This elk sausage recipe is a great way to enjoy a healthy, protein-packed and delicious meal. Whether you are an experienced or new hunter – or if you bought elk at the store: you’ve come to the right place to find a recipe for elk breakfast sausage patties!
Making elk sausages is easy with this recipe because they are in patty form. This means you don’t have to buy hog casings or have fancy sausage stuffing equipment!
Elk are one of the largest types of deer, making it a wild game meat that is similar to venison.
This meat is growing in popularity because it is nutritious and lean. The first time I tried elk I bought it as ground meat and cooked it for tacos; I loved how it wasn’t as greasy as ground beef and it had such a mild, clean and almost a sweet taste!
You can substitute elk with ground venison or even ground beef in this recipe, but the cooking process will be a bit different because of the amount of fat. We suggest carefully monitoring the sausage patties on the stove with whichever meat you decide to cook.
Health Benefits of Elk Meat:
Compared to regular beef, elk has about half the fat and more protein. It is high in B vitamins, zinc and healthy types of fat. Most farm raised elk are able to free range and have a varied diet including many different types of plant material. Make sure to look up the company and ensure they are a good farm if you are purchasing meat from the store, confirming you are buying a high-quality product.
While we don’t think many types of animal fats are bad for you (if you are eating grass-fed, grass-finished red meat and organic, pasture-raised poultry), we do think it is easy to have too much fat when eating a diet that includes animal products. For example, we include butter and cream in our diet, so we often get plenty of fat from dairy products. Having a lean meat option is a nice way to help balance the appropriate amounts of fats, carbohydrates and proteins in a meal.
Elk hunted from the wild:
As we are not hunting professionals, we don’t have instructions for how to properly skin or butcher wild game. There are many resources for this online! This recipe calls for ground meat which means you will need a good meat grinder or hand grinder if you haven’t bought it pre-ground. Once you have your ground meat, you can follow this easy recipe!
Storage:
You can freeze the prepared raw meat mixture in a non- BPA freezer bag or reusable silicone bag for up to 4 months. Make sure to seal the meat air tight to prevent freezer burn. Only keep the raw meat mixture in the refrigerator for 1-2 days in an airtight container or it will begin to spoil.
You can refrigerate the cooked sausage patties for up to 3 days by allowing them to cool to room temperature and sealing them in an airtight container or in a dish covered tightly with plastic wrap.
You can freeze cooked sausage patties by allowing them to cool to room temperature and sealing in a non-BPA freezer bag or reusable silicone bag for up to 4 months (again, sealing airtight to prevent freezer burn.)
Tips for Best results when cooking elk sausage:
Combine the dry spices in a small or medium bowl before adding the seasoning mixture to however many pounds of meat you are preparing. This will ensure your sausage seasonings will be uniform throughout your meat.
Fresh herbs can be used in place of dry by multiplying the quantity by 3. For example, instead of adding 1 teaspoon of dry thyme you can add 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme. We made this recipe in the winter so we only had dry herbs – but can’t wait to try this recipe with herbs from the garden in spring and summer!
Preheat the stove to medium heat and add butter until it begins to bubble before adding the sausage patties. This will allow better browning and less sticking.
You will want to turn the heat up to medium-high for proper browning but monitor the heat to ensure the sausages are not burning .
Carefully monitor the sausages when cooking: you don’t want to overcook these because the low amount of fat can cause the sausage to be quite dry if overly well-done.
We do not recommend using most “non-stick” pans as most have a coating made with toxic chemicals that can leach into your food. We suggest sticking with stainless steal or cast iron for cooking.
What to eat with Elk Breakfast sausage patties:
Enjoy these patties with the same sides you would normally eat with breakfast sausage. Sourdough flatbread, sourdough crepes or pancakes, crispy hash browns, sourdough bread toast with apple butter…
One of our favorite healthy side dishes for this recipe is sauteed apples in butter and maple syrup, topped with sour cream and a little cinnamon and nutmeg. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
*This is not medical advice
*None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA
Our Favorite Compound Bow Stabilizers from Mathews, Limbsaver, TRUGLO & More
Look at you, smart feller, searching for the next piece of the archery puzzle. Savvy hunters like you need the skinny on 2024’s best compound bow stabilizers for your hunting rig, and, by George, you’ve come to the right place. With hunting season fast approaching, get your bow dialed in now and not the week before the season starts.
