The 30-06 is used for a lot of different things, and hog hunting is one of them. Hogs are hoofed game that can weigh anywhere from a few dozen pounds to over 300 pounds. There have even been documented kills of wild pigs weighing more than 1000 pounds in the United States. It all comes down to knowing where to shoot a hog with a 30-06.

Proper shot placement is vital when hunting feral hogs. When using a well-balanced, versatile, affordable hunting cartridge like the 30-06, targeting any of the vital organs (lungs, heart, brain, and the spinal column) will give you a kill shot.

Wild pigs are tough, from their thick skulls to the cartilage shoulder shields that protect their upper bodies. If you have been looking for recommendations on ammo to use when hunting hogs, here’s a bit about the .30-06.

The 30-06: A Brief Introduction

For nearly 50 years, the.30-06 was the primary rifle and machine-gun cartridge used by the United States Army before being replaced by higher calibers.308 Winchester. The “.30” refers to the bullet’s caliber, and the “06” refers to the year the cartridge was introduced – 1906.

The “thirty-oh-six” caliber is widely used in bolt action rifles, machine guns, the BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle), and the Famage Mauser. The 30-06 is one of the most versatile cartridges ever designed in terms of ballistics.

Many hunting loads have over 3,000 foot-pounds (4,100 J) of energy at the muzzle and use expanding bullets capable of transferring energy to targets quickly. The .30-06 is still one of the world’s most popular sporting cartridges. Another advantage of the 30-06 is its widespread availability.

Where to Shoot a Hog With a 30-06

While feral pigs are invasive and vexing, shooting one in the back, front legs, or guts and letting it run away will cause undue suffering. It is cruel and inhumane.

Proper hog shot placement is imperative because it minimizes the prey’s suffering, reduces damage to the meat, and preserves your ammo. Typically, when deciding where to shoot a hog with a 30-06, several factors come into play, such as:

• The bullet’s grain weight
• The firearm’s physical condition
• The size of the wild hog
• Wind conditions in the area
• The shooter’s marksman skills (expected accuracy)
• The distance from the hog to the downrange.
• The ethics of the optimal number of shots allowed

Despite these variables, you will never go wrong if you know where to target your shots.

The Vitals

Forget all you know about the deer anatomy while hunting deer. Applying the exact shot placement will get you nowhere. You’ll end up spending precious time trying to track a wounded animal.

The Heart, Lungs, and Liver

Unlike the North American deer, the vital parts of hogs are located in a much lower position. When the hog is in a broadside position, shots to the heart, lungs, and liver are aimed at the hog’s front shoulder zone. Some experts recommend aiming for the heart (the area immediately behind and above the shoulder). Aim for just above the shoulder because the lungs are located above the shoulders. Hitting the shoulder area will immediately put the hog down.

However, keep in mind that the lungs, liver, and heart are all protected by thick shoulder cartilage. It usually is densest at the top and thins slightly toward the top of the front leg.

The Central Nervous System

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal column. If the hog is front-facing, this is the best shot placement. Aim for the center of the forehead, directly above the midline of the eyes. A bullet between the ear and the eye effectively penetrates the brain, resulting in instant death!

Hitting the spinal column will also bring the prey down. The hog’s spinal cord center is located in the neck region. As a result, a neck shot will result in an instant kill. However, aiming for the brain isn’t recommended for noobs unless you are an excellent marksman. This is because hogs’ brains are tiny and are protected by a hard bone.

The Ear Hole

The ear hole serves as a gateway to the animal’s neck area. This shot works best with stationary hogs. Because this wild game rarely stands still, a little patience and a good scope will also come in handy. A well-placed shot to a boar’s ear hole will cause the neck to snap, resulting in swift death.

Through the Eye

Similar to the ear hole, shooting a hog in the eye will cause it to drop dead. You are most likely to hit the brain, just like the earshot. Most hunters prefer the ear to the eye but go for it if that’s the only option.

How Far Can I Shoot With a 30-06?

Although the maximum effective range varies depending on load and rifle, the .30-06 Springfield is certified for an extreme reach of 4.75 miles and an effective firing range of 1,000 yards with its original 150-grain spire point bullet 2,700 fps. A flip-up rear leaf sight with a range of 2,850 yards was graduated. You can effortlessly hit a standing, mid-sized target at a point-blank range of 500 yards.

In Summary

If you were wondering where to shoot a hog with a 30-06, you have the answers. However, other factors are worth considering (like the quality of the firearm and your marksmanship) shot placement to the vital organs, neck, head, ear hole, or through the eye. If you are confident in your shot accuracy, you can try aiming at the chest area. The 30-06 caliber dissipates enough energy to deliver a center-punch kill shot.

All in all, I would say any 30-06 rifle will get the job done, whether you’re stalking hogs in woodlands or using bait in the fields.

You’ve put in unsuccessfully for years, trying to draw a tag for your dream hunt. When you finally get that coveted tag in hand, make sure your hunt gets off to a smooth start. You’ve got to get there first. Learn all you need to know about flying with archery equipment well in advance of your flight.

If you do your homework and you’re proactive about complying with regulations, you shouldn’t have any trouble flying with archery gear. Most airlines permit you to fly with a bow and arrows, but it’s a good idea to call your airline for specific information and to learn if there are any size restrictions on your bow case.

According to Transportation Security Administration guidelines, your bow, arrows and hunting knives must be checked; they can’t be part of your carry-on baggage. There are no specific regulations requiring releases to be checked, but be aware that most airport security officials are unfamiliar with archery equipment and may mistake your release for a firearm part, given that it has a trigger, or even brass knuckles, depending on the release style. It’s best to keep it in checked baggage.

Because they don’t encounter archery equipment every day, some security agents may not know the rules as well as you do. Expect delays and have your facts in order to help the process go smoothly. Print out a copy of TSA regulations on archery equipment and carry it with you for added insurance.

Packing your bow properly not only helps things go smoothly at the airport, but it also protects your equipment. TSA regulations don’t require your bow to be in a hard-sided case, but using one is an excellent idea because baggage is often handled roughly. The only reason you might consider using a soft case is if your final destination involves flying in a bush plane where weight is a factor.

Your case must be locked. Most bowhunters buy a TSA-approved lock. TSA agents have universal keys that can open these locks. Your case will almost certainly be opened and inspected, and if you don’t have a TSA lock and aren’t there to open the case yourself, the lock could be cut. If you don’t want agents to access your case in your absence, ask if an agent can examine the case right at the ticket counter while you supervise, or wait to go through security until you’re sure your case has been inspected. Keep your key on your person at all times. Once inspected, your case should move through baggage without a hitch.

