As a busy archery instructor with dozens of students, I’m always on the lookout for the best crossbow targets.

Over the years, I’ve bought dozens of targets and seen exactly how they perform on the range and in the field.

After testing everything from cheap targets that get chewed up after a few hundred bolts to premium targets that can withstand thousands of impacts, I know which targets are worth the money and which are best avoided.

To share everything I’ve learned, I decided to put together this list of what I think are the five best crossbow targets you can buy right now:

1. Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Target – Best overall ($83.99)
2. Rinehart 18-1 Broadhead Target – Best for broadheads ($171.85)
3. Morrell Yellow Jacket Field Point Target – Best portable ($71.99)
4. Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20” Target – Best value ($44.97)
5. GlenDel Buck 3D Archery Target – Best 3D target for hunters. ($175.99)

Curious about why I rate these targets so highly?

Keep reading to the end to find out!

1: Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Target (Best Overall)

In first place is the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Target.

The Double Duty is my go-to target whenever I’m coaching students or practicing my hunting skills and, in my opinion, is the overall best crossbow target on the market today.

Here’s a quick look at some of the key features that make the Double Duty my No 1 pick.

Extreme durability

According to Morrell, the Double Duty’s ‘floating center’, which is filled with burlap and stuffing, can withstand bolts traveling at up to 450 fps (feet per second) and is durable enough to withstand thousands of bolts.

For peace of mind, the Double Duty comes with a replacement cover, increasing its lifespan even longer.

Two-finger bolt removal

Morrell is famous for claiming that bolts shot into its targets can be removed with just two fingers. Even though the Double Duty is rated for the fastest bolts, it is claimed to offer the same two-finger bolt removal as other Morrell targets.

Multi-use cube design

The Double Duty is a free-standing cube that can be flipped onto different sides depending on whether you want to practice shooting traditional bullseyes, a dartboard, the billiards game nine-ball, or even deer vitals to brush up on your hunting skills.

Based on what I’ve read online, crossbow enthusiasts seem to absolutely love the Double Duty.

It is currently rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon based on 2,687 global ratings.

Take Choche, for instance, who says the Double Duty offers easy bolt removal and can withstand thousands of bolt impacts without any issues.

My Experience With The Double Duty

I’ve owned a Double Duty for a couple of years now, and it’s by far my favorite crossbow target and is a great addition to any of the crossbows on this list of the best crossbows.

• The Double Duty is incredibly tough and would definitely be my top recommendation for anyone with a super fast crossbow. One of my buddies shot my Double Duty with his TenPoint Nitro 505 Xero Crossbow, and it had no problem stopping the 505 fps bolt before the vanes.
• True to Morrell’s claims, you really can remove bolts from the Double Duty with just two fingers. In fact, this target has the easiest bolt removal of any crossbow target I’ve ever tested or owned.
• Having multiple sides to shoot at is a real plus, as I can go from shooting at traditional bullseyes to shooting at deer vitals simply by flipping the target. While shooting at the deer vitals side isn’t as immersive as shooting at a real 3D archery target, the Double Duty is far more durable and much better value.
• My only complaint is that while the exterior is waterproof, the sun can fade the material, so it can’t really be left outside all the time. Luckily it has sturdy carrying handles and stowing it away isn’t too much of a hassle.

Priced at just $84.99 on Amazon, the Double Duty is my pick for the best overall crossbow target and is a must-have if you plan on shooting high-speed crossbows.

Click here to read more about the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Target and get the best price on Amazon.

2: Rinehart 18-1 Broadhead Target (Best For Broadheads)

In second place on my list of the best crossbow targets is the Rinehart 18-1 Broadhead Target.

The 18-1 is an extremely tough and durable target designed to withstand broadheads. With a 12-month warranty, it’s my pick for the best crossbow target for broadheads.

Key features

• Extreme durability: According to Rinehart, the 18-1 is made from self-healing foam that can handle bolts traveling at more than 500 fps.
• Lightweight and portable: With an easy-carry handle, the Rinehart is designed with portability in mind and can easily be transported between the club, the woods, or even your backyard.
• High visibility: The 18-1’s target zones are highly visible, making shot identification very easy, even in low-light conditions.

There aren’t many broadhead-compatible crossbow targets to choose from, and the 18-1 seems extremely popular with customers.

Currently rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon based on 645 reviews, 80% of customers who purchased the 18-1 have rated it 5 stars.

Take Ben W, for instance, who claims to have shot over 3,000 bolts into his 18-1, making it the longest-lasting target he’s ever owned.

After putting in a warranty claim, he was really impressed that Rinehart sent him a replacement target.

My Experience With The 18-1

As an avid hunter, the 18-1 is my favorite target for testing new broadheads and getting my crossbow zeroed in before heading into the woods.

Here’s my honest review of how my 18-1 has performed:

• The 18-1 is extremely durable and has excellent self-healing, especially with mechanical broadheads. Twin-blade mechanicals cause the least damage, while fixed broadheads can tear the target up more.
• The target markings are highly visible at all times of the day. This makes it far quicker and easier to zero a crossbow, which comes in handy whenever I’m testing new broadheads.
• Although the 18-1 has a high price tag, Rinehart does honor the 12-month warranty and will send a replacement if the target lasts less than a year.

Priced at $129.99 on Amazon, the Rinehart is my pick for the best crossbow target for broadheads.

Click here to read more about the Rinehart 18-1 Broadhead Target and get the best price on Amazon.

3: Morrell Yellow Jacket Field Point Target (Best Portable)

In third place on my list of the best crossbow targets is the Morrell Yellow Jacket Field Point Target.

Yellow Jacket targets are almost as tough and durable as my first place pick, the Double Duty, but they are much more portable.

Here are some of the features that make these crossbow-approved bag targets some of the best crossbow targets you can buy right now.

• Long lifecycle: According to Morrell, the double-sided Yellow Jacket targets are highly weather resistant and stand up well to the elements. The material inside doesn’t degrade, and the targets are claimed to have a very long lifecycle. They also come with a replacement cover to extend the lifespan of the target when the original cover becomes too damaged.
• High durability: Capable of stopping bolts traveling at up to 425 fps, the Yellow Jacket is ideal for all but the most powerful crossbows and is extremely tough. Morrell claims that the Yellow Jacket can withstand thousands of bolt impacts without tearing up.
• Ease of use: Weighing just 32 pounds, the Yellow Jacket is highly portable and has grommets so it can be hung from target stands or trees. Morrell says that bolts can be removed with just two fingers, giving it great ease of use.

I’ve been happily using Yellow Jacket crossbow targets for years, but I wanted to see what others were saying about them online.

With a current rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, it’s safe to say that most customers seem to love Yellow Jacket targets.

Take Joshua, for example, who says his Yellow Jacket stops 125 gr. field points dead in its tracks and is extremely happy with its performance.

My Experience With The Yellow Jacket

I’ve purchased six Yellow Jackets over the years, and here are my thoughts:

• Yellow Jackets are one of the most weather-resistant target bags I’ve ever bought. My oldest target is more than five years old and still going strong. The replacement cover really helps get years of extra life from these targets.
• One of the best things about Yellow Jackets is how portable they are. You can hang them up, stand them against a tree, or position them at just about any angle. If I’m coaching a student at their home, I’ll throw a couple of Yellow Jackets in my truck’s bed, and off I go.
• The only downside about Yellow Jacket targets is that pulling bolts out can be a little tougher than other targets like the Double Duty.

Priced at just $78.75, Yellow Jacket field point targets are my top pick for the most portable crossbow targets. They are durable, easy to use, and give years of reliable use.

Click here to read more about the Morrell Yellow Jacket Field Point Target and get the best price on Amazon.

4: Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20” Target (Best Value)

In fourth place on my list of the best crossbow targets is the Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20” Target.

While I’m a huge fan of Morrell’s products, I realize that not everyone wants to spend $80 on a crossbow target. That’s why the Speedbag 20 is my fourth-place pick.

In my opinion, the Speedbag 20 is a great budget-priced crossbow target that holds up well to thousands of bolt impacts.

Here are a few of its features that make it my No 4 pick for the best crossbow target.

Key features

• Max FPS rated: Delta McKenzie says the Speedbag 20 is rated to handle the fastest-shooting crossbows.
• Multiple targets: The dual-sided Speedbag 20 has multiple aiming points, making it suitable for novice and experienced shooters alike.
• Weather resistant: The Speedbag 20 is highly weather resistant and offers great outdoor durability.

I own a couple of Speedbag 20s and know firsthand how great they are. From what I’ve read online, customers seem to love them too.

Currently rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon based on 34 global ratings, the Speedbag 20 seems to be extremely popular with other crossbow owners.

Bretty says the Speedbag 20 is a solid crossbow target that has stopped every bolt he’s tried. He recommends the target for anyone looking for a budget-friendly target with great stopping power.

My Experience with the Speedbag 20

After shooting thousands of bolts at my Speedbag 20s over the years, here’s my honest assessment of how they perform:

• Delta McKenzie’s claim about the Speedbag 20s being ‘Max FPS’ rated is definitely justified. It has absolutely no trouble stopping 400+ fps bolts from any crossbow and comfortably stops 450 fps bolts from my Ravin R29X Predator.
• I love how portable the Speedbag 20s are and often use them when I’m coaching a client at their home.
• My only complaint about the Speedbags is they aren’t as weather resistant as the Yellow Jackets, so I don’t recommend leaving them outside.

Overall, the Speedbag 20 is an excellent budget-priced crossbow target that holds up well and should provide years of happy use.

Click here to learn more about the Delta McKenzie Speedbag 20” Target and get the best price on Amazon.

5: GlenDel Buck 3D Archery Target (Best 3D Target For Hunters)

In fifth place on my list of the best crossbow targets is the GlenDel Buck 3D Archery Target with Replaceable Insert Core.

I love 3D archery and have tested a number of 3D targets over the years. In my opinion, GlenDel makes the best one, and it’s my top pick for the best 3D archery target for crossbow hunters.

Here’s why I rate the GlenDel so highly.

Key Features

• Realistic hunting practice:GlenDel’s 3D deer target is approximately the same size as a 200lb buck, making it extremely realistic for target practice. Standing 34” at shoulder height, it’s great for honing your skills as you prepare to drop a monster buck.
• Long target life: Made in the U.S.A. using PolyFusion Technology, GlenDel claims that its target can withstand thousands of bolt impacts. The replaceable four-sided insert core can easily be replaced when they reach the end of its lifespan.
• High maneuverability: The head and antlers are fully removable, making the target much easier to transport and position in the field.

I’ve had a GlenDel 3D deer target as part of my range for more than two years and am extremely happy. Looking online, it seems most other owners are similarly impressed.

The target is rated 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon based on 1,609 global ratings, and 71% of reviewers gave it the top score.

Marcus says his 3D target is impressively sturdy and has held up well after 100 arrows. He says the arrows are easy to pull out and recommends this target to anyone looking for a realistic hunting target.

An effective primitive trap could be the best method for catching fish in large quantities. You will find the best types of primitive traps for lakes, rivers and coast below.

1 Primitive Funnel Basket Fish Trap (Fastest Method)

How-To

Collect very long thin sticks of willow or bamboo for the main body of the trap.

Remove bark from other thick willow sticks to use as weaving material and cordage.

Tie one end of the bundle of long willow sticks.

Start weaving the sticks.

Insert a rock to spread the sticks and continue weaving.

Continue weaving until you reach the middle.

Tie a flexible stick into a circle with the same diameter as the middle of the trap.

Insert and tie the ring inside the middle of the trap.

Continue weaving until you are close to the top.

Thick bark makes it much faster to weave.

Now tie another smaller ring exactly the size of the fish you want to catch. Then tie sticks for the body of the inner funnel.

Tie a second circle the same diameter as the end of the main body of the trap. And tie it to the inner funnel.

Weave the inner funnel

The two parts of the trap are finished

Insert the small funnel into the main body of the trap.

You must insert some bait into the trap and rocks to keep the trap submerged. Tie it to a float or shore for retrieval.

When I was in the forest for six months I made one of this traps and tried it out without much luck. The downsides of this type of trap is that it takes a long time to build (5 hrs), and it is not super easy to re-bait or retrieve the fish. Nevertheless you could make one without even using a knife.

This trap would work much better placed in a small stream and creating a stick funnel from shore to shore that leads to the trap. This set up would use the current to lead the fish straight into your belly.

via Survival Lily

2 “M” Primitive Funnel Fish Trap

This is the easiest and fastest trap to make!

Insert long sticks into the mud or sand to form a big “M”.

Insert more sticks wherever there are holes and make sure the funnel opening matches the size of the fish you want to catch.

Adding vegetation on top to create a shaded spot attracts fish.

Add bait in the trap and then the waiting game starts. This is the trap that Zack built in the Alone show.

This trap might not be super effective but it is very quick and simple to build. I like the fact that it is super easy to check if there are fish and retrieve them. The downside is that other than bait and shade there is no other incentive to go in there.

via CN Daily HD

3 Stone or Wood Weir

Using the same funnel principles our hunter-gatherer ancestors used stone or wood weirs to close up streams and lead fish into big “M” or funnel basket type traps.

4 Tidal Trap

Another kind of trap used in the coast is the tidal trap. Sometimes it involved a funnel. Fishermen would usually spear the fish that get caught after the tide recedes.

4 Minnow Trap

You might need to catch minnows to use as bait in your hooks so this simple trap could come in handy.

Just create a shallow pool using rocks or mud.

Leave an opening and wait for a long time. Placing bait or vegetation to shade the pool should help. When you want to retrieve the minnows just close the entrance and scoop them out.

5 “L7” Pole trap for Fishing

This is a mix between a trap and a fishing line with hook. I’ve tried this trap before and to me it doesn’t seem to be better than just having a line with a baited trebble hook and bobber; and it does take more time to set up.

Find a way to position your spring pole next to the water. Green wood doesn’t work well because it will stay bent and won’t be springy.

Stake a long “7” into the ground.

Tie the longest end of the “L” to your spring pole and tie the shortest end to your line and hook.

Now hook the “L” and the “7” by their shortest end. Having a bobber would maintain your baited hook off the bottom.

This trap also tends to be very finicky. The only benefit I’ve experienced is that if you are around you’ll notice pretty quickly if a fish caught your hook. In theory the spring pole helps set the hook, but in practice it doesn’t make much of a difference. Obviously to be primitive it would have to be built using natural cordage and a natural hook.

via Sigma 3 Survival School

6 Trotline

I might be blending primitive an modern here but you could make a fully primitive trotline out of natural materials. What I like about a trotline is that it is relatively easy to make and light weight. It can be used in a lake, river, and coast.

Start by inserting a long stake into the submerged ground. You could also tie your line to the shore or an anchor and submerge it.

Tie you main line to it.

Extend the line and leave enough space between hooks so that fish can’t get entangled with other hooks or stakes.

Attach your lines and hooks at intervals. You could use sinkers, leaders and/or bobbers depending on your needs.

This is a set of hooks with sinkers for the trotline. The line used can be thinner than your main line. For a modern trotline, I recommend braided line instead of mono because it is easier to handle and more durable.

What I like about trotlines is that they are relatively easy. They are also as effective in a slow river as in the coast or a shallow lake.

via MCQBushcraft

If you want to learn more about primitive fishing techniques the best resource out there is the book:

Indian Fishing: Early Methods on the Northwest Coast

I have read it three times already, and there is so much knowledge and wisdom in it.

If you liked this article consider supporting my work by using this link to buy gear on Amazon (I get a very small commission and it doesn’t increase the cost of products for you).

Main image by Petr & Bara Ruzicka

Sea sponges are a type of marine animal that resembles a soft, porous sponge. Humans do not commonly eat them.

Though they are not food, They are instrumental in daily life. Also, they are helping nature by cleaning the oceans.

Can You Eat Sea Sponges

You can not eat Sea Sponges. Eating a sea sponge can be dangerous as they are not meant to be eaten. They are essential multi-celled animals made of silica (a glass-like material). They don’t have any brain, backbone, or nerves. Sea sponges are not plants; they are animals.

Even if someone tries it for dinner or as an adventure, it will taste like a spongy glass type. Taking them as food is regarded as a bad idea.

Although there are some uses of sea sponges in the household and for humans. We’ll talk about that later.

What Happens If You Eat Sponges

You should think again if you’re considering snacking on a sponge. While These ocean-dwelling creatures may look harmless, and it’s unlikely that eating a sponge will kill you, they can cause severe health problems if ingested.

Their cells contain toxins that can irritate your digestive system if you eat them.

Additionally, sea sponges are often full of sand and other debris that can damage your teeth or cause an intestinal blockage if swallowed.

Also, sea sponges are filter feeder that consumes small particles from the water around them. If you were to eat one of these sponges, it can cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The sponges’ sharp edges can also damage your digestive tract, leading to bleeding and infection.

If you accidentally eat a sponge, drink plenty of fluids and see your doctor if you start experiencing any symptoms.

Benefits of Sea Sponges

Sea sponges are known for their absorbent properties. It means they can help remove dirt and oil from the skin, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed. They are also gentle on the skin, making them ideal for sensitive skin.

In addition to being absorbent, sea sponges are also exfoliating. This means that they can help remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, revealing healthier and smoother skin underneath.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a natural way to clean your home, sea sponges can absorb excess oil and dirt from surfaces, making them ideal for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms.

They can also act as natural filters for your aquarium, helping to keep the water quality high and the environment healthy.

Additionally, sea sponges can help aerate your soil, making it more fertile and better able to support plant growth.

More recently, they have also been used in procedures such as wound healing and surgeries.

Key Facts About Sea Sponges

Sea sponges are among the simplest and most ancient animals on Earth. They first appeared in the fossil record about 600 million years ago. Sea sponges are thought to have evolved from a group of single-celled organisms called choanoflagellates.

Though they lack a centralized nervous system, they are capable of primitive responses to stimuli.

There are about 5,000 species of sea sponges. They come in various shapes and sizes, from small and round to large and tube-like. Sea sponges can be found in all oceans, ranging from the intertidal zone to over 8,000 meters (26,000 feet).

Though they may look soft and fragile, sea sponges are pretty strict. They have a complicated system of tiny pores and channels that allow them to filter water for food. Sea sponges also use these channels to pump water through their bodies for respiration.

Despite their simple appearance, sea sponges play an essential role in the ecosystem. They provide homes for many small creatures and help to clean the ocean waters.

Finally, their ability to regenerate lost body parts sets sea sponges apart from other animals. If a sponge is damaged or cut in half, it can regrow into two new sponges.

This fantastic ability has made them a valuable commodity both for scientific research and for use in medical treatments.

What Do Sea Sponges Eat

Most people know sea sponges are filter feeders, but what does that mean? Filter feeders strain food particles from water using specialized cells.

The most common type of food particle that sea sponges eat is microscopic algae called diatoms. Diatoms are single-celled algae with a hard shell made of silica.

Sea sponges can also eat other tiny organisms, such as bacteria and protozoans.

Sea sponges can extract nutrients from the water around them using several methods. One method is called suspension feeding.

It is when water is drawn into the sponge and pushed back out through tiny pores in its body. The pores are lined with special filter-feeding cells called choanocytes.

Are Sea Sponges Alive

Yes, sea sponges are alive. Although they lack some critical characteristics associated with other animals, such as a nervous system, brain, or muscles, they are still complex organisms with many of the exact basic needs as other animals.

They don’t move, they don’t eat, and they don’t seem to respond to their environment in any way. However, they are sensitive to their environment and can react to water temperature or quality changes.

It makes them an essential part of the ocean ecosystem. It helps scientists understand the health of the overall ocean environment.

Why Sea Sponges So Expensive

There are several reasons why sea sponges cost more than your average sponge. For one, they must be harvested from the ocean floor. It’s challenging, as divers must go deep into the water to find them. Once the sponges are collected, they must be carefully cleaned and dried before being sold.

Another reason sea sponges are more costly is because of their quality.

In addition, sea sponges are very slow-growing, so they can’t be harvested as quickly as other marine creatures, making them a limited resource.

Finally, sponges are delicate creatures that can be easily damaged, meaning there is often a lot of wastage when harvested. All of these factors contribute to the high cost of sea sponges.

People Also Ask

Conclusion

Sea Sponges are not a food source for humans. people should not eat them even for experimental purposes. we deeply researched sea sponges and ended up with some key findings.

1. Sea sponges are a type of animal that lives in the ocean.
2. They are not plants, even though they look like plants.
3. Sea sponges are mostly made of silica and they don’t have a brain or a nervous system.
4. Most sea sponges live attached to the ocean floor.
5. Sea sponges come in many different shapes and sizes, and they can be any color.
6. Some sea sponges are very small, but some can be pretty big.
7. Sea sponges eat by filter feeding, which means they pump water through their bodies to catch tiny food particles to eat.
8. They are very useful for human skin.
9. Also, they are an awesome choice for bathroom accessories.

Here are Some Interesting Fish FactsCan you eat bowfin fish?Can you eat sheepshead fish?

Visit foodjustify.com to discover more foods!

When laser rangefinders hit the market, they did more than just replace the shoddy rangefinders of the past.

With advanced technology and innovative features put into the mix, laser rangefinders came with greater durability, longer range, and better performance.

There’s no doubt the better features such as built-in pressure sensors, wind calculators, and ballistic drop corrections are what make laser rangefinders a must-have in the field.

But the one feature that’s highly underestimated and no hunter should go without ever again, is Rangefinder Angle Compensation.

When you’re in your tree blind, out in the canyon, or in mountainous terrain, you’ll need a laser rangefinder to make sure you get the right distances to your target. Trying to eyeball a distance can be risky. You could end up with a misplaced shot.

Now, trying to eyeball a distance while on an incline or a decline can end up being a disaster of a shot. But if you have an angle compensating rangefinder that can do the math and the measuring for you, you’ve just improved your chances of taking home your prey. Make way now for Angle Compensation.

Angle Compensating Rangefinder: To Have or Not to Have?

Every long distance shooter, whether it’s the bow or rifle you prefer, knows that gravity is like the third wheel that you just can’t get rid of. So you make room for it, and every shot you make in the field, you compensate for its effects. There’s two distances that need defining if you want to get an accurate shot.

• Line of Sight: the actual measured distance between you and the target
• True Horizontal Distance: the distance which gravity will act over; the distance you’ll need to aim for

Of course, if you’ve got the perfectly flat terrain with the broad side of that elk facing you from about 40 yards, then the line of sight distance is going to be the same as the true horizontal distance.

Gravity won’t have much of an effect to affect either the bow or the bullet. Some people decide to forgo the angle compensation feature, saying it just makes a rangefinder more expensive than it needs to be since you can get by without it. “It’s only a few yard difference” says the skeptic.

However, no matter how ideal the perfectly flat terrain can be or how good your distance estimating skills are, hunting can take you to high-angle areas that just might show you how much of a difference those five yards can make.

Errors between 20 to 25 percent can make all the difference. For the bow hunter, that could be a complete miss. For the rifle shooter, a 20 percent error at 200 yards is a 40 yard difference. That could also be a complete miss or worse, a wounded animal.

“But why would shooting at a target on an incline or decline make a difference?”

Have you ever played one of those carnival fair games where you have to toss a ball into a bucket from about 10 feet away? In your mind’s eye, you know you have to toss a little higher to create an arc for the ball to land into the bucket.

Easy right? Well, take that bucket and put it on the top of the Ferris wheel, still only 10 yards away. Thinking your imagined trajectory path may need some tweaking now?

The rangefinder angle compensation feature can take into consideration the angle shot and the actual distance to give you a corrected value as accurately as it can, even to -/+.5 of a yard. The only thing left for you to do is to adjust your sights to match what the rangefinder calculated.

Since most optics are zeroed in on flat ground, you might want to consider a rangefinder that has further ballistic calculating capabilities where you know how many “clicks” you need to make to adjust for angle degrees.

Let’s take a look at a scenario…

You’re up in a tree blind and you spot an elk stroll into your ranging spread. Your line of sight distance to the elk is 70 yards, but the elk is only 23 yards away from the base of your tree stand.

What’s the actual distance you should aim for? On top of that, for the bow hunter, what’s the angle you should launch your arrow for? How many degrees do you adjust your scope for? For the rifle hunter, how far will your bullet get before a complete drop takes place due to the effects of air resistance and gravity?

Do these kinds of distances matter on trajectory anyway? Anyone have an electronic level or a protractor on hand? Anyone know what the acceleration rate of gravity is? Wait a minute, you didn’t sign up to be in math class right?

As the above scenario illustrates, calculating the correct distance to make an accurate shot from either an incline or decline to your target can be quite the math challenge. To make it simpler, a rangefinder with angle compensation can do all the hard work for you.

Your rangefinder should tell you the line of sight distance is 70 yards to the elk, but your true horizontal distance is 23 yards.

For the Bow Hunter…

If you’re an archer, these distances are going to be very important to distinguish between which ones are important for your shot. The line of sight distance tells you that although the elk is further away to your eye, you should use the horizontal distance and aim as if it’s 23 yards away because gravity only acts over a horizontal arrow path.

If you aim for anywhere near 70 yards, you’re going to miss and lose that arrow. That’s because you overcompensated the trajectory path by 47 yards which is a 70 percent error rate. That’s a big difference when 15 percent is considered accurate.

For the rifle shooter…

For the firearm user, these distances won’t make a difference, nor would it be a problem. But if the distances were more extreme, and the angles were steeper, you’d need better math skills or you’d need to get yourself a rangefinder with angle compensation. If you had a line of sight distance of 400 yards to your target at a 40 degree incline, you’re going to want to aim low and use the horizontal distance of 335 yards.

Rangefinders with ballistic calculators can tell you what your bullet drop holdover will be according to your rifle’s zero and the type of ammunition being used. Gravity acts over a horizontal path, so the bullet is only going to drop the more parallel your rifle is to the ground.

It’s important to remember that there is going to be less of a bullet drop whether you’re aiming up or down, and to always aim low.

Where to Use Angle Compensation

Both rifle shooters and bow hunters alike can benefit from using rangefinders with angle compensation. Situations that they could prove helpful for include:

• Rifle hunters with extreme distances
• Archers in a tree blind
• Mountain goat hunting in canyons
• Ranging in mountainous areas
• Ranging in unknown territory

With this in mind, check out 6 of our most recommended angle compensating laser rangefinders in the table below.

6 Best Angle Compensating Rangefinders

Laser rangefinders with angle compensation have made it possible to be done with the days of carrying around bullet drop cards with you, and having to tediously do the math before every shot.

Even if you don’t know that you’d need angle compensation for any of your hunts, it’s better to be prepared than to be without.

Images Source: https://www.bushnell.com/

Further Reading

• HANDS ON: Sig Sauer Kilo1600BDX Review (6x22mm Rangefinder)
• How Do Laser Rangefinders Work? (Everything You Need To Know)
• Leupold RX-Fulldraw 4 Rangefinder Review
• Vortex Fury HD 5000 AB Rangefinding Binoculars Review
• Sig Sauer Kilo 3000 BDX 10×42 Rangefinder Binoculars Review

Have you ever wondered if deer are nocturnal, diurnal, or crepuscular?

Many people assume that because deer are often seen at night, they must be active primarily during the dark hours.

However, a closer look at the habits of deer reveals that they are actually quite versatile when it comes to their activity levels.

So, what’s the truth? Let’s take a look at the evidence and find out!

What Is The definition of Crepuscular?

The word crepuscular comes from the Latin word crepusculum, which means twilight.

Crepuscular animals are those that are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk.

This is when light levels are low but there is still some visibility.

Several factors contribute to why some animals are more active during these times.

For example, predators typically hunt during the day when visibility is good.

This leaves many prey animals with a window of opportunity to feed during the low-light periods of dawn and dusk when predators are less likely to be out hunting.

In addition, temperature changes throughout the day can also influence animal activity levels.

For example, many reptiles become more active in the mornings as they bask in the warm sun to help regulate their body temperature.

What Is The Definition of Diurnal?

The word diurnal comes from the Latin word diurnus, which means day.

Diurnal animals are those that are most active during the daytime hours.

This is when light levels are high and visibility is good.

(Can Deer Swim? See this post for more)

What Is The definition of Nocturnal?

The word nocturnal comes from the Latin word nocturnus, which means night.

Nocturnal animals are those that are most active during the nighttime hours.

This is when light levels are low and visibility is poor.

Are Deer Nocturnal?

The word nocturnal comes from the Latin word for night, and it refers to animals that are most active during the darkness of night.

Many people assume that deer are nocturnal because they often see them at night.

However, deer are actually quite versatile when it comes to their activity levels.

While they may be more active at night, they are also known to be active during the day.

(Do Female Deer Have Antlers? See this post for more)

One of the main reasons why deer are often seen at night is because they are less likely to be disturbed by humans during this time.

Additionally, nighttime provides deer with a cooler temperature which helps them stay comfortable while they are active.

Nighttime also offers deer increased protection from predators.

So, while deer may be more active at night, this does not mean that they are strictly nocturnal animals.

Instead, deer are crepuscular, which means that they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk.

(Deer, Elk, Moose: What’s the Difference? See this post for more)

Are Deer Diurnal?

The word diurnal comes from the Latin word for the day, and it refers to animals that are most active during the daytime hours.

Many people believe that deer are diurnal because they often see them in the daytime.

However, as we mentioned before, deer are actually quite versatile when it comes to their activity levels.

While they may be more active during the day, they are also known to be active at night.

When Deer are Most Active?

Deer are known to be crepuscular, which means that they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk.

However, they are also known to be active during the daytime and nighttime hours.

One of the best ways to determine when deer are most active is to track their movements.

By doing this, you can better understand when they are moving around and how often they are changing their patterns.

Additionally, you can use this information to help you decide when the best time to hunt deer is.

If you’re interested in tracking deer, there are a few things you’ll need to get started.

First, you’ll need to purchase a wildlife camera.

These cameras can be placed in areas where deer are known to travel and they will take pictures or videos of the animals as they pass by.

You can then use these images to track the deer and see when they are active.

Additionally, you’ll need to purchase a trail camera mount.

This will allow you to attach your camera to a tree or other object so that it does not get knocked over or stolen.

Once you have your camera and mount, you’re ready to start tracking deer!

(What is a 10-point buck? See this post for more)

Are deer crepuscular all the time?

No, deer are not crepuscular all the time.

While they may be most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk, they are also known to be active during the daytime and nighttime hours.

Ultimately, the time of day when deer are most active will depend on a variety of factors, including the temperature, the availability of food, and the presence of humans.

(What Is A Baby Deer Called? See this post for more)

Factors That Make Deer Active During The Day

There are a few factors that can make deer more active during the day. One of these is the temperature.

If it is too hot or too cold, deer will often seek shelter and become less active.

Additionally, if there is not enough food available, deer may travel further distances during the day in search of sustenance.

Finally, the presence of humans can also impact deer activity levels.

If deer feel safe and comfortable around humans, they may be more likely to be active during the daytime hours.

However, if they feel threatened or scared, they will typically avoid humans and be more active at night.

What Makes Deer Nocturnal?

There are a few factors that can make deer more nocturnal.

One of these is the presence of predators.

If deer feel like they are in danger, they will often travel and feed at night when predators are less active.

Additionally, if food is scarce, deer may be more likely to forage at night when they are less likely to be seen by other animals.

Finally, humans can also impact deer activity levels.

If deer feel threatened or scared by humans, they will typically avoid them and be more active at night.

What Do Deer Do At Night?

When deer are nocturnal, they typically spend their night feeding and traveling.

They will often move to different areas in search of food and water.

Additionally, they may use this time to mate or care for their young.

Tips For Hunting Deer That Are Nocturnal

If you’re interested in hunting deer that are nocturnal, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.

First, try to avoid hunting during the daytime hours when deer are more likely to be active.

Second, use a wildlife camera to track the movements of deer in your area.

This will help you to see where they are traveling and when they are most active.

Finally, consider using a trail camera mount to attach your camera to a tree or other object. This will help to keep it from getting knocked over or stolen.

FAQs

Do Deer Sleep At Night Or During The Day?

Deer do not sleep at night or during the day. Instead, they take short naps throughout the day and night. These naps usually last for a few minutes to a few hours.

Do Deer Hibernate?

No, deer do not hibernate. However, they may become less active during the winter months when food is scarce and temperatures are cold.

What Does Baby Deer Eat?

Baby deer, or fawns, typically eat the same things as adult deer. This includes plants, fruits, nuts, and insects. However, they may also consume milk from their mothers.

When time do deer come out to eat?

Deer typically eat during the early morning. However, they may also feed at night if they feel threatened or if food is scarce.

How long do deer sleep?

Deer do not sleep for long periods of time. Instead, they take short naps throughout the day and night. These naps usually last for a few minutes to a few hours.

Conclusion

So the answer to the question: Are deer nocturnal? is No. Deers are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at twilight hours, but they can also be active at other times of the day and night.

Whether you are hunting a cool fall morning or hunting a severe and brutal winter, you don’t have to worry about that as a hunter. Instead, make every effort you can to choose the best hunting clothing for your hunting conditions.

There is no limit to the number of players in the marketplace when it comes to hunting clothing. However, for any serious hunters out there. When it comes to quality, there are only a few hunting clothing brands that are worth their weight in gold.

We’ve covered the Top 7 Hunting Clothing Brands (In Our Opinion – Which is all that counts, right?)

Full Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. If you follow an affiliate link and end up making a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. KUIU

When it comes to hunting gear, no brand has garnered as much popularity and recognition in recent years as KUIU. Renowned for its extensive range of cutting-edge equipment, including high-performance clothing, durable packs, and a diverse selection of accessories, KUIU stands out from the competition.

KUIU’s unwavering commitment to unparalleled quality and innovation sets it apart. With advanced materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, their gear exceeds industry standards. Their exceptional clothing ensures optimal performance, from temperature-regulating base layers to waterproof outer shells. Additionally, KUIU offers reliable packs and a comprehensive range of accessories to enhance your hunting experience. With KUIU, you not only get superior gear but also exceptional customer service from a team of knowledgeable experts.

What Sets KUIU Apart From Its Competitors?

KUIU’s top technology lies in its innovative use of Toray fabric. This high-performance material, developed in collaboration with the renowned Japanese textile manufacturer Toray, sets KUIU gear apart. The Toray fabric offers exceptional durability, lightweight comfort, impressive breathability, moisture-wicking capabilities, and wind resistance.

It also provides excellent water repellency, ensuring hunters stay dry and comfortable in wet environments. By incorporating Toray fabric, KUIU enhances the overall performance, mobility, and endurance of their gear, allowing hunters to focus on the thrill of the hunt with confidence.

Shop for all your KUIU clothing needs today!

2. Sitka

Sitka has to be one of the most well-known and most talked about hunting clothing brands around the world. They’ve been in the hunting clothing business for many years and have clothed some of the best well-known hunters in the world.

Whether you’re an experienced hunter with years of hunting to your credit or just starting to really get into the hunting spirit, one thing that every hunter knows is the importance of having all the necessary hunting gear, and the right hunting clothing for the hunting conditions you may face.

We all know that the right pair of hunting pants, and the right hunting jacket will get us through any weather condition we might encounter. There’s also no doubt that a solid comfortable pair of hunting boots are necessary for a successful hunt, so knowing the top hunting clothing brands are a key to having an enjoyable and successful hunting trip.

What Sets Sitka Apart From Its Competitors?

SITKA Gear understands the value of technology and how to use it to benefit the hunters their brand serves.

Sitka Hunting Clothing is made to withstand the toughest hunting conditions. That’s why they choose to employ such technologies as, GORE-TEX®, GORE-TEX INFINIUM with WINDSTOPPER®, Polygiene and PrimaLoft®. These high-tech materials allow them to provide hunters with only the best hunting apparel on the market today.

Shop for all your Sitka Gear clothing needs today!

3. Drake Waterfowl

Drake is another hunting clothing brand that has created a wide variety of hunting gear that is very popular with duck hunters. However, Drake Waterfowl hunting clothing is fast becoming a favorite with big game hunters. Drake Waterfowl offers everything a hunter could need ranging from hunting clothing, to hunting bags, and even hunting accessories.

What Sets Drake Apart From Its Competitors?

One very unique thing about Drake Waterfowl hunting clothing is that they produce a variety of different hunting clothes series, each hunting clothes series has been created to address the special hunting conditions and circumstances the hunter might find themselves in while hunting.

For example, Drake hunting clothing has a full line-up of hunting jackets, vests, hunting pants, duck waders, and hoodies. All of their hunting clothing uses a lot of different fabrics with different camouflage patterns that will provide a hunter with full concealment, weather protection, and temperature regulation. All of which is very important for a comfortable and successful hunt.

Shop for all your Drake Waterfowl clothing needs today!

4. Kryptek Hunting Clothing

Kryptek is a hunting clothing brand based in the USA and specializes in producing very tactical clothing for hunters. It was also one of the first brands to earn the title of top hunting gear brand in the world.

Kryptek employs military-grade features in their hunting clothing and is the perfect way to really distinguish yourself from other hunters by sporting a top hunting clothing brand.

Kryptek features military-style camouflage patterns, and other features that can provide maximum stealth and concealment for hunters. The features of Kryptek hunting clothes help hunters not only blend into their surroundings, but it’s nearly one step away from allowing them to totally disappear.

What Sets Kryptek Apart From Its Competitors?

Hands down its Kryptek’s micro and macro layering camo design technology, which creates a camo pattern that provides a unique 3-D appearance to the hunting clothing. Creating a unique camo pattern can be done in many ways, but Kryptek has come up with the best and most effective way to do so.

Kryptek was founded by a great group of fellas with a long history of military experience. The group at Kryptek took what they learned from actively engaging in some of the most hostile combat environments. Then tailored what they learned and the knowledge from those experiences into a proven tactical camo pattern, tested it with top military professionals and hunters. Then built that into every aspect of their hunting clothing to perform in all potential hunting environments. Making for one of the best hunting clothing brands around the globe.

Shop for all your Krptek clothing needs today!

5. Banded

If you are a waterfowl hunter there is no doubt that you have heard of the hunting clothing brand, Banded. Banded is one of the most well-known and top-notch hunting clothing brands within the waterfowl hunting space.

Banded hunting clothing not only combines comfort. But also, high performance, too. Banded offers a delicate blend of high-performance fabric and technology features in their hunting clothing. This makes owning and buying their hunting clothing a great idea.

What Sets Banded Apart From Its Competitors?

Banded has already earned its reputation, as the world leader in quality duck hunting apparel. But now the hunting brand is shaking things up in the deer hunting space, as well. With the creation of its ultra-lightweight hunting clothing line. Banded ultra-lightweight hunting clothing offers spring turkey hunters, and early season deer hunters with a quality clothing experience. The clothing line was created for those warmer early-season hunts that many other hunting brands fall short to address.

The Banded ultra-lightweight series was designed with spring and warm weather hunting seasons in mind. The durable poly blend fabric of the hunting clothing is breathable and has a 4-way stretch for easy movement. Banded hunting clothing also features dual layers that were added to protect hunters from early morning dew.

Shop for all your Banded clothing needs today!

6. Mossy Oak Camo

Since 1986, Mossy Oak has been a forerunner and trendsetting in the hunting community and one of the best hunting camo brand among hunters near and far. Over the years Mossy Oak has created literally dozens of unique, industry-leading camo hunting patterns that closely resemble the natural environment and seamlessly blend hunters into their surroundings better than any camouflage in history.

What Sets Mossy Oak Apart From Its Competitors?

Powered by advanced photorealistic 3D imagery, cutting-edge concealment technologies and the most effective designs for every species and season, they’re proven in the field by three decades of successful hunts — and by millions of loyal hunters.

Mossy Oak has become the number one camouflage pattern in America by being consistently innovative and introducing new patterns that are always a surprise and a hit. Furthermore, it’s highly touted as the best hunting clothing for the money.

From camo prints, tactical camos, outdoor camo styles for hunting clothing, to even casual clothing styles for work and field. Mossy Oak makes camouflage a statement with camouflage clothing for all seasons, all occasions, and all lifestyles.

Shop for all your Mossy Oak clothing needs today!

7. Badlands

If you’re a hunter that is always looking for a cutting-edge hunting clothing brand that likes to push the envelope – Badlands is the right choice! Badlands hunting clothing offers a great balance of technology, performance, and quality that other hunting clothing brands try to live up to. Ensuring that customers are 100% satisfied is the number one priority of Badlands.

What Sets Badlands Apart From Its Competitors?

Badlands hunting clothing offers a decent selection of men’s hunting clothing ranging from hunting jackets, hunting pants & bibs along with lifestyle apparel such as hoodies, tee shirts, hats, and more.

Badlands has some special selections of camo patterns in their hunting clothing lineup. Such camo patterns include their Approach and Approach FX. Hunting clothing can be found in these camo patterns under their Whitetail, Big Game, Turkey, and Upland Collections.

Badlands hunting clothing uses something they call, “Adaptive Coloration” in their hunting camo patterns. Their Approach and Approach FX camouflage patterns are made up of neutral colors, so they can adapt to a variety of different terrains and weather conditions.

Badlands Approach and Approach FX camo patterns use pattern design and coloration technology which allows their camo patterns to seamlessly blend into the natural surroundings – which makes Badlands camo deadly!

Shop for all your Badlands clothing needs today!

In Conclusion

Hunting is not just about the thrill of a hunt, but also how you dress for it. The right hunting clothes can make all the difference in your hunting success and enjoyment.

If you follow the advice given, we guarantee that every hunting trip you go on will find you dressed for hunting success. So, now move forward, select your new hunting clothing and go hunting!

Read more about Best Hunting Boot Brands if you have a free second!

Sighting an adjustable three-pin archery sight on a compound bow will ensure success on early-season hunts. The windage and elevation are covered, as well as adjusting the sight for longer ranges in the field for longer shots. Pin gaping will also be explored to ensure the best results for a three-pin sight.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of sighting in a bow with three pins. We’ll explain how it works, and then take you through a detailed step-by-step process.

How Does Sighting in a Bow with 3 Pins Work?

The three-pin archery sight takes the guesswork out of the arc an arrow flies after leaving the bow. The bow sight pins’ distances are set at exact distances, letting the hunter concentrate on technique while drawing and releasing the arrow.

By sighting the pins in the archery sight during the off-season, target acquisition is faster and more accurate for the hunter. Sighting the three pins on a bow takes time, patience, and practice, but the payoff is a successful hunting season.

How to Sight in a Bow With 3 Pin Bow Sight Distance: Step-by-step solution

Step 1: New three-pin bow sight

If this is a new three-pin bow sight, mount it to your bow. Check your attachments and hardware if you already have the three-pin sight mounted. When the three-pin bow sight is mounted, it is time to go to the practice range.

When you mount the three-pin bow sight to your bow, you must expose it to various conditions so the bolts stay tight. After your mount it on the first day, leave the bow in the garage overnight, then tighten the bolts if needed. The next day leave it in the house, and so on until the bolts do not back off their tension.

Step 2 : Set up your own range

It is best to set up your own range, if possible to sight in the three-pin bow sight. You are going to spend many hours and multiple visits to get the three-pin bow sight squared away. Start your sighting at the ten-yard line. Before you set the pin height, you need to get the windage set correctly.

Step 3: Aim at the target

Aim at the target, but leave the bowstring in place. Point the arrow shaft directly at the center of the target, sight along the arrow for this part. Look at the end of the three pins in the sight. The end of the pins must be aligned with the arrow’s shaft. If the end of the three pins is off the midline of the arrow shaft, the shot will go right or left accordingly.

Adjust the bolt to move the pins left or right until they align perfectly with the arrow shaft.

Step 4

Now, it’s time to shoot. Pull the bowstring back, sight with the top pin end in the center of the target, and let it fly. At this time, do not worry about the elevation; you are making sure the windage, the left and right are correct.

This is the part where patience will be your best tool. Since this is not a bench rest rifle, you must shoot this target at this range twenty times. You will see if the arrows are grouped in the correct windage or not.

If you have to move the three-pin bow sight to adjust the windage, always remember if the arrow is shooting left, move the three-pin sights to the left. The same goes for arrows shooting to the right.

Step 5 : Set the bow sight pins distance

Once the windage is dialed in, it is time to set the bow sight pins distance.

Step back to the 20-yard line. This is the standard three-pin bow sight distance for the top pin. Take an initial sighting, and make sure the three-pin bow sight distance will not shoot over the target.

Place the end of the pin right in the middle of the target, and let loose. If the arrow hits a little high or low, that may be the shooter. Take a short rest, let the muscle fatigue relax, then take another 20 shots.

When the 20 shots are finished, you will know the average grouping of arrows, and the three-pin bow sight distance can be adjusted.

Step 6

When you get the top pin of the three-pin bow sight distance at 20 yards and all of the arrows land in the bullseye to your best ability, it is time to move back to the 30-yard line.

The middle pin is the one you use now to square away the three-pin bow sight distance at 30 yards. The yardage is automatically adjusted for the arrows arc by the manufacturer of the three-pin bow sight.

Again, shoot the twenty shots into the target; after twenty shots, you will know the three-pin bow sight distance at 30 yards is dialed in.

Step 7

Now back up to the 40-yard line. This is the same drill as the other two distances, so I will not repeat it. The 40-yard pin is the bottom pin, which is a bit different. The sighting is the same, but the bottom pin is the only pin in the three-pin bow sight distance used when adjusting the sight in the field for a longer shot.

If your three-pin bow sight can adjust, the sight will have a scale along the mounting plate. The three-pin bow sight will adjust downwards, the scale will show the new distance; this distance is only good for the bottom pin.

The top and middle pin for the three-pin bow sight distance use is gone when moved from the original set point. To use the top and bottom pin again, return the sight to home and you are good to go.

Pin Gap

This is not a true pin or aiming point in the three-pin bow sight, it is the “pin gap.” This means you use the gap between the pins of the three-pin bow sight for a distance shot of, say, 25 yards. Since the top and middle pins are set for 20 and 30 yards, put the target right between the two, and let the arrow fly.

Pin gap shooting will take even more practice than sighting in the pins, but you don’t want to miss the target due to lack of practice.

FAQs

Conclusion

In this article, we walked you through a detailed step-by-step guide explaining how to sight in a bow with three pins.

When you use a three-pin bow, sight distance will become less of a hurdle, so you can focus on other archery hunting skills, like stalking, calling, and camouflage.

Sighting in a three-pin bow sight will take many trips to the range, and long days of practice, but it will pay off in the end.

The 7mm Remington Magnum was introduced in 1962 with Remington’s new 700 action. Since 1962 the 7mm Rem Mag has exploded in popularity and can boast of being one of the most popular magnum cartridges available to date. The 7mm’s has a large variety of bullets available making it an acceptable cartridge for anything from varmint hunting all the way up to moose.

The 7mm Rem Mag is a superb deer cartridge. With plenty of potential velocity and energy available to hunters, the 7mm Rem Mag is a practical and effective choice for hunters looking to harvest deer at all practical ranges.

Since its introduction in 1962, the 7mm Remington Magnum (7mm Rem Mag) has quickly become one of the most popular magnum cartridge and caliber combinations on the market today. This cartridge simply ticks all of the boxes that hunters look for when choosing their hunting setup to give them the best versatility in a cartridge. Although with the effectiveness of this cartridge comes the possibility of excessive damage to meat if the bullet selection is less than optimal.

Speed, Energy, Distance

With a wide variety of options for hunting style bullets available for the 7mm Rem Mag hunters can more easily choose how much speed and or energy they want out of their personal setups. With bullets coming in as low as the 139gr. SST from Hornady all the way up to 175gr. ELD-X’s your choice should reflect the expected distance and required energy of your hunt.

In this case we are looking at deer sized game. This will cover anything from Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, and Blacktail Deer with little difference in required energy when harvesting any of these three deer species.

In general the recommended minimum energy for deer sized game is approximately 1000ft-lbs of energy. This can vary by a small margin depending on shot angles and bullet style though 1000ft-lbs is a good baseline to start from. Also in this case hunters should be reminded that most hunting style bullets require a minimum velocity of about 1800 – 2000FPS.

Looking at the factory loaded and very popular Superformace from Hornady firing a 139gr. GMX bullet hunters can expect up to 3190FPS at the muzzle with a whopping 3140ft-lbs of energy. This bullet and cartridge combination has a maximum effective range for deer sized game out to 750 yards. At this point the bullet has 1837FPS and 1041FT-LBs of energy remaining.

Now taking the larger 162gr. ELD-X in Hornady’s precision hunter ammunition hunters can expect 2940fps at the muzzle and 3109ft-lbs of energy. This bullet holds its lethality out to a staggering 800 yards where its velocity drops down to 1857fps and 1240ft-lbs of energy.

With these two rounds highlighting the abidance in potential options hunters have numerous options when picking their ammunition for their 7mm Rem Mag. With plenty of velocity and energy hunters should now consider their bullets expanding characteristics. Deer size animals do not have a large bone structure like moose or even elk so softer bullets that expand more are a viable option.

Bullets that have a lead core will expand more and transfer more energy then solid copper core bullets. With a healthy amount of both speed and energy your bullets penetration will not be your top concern and rather energy transfer will take that place. Look for Hornady’s ElD-X, Nosler’s AccuBond, and the Game King from Sierra all of these are good choices for large expanding bullets.

Avoid excessive energy in your cartridge setup to curb potential meat damage. Use a ballistic calculator and your expected hunting distance to better understand your bullet selection. Large amounts of excessive energy can lead to the loss of the front half of the animal.

The average distance of hunting shots are under 300 yards so don’t be afraid of using smaller bullets to help preserve meat.

7mm Rem Mag The Basics

The 7mm Rem Mag isn’t known for being overly hard on its operators to handle in terms of recoil. If you’re a larger build and used to shooting Magnum cartridges you will not have any concerns with the 7mm Rem Mag. Although if recoil is a concern for you a muzzle brake can be added to most rifles to help tame recoil.

A muzzle brake is highly recommended for youth hunters looking to grow into a 7mm Rem Mag over the years.

If your local laws allow for the use of a suppressor this will both reduce recoil and lower the decibels when firing.

With the popularity of the 7mm Rem Mag comes options. Like its ammo variety the choices of rifle manufactures that offer the 7mm Rem Mag in their respected platforms is abundant. This is much appreciated by hunters that prefer the feel of particular rifle manufacturers.

With multiple manufacturers also means multiple price points available to hunters looking to either splurge on a new elite setup or just get into the lifestyle of hunting. Price points can very from as low as $700 all the way up to $3000 and even higher depending on your personal flavor. One of my personal choices for a practical price point rifle is the Tikka platform that comes in around the $1100 CAN price point.

Hand-loaders will appreciate the abundance of components available to them.

I always like to point out the ability for a cartridge to go above and beyond its initial requirements. For new hunters getting into the lifestyle of hunting, deer hunting seems to be the most popular and often overlook other game animals. The 7mm Rem Mag is a superb choice for new hunters due to the fact that it has plenty of potential.

If you find yourself with the opportunity to go on an elk hunt or even a moose hunt the 7mm Rem Mag will have you covered! By simply increasing your bullets weight and possibly choosing a deeper penetrating bullet design the 7mm Rem Mag will hold its own against these larger animals.

The key to a successful fishing experience has the right gear. Choosing the best ice fishing rods can make all the difference when it comes to catching fish through the ice.

In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a list of our 10 favorite rods for winter fishing, so you can be ready to hit the ice when the time comes!

Top 10 Ice Fishing Rods

Tip! Check out our other ice fishing gear guides if you’re just getting started.

10 Best Ice Fishing Rods Reviewed

• Abu Garcia Venerate
• 13 Fishing Widow Maker Evolve
• St. Croix Mojo Series Ice Fishing Rod
• Fenwick Elite Tech
• Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2
• Frabill 6986 Combo
• Atataka Ice Fishing Rod
• Fiblink 2-Piece Portable Travel Ice Fishing Rod
• Berkley Cherrywood HD Ice Fishing Rod
• Shakespeare Wild Series Ice Fishing Spinning Rod

1. Abu Garcia Venerate

Best Ice Fishing Rod Combo

If you don’t already have an ice fishing reel that you love, it might be worth jumping and getting this solid ice fishing combo by Abu Garcia.

This is a solid carbon blank with stainless steel guides that have been upgraded with zirconium inserts.

The ultra-light is great for panfish and small trout. It’s well-balanced, and the reel has a smooth rotation. It’s comfortable to hold for long periods, and the rod is strong yet sensitive. This also makes a great ice fishing gift.

2. 13 Fishing Widow Maker Evolve

13 Fishing ice rods are stellar! If you’ve been ice fishing for some time and would like to move away from the budget rods, this would be the next best step up.

It’s a graphite blank that has great action. The cork handle is comfortable, and the guides are Alps thin wire double diamond guides, which are a nice step away from the generic stainless still guides found on cheaper ice rods.

3. St. Croix Mojo Series Ice Fishing Rod

We’re a huge fan of St Croix ice rods. St Croix continues to put out quality products year after year.

Consider using this rod if you’re looking to go after bigger fish like walleye, pike, whitefish, or lake trout. It’s sensitive enough to feel the slightest nibbles yet has enough backbone to hoist the big fish from the bottom. Walleyes ice fishing just got a lot more fun with this rod.

This is a popular rod and one you’d likely buy again throughout the years.

4. Fenwick Elite Tech

This is a very popular graphite ice fishing rod made by a company that knows a thing or two about catching fish. This rod is super sensitive and has a strong backbone with a quick tip. You might need a spring bobber if you’re going for small fish, but overall this is a great rod for your arsenal.

Best of all, it was not expensive. It’s not every day you get a quality rod at a good price.

5. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2

Best Beginner Rod

If you’ve never tried an Ugly Stik, then you’re missing out. These rods are darn near indestructible and will stand up to multiple years of abuse. If for some reason, you are able to wear through or break it, they are so well priced that picking up another is not a problem.

What’s better is this rod comes with a reel that will also stand up to a beating. This is the best beginner rod, especially if you are looking for long-lasting gear selling at an affordable price.

6. Frabill 6986 Combo

Here’s another extremely reasonably priced ice fishing rod and reel combo made by Frabill. Even if you’re fishing in sub-zero conditions, you can rest assured this rod will deliver. It comes with an ultra-sensitive micro spring bobber to sense when you have the slightest activity on your line.

Best of all, it comes at a price that might have you buying two just because you love them so much!

7. Atataka Ice Fishing Rod

If you’re looking for a little more sensitivity for your panfish bite, then check out this Atataka rod. It has a sensitive tip that should help you sight fish as well.

It’s flexible and has a strong backbone. The reel seat is nice, and the cork handle is comfortable. The orange tip is a nice feature to see the tip moving against the snow.

This will be your rod if you’re looking to put a bunch of bluegills, crappie, and even some largemouths in the cooler.

8. Fiblink 2-Piece Portable Travel Ice Fishing Rod

Sometimes you need to travel to find a hot bite in the cold weather. If you’re not looking to lug your expensive gear, you should look at this new Fiblink travel ice fishing rod.

It’s a carbon composite rod that is light and sensitive. You’ll be able to catch everything from perch, walleye, trout, and panfish. Best of all, it has an old-school pistol grip vibe which is more unique than anything we’ve seen in a while. It’s definitely worth a look!

9. Berkley Cherrywood HD Ice Fishing Rod

If you’re looking to start ice fishing and don’t want to spend a lot of money on gear, you need to check out this Berkley Cherrywood HD. Pair it up with a small 500-size reel with some light monofilament, and you’ll be all set to catch some small panfish on the water.

This rod is made from a 100% fiberglass ice fishing rod blank and comes with a comfortable cork handle. It has three guides, so it’ll be a bit better against freezing if you’re fishing outside.

This ultra-light can bring in crappies up to 22 inches. It’s also affordable, so if you break it, you won’t break your bank by replacing it.

10. Shakespeare Wild Series Ice Fishing Spinning Rod

If you’re looking for a comparable rod to the Berkley Cherrywood HD, but want more guides because you’ll be fishing inside your ice shed, then this is worth your consideration.

It’s made from fiberglass and comes with stainless steel guides for added durability. It has a light tip and a strong backbone.

This rod will have no problem bringing in walleye up to 27 inches on the medium power model. It’s a great walleye rod!

How to Choose the Best Ice Fishing Rods

There are some general rules of thumb to decide what type of setup you’ll need for ice fishing. We’ve listened to experts to see what they like to use so that you can determine what to get prior to hitting up your local shop or buying online.

Note: just FYI, it’s an ice fishing rod, not an ice fishing pole.

Generally, we’ll bucket our setups between panfish and larger fish. There are many ways to catch fish, but follow these guidelines if you have to start from scratch.

Ultralight Fiberglass Rod Setup

If you’re looking to catch panfish, including perch or bluegill, and want to use micro baits, you should get an ultralight ice fishing rod 18-24 inches in length.

You’ll want to pair that rod with the following:

• 500-size ice fishing reel
• 2-6lb mono/fluoro or
• 5 lb braid

Ultralight Ice Fishing Graphite Rod Setup

Sometimes fiberglass just won’t cut it in terms of sensitivity. Therefore, if you’re planning on going jigging for small walleye, crappie, bluegill, or rock bass, you should get an 18-24 inch rod fishing in your ice hut or 28-30 inches you’re fishing outside.

You’ll want to pair that rod with the following:

• 1000 size reel
• 2-6lb mono/fluoro
• 5-8 lb braid
• ML with fast action

This setup will be super sensitive, so we like it for jigging. For an even more feel, try using a 5-pound braid with a four-foot fluorocarbon leader.

Bigger Fish Ice Rod Setup

If you’re in an area where you can go for bigger fish, you’ll need another setup entirely. If you plan to go for whitefish, walleye, lake trout, or other monsters, then you should look at a medium to medium-heavy rod.

You’ll want to pair that rod with the following:

• 2500-size reel or
• Baitcaster 150-200 size
• 4-10lb mono/fluoro
• 5-10lb braid
• 28-36inch length when fishing outside
• 18-24 inside the tent

Again, feel free to use a braid with a fluorocarbon leader if you want a bit more sensitivity. Your way to select the right rod stiffness for the size fish you’re going after. Problems happen when you don’t dial this in properly.

Fiberglass vs. Graphite Ice Rods

When you’re choosing your ice fishing rod blank, you’ll likely be deciding between fiberglass and carbon fiber.

Fiberglass blanks are:

• super soft
• great for live bait and micro presentations

Graphite blanks are:

• a little stiffer
• great for working baits

Ultralight vs. Medium vs. Medium-Heavy

Make sure you match rod power to the size of the fish you’re targeting.

• Ultralight to light: target panfish
• Medium to Medium-Heavy: target walleye, lake trout, pike, white fish

Walleye Ice Fishing Rig

Walleyes are a fun fish to target and are a bit special. They need a good rod and reel to bring these fish to the surface.

They should have a solid backbone rod with a quality reel and drag. This will allow you to achieve a good hookset and to be able to play a fish properly. Make sure you drill a proper size hole in the ice or use an ice chisel to make an opening to get out your catch!

Guides

The worst thing that can happen when fishing is your guide freezing up. This can be quite frustrating and can damage your line if you’re not careful.

Usually, when guides are too small and it’s super cold outside, they’ll freeze up. The opposite of small guides are big guides, which can be nice, but tend to be clunky and take away from the balance of the ice rod.

You’ll also find that the bigger the guides, the less there are on the rod.

When possible, go with more guides for a better rod bend. If it’s freezing and you’re fishing outside, go with bigger guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the winter anglers do many odd things to channel their fishing fever into substitutes, hoping to dim in some small fashion the feverish intensity of their urge. They whittle new plugs, polish old plugs, discard battered flugs, tie flies, mend nets, read outdoor journals, pore over maps to find new fishing spots to try in the spring, dream about exotic trips to Canada, Yellowstone, Iceland.

If they have the time and money they jet to Florida and pursue glamorous saltwater species. Florida in the winter isn’t really such a red-hot place to fish: It’s better by far in the spring.

Area waters are ignored, except by a few hardy souls with butane in their veins who know about a green snake of a gamefish called the chain pickerel. These toughskinned pickerel-pursuers couldn’t care less that hatches on the trout streams and spawning in the bass lakes are months away. Their quarry loves the cold.

The Washington area offers prime pickerel waters within a one- or two-hour drive in just about any direction (though north, south and east are preferable to west.) Pickerel are in ponds, lakes, rivers and huge impoundments. Yet they draw little attention from fishermen.

Some people simply don’t like the cold, and since pickerel bite best from December through March, quite a few potential anglers never try them.

You’re probably read that pickerel are harsh on the palate, poor fighters and ugly. The last point is moot, the second false. The first one is true.

Pickerel have tasty, sweet meat, but few people get past the first mouthful before they give up in disgust at the bones riddling the flesh. You can try scouring them with cross-cuts and frying in hot oil, which is supposed to make the bones “chewable.” But even chewable bones are anathema to some. There are also complex filleting methods you can look up in dusty tomes if you’re dead set on eating everything you catch.

Whether the pickerel is an ugly fish we’ll leave to the aesthetes. Certainly they are prehistoric-looking, with long, pointed snouts, enormous mouths and a ghastly set of razor-sharp teeth.

Describing the fighting ability of a fish – any fish – is always risky, because each fish is an individual. One pickerel may fight like the devil and the next may fight like a wet paper bag. The same is true of bass, trout and catfish. Generally speaking, pickerel are good fighters – but not great.

But fighting really isn’t much more important than eating qualities or looks where pickerel are concerned. What’s appealing is the whole ritual of pursuing a unique gamefish in his home waters and enticing him to take the bait. Fishing is first and foremost a battle of wits (man) against instincts (the fish). When pickerel are the quarry, the encounter is rich and challenging.

Pickerel habitat encompasses a broad spectrum of water types. Lakes and tiny ponds hold fish, as do sprawling impoundments, broad rivers and wadeable streams. Pickerel prefer blackwater ponds and creeks – waters with a low pH that are stained brown with tannic acids given off by certain plants.

Certain of Maryland’s Eastern Shore ponds and rivers come to mind immediately, as do similar branches and lakes in the tidewater portions of Virginia. The Choptank is one of Maryland’s better pickerel rivers, as are the Nanticoke, Pocomoke and Severn: A list of ponds in Maryland that contain pickerel is printed in the fishing regulations pamphley given out where licenses are sold.

Virginia pickerel, called jackpike by locals, inhabit many blackwaters. The Mattaponi, Pamunkey and Chickahominy, located east of I-95 between Richmond and Fredericksburg, are classic pickerel rivers. A.P. Hill and Quantico military reservations also offer good pickerel possibilities.

However, pickerel also thrive in waters about as black as Mountain Dew. Such inland lakes as Anna and Kerr offer many outsized pickerel in the four – and five-pound range.

Average pickerel in most waters run closer to one or two pounds. Due to their diminutive size, heavy bass tackle is not required to catch the lean fish. Ultralight or light spinning gear is in order, with lines testing four to eight pounds. Den’t worry about the tales of pickerel’s teeth shearing the line. It rarely happens. Wire leaders only serve to impede the action of lures and bait.

Those who favor artificials may hate to admit it, but pickerel can usually be caught more readily with live minnows. Their diet consists almost entirely of other fish, and they seem powerless to resist a helpless victim floundering within reach. So greedy are pickerel that I’ve caught them on small shiners when they still had freshly killed seven-inch-long sunfish bulging in their stomachs.

Look for pickerel in moderate to shallow depths of lakes and rivers where they cruise for food. The fish also like to hold parallel to weedbeds and dropoffs, where they lie in ambush waiting for an unwary baitfish to fin by. When a minnow swims near, the pickerel contorts its body like a snake coiling to strike and darts with blinding speed at the victim, clenching it sideways in the grasp of its inward-angling teeth.

If the pickerel are deeper than five feet, use either a shad dart and minnow or a fine wire hook, split shot and minnow. Crawl the bait in slowly. If the jackpike are in the shallows you can use a bobber and move the minnow from spot to spot after a minute or two if you don’t get a strike.

Lures can take pickerel, also, and sometimes they’ll outfish a minnow. The Johnson Silver Minnow tipped with a pork rind is the old standby pickerel hait, and it hasn’t lost its appeal. Also good are red- and-white Daredevils and broken-back Bebels and Rapalas.

Work these lures with a moderate to fast retrieve and a tight grip on your rod. The strike of a pickerel can be an explosive thing – something that’s sure to take the chill out of a cold wintry day.