Some sports, like football and golf, are a game of inches. The sport of hunting can be a game of millimeters. One smidge to the left, you hit the shoulder, wound your game, and it’s never to be seen again. Or, if shooter panic sets in and you float your pin too high, you may miss the vitals completely.
Situations like this are heartbreaking, which is why you need a good stabilizer to help steady your shot, increase accuracy, and extend your range. To help you find the best solution, I created this guide with 2024’s top options, from the best vibration dampening front stabs to the world’s elite front, back, and sidebars for increased balance.
The products on this list encompass a wide range from the who’s who of stabilizer brands like BeeStinger, Limbsaver, Mathews, CBE, Dead Center, and more. I’ve also included some friendly, affordable options for those hunting on a budget.
No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find something tailor-made for you on this list of 2024’s best compound bow stabilizers. Buckle up, and let’s get this show on the road.
Why Do You Need a Bow Stabilizer for Hunting?
Target archers have been using stabilizer bars to fine-tune their shots for a long time; I’m talking about the long and fancy contraptions you see extending as much as 30 inches from their bows. On the other hand, you’ve likely also seen shorter stabilizers on the front of hunting bows.
So, what’s the difference? In short, longer stabilizers are more focused on balancing your compound bow, which creates less pin float, and short stabilizers that come standard on hunting bows are more for vibration reduction than for balance.
You may wonder, why do I need a stabilizer when hunting? Why are some people using longer stabilizers and more complex front, back, and sidebars when hunting? Which type of stabilizer is going to work best for me?
If you’re asking these questions and are a bit newer to the sport, here are some important concepts you need to understand before purchasing a stabilizer:
Standard Front Stabilizers for Compound Bows
Best Overall Bee Stinger MicroHex
Lengths: 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″ Materials: Lightweight counterveil carbon Weights: Three 1 oz weights included
“No games, no gimmicks.” That’s how Bee Stinger promotes their stabs. They’ve tapped into the minds of their customers and learned one valuable lesson that second-rate pretenders never seem to understand: hunters want their archery gear to function as advertised.
The MicroHex line is their most popular stabilizer to date because it has everything a hunter needs to customize their setup to their specific needs and style. The weights stay snug where you want them to and can be adjusted easily to balance your shot.
I like BeeStinger’s MicroHex for two main reasons. First, they make their rods with cutting-edge materials with counter-veil anti-vibration carbon used in fighter jets. Second, their mounting studs have teeth that forcefully clamp down when screwed to your compound bow. A solid fit prevents slop and creates a rigid and seamless energy distribution throughout your shot.
Best High-End Mathews Flatline
Lengths: 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″ Materials: High modulus carbon fiber, stainless steel machined weights Weights: Comes with one 1-oz weight, but you can purchase more here
If you’re shooting a flagship bow, and want maximum performance during the process, grab this top-notch stabilizer from Mathews. Many users claim there’s no better tech on the market.
The Flatline is made from ultralightweight carbon fiber that utilizes the industry’s top anti-vibration and noise-dampening technology. When you combine this feature with Mathews’ patented harmonic dampener — which spools extra energy during your shot and then releases it at the perfect moment of inertia — you’ve got one Steady Eddie on your hands.
Mathews markets this professional tool for any type of shooter, whether experienced, novice, or somewhere in between. It’s compatible with a v-bar bracket and can customize weights for your exact needs. The different ways you can mod this stabilizer to your setup are endless, and if it’s in your budget, you should consider it seriously.
Top-Notch New Product for 2024 Axcel Archery Antler Ridge
Lengths: 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″ Materials: Ultra-high carbon, cutting-edge flax material Weights: Four 1 oz weights included + 1 oz dampener on the end
Stabilizers are only as good as the materials they’re made from. Axcel Archery’s newest line is made from the latest and greatest technology and is designed meticulously to set itself apart in an otherwise flooded marketplace.