Pack your bow case to protect your gear. Use tie-down straps to secure your bow within the case. Stuff hunting clothes or other soft material around your bow, particularly around delicate sights. You may even consider wrapping your sights with foam or bubble wrap. Arrows should be stored securely in the case’s foam slits or in a separate arrow tube stored within the case. Broadheads should be removed from arrows and stored in a hard container inside the bow case. Also, package your hunting knife in a sheath or hard container and store it inside the case.

On the day of your flight, arrive at the airport well before your departure time in case you run into hassles. Most airlines charge fees for checked bags (and even more for oversized bags, which may apply to your bow case). One alternative is to ship your bow prior to your flight. You won’t have to deal with airport hassles, but you probably won’t save much money, either, and you still run the risk that your bow doesn’t make it to your destination. Plus, you’ll have to forgo a few days of shooting practice.

When you reach your final destination, with any luck, your bow case will pop up into the baggage claim area as expected, but don’t be alarmed if you don’t see it right away. Sometimes large bags, or those that may be considered weapons, have to be picked up at the baggage claim office with a photo ID.

Flying internationally with a bow usually isn’t a problem, but some countries may restrict it, so check in advance. It’s a good idea to fill out Form 4457, Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad, ahead of time. That proves you owned the bow while in the United States, shielding you from paying tariffs upon your return. Carry your hunting license or archery organization membership card as well. Agents in other countries may not understand hunting and could think you are using your bow as a weapon. Having this paperwork on you makes you look more legitimate.

Here are some resources for further information:

TSA Provides Travel Tips for Hunting Season

https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2018/09/12/tsa-provides-travel-tips-hunting-season#:~:text=An%20assembled%20bow%20and%2For,prohibited%20in%20carry%2Don%20luggage.

TSA Travel Tips Tuesday: TSA Recognized Locks

https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2014/02/18/tsa-travel-tips-tuesday-tsa-recognized-locks

Form 4457 – Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad

https://www.cbp.gov/document/forms/form-4457-certificate-registration-personal-effects-taken-abroad

How to Travel with Archery Equipment

https://www.completeguidetoarchery.com/how-to-travel-with-archery-equipment/

Here’s a guide for flying internationally with archery equipment and some regulations by country:

http://www.airline-baggage-fees.com/sports/archery-equipment-bow-and-arrow/

This post was last updated on October 20th, 2021 at 08:23 pm

So, can you eat porcupine meat? Heck yes you can eat porcupine! In hard times and survival situations, perhaps porcupine meat is one of the best available food options, especially if you can’t find any edible plants. If You’ve ever been curious about the quality and flavor of porcupine meat, you don’t have to wonder any longer. I can tell you that it is very delicious and tastes a lot like chicken! I filmed the following catch and cook porcupine video a couple years ago and overall I don’t regret any part of the experience one bit. I slow roasted it over a campfire with a hand made bushcraft rotisserie. Since porcupines are vegetarians it is my understanding that you can safely eat the meat raw without too much worry of parasites. The meat on a porcupine has a light scent of pine, so compared to many other meats, I found it to be quite pleasant and not tough at all.

How Do You Prepare Porcupine Meat?

The quills of a porcupine are very dirty and will almost surely cause you an infection if you are stuck. It is important when skinning these animals that you do it in a place where you won’t be walking around barefoot or have pets walking in the area. Cleaning a porcupine is about what you’d expect. You need to use a little extra caution to take the skin off, but otherwise it’s just like skinning anything else.

Eating porcupine is not very common these days in the US, but once upon a time they were eaten regularly. They are still considered a regular food source in some parts of the world.

How Do I Catch a Porcupine?

The best way to prepare porcupine meat is by roasting, but an open fire isn’t always available. If this is the case, you can use a Dutch oven to boil the meat over a low flame very slowly for a couple of hours or until tender. Be sure that all bones are removed from the meat before broiling.

Porcupine are slow moving animals so if they are on the ground you can get them with a big stick or a club. If they are in the trees they can be humanely hunted with a .22 caliber rifle. There are porcupine in almost all of Canada and throughout the Northern and Western US all the way down to Mexico. Check out the following catch and cook porcupine video for more in depth explanation on how to handle porcupine.

Where to Catch Porcupine

Before you kill a porcupine, be sure that you are in an area where they are plentiful. It would be very sad if you accidentally hunted one of these fine creatures and knew that the meat was bad for your health so you decided not to eat it even though you had gone to a lot of trouble and risk to catch it.

Be sure that the porcupine is healthy by checking the skin around its eyes. If they are clear and free of any discharge, then you can be pretty certain that your prey is good to eat.

When hunting for porcupines, look in clearings or forest edges near heavy vegetation. They can also be found in open woods, along fencerows, at the edge of fields where shrubs are present, and anywhere else where they have plenty of cover to hide in.

Remember that porcupines are slow-moving creatures so once you have caught one or more, it is easy enough to kill them with a stick or other blunt object before skinning them.

The Benefits of Eating Porcupine Meat

First off, it is very high in protein and low in fat. The meat also contains thiamin (vitamin B), which keeps the nervous system healthy; niacin (B-3), which promotes good circulation; iron, which produces the red blood cells that carry oxygen to the cells; and phosphorus, calcium, sodium, and potassium, which are all essential for maintaining good health. Porcupine meat is also an excellent source of zinc which helps to keep the immune system working properly.

Porcupines are found throughout North America and Europe. Their meat can be used as a substitute for beef, pork, or veal in soups, stews, and casseroles. You can even use it in place of rabbit or venison when making kabobs. You may not be used to eating porcupine meat, but once you try it, I think you’ll like it and see how healthy it is for you as well.

So now that we know that yes, you can eat porcupine meat, let’s find out where to get it.

In Conclusion – Can You Eat Porcupine Meat?

Can you eat porcupine meat? Definitely! Porcupine meat is high in protein and low in fat, making it an excellent substitute for beef or pork. You can use porcupine to replace rabbit or venison when cooking kabobs – the list of benefits goes on and on! If you’re looking to try something new with your next dinner party menu, this may be just what you are looking for. What’s more? Porcupine meat has many health benefits including being a good source of iron which helps keep red blood cells healthy! Hopefully this article tells you all you need to know about porcupine meat!

Prior to European settlement, the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) called much of California home. Today, despite appearing on the California state flag, the grizzly is extinct throughout the state; the last known California grizzly was killed close to Sequoia National Park in 1922. The savvy Sierran black bear population (Ursus americanus), however, is still thriving.

Size

Size can vary dramatically between black bears. By adulthood, males usually range from 150 to 400 pounds (70 to 180 kg), and females from 90 to perhaps 300 pounds (40 to 135 kg). Males gain weight until they are ten years old or more, while after three years females grow only slowly and stop after seven. Differences in size are indistinct until puberty, at which point females redirect nutrition from growth to reproduction.

