice, soft, raspy call, just like you’d expect from an old hen. Yelps and clucks sound top-notch. You’ll be certain to attract a few birds to your spot.

The sound quality is truly great, but as with any and every mouth call, the sound is largely dependant on the user. Don’t lose hope yet beginners! You should still consider picking this mouth call up.

While you’ll see many veteran hunters using this call like an orchestral instrument, the Red Wasp is designed in such a way that even newbies can use the call fairly easily, with a little practice of course.

Newer hunters and seasoned trackers both will enjoy the sound quality of this call. It’s easy to learn on and better yet, some hunters never want to let it go.

Durability

Bad build quality is always a deal-breaker for me, but the smartly designed and caringly constructed Red Wasp passed my torture test with flying colors.

Many hunters take meticulous care when handling, using, and storing their calls. Their calls can last them for an almost absurd amount of time, I’m talking months upon months, even a couple of years (gross).

I, however, am the very opposite of that. I treat my numerous mouth calls almost like absolute garbage. Aside from losing several, I toss them in my pockets with my keys, near my phone, and my utility knife. I have shredded up many a turkey calls in my life.

For this particular diaphragm, I was actively doing my best to treat it with the bare minimum care to find out if it could survive even me.

It absolutely defeated my torture and mistreatment. The build quality and durability shines brightly in this instance.

I am typically worried about the reed latex ripping or peeling because of the frequent contact with borderline sharp objects like my keys, but I couldn’t see any visible damage or hear any difference in the sound quality.

I know that the Woodhaven Red Wasp is cheap and I wouldn’t be losing out on much if it got destroyed, but it’s great to have a call that can survive almost anything within reasonable limits.

Even though I can afford to buy a brand new call whenever mine fails, not everyone can. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend or are just a frugal type, rest assured that you won’t be wasting your money.

You’ll likely end up squeezing out every nickel and dime it’s worth before it breaks, fails, or otherwise gets retired.

Price

The Woodhaven Red Wasp Diaphragm is only gonna cost you $11.99 almost everywhere.

While turkey mouth calls are not a particularly expensive item, this is still an amazing deal since you’re going to be bagging birds left and right while you’re using this mouth call.

Is the Woodhaven Red Wasp Diaphragm worth it?

There’s no question about it, yes. Here’s why:

• Popular – Although inexpensive, the Red Wasp is an ultra-high-quality product. You might be doing yourself a disservice if you skip out on this call just because it’s a popular call. There’s a reason (or more like several reasons) this is a popular call.
• Durable – The built quality and construction are incredible. It put my worries about durability to rest very quickly. It bordered on invincible, even for me. No bends, breaks, peeling, or tearing here.
• Reliable – This mouth call is reliable and is in it for the long-haul. It’s a big deal considering this is tied with sound quality for most important aspects of a good turkey mouth call.
• Great sound – The sound is superb and easy to produce for beginners. The sound is raspy and soft, just what you’d be looking for in an old hen. Many more experienced hunters could play this thing like a darn instrument. You will not be disappointed when you hear the Red Wasp for the first time.

You really can’t go wrong with the Woodhaven Red Wisp Diaphragm. There’s a reason why some veteran hunters won’t use anything else.

2. HS Strut Premium Flex Combo: Best Turkey Mouth Call for Beginners

Using turkey calls can seem pretty daunting at first, as can turkey hunting in general.

Seeing some pros doing almost identical calls seems discouraging, but it doesn’t take perfect pitch for a perfect hunt.

Start out with the HS Strut Premium Flex Combo, a pack designed with beginners in mind.

Construction

The Flex Combo comes with four different types of calls: The Lil’ Strut, Smoking Gun, Triple Trauma, and Sickle Cutter.

All of them are built in the classic horseshoe shape.

The calls are built with a “premium flex frame” that is supposed to be comfortable for the user, and resistant to bending to ensure a good seal is kept during use and to retain its shape for a more consistent sound.

Of course for many new beginners (or those with a sensitive gag-reflex), a turkey call isn’t going to be the most comfortable thing in the world to get used to. Trimming the call down a little bit might be a reasonable path to take when you’re first starting out.

The reeds are made of a material called Infinity Latex, which requires less air pressure to produce a good sound.

Sound Quality

The sound quality is decent for such a low-cost pack of reeds. This is perfect for beginners who are getting into turkey hunting or who just want to practice their calls while driving around.

Someone described the turkey call as a musical instrument, and that holds true; it takes, patience, practice, and time to learn how to use one. It’s important to keep this in mind when judging the sonic merit of a call, but the sound quality is good overall and is certain to help bag some turkeys (if you practice).

While it can’t quite compete with some slightly more expensive calls, it still does what it’s aiming for; to call turkeys.