The Antler Ridge is the only stab on the market to feature Axcel Archery’s all-new Flax material, which has never been seen in the world of stabilizers. Flax is one of the most anti-vibration-friendly materials in the world and plays perfectly with its rigid and lightweight design.
The cool graphics and personalized color options have nothing to do with performance, but they do let you know one thing: Axcel Archery created a product that stands out in every possible way, from its technology to its aesthetic.
Best for the Money Limbsaver LS Hunter Micro Lite
Lengths: 8″ Materials: Small diameter carbon Weights: 5.6 oz + ability to add more weight as needed
At around 90 bucks, the Limbsaver LS Hunter Micro Lite isn’t the cheapest stab on this list. I do believe it offers the best value you’ll find, however, in that it lands at an approachable price point without sacrificing high-end features.
This streamlined, wind-resistant, small-diameter eight-inch carbon bar is designed specifically for hunters and will handle all the rugged demands of the backcountry while helping you maneuver through the tightest situations. Whether in a treestand, blind, or even a mountain hunter traversing over craggy rocks, you’ll find its compact, forward-thinking design very useful.
Its superb balancing comes from heavier-than-usual front weights that tip the scales at around 5.6 ounces. You can add or subtract weights as needed to create a more dialed-in feel. The Limbsaver LS Hunter Micro Lite will work for anyone who wants a no-fuss solution for their next hunt.
Affordable but High-Tech Option TRUGLO Cadence
Lengths: 8″ Materials: CNC Aluminum Weights: 8.5 oz
From bow releases to bow stabilizers, TRUGLO is an industry leader in high-quality archery equipment. When it comes to stabilizers, they’ve truly outdone themselves by engineering the Cadence stabilizing bar with the average bowhunter in mind. TRUGLO talks the talk and walks the walk.
Since I’m on a budget this year, I will pull the trigger and grab myself one of these bad boys for the upcoming archery season. It has a rigid bar made from CNC aluminum that doesn’t have any give during your shot and is treated with a quiet, soft-touch coating, making it perfect for spot-and-stalk hunters that want to eliminate noise.
Much like the Mathews Flatline, the TRUGLO Cadence has a vibration dampener that reduces noise and play in your shot. As a matter of fact, it has two dampeners, and what’s even more incredible is that it costs one-third of the price of the Flatline.
Too many hunters and “ethical” outdoorsmen clown on people for asking about budget hunting gear. I can’t count the times I’ve heard in forums and Facebook groups, “Why would you buy X when Y is so much better?” I’ll tell you why: not everyone has a Mathews budget.
Regular folks have lives, kids, jobs, and priorities that take precedence over high-priced and top-end gadgets. However, just because they’re trying to save money doesn’t mean they lack the desire to be prepared and have a stable shot.
Luckily, if you’re on a budget, you can still have your cake and eat it too. SAS’s CNC stab is one of the highest-rated and most affordable stabilizers on the market and comes in various sizes and colors. Most importantly, it does precisely what you’ll need it to: stabilize your shot by reducing vibration and balancing the weight of your compound bow.
Made in the USA Viper SX Aluminum
Lengths: 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″ Materials: Aircraft grade aluminum Weights: 4 oz + ability to customize in 1/2 oz increments
Made right here in the good ol’ US of A, the Viper SX sits up near the top in terms of performance and lands at a very attractive price point. It boasts rigid strength thanks to its aluminum end caps and wind-resistant, lightweight rod that keeps the overall weight at a minimum.
Viper SX does utilize some serious balancing weights, however, as it’s equipped with one four-ounce weight at the end of the shaft. The combination of its lightweight bar and well-placed steel weights gives it superior balance by placing the weight where you need it most.
Furthermore, you can remove the end weight and add a variety of configurations that Viper offers. It comes in four lengths and is easy to make into a front and back bar kit using a v-bar bracket. Considering all its versatility comes at a lower cost than its higher-priced counterparts, what’s not to love?
Bow Stabilizer Kits (Front and Back Bars)
Best Overall Kit Dead Center Dead Level Verge V2
Lengths: 6-8″, 8-10″ Materials: Vibration dampening carbon Weights: Some with six 1 oz weights; you can purchase more here
Gone are the days of your stabilizer bars vibrating loose. With this v-bar setup from Dead Center, you can rest assured that your stabilizers will be rock solid when that shot of a lifetime presents itself.