Male bears lose weight rapidly through the spring and then gain weight from July until denning in the fall. This seasonal weight change may be explained by mating behavior – male bears expend substantial energy visiting the home ranges of eligible females at a time when food resources are at their lowest. Conversely, female bears are at their lowest weight upon emergence from the den and gain steadily through the year. Females, however, do pay a substantial weight penalty for reproduction; sows with young are 15% lighter than cubless females and may gain only a fourth as much weight from May to September.

Color

Despite their name, black bears range in color from blond through various shades of brown to black. About 95% of bears in the Sierra are some shade of brown and only about 5% are truly black. Color changes through the year are common in bears. Guard hairs start bleaching immediately after the molt, which occurs sometime between May and September. Molting is signaled by the appearance of new guard hairs, which are shorter and darker. They first emerge around the eyes and lower limbs, and then extend up the limbs and down the face and flanks, finishing along the spine.

Lifespan

Longevity for bears in the Sierra varies, but the average lifespan is 18 years. The most common causes of death include accidents with vehicles, disease, enemies, old age, and starvation due to loss of functional teeth.

Communication

Black bears communicate through posturing, marking with odors or other sign, and vocalization. Unlike dogs that can display teeth or curl a lip, a bear’s ability to communicate with facial expressions is poor. The most significant and productive act of communicating for a bear is through its body posture. Bears are often seen in movies and television standing on their two hind legs, growling and looking quite ferocious. In real life however, black bears “stand up” when they are trying to get a better look or smell at something that has piqued their curiosity, and growling is rarely a sound that you will hear from a black bear. When bears assess other bears, staring, slapping the ground, and bluff charging are aggressive behaviors, while lowering the head is submissive. To mark a tree, bears will rub the trunk with their shoulder, neck, and rump. They claw and bite bark and roll on the ground at the base of trees as well.

Although bears are generally silent animals, they do have several vocalizations:

1. Huffing: a single rapid, highly audible exhalation of air through the open lips, produced by both cubs and adults.
2. In-Out Huffing: rapid inhalation and exhalation similar to single huffing repeated rapidly.
3. Bawling: a long hoarse wailing sound produced by cubs.
4. Grunting: a soft “clungk, clungk” made deep in the throat with the mouth closed. Produced by mothers in the presence of cubs.
5. Jaw-Popping: a rapid snapping of the jaws and popping of the lips, produced by all bears.
6. Tooth-Clicking: the jaws are snapped together two or three times, more softly than jaw-popping. This is another sound produced by mothers with cubs.
7. Moaning: a falling note from deep in the throat, much like a human moans, and produced by all bears.

Grunting and tooth clicking seem to be the sounds with the most specific intentions and are almost exclusively used by mother bears with cubs. Grunting seems to mean, “come here” and tooth-clicking is usually followed by the cubs climbing trees. Bawling is done by cubs separated from their mothers, while huffing and jaw-popping often precede or follow bluff charges. This behavior is usually used by animals on the defensive and is used as an alternative to physical contact. In-out huffing is commonly used by bears climbing trees to escape a nearby threat and is a “last ditch” response while fleeing. Bears that are kept in trees for long periods often moan, perhaps implying resignation or defeat.

Reproduction

Female black bears in the Sierra Nevada are usually between three to five years of age when they have their first litter. Courtship and mating usually takes place in a two or three week period in June, July and sometimes as late as August. Bears are polygamous, and a single male may mate with several females. The gestation period for black bears is 235 days (about 8 months), but embryonic growth only takes about two months. This is because bears have a unique reproduction system called embryonic delay, or delayed implantation. Although mating takes place in the summer, the fertilized ovum does not implant for many months. Because of this, bears are only able to give birth when they are in good condition. If the sow has not gained enough weight to support herself and her cubs during the winter, she will abort, and the blastocyst is absorbed by her body.

If a sow is healthy enough, she will give birth during hibernation inside the den in late January or February. Average litter size is two cubs; however, three cubs are not uncommon in the Sierra Nevada. Cubs weigh about 8 ounces at birth and grow to approximately 10 to 12 pounds by the time they leave the den three months later. The cubs will stay with their mother for the rest of the year and will den with her the next winter. After emerging from the den the second year, they will stay as a family unit until the sow is ready to mate again in early summer.

Temperature Regulation:

Like humans, a black bear’s normal body temperature is around ninety-eight to ninety-nine degrees Fahrenheit (though it can vary during hibernation). A black bear’s thick fur serves as excellent insulation during the cold winter months, but it can be problematic in warm weather. Bears, like dogs, do not have sweat glands. Because of this, they must cool themselves through other means:

• Balancing energy expenditure and food intake
• Resting in shady day beds
• Lying with their bellies fully touching the cool ground
• Panting
• Submerging themselves in water

It might be known as the Sunflower State, but Kansas also grows monster bucks by the bushel. More than 50,000 archers hunted deer there in 2014, harvesting nearly 27,000 whitetails. Of these, roughly 15,000 were bucks.

Archery season begins in mid-September and runs through December, providing plenty of time for hunters to identify and pattern deer carrying trophy antlers.

When most hunters think of Kansas, they picture unending flatlands. But the state actually has a surprisingly diverse topography, ranging from the Great Plains in the West to the Smoky Hills in the center, to the Flint Hills and Arkansas River Lowlands in the southern and eastern reaches.

“There are fertile soils and a good mix of natural vegetation and croplands that provide deer with ample nutrition,” explains Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism deer biologist Lloyd Fox. “The state also has many acres of tall grass and CRP fields [Conservation Reserve Program] that provide perfect fawning areas.”

Kansas has long had a reputation for growing monster bucks – and for good reason. The No. 6 and No. 8 non-typicals in Pope & Young both came from here.

At 264 1/8 inches, Dale Larson’s non-typical has occupied the top of the Kansas records since 1998. Dale arrowed the buck during the rut in Pottawatomie County, one of the top counties for big deer. This giant, widely known as “Dagger,” has 31 points, an impressive 24 2/8-inch inside spread, and a long, spiraling drop tine.

Three years after that buck fell, Brad Henry of Topeka bagged a typical state record scoring 193 7/8 inches. Brad was hunting in Wabaunsee County when the largest deer he’d ever laid eyes on walking within bow range. The buck is currently No. 13 in P&Y.

Just about every county in the state has produced at least one P&Y buck. Many have produced dozens. The counties with the most all-time entries include Butler (129), Barber (107), Comanche (87), Greenwood (74) and Sumner (73).

But what’s happened recently? Entries made from 2010 until now reveal bowhunters in the eastern and south-central parts of Kansas are taking the most P&Ys.

In that time span, Bourbon and Marshall counties have produced the most (17 each), with Kingman (16), Comanche and Pottawatomie (14 each), Barber (13), Butler and Coffey (12 each) not far behind. In all of these counties, adequate escape cover, ample nutrition and low hunter densities combine to provide ideal behemoth buck prospects.