This call is not just for beginners either, the sound quality is good enough for intermediate hunters to pick these guys up as well.

Longevity and Build Quality

While the HS Strut Premium Flex Combo boasts good quality build for the calls, I didn’t quite get that impression from my time with them.

If you’re the type of person to take meticulous care of every piece of hunting gear you have, you can expect between 6 months and a year of use from these calls, but if you’re like me, the lifespan on the HS Strut calls is significantly less than what you’re expecting.

I didn’t expect much from these calls in terms of durability, but I was still disappointed with the minuscule amount of time it took for these calls to start falling apart.

I should preface this by saying that I did the absolute minimum when it came to taking care of and protecting the HS Struts. At most, I slipped them into a ziplock bag and stuffed that in my pocket, at worst I tossed them in my jacket pocket with my keys, in my back pocket with my wallet, and in my passenger seat.

The first one fell apart in my pocket with the latex peeling from the rest of the body. The second wasn’t as bad, but I was able to feel shallow rips in the material while I was on the hunt. The other two are fine, likely from a lack of use. I quickly chose favorites, but that’s more of a personal thing.

The ruggedness of these calls leaves something to be desired, but basic caretaking should have these calls lasting you a few months up to a year. Throw them away after that, they get rather nasty after that amount of time.

Price

The HS Strut Premium Flex Combo is only going to cost you $12.95. That’s a really great deal even for beginner turkey calls. If you find that you like using mouth calls, you can upgrade to a higher quality and slightly more expensive turkey call like the Primos Hunting Hook Hunter Turkey Mouth Call at $21.95 for two.

Is the HS Strut Premium Flex worth it?

For beginners, this product is a great starting point.

While the build quality isn’t amazing, the price, variety of products, and sound quality are all pretty good for calls that are only about $3.50 a piece.

Even if you decide mouth calls or turkey hunting isn’t for you, you’re only out 13 dollars. These are a steal if you just need something to practice with or even a back-up. They can even last you a while if you’re gentle with them.

If you’re well versed in turkey hunting and mouth calls, you probably won’t be too disappointed with these, but I think you’d be doing yourself a favor by dropping a little extra cash on a higher quality product.

The HS Strut Premium Flex Combo doesn’t bring anything to the table that you haven’t seen before, but if you’re looking for something to gift to a child or new hunters, these would be a solid buy.

3. Primos Hunting Upper Cut: Best for the Budget

The Primos Hook Hunter Upper Cut diaphragm call is the best turkey call for anyone on a budget.

It’s loud, sounds true to nature, and is expertly engineered.

How does this call measure up to others on the market?

Let’s find out!

Design

The Primos Hunting Upper Cut diaphragm call is made with three premium-grade latex reeds. It’s crafted to perfection, and creates raspy pitches accurate enough to fool even the wisest turkeys!

This is thanks to Primos’ precise, expert engineering. Their Hook Hunter line is one of the leading lines of diaphragm calls, combining over 100 years of experience from seasoned, professional turkey hunters.

The handmade cuts, fly-downs, and upper-cut design produce unique pitches, giving some of the best yelps I’ve ever heard.

The experts at Primos have crafted this call with durability and performance in mind.

Sound

Thanks to the precision cuts, this call makes the exact sounds hens use to summon males from a long distance.

It’s a loud, crisp, raspy sound that’s very true to nature, great for cuts and yelps. If you direct your airflow to the right, you can even get those “keekees” and tree calls!

The sound quality of this diaphragm call is truly unmatched. I’d even go as far as to say it’s my go-to turkey call!

Use

The Upper Cut is a very loud, versatile call, so it’s great for both close and long-range use. It fits well in your mouth and is easy to blow, as long as you know how to use it.

It’s definitely not for beginners. Diaphragms can be a bit difficult to get used to, and you’ll need a lot of practice before you understand how to properly use it.

You must become familiar with the natural tones of turkeys to use it effectively. You also may need to pair it with another call if you’re looking to get any non-raspy tones.

Once you get used to it, it’s very simple to use and the airflow is great. Just put it in your mouth, give it a single blow, and watch the turkeys come flocking!

Price

You can find this turkey call at most online retailers for around $11.

At first, this might seem a little expensive for the average hobby turkey hunter.

But, Primos is an elite brand that has been delivering quality products for decades. It’s a great value for what could very well be the best turkey diaphragm call on the market.

It blows nicely, and Primos is a tried-and-true, time-tested manufacturer with over 100 years of experience in the turkey call game.

Is the Primos Hunting Upper Cut Worth it?

This is one of my all-time favorite diaphragm calls.