If you want the most steady shot possible, join the ranks of archers who shoot with an added back bar. They’re increasing in popularity, and what was usually more mainstream among target shooters is becoming commonplace in the field. (For what it’s worth, I only rock a front stabilizer, but I don’t shoot with a quiver attached or have issues with pin float.)
If you want to join the bandwagon and aren’t out here taking any chances, look no further than the Dead Center Dead Level Verge 2. It’ll come perfectly tuned with the right amount of weight straight out of the box, and its light bars will hold steady against your bow. With a kit like this, you’ll be able to take long-range shots with a high degree of confidence.
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Best High-End Kit Bee Stinger Sport Hunter
Lengths: 6-8″, 8-10″ Materials: SRX Carbon Rods Weights: Two 2oz weights on each side
Here we go again with Bee Stinger. Some hunters may say I’m a bit of a fanboy, but I have zero shame plugging their stellar products. My job is to pair my readers with products that won’t let them down on their 2022 hunt, after all.
The Bee Stinger Sport Hunter is tailor-made for the craft of chasing game, as its features are cleverly designed to accommodate hunters. It has a low profile to help you get through sticky situations and can be easily adjusted in a variety of scenarios.
The Sport Hunter has everything you could ask for from a stabilizer kit: maneuverability, ease of use, quick disconnect brackets, and an adjustable weight system. Now all you need is for some critters to show up so you can show them how steady your shot is.
Best Mid-Range Kit CBE Torx
Lengths: 7.5 – 11″ Materials: High mod lightweight carbon Weights: Two 2 oz weights on each bar; if you want more customization, grab a few more here
Next time you’re at the range, check out what types of stabs other archers are rocking. I kept a close eye on other shooters my last time out and saw loads of them using the CBE Torx. When I asked one guy why he was using this kit, they responded that it’s simple to use and easily adjustable to his bow.
The rods on CBE Torx are made from lightweight carbon, and their interchangeable weights are placed towards the end of the bar with precision. This customization makes for a great balancing act when shooting from any position.
If you want a set-it-and-forget-it stab that doesn’t rattle loose when climbing in your tree stand or crawling through some thick oak scrub, look closely at the CBE Torx. It has many of the same features and weight distribution as others on this list but will cost you a little bit less dinero for the entire kit.
Editors Choice Stabilizer Kit Trophy Ridge Hitman
Lengths: 6-8″, 8-10″, 10-12″ Materials: Durable target carbon Weights: Two 2 oz weights per bar; you can find more here
Would you get a load of the Hitman stabilizer kit? It’s right up there with the best in terms of research and development but with a much more approachable price tag. Trophy-Ridge really stands out in this class of stabilizers in form, function, and cost. They’re out here playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers.
The Hitman’s standout features include a unique design that allows for effortless energy transfer through its carbon rod and two cleverly placed dampener rings. It’s lightweight, compact, won’t be affected much by the wind, and comes standard with a top-notch v-bar bracket that the user can easily adjust for a custom feel.
Why is this the editor’s choice stabilizing kit, you ask? Well, in my opinion, it leads the pack in quality, performance, and consistency. In a sport where every millimeter matters, the Hitman series of stabilizers won’t let you down. If, at this point, you’re still confused about which stabilizer kit to go with, snatch this one up. You can thank me later.
Best All-in-One Stabilizer Bar Bee Stinger Counterslide MicroHex
Lengths: 10″, 12″, 15″ Materials: Five 1 oz weights; need more? Grab them here Weights:
If you want both a front and back bar stabilizer, go with a v-bar setup like the Bee Stinger Counterslide MicroHex. It’s more of a sidebar than a stabilizer kit, but many hunters prefer it since it keeps their weight down while still allowing them to have reliable balance in their shot.
Here’s my issue with this setup: unlike a v-bar setup in which you can move in centimeter increments at an angle, the Counterslide can’t be adjusted away from your bow. It stays in a straight line. That said, some hunters swear by this style, and if you’re one of them, the Bee Stinger Counterslide is as good as it gets.