“Anywhere in the eastern third of the state has potential for producing a buck that breaks the (state) record,” says Marvin Whitehead, president of the Kansas Bowhunters Association. “I green score for a lot of guys who have no intention of entering their buck into the record books, so there are a lot more trophies taken than hunters realize.”

Despite the fact more than 95 percent of the state is privately owned, there are some good options for public bowhunting. In northeastern Kansas, Tuttle Creek’s 12,000 acres of walk-in hunting provide plenty of room to find mature whitetails. This area is prone to flooding in the fall, creating temporary islands where big bucks like to hide out.

Also, the 7,684-acre Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area to the southeast is a public-land whitetail haven. Thick wetlands and oak and hickory stands give deer there cover and food.

With some areas having experienced herd decline as a result of drought and/or epizootic hemorrhagic disease several years ago, it shouldn’t have much overall effect on 2015 prospects, according to Lloyd Fox. But there figures to be some tweaking.

“We will make some minor adjustments in shortening or eliminating antlerless-only seasons in some units, and reduce the number of antlerless permits in other units,” he notes.

Kenny Fowler Buck

Taken in south-central Kansas, Kenny Fowler’s 23-point monster buck is a spectacular whitetail that demonstrates the state’s trophy potential. Check out this Big Buck Profile segment from NAW TV:

For updated deer-hunting rules and regulations, including information on seasons, bag limits and quotas, visit the KDWP website. For more information on P&Y bucks taken in Kansas and the rest of North America, check out pope-young.org.

One bitter cold January morning, I found myself in the duck blind of a good friend, an older gentleman with the title to a prime piece of Pamlico Sound saltmarsh. About mid-day, my breakfast was wearing thin, and I wondered aloud if there were any snacks to be had. My pal pointed me to a cooler in the stern of the boat. It’s loaded, he said. Help yourself. I opened up the lid. Inside I found a bag of chips, a jar of salsa, and enough canned beanie weenies for a small expeditionary force. Perhaps you have never wondered what ice-cold beanie weenies taste like in a 22-degree saltmarsh. Methinks you never should.

I thought of that day this past spring as I was loading up for a quick, two-day canoe camping trip along the Roanoke River. I’d volunteered to handle dinner duties, so I knew what sort of food would be desired. The cooler held 24 dove breast fillets, fresh Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, chopped parsley, and other things rarely found in a two-man canoe. My buddy, Scott, was packing breakfast. I didn’t know what he had up his sleeve. But I knew Scott…and I knew it wasn’t instant grits and Pop Tarts. If I’m cooking breakfast, he’d told me earlier, then make sure you pack plenty of stove fuel. I could feel my arteries hardening already.

So here are some recipes to take your shore lunches and riverside dinners to a new level. They’re easy. A few call for wild game, but you can substitute your favorite cuts of meat. Most can be prepared with a single skillet, and all are designed for a backpacking stove. These recipes will make you forget all about beanie weenies.

DOVES CARBONARA

On my last canoe-camping trip, we feasted on this little bit of Italy deep in the swampwoods of eastern North Carolina. The hardest part about cooking this dish is not eating the dove breast fillets right out of the pan.

• One dozen dove breasts, filleted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 ounces uncooked, thin spaghetti noodles
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup milk
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

AT HOME: Fillet dove breasts, and place in plastic baggie. Chop parsley. Break eggs, and combine with milk; store in small water bottle.

IN THE FIELD: Cook spaghetti noodles and drain. Melt butter in large nonstick skillet. Sauté dove breasts and minced garlic for one minute. Reduce heat to low, and stir in noodles, cheese, parsley, and pepper. Pour egg-milk mixture over noodles, and cook about four minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.

NO SWEAT ASIAN VENISON

This is a one-pan wonder. It’s cheap, easy, filling, and fast, and makes its way to my home table a couple of times a month in various interpretations. Replace the venison with shrimp and the beef-flavored noodles with shrimp-flavored noodles, and have an entirely different taste.

• 12 ounces uncooked, thin spaghetti noodles
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup milk
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound venison, cut into strips
• 2 teaspoons dark sesame oil, divided
• 1 12-ounce package of broccoli slaw
• 1 cup sliced green onion
• 2 packages of beef-flavored ramen noodle soup
• 1 ½ cups water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

AT HOME: Slice green onions into half-inch pieces. Slice tenderloin into thin slices.IN THE FIELD: Heat one teaspoon sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; add venison and onions, and sauté about one minute. Remove to a separate plate. Heat remaining oil until hot; add broccoli slaw, stir-fry one minute. Add to plate with venison and onions. Add water to skillet and bring to a boil. Add noodles from both packages and seasoning packet from one package. Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring frequently. Stir in venison, onions, and slaw, add soy sauce and combine.

FISH FRIED RICE

Stir-frying cold rice prevents the grains from clumping. Add to the mix bite-sized chunks of fresh fish—the firmer the flesh, the better—and here’s a meal you can cook in one pot quickly. Use 1½ pounds of fish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces.

• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon minced ginger root
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 cup canned peas
• 1/3 cup green onions, sliced
• 2 packages boil-in-bag rice, chilled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 eggs

AT HOME: Mince ginger root, and mix with red pepper and soy sauce; store in small plastic bottle. Chop parsley. Chop green onions into ¼-inch pieces. Cook rice, then store in plastic baggies.IN THE FIELD: Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Stir-fry fish fillets one minute. Add peas and onions, stir-fry 2 minutes. Add soy sauce, stir well, and remove the fish mixture from pan. Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil, and add the rice and chopped parsley. Stir-fry one minute. Scrape mixture away from center of pan, leaving a softball-sized hole. Add eggs and scramble. Mix with rice and fish.

CHOPPED DUCK SANDWICHES IN CHERRY BARBECUE SAUCE

I first tried these sandwiches during the peak of the striper run on the Roanoke River. Almost forgot to fish. This is an excellent barbecue sauce for chicken, so make a double portion and freeze the leftovers. You can find the ancho chilies in specialty food stores and fine grocery stores.

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/3 cup dried tart cherries
• 1/8 cup water
• 1 ½ tablespoons molasses
• 1 large dried ancho chili pepper
• 1 garlic clove
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• pinch of ground cloves
• 2 pounds duck meat, chopped
• 4 large kaiser rolls

AT HOME: Grill or sauté duck breasts or whole ducks, then chop the meat. Remove stem and seeds from ancho chili pepper. Combine all ingredients (except for duck) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce head to medium-low, cover, and simmer until cherries are tender (about 20 minutes). Let cool, then puree the mixture in a blender. If needed, return sauce to pan, and simmer uncovered until sauce thickens to consistency of tomato-based barbecue sauce. Add chopped duck.IN THE FIELD: Load up the buns and eat.