It’s versatile, gives you a loud, crisp sound that works every time, and comes from one of the best manufacturers out there.

I cannot recommend the Primo Hunting Upper Cut enough. This is one purchase you certainly will not regret.

4. Primos Hunting Hook Hunter: Best Primos Turkey Mouth Call

Primos game calls are top-notch, and without a doubt the Hook Hunter is the best Primos Turkey caller.

The Hook Hunter is actually a two-pack item. A blue call and a green call come together when you buy.

Being a moderately priced pack of callers, is it worth the extra expense?

Range

The Hook Hunter comes with two calls for a reason. Primos is making sure you are covered for long and short range calling.

My favorite of the two Hook Hunters is the blue long range call. Working with it is a slower paced run of sound.

The green short range is also great and easy to use. The clicks and purrs are easy to control and have a raspy sound.

The ghost cut gives me a good seal in the back of my mouth. I can really get after the long calls and kee kee sounds.

Use

The calls are easy to learn with and easy to use.

The packaging comes with helpful instructions and tips on using the mouth caller.

There is something to be said for practice with a mouth call, and the longer I’ve used the Hook Hunter, the better.

When out in the field, both will fit in the pocket on my hunting vest to protect them and keep them handy.

So, practice, practice, practice.

Your family may not appreciate that suggestion, but you can blame me now and thank me later.

Durability

The Hook Hunter is more durable than the cheaper options out there.

With mouth callers, many are only intended to be used for a short season. The Hook Hunters are well built and able to last for years if I’m careful with them.

They are also easy to keep clean.

I just soak mine in dish-soapy lukewarm water for a few minutes, then give it a quick rinse before laying it out on a paper towel.

I take the time to keep the reeds separate with a reed separator when I store them to get the most for my money.

Effective

The Hook Hunter calls are incredibly effective.

The consistent sounds make it easy to use, and to not have to guess at what sounds will come out of my mouth in the field.

The calls both give me more realistic sounds than the cheaper counterparts I’ve tried.

I can call a gobbler with his hens in without decoys, and that’s not a result I’d get with a cheap disposable caller.

Price

The Hook Hunter call is a 2-pack duo that is priced well.

They do come with a

There are many reasons a kid might get a fire under their butt about archery. Maybe they watched Hawkeye, Brave, or one of the Hunger Games movies and want to give it a try. Maybe they watched some of the archery competitions from the 2020 Olympic Games last year or they have a friend who is already into archery inspiring them. Were they super into that bow and arrow toy they got for their birthday one year with the suction-cup arrows? That’s a good sign. Getting a bow and arrow for kids could result in a great hobby, an avid competitor, or even a great bowhunter.

However it got there, I highly suggest supporting your kid’s interest in archery. Like football or dance, excelling in archery requires practice, discipline, persistence, decision-making, attention to detail, and other qualities that are ultimately useful in everyday life. And it’s a heck of a lot of fun.

Shopping for a youth compound bow can seem daunting if you have little to no experience with archery. Even an experienced bowhunter might not know exactly where to start. A thousand questions probably loom, but don’t sweat it! Let’s unravel the intricacies of buying a bow and arrow set for your world-class archers-to-be into understandable terms.

Determining Dexterity

Before you shop for a youth bow, you must determine your child’s dexterity. It doesn’t matter what hand they use to write or hold a fork; it’s all about eye dominance. Don’t worry. This won’t require an expensive eye doctor appointment. All you have to do is:

• Have your child touch the tip of their index finger and thumb together to create a circle.
• Tell them to fix their gaze on a round object, like a clock or doorknob, that is at least several feet away.
• With both eyes wide open, tell them to extend their arm and center the object inside the circle they created with their hand.
• Now, tell them to close their left eye.

If the object remains centered in the circle, they are right-eye dominant and need a right-handed bow. If the object moves out of the circle when they close their left eye, it means they’re left-eye dominant and need a left-handed bow. But you’re not ready to shop just yet.

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Will a Used or Hand-Me-Down Bow Work?

Naturally, when a new childhood interest arises, parents on a budget often seek ways for the youngins to explore that interest without breaking the bank. In this case, that means looking for a used bow or accepting a hand-me-down from a friend or relative. In some cases, this can work just fine.

First, you need to measure your child’s draw length and determine what draw weight they can comfortably pull. A cheap, used bow or even a nice hand-me-down can often not be adjusted to fit your child’s needs. Don’t let “free” or “cheap” overpower good judgment. But if a used bow can be tuned correctly, then go for it. If you’re thinking about buying a used bow from a stranger, we’ll get to that in a bit.