This system is useful since it allows you to move your bar forward or back with a dovetail mount, meaning you can make adjustments in the field without adding or subtracting weight. Bee Stinger Counterslide’s single bar is also effective for those that shoot with their quiver attached, as it’s pretty remarkable at counterbalancing the side torque caused by an arrow holder.
Wondering what the difference is between crossbow broadheads vs regular broadheads? Some archers find they can accurately shoot their favorite vertical bow broadheads on their crossbow. There is a fine line, but there are differences in design to account for higher bow speeds and kinetic energy.
If you are struggling to get good groupings with your normal compound bow broadheads, then it’s time to move on to a “crossbow broadhead”. Broadhead companies are coming out with more and more products designed specifically for crossbow shooters. This guide covers all the best crossbow broadheads for deer and the various factors you should consider.
Best Crossbow Broadheads Compared
*Last updated 2024-11-10 at 11:06 / Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Crossbow Broadheads vs Regular Broadheads
Many old-school bowhunters will tell you that crossbow broadheads are nothing but a marketing ploy, that the only difference is the word “crossbow” on the packaging. At one time that may have been true, but as crossbow hunting has exploded in popularity that really isn’t exactly true anymore. If you hunt crossbows, why wouldn’t you want to shoot broadheads made for crossbows?
1. Rage Crossbow X – Best Mechanical Crossbow Broadhead
The Crossbow X is basically the same broadhead as the regular Rage 2 blade. They don’t specifically say what the difference is, but I speculate there is a small difference in the deployment mechanism to prevent the blades from expanding in flight.
The Crossbow X broadhead has all the other great design features Rage is known for. There is the Shock Collar system that keeps the rear cam deployment consistent.
The blades are a solid .035” stainless steel, and open to a massive 2” cutting diameter. If you have trouble with mechanical blades opening early, the Rage X would be a good head to try next.
2. Excalibur Boltcutter – Best Fixed Blade Crossbow Broadhead
The Boltcutter is a beefy 3 blade, 150 grain fixed blade broadhead for crossbows. Excalibur explains the choice of a 150-grain head as a way to improve the accuracy over 300 fps by increasing the front of center balance.
The entire broadhead is constructed from high strength stainless steel to withstand the high kinetic energy impact of crossbows.
The Boltcutter is a sweet balance of the strength and durability of fixed blades, with the speed and accuracy of a mechanical.
3. Muzzy Trocar Crossbow
The Trocar is a very sharp, three-cornered stainless steel tip, which is found on an instrument used in surgical procedures, and also on the tip of these broadheads. This feature is intended to increase penetration, which I suspect it does very well. Paired with a solid stainless steel ferrule, it punches through bone without deformation.
The Muzzy Trocar uses a helix design with a right-hand twist, which combined with a rather compact profile, is intended to increase stabilization while offering less resistance to the wind, resulting in consistent flight characteristics and accuracy. Muzzy designed these especially for use at higher speeds.
These broadheads are available in either 100 or 125-grain weights, with .035″-thick blades and a cutting diameter of 1-3/16″. One nice feature is that the blades are easily replaceable if they get bent or damaged just unscrew the old one and screw a new one on.
4. NAP Spitfire Crossbow
The NAP Spitfire is a 3-blade mechanical broadhead that has gained something of a reputation for reliable functioning and great performance. The blades are sharpened with NAP’s patented Diamize process and are thus razor sharp. Another patented feature is the hardened-steel Trophy Tip to maximize penetration and decrease deflection off of the bone. It also sports a micro-grooved ferrule which is intended to improve accuracy.
The Spitfire utilizes a mechanical spring clip retention system to keep the blades from deploying in flight, so there is no need to mess with O-rings, even when using high-speed bows. Users report that this patented (boy they have a lot of patents on this) retention system is very reliable, with hardly any reports of premature blade deployment. As a matter of fact, customer reviews on these broadheads are excellent, consistently citing accuracy and superior performance.
Available in both 100 and 125-grain weights, with a cutting diameter of 1-1/2″, these can be used on both carbon and aluminum bolts. An excellent choice for deer and elk as well as a turkey broadhead.
5. Grim Reaper Crossbow Broadhead
These are nearly identical to the Grim Reaper Razorcut SS broadhead for compound bows, just modified for use with crossbows that shoot up to and beyond 400 fps.
The difference isn’t clear as Grim Reaper has next to zero info on their website. Get with the program guys.
The X-Bow heads are available in 100 and 125-grain sizes, with either Razortip or Razorcut SS tips. The cutting diameter is a large 1.5”, and crossbow hunters have been happy with the size of wound channels for humane take-downs.
6. Swhacker Two-Blade Crossbow Broadhead
Swhacker has earned a name in the industry for high quality and innovative designs, and these mechanical broadheads are good a good example of both. They feature stainless steel blades, an anodized aircraft aluminum ferrule, and a high-carbon hardened steel penetration point.
According to their website, their unique design provides two different cutting edges, a primary and a secondary attack. When the primary cutting blades are retracted, two short wing blades are deployed, much smaller than the main blades. These are for the initial assault, cutting through the dirt, hair, hide, and bones and penetrating into the interior. They point out that they use much less energy to penetrate than broadheads that open upon impact, and that they take some of the load off of the ferrule.
As they penetrate, they open the primary blades inside the body cavity, leaving them with “virgin edges” when they open. It really is a clever design. These are available in 125-grain weight, blades are .032″ thick, with an open cutting diameter of 2-1/4″. A good choice in mechanical broadheads.
7. Cabela’s Lazer Strike II Crossbow
Here we have Cabela’s brand mechanical broadhead, which is actually very popular. Normally I side with the saying “you get what you pay for”, but the Lazers have the performance and track record to push away fears of the low price.
Lazer Strike II crossbow heads are built with a hardened steel trophy tip design, with replaceable .030” stainless blades. You can tell the difference between these with the regular Lazers by the gold-colored ferrule.
These use the o-ring method for blade retention, so if you hate messing with o-rings, you may want to stick with the Rage or Reapers.
8. Muzzy Trocar HBX
The Muzzy Trocar HBX is a hybrid broadhead with a rather unique design. The hybrid construction combines the advantages of both fixed blades and expandable blades. They’re equipped with a tapered steel ferrule that is the same size as the bolt, and utilizing the same three-sided stainless steel surgical Trocar tip as used in the Trocar Xbow above. The mechanical blades are retained in a closed position using a friction washer.
The broadheads in flight with the fixed blades and the rearward-deploying mechanical blades folded are only 3/4″ x 1″ in profile, which the company says gives field tip accuracy, and by most accounts this holds true. At impact, the mechanical blades expand to a 1-5/8″ cutting diameter for a large wound channel. But here’s the twist. When the expandable blades meet bone, they close up to re-open after they have passed the obstruction, letting the fixed blades do the heavy work.
These are available in both 100 and 125-grain weights. Users report excellent results with the Muzzy Trocar HBX broadheads and they’re well worth giving a try.
9. Rage Hypodermic Crossbow
For years the Rage Hypodermic mechanical broadheads have maintained high popularity among hunters, earned by their consistent reliability of function, accuracy, and game-getting results. It’s a proven design that works well.
The simplicity of their design contributed greatly to their reputation. What the company calls Ferrule Alignment Technology (FAT) ensures proper bolt-to-ferrule alignment and contributes to the sleek aerodynamics. The steel ferrule is equipped with a very pointy hybrid tip for deep penetration. The system uses a reliable high-energy shock collar for blade retention. When deployed, the .035″ stainless blades boast a huge 2” cutting diameter for an equally huge wound channel. Available in 100 or 125 grains.
It’s hard to go wrong with this time-tested beast stopper.
10. G5 Striker Crossbow
For those who prefer fixed-blade broadheads, the G5 Striker is a top contender, known for its durability, accuracy, and stopping power.
It utilizes the unique patented ANIX blade locking system, which is basically a very sharp three-sided steel tip which locks over the lower part of the blades, taking the brunt of the impact off of the three fixed blades, protecting them from damage. The blades themselves are metal injection molded for flexibility, tapered for better aerodynamics, and honed with the company’s Diamond-Cut Sharpness sharpening technology. The whole unit is solid steel and spin-tested to ± 0.002″ straightness for maximum accuracy.
Available in either 100 or 125 grains, with