CAJUN FISH WRAPS WITH SLAW

This is easier than falling off a mossy log. To make it even easier, buy cole slaw from your grocer, but you’ll miss the apple punch of the cider vinegar. A great thing about wrap sandwiches is that you can eat them with one hand, leaving the other hand free to grab a rod and set the hook.WRAPS

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons Cajun seasoning powder
• 4 half-pound fish fillets
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 8-inch flour tortillas

SLAW

• 3 ½ cups thinly sliced red or green cabbage
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 ½ tablespoons cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sugar

AT HOME: Make the slaw by combining all four ingredients in a bowl, cover, and chill in a plastic baggie.IN THE FIELD: Catch fish, fillet fish. Mix flour and Cajun powder in a plastic baggie, add fillets one at a time, and shake until covered. Melt butter in a skillet, and sauté fillets until done. Place one fillet in a flour tortilla, top with slaw, roll up and eat.

GRILLED VENISON TENDERLOIN SANDWICHES WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO MAYONNAISE

Cold, thinly sliced venison is the finest sandwich meat ever made. I’ve packed these sandwiches into duck blinds and on paddle trips for years. One of the secrets is good bread. I don’t know what’s better—the sandwiches, or the looks on the faces of my pals as they stare into yet another PB&J.

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup Italian dressing
• 1 to 1 ½ pound venison tenderloin
• 4 tablespoons prepared sun-dried tomato pesto, such as Bella Cucina
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 8 leaves Romaine lettuce
• 8 slices onion
• 4 hearty grain sandwich rolls or 8 slices of bread such as sunflower or nut grain

AT HOME: Combine pesto and mayonnaise; store in refrigerator. Combine soy sauce and Italian dressing; marinate tenderloin overnight. Slice onions into 8 thick slices, with all rings intact. Grill tenderloin and onion rings. Prepare each sandwich with: sliced tenderloin, 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato mayonnaise, and two onion slices. Place lettuce leaves in separate plastic baggie.IN THE FIELD: Add lettuce to sandwiches. Keep an eye on the bobber.

March 18, 2015

Kari:

Finer salt works best. Alum (aluminium sulfate) is a pickling compound that can be found in bulk at feed stores. I like it for bunnies because other methods of tanning such thin hides have resulted in a lot of work for semi-softened product. I recommend trying various methods to see which you like best!

1. Mix 1 cup salt + 1 cup alum + 2 gallons of H2O

Use 5-10 bunny hides, case skinned, fur side in and no de-membrane necessary. Case skinned means you pull off the skin like a sock. The membrane is the layer that holds the skin to flesh. The middle, the layer we want to work with, is an epidermis layer. The part that holds the fur to the skin is called the grain.

Soak hides for 2 days, stirring twice a day to make sure all folds get equal access to solution.

2. After 2 days, take out bunnies and squeeze solution from them back in to bucket- save solution! Peel off membrane (non-fur side). It is easiest to start at the bottom near the rump. Peel off all that you can- the hard work will pay off, the easiest time to peel this stuff off is now. Peel until pure white under-layer is exposed. A rule of thumb is peel until there is nothing left that can peel. The neck is usually the thickest and hardest to work.

Feed membrane to pigs!

3. After adding another 1 cup salt + 1 cup alum to the previously used solution, put bunnies back in solution. The bunnies need more of these compounds because they’ve probably already soaked up most of what you had put in the previous solution. So stir, and add bunnies back in.

4. I’ve found it best to let bunnies soak (stirring twice a day) for 5-6 days. I’ve been using frozen bunny hides mainly, so maybe that makes a difference, but I have found that hair tends to shed around 7+ days. The book says 7 days, so use your own judgement. Take out bunnies, toss solution, rinse, soap, and repeat the washing process again. Hides should be fur side out at this point. I think most soaps are good, I’ve used pine tar and dish soap before, and both seemed to work fine. Get all solution and soap out by the time you are done.

5. At this point you have some options. You can string the bunnies, hair side in, and let them dry and wait for a convenient time to work them. Or, keep them moist for a few days while you work them in batches. I recommend working 2-3 at a time, maybe more if you get a system down.

If you decide to work on a few now, then part hair down the middle of the belly and cut to make one flat hide. I part the hair to reduce the trimming of long hairs along the edge. Cutting along the belly is a good and common rule, but if you have a hole in the hide you might choose to cut a line including the hole to reduce holes in the main body of your hide.

6. I have found it useful to drip dry bunnies overnight and allow them to become a bit tacky before stretching. Stretching really wet hides doesn’t do much good and creates opportunity for ripping.

If you want to sew up any holes, do it before the stretching process with a tiny needle and trimming the corners of the hole to create an even surface when the hide is flat. Any thread should do, stronger the better probably.

7. So now is the fun part! You can stretch the hide all kinds of ways- between your hands, using your knees, over the back of a chair or on a corner. Get the middle and the edges, keeping a close eye on what seems to be drying and work it to keep it supple. If some part (usually an edge) is hard or yellow, give it a firm but gentle pull to release it into opening up. It will turn soft and pure white. I like to work the middle on the chair or a corner, as well as giving sharp pulls with my hands. Careful! Bunnies do rip. And it will happen. So test your boundaries and learn at what stage is best for what kind of stretching.

8. You will find out just how much time is needed in babysitting your hides. They don’t need to be stretched every minute, just keep an eye on them. When they are fully dry, give them a good shake and roughing up. It will help loosen things a bit. While drying keep at a cool or neutral temperature. Don’t heat or put by fire! They get crunchy! Sometimes it takes me 2 days to let a hide dry. Just let it take its time, it’s worth it!

I wrote a little ditty on harvest day of these rabbits. Warning: graphic content.

Bowtech Archery and Mathews Archery are two of the top competitors in the bow market. They are both known for their presence in the field of bow technology innovation and for developing some of the best bows out there.

Since both of these brands are on the high-end scale, you will definitely find the quality and the performance you’re looking for. There are many archers all over who are dedicated consumers to both these brands, and both brands have a reputation for having high-value products.

If you’ve heard about these two companies from your friends, teachers, etc., and you’re wanting to get a bow from one of these companies, it may be difficult understanding the differences between these two brands.

So I put a list together of 11 Pros and Cons to Help You Decide if you want to purchase a Bowtech or a Mathews bow. We’ll discuss a certain category of a factor that is important to consider before making your purchase, and talk about which brand is the winner of the category.

This will be kind of like a Battle of the Bands, but this time a Battle of the Bows: featuring Bowtech Archery and Mathews Archery.

Let the games begin!

Origins of Bowtech

So before things start to get bloody, let’s talk a little bit about each of our opponents for this competition.

Our first opponent, Bowtech, was established in 1999 by Kevin Strother and John Strasheim, and their first bow model was released in 2000, which was received with increased orders and archers who were hungry for more.

“Refuse to Follow,”

– The Bowtech company motto

Headquartered in Eugene, Oregon, since their first bow model release, Bowtech has grown to be one of the top bow manufacturers in the world, with 300 workers at their main facility and is the parent company to several other smaller bow manufacturers, like Diamond Archery, Stryker Crossbows, Excalibur Crossbows, etc.

Bowtech prides themselves on making all of their products right here in America, and supporting American industry as well as maintaining world-class design in their bows.

Origins of Mathews

The second competitor in the Battle of the Bows, Mathews Archery, was created in 1992 by Matt McPherson in Austin, Minnesota. McPherson grew up as a kid loving archery, and often because he was too poor to buy one for himself, he created bows that he could shoot when he was in ten years old!

When Mathews Archery was established in 1992, no one could’ve imagined that this small business would become one of the world’s best bow manufacturers, and a leader in bow technology as well.

Now located in Sparta, Wisconsin, Mathews Archery strives to keep themselves always improving and bettering their company and their products for their customers.

Quick Comparison Between Bowtech and Mathews

Check out our Archery Page For More Great Content!

1. Innovation

Bowtech Bows

Bowtech is known for being one of the best when it comes to creating new bow technology. Bowtech has over 20 different patents for different technologies, including one of their most famous technologies, the Binary Cam system.

The Binary Cam System was patented in 2007 by the company’s research and development director, Craig Yehle. The Binary Cam System is related to the pulley system in the compound bow, and the Binary Cam System features two cams at the top of the pulley system that are stuck together.

This revolutionary Binary Cam System changed the way that dual cam systems were seen, as it eliminated almost all the disadvantages that a dual cam system had because of the desynchronization of the two cams, while still preserving the speed and quality that the cams provide to your shot.

In fact, this innovation was so revolutionary that it was added to the list of the most important evolutions in bow technology history.

Because of the vast amount of technologies that Bowtech has brought to the archery manufacturing world, it has created a name and a reputation for itself by being one of the most influential and one of the best.

Mathews Bows

While not as many as Bowtech, but tying closely around 18 different patents, Mathews Archery has also brought a number of new bow technologies to the archery manufacturing table. The most famous of all of these is the Solocam.

The Solocam, if you can guess, is the complete opposite of a dual cam system and the Binary Cam System developed by Bowtech. The Solocam is a single cam system for compound bows, and it provides a more accurate shot while having a lighter bow and making the shot significantly quieter.

While the Solocam system is not as fast as the Binary Cam System is, the Binary Cam is also louder and heavier than the Solocam system.

Mathews continues to produce new technologies that make their bows better and better.

Winner: Bowtech

While the companies created around the same number of patents, Bowtech has more of a reputation and more impact on the archery world because of their technologies, like the Binary Cam System.

Although this one was a close one, and it can be difficult to say which company has better technology, it can also depend on what you’re looking for for a bow. You may prefer a quieter bow rather than a fast bow, but that’s up to your own personal opinion.

2. Accuracy

Bowtech Bows

Bowtech prides itself on being on “an entire company obsessed with accuracy,” so you would imagine that the accuracy of their products is something that they take into careful consideration.

Bowtech tests every bow before they sell it at retail stores or ship it to their consumers. They also specialize in their bows having dual cam systems and being some of the best with the patented Binary Cam System.

Because the majority of Bowtech’s bows are dual cams with the Binary Cam System installed, they add extra weight to the bow and therefore add more power and speed into the shot.

In addition to the weighted dual cams, in the case of the new Realm SR6 and Realm SS, a front-heavy draw cycle is also included, which makes the bow have even more power, and thus increased accuracy.

Most archers know that heavier bows make for fewer mistakes and better accuracy, as the heaviness of the bow automatically corrects little miscalculations and therefore increases the likelihood for a well-aimed hit.

With the emphasis on accuracy and power, in their bows, Bowtech really does a great job assuring their customers of a bow that guaranteed not to disappoint.

Mathews Bows

Mathews Archery generally specializes in single cam bows, with their specially created and patented Solocam technology. With the release of the recent Vertix, the new Engage grip was developed to increase comfort and to reduce the risk of bow torque.

Mathews also hand-tests each of their bows countless times before they are released to the public and sent to their consumers. So you can rest assured that your purchase will result in satisfaction.

The technology unique to the Mathews company is the Solocam technology, which makes a bow more light, compact, and accurate despite its weight.

Many archers still love and cherish their Mathews bows, as they know that the bow will bring them the results that they desire.

Winner: Bowtech

Since one of Bowtech’s priorities is to provide their consumers with a bow that has pinpoint accuracy, you can see that they follow through with their promises. The unique Binary Cam System technology makes the likelihood of an accurate shot even higher with it’s added weight.

When the newly released Realm SR6 and the Realm SS were tested by Outdoor Life, the Realm SR6 was rated as “excellent”, while the Mathews Vertix was rated only as “very good”.

While Mathews bows are still great and accurate enough for most, some people still struggle with the single cam system and making their shots accurate with the usage of it.

Since Bowtech is a “company obsessed with accuracy,” it’s no surprise that their bows are some of the most accurate out there.

3. Speediest Bow

Bowtech Bows

This year Bowtech came out with the Realm SR6 and the Realm SS. The Realm SR6 is this year’s newest speed bow and is nothing to sneeze at. The advertised IBO speed for this bow was 352 feet per second, making it a very impressive bow.

Although the Realm SS was technically created for a really smooth and silky draw, however, it’s still incredibly fast, with a speed of 336 feet per second.

The famous Binary Cam system makes the bows have a much faster shot as well, as it produces more power, so bows that employ this technology are likely to be the most speedy.

Mathews Bows

Mathews new bow that has everyone buzzing this year is the Vertix. Last year Mathews released the Triax, which also had the archery community abuzz with its state-of-the-art technology and speed.

However, the Vertix is the new and improved version of the Triax, and it has an impressive IBO speed of 343 fps. The Vertix is also supposed to have a really smooth and comfortable draw while still preserving the speed of the bow.

Winner: Bowtech

If you consider the official speeds of the two newest bows from Mathews and Bowtech, then you’ll notice that even though it’s a close call, that the Bowtech’s newest Realm SR6 comes out on top. Both companies have great bows for speed, but my call for this round is Bowtech.

4. Costs

Bowtech Bows

While the Realm SS and the Realm SR6 are priced at around $1,099 each, these two bows are not the most expensive out of all of the Bowtech bows. Since the company is a world-class bow manufacturer and producer, they often have an expensive price tag attached to their products.

For example, the Bowtech Reckoning Compound Bow, which has come out this year as well, features the Deadlock technology but ranges in price from $1,399-$1,499. Many of their finest bows are in the $1,000 range, although they also offer cheaper options from them as well as their other companies.

However, Bowtech is a parent company for Diamond Archery, which is a much cheaper option for bows and other equipment, which can vary from the $200-400 range to the $500-700 range.

The company offers fine products, and that often includes with it a higher price that comes with the quality.

Mathews Bows

As for the Mathews Vertix, having been newly released this year, the price of the bow is retailed for and advertised for $999. The Vertix is actually priced on the higher side of Mathews products!

Generally, you can find a decent bow from Mathews starting from the $200-400 range to the $700-900 range. Although still technically considered a high-end bow, the bows that Mathews Archery offers normally don’t go higher than $1000 a piece.

Winner: Mathews

I’m sure that there are some people out there who are willing to spend thousands of dollars on their equipment, but I think that for most people, spending over $1,000 on a bow going to hurt in the wallet.

So for us normal people who are trying to manage a budget, the bows offered at Mathews Archery are a more economical option.

5. Comfort

Bowtech Bows

Bowtech newest and most impressive bows released this year have undoubtedly been the Realm SR6 and the Realm SS. With thousands of raving reviews, the Realm SR6 and the Realm SS have been the results of many efforts to make the best bow that Bowtech could make.

But as for comfort, the Realm SS is really the fruits of Bowtech’s efforts. With the Realm SR6 as the speed bow counterpart, the Realm SS is supposed to be the bow with the most comfort and ease. The SS in the bow’s name even means “super smooth.”

The most noticeable feature of the Realm SS that makes it so special is the draw curve of the bow’s draw cycle. Often when you are drawing a speed-bow, there is a hump or a hill that you have to go over in the draw cycle, where you have to exert a little more force to be able to get the bow at full draw.

However, with the Realm SS, the draw curve is super smooth, as the name says, and has virtually no hump whatsoever. This makes the shooting experience much more enjoyable and easier for the shooter.

Although let’s not ignore the Realm SR6. It still has a very comfortable draw cycle and easy draw curve, but the Realm SS is what really takes the cake.

Mathews Bows

At Mathews Archery, the company has a philosophy of out-doing itself every time it releases a new product. In the promotion video for this year’s new Vertix, you hear an explanation from Matt McPherson, CEO of the company, talking about the vibration of the bow.

He says that every year they started with a certain amount of vibration in their bows, and referred it to being like a whole piece of a paper. Each year, the company strives to halve the vibration, just like tearing the paper in half. Eventually, the vibration that they have left ends up being tiny!

So you can figure with that sort of imagery that the company has really strived to make their bows the most comfortable ones out there. And the Vertix is a product of that dedication to have the most comfortable bow.

With 20% less vibration than that of the popular Triax released last year, bowhunters and archers everywhere that the Vertix has the best amount of vibration since the Triax.

Outdoor Life says that the Vertix “was completely dead in the hand when shooting,” and that the new Engage grip “provide(s) a more comfortable feel,” to the bow.

Winner: Mathews

With the release of the new Vertix this year, Mathews has really upped their game when it comes to making their products more and more comfortable for their consumers and making their experience more enjoyable.

While Bowtech has also improved their game when it comes to comfort with the improvement of their draw cycles, Mathews has really outdone themselves this time.

6. Ability to Fix

Bowtech Bows

Bowtech bows are known as some of the best quality bows on the current market. They have a lifetime warranty on all of their products, and that includes the free fixing of their products if there are any issues due to workmanship or materials.

If you register your bow with the company, as long as the bow was not sold over the Internet, then you automatically qualify for a lifetime warranty on your bow.

If you ever experience any problems with your bow, again, due to the workmanship or materials of the bow, you can contact your local dealer, who will examine your bow and determine if your bow needs to be sent back to the company, or if it can be fixed by parts sent to the dealer.

If there are indeed problems that require the bow being sent back, the company will fix it for free. All information should be available through the Diamond or Bowtech dealer.

Mathews Bows

As for Mathews Archery, if you register your bow online or through your retailer within the first year of purchase, you are also qualified for a limited lifetime warranty on your bow.

If you have any problems with your bow, then you can contact the nearest retailer and work with them to fix your bow. The company will provide parts and/or instructions in order to fix any problems you need, although independent retailers might be subject to charge you for their services.

This does not include any damage that comes from the bow being used or mishandled, and only includes certain portions of the bow, hence which is why the lifetime warranty is limited.

Winner: Both!

Both Mathews and Bowtech have very similar processes when it comes to fixing problems with your bow. If the bow is damaged due to the building process or the materials the company used, then the company can help you with the process of getting your bow fixed.

7. Versatility

Bowtech Bows

Bowtech specializes mainly in compound bows, and also owns another company called Stryker Archery and Excalibur Crossbows which, like their names, are crossbow-producing companies.

If you are looking for a recurve bow it’s best to stop right here, because Bowtech doesn’t make them.

Their website displays their main products, bows and accessories, but it fails to guide the complete beginner to what bow they will want and need for their specific purposes.

So while they do offer a variety of different products to choose from, and own a couple of compound bow companies, it’s hard to say that the company offers a versatile, as well as easy to understand guide for their consumers looking to make a purchase.

Mathews Bows

Sorry recurve archers, Mathews also only sells compound bows and owns a company that sells crossbows. But Mathews does a really good job organizing their bows and providing versatility in their products, which makes purchases and options for purchases easier for customers to identify.

If you access their website, when you click on the bows section, sections for hunters and competitive archers will pop up. You can go from there based on your primary reasons for purchasing a bow, and it will display options that are recommended for you.

In addition to that, there is also a bow builder that enables you to customize and create a custom-made bow, just for you! This can make a bow that has more meaning and is adapted to your tastes!

Not to mention, their new Vertix includes a new Switchweight technology, which basically means that you can switch your draw weight on the bow with the simple twist of a few screws and adjusting the weights on the bows themselves to address a wide range of archers.

Winner: Mathews

Bowtech has a lot of products to choose from, but Mathews nails it when it comes to providing options and customizations for your bow. They are the winners when it comes to providing versatile products for their consumers.

8. Altogether Quality

Bowtech Bows

While Bowtech is one of the top brands in the market, in recent years there has been a multitude of limb failure complaints by various consumers.

Most of these complaints have been about limbs breaking or coming to them in really poor form, or shattering through a couple of shots.

Although it seems like there are fewer complaints by consumers as of late, so it may be possible that Bowtech has fixed whatever the problem with the limbs was, but there still is that history of limb failure within the company’s products.

Bowtech still offers some of the best, most high-quality products, and many archers are very happy with them.

Mathews Bows

Mathews Archery has preserved a good reputation of high-quality products through their career. Like most bow manufacturing companies, Mathews Archery has had its share of limb failure complaints.

However, they are far and few in between, as Mathews strives to make their products the most reliable and of the highest quality.

Winner: Mathews

Both of these companies work their best to make sure that their products are of the highest quality and reliability, however, perhaps because of the more wide-spread accessibility, Bowtech has had more complaints of technical difficulties with their bows.

Mathews reputation, as well as their priority on quality products, has really been something that makes them stand out in the market, as well as prove that price doesn’t always mean the best quality.

9. Weight of Bows

Bowtech Bows

Bowtech is known for their Binary Cam System, which unifies the synchronization of dual cam systems and adds more weight to their bows so as to add more power.

So you would think that their bows are heavier than most, right?

Actually, the Realm SR6 and the Realm SS are only 4.3 lbs.

Surprising right? I thought so too.

Mathews Bows

Mathews Archery is known for their unique Solocam technology, which makes it so the cams on their compound bows are singular, and thus is supposed to provide a lighter, more comfortable experience for the archer.

However, if we’re comparing the Realm SR6 and the Realm SS, then we find that the newly released Vertix is actually heavier. It’s not by much, but the Vertix is actually 4.67 lbs.

Winner: Bowtech

Although a little unexpected, for the purposes of this article, the winner of lighter weight bows is Bowtech. Now, this might not be the case for all of the Bowtech bows and all of the Mathews bows, but if we compare the current best two bows that the companies have to offer, Bowtech wins.

And this could be a good thing or a bad thing based on how you look at it. Some archers might want a heavier bow, and some might want a lighter bow. You decide.

10. Great Customer Service

Bowtech Bows

Bowtech is known to have an excellent customer service group, that cares about their customers and is very helpful to those who are seeking it. They provide a website with FAQ and information for any problems you might be experiencing.

There are very few complaints about their customer service and they will take care of any problems you might be experiencing.

Mathews Bows

Mathews Archery, however, has a core value of putting people first before anything. They focus on making sure that they take care of their employees in their company. They dedicate themselves to creating a happy customer base by creating the best products in the market.

Mathews puts a lot of effort in making sure that when they are developing a product, they think about the people and the customers they’re making it for.

Winner: Mathews

With a company like Mathews dedicated to valuing the people in their lives more than anything, you know that Mathews will for sure take care of you as their valued customer.

11. Design

Bowtech Bows

This year’s new release of the Realm SR6 and the SS were both beautiful models. The models were both super sleek and come in a variety of different colors to choose from. The models also come with two different settings to choose from, Performance or Comfort.

The grip is minimalist and low profile, and also comes in a variety of colors to choose from. The overall design is simple and elegant, with customizable features as well.

Mathews Bows

The newest Vertix has more of a boxy body and is a lot sturdier than the Realm SR6 and the Realm SS are. Some people don’t like the boxy limbs and build of the Vertix, but it’s up to your own preferences.

The Engage grip is also a little bulky, and stands out a little more, but is incredibly comfortable. The design of the Switchweight technology makes it simpler to change your draw weight on your bow.

Winner: Bowtech

This is more of a matter of personal preference than anything, but I thought that the Realm SR6 and the Realm SS was a more attractive model than the Vertix. I like the minimalist look, and I like how you can choose different settings based on your personal feelings.

And our final score is: 5 to 5!

Since there was technically a tie in the Ability to Fix category, Mathews Archery and Bowtech tie in my book!

So while there are so many things that differentiate the two companies, both Mathews and Bowtech are individually great companies. And a lot of this is based upon personal opinion and preference, so you decide!

If you are considering a Bowtech bow, you might want to check out our other comparison posts:

• Bowtech vs PSE Bows
• BowTech vs. Diamond Bows
• Bowtech vs. Hoyt Bows
• Bowtech vs Bear Bows

Best Mathews Bows

I wish I could tell you which Mathews bow is best, but the answer is going to change depending on who you ask and what they are using it for. It’s very subjective. Even so, their top selling bows are as follows…

• Mathews VXR Series: This series is renowned for their speed and accuracy and are best sellers to hunters, as well as target shooters.
• Mathews Traverse: The Traverse has outstanding performance, and is very similar to the Halon 7.
• Mathews Triax: The Triax is known for its compact design and quietness, which makes it a favorite among hunters who need a maneuverable and stealthy bow.
• Mathews Vertix: Offering a combination of speed, accuracy, and forgiveness, the Vertix is another popular choice for both hunting and target shooting.
• Mathews Halon X: The Halon X series is known for its speed and power, making it a great choice for those who value arrow velocity.

Best Bowtech Bows

The Carbon One is Bowtech’s first flagship carbon bow. It boasts Bowtech’s renowned DeadLock Cam System, which simplifies cam adjustments for precision tuning.

Another innovative feature of the Carbon One incorporates Flip Disc Technology to effectively grant you the versatility of two distinct bows in one. You have the choice between Performance and Comfort settings on the mods, enabling a customized draw experience.

Bowtech’s primary goal was to engineer the smoothest draw with minimal vibration in a carbon bow. Achieving this, the cleverly designed riser, complemented by Orbit Dampeners and Dual Lock Pockets, effectively nullifies any vibrations during the shot, enhancing the overall shooting experience.

Two other popular Bowtech bows are the following…

• Bowtech Revolt: Known for its smooth draw cycle and accuracy, the Bowtech Revolt was a favorite among both hunters and target shooters.
• Bowtech Realm X: This model was appreciated for its versatility, with a good balance of speed and shootability, making it suitable for various archery disciplines.

Optimal Draw Length For Your Mathews or Bowtech Bow

There’s a general guideline for determining suitable draw lengths based on your height.

It’s important to note that these guidelines are approximate, as not all individuals of the same height will have identical wingspans. However, if you’re looking for a starting point, the following table provides a helpful reference for the range you should consider:

• Height: 4’8″ – 5’0″ -> Approximate Draw Length: 23″ – 24″
• Height: 5’0″ – 5’4″ -> Approximate Draw Length: 24″ – 25.6″
• Height: 5’4″ – 5’8″ -> Approximate Draw Length: 25.6″ – 27.6″
• Height: 5’8″ – 6’0″ -> Approximate Draw Length: 27.6″ – 28.6″
• Height: 6’0″ – 6’4″ -> Approximate Draw Length: 28.6″ – 30.6″
• Height: 6’4″ – 6’8″ -> Approximate Draw Length: 30.6″ – 32″

It’s essential to remember that if your personal measurements don’t align precisely with this chart, it doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong. It’s wise to recheck all your measurements and, ideally, try out various draw lengths to determine the one that feels most comfortable and effective for you, rather than relying solely on what you’ve been advised.

With the correct draw length, you’ll be well on your way to enhancing your archery experience.”