Determining Draw Length and Weight

You can get a good estimate of draw length at home, and here’s how to do it. But it’s best to visit a local archery pro shop to get accurate measurements taken. Sounds expensive, right? Usually, it’s not. Lots of shops won’t charge anything to measure a kid’s draw length or let them test fire a few bows to figure out their ideal draw weight. If you’re going to be shopping at a larger big-box store, be warned, they won’t have an expert on staff. It’s best to start at a pro shop.

You absolutely must have the draw length and weight for your kid’s bow dialed in out of the gate. It’s critical. Get either wrong, and archery will become nothing more than a frustration for them.

You might also be wondering if buying a bow is worth the expenditure for a continually growing child. Fortunately, some bows are designed especially for youth archers with a wide range of draw-length and draw-weight adjustability that will last them into adulthood.

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So What’s the Best Bow and Arrow for Kids?

These bows are all quite affordable, especially because some will adjust to keep pace with your child’s growth spurts. Plus, that adjustability makes them easy to sell on Facebook Marketplace or eBay if your kid just doesn’t dig archery or moves on to a new bow.

PSE, Bear, Quest, Mission, and Diamond offer highly adjustable bows. None is identifiable as “the best” because that comes down to individual preference regarding fit and feel, and each bow manufacturer designs things differently. The most important attribute to consider is the bow’s grip; it must fit your child’s hand in a natural, comfortable way.

The Bear Cruzer G2 is a solid choice. Its draw weight can be adjusted from 5 to 70 pounds and it sports 12 to 30 inches of draw length. It can be set up to fit a 4-year-old girl as well as an adult man who is over 6 feet tall.

The Bear Legit is another good option with a slightly heavier overall draw weight, but it’s still adjustable from 14 to 30 inches and 10 to 70 pounds. It’s great for teenagers interested in both archery and bowhunting. Both models come with accessory packages, not including arrows.

The PSE Uprising offers similar adjustability, as does the Mission Hammr.

All of these bows offer exceptional value, but each has its own distinct fit and feel. Again, when comparing bows from top manufacturers, fit and feel make one bow “the best” for any shooter. It might also be a good idea to choose a set that includes an arm guard. If a kid gets a forearm burn from the bowstring early on, they could develop a flinch. An arm guard can let them shoot with confidence until they get their grip and stance just right.

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Should You Buy a Used Bow and Arrow for Kids?

You can likely find some of the bows mentioned above for sale in used condition online well below MSRP. But, before you buy used, consider the bow’s condition and lack of warranty.

Bow warranties are only valid to the original owner. If a limb splinters after you buy a used bow, the manufacturer probably won’t replace it for free. Also, bowstrings (usually not covered under warranty, even for the original owner) may have incurred wear from use and you might face the reality of buying a new bowstring-and-cable set for the used bow right away.

Lastly, don’t assume that when a used bow arrives on your doorstep that your kid can unbox it and commence shooting. Most likely, it will need to be adjusted to their specs and tuned, which will require a trip to the local archery shop. Shops usually charge by the hour for this kind of work. You might save money initially, but it could cost nearly as much or more than a new bow by the time your kid is ready to hit the archery range.

In contrast, most archery shops include setup and tuning at no additional fee with a new-bow purchase. Plus, you get the warranty, and the bow will have a fresh bowstring-and-cable set, which should last up to two years with proper care, depending on use.

RELATED – The 8 Best Archery Pro Shops From Every Region of the United States

What About Arrows?

Arrows aren’t one-size-fits-all. Arrow shafts are designed with stronger spines (stiffness) for more powerful bows and weaker spines for less powerful bows. Gold Tip, Easton, and Victory are top arrow manufacturers that offer great youth arrows.

Gold Tip Lightning arrows have been a top choice for probably two decades now and would make a great arrow set for kids. It’s a carbon-fiber arrow that’s durable and affordable. Gold Tip has additional options if your kid is interested in bowhunting.

Easton has both aluminum and carbon arrows for young archers. Understand that aluminum shafts can bend under pressure. That means the more kids use them and pull them from targets, the more likely they’ll bend, and then they won’t fly true. But, if you’re confident that your young archer will handle them carefully, consider the XX75 Neos for recreational shooting with lightweight bows. The INSPIRÉ makes for a good carbon arrow choice. Easton has bigger and better options for bowhunting arrows.

You also can’t go wrong with Victory. The Ares, Venus, GenX, and V-Force Jr. are all carbon-fiber arrows designed for youth chasing different pursuits, from recreation to competition.

Arrows will perform best when cut to length based on the bow setup. Save yourself some trouble and buy your kid’s arrows through a pro shop that will measure and cut them to the proper length for you.

Hopefully, most of your youth archery shopping questions have been answered. Should you have more, your local archery dealer should be happy to address them so you can get the little ones slinging arrows soon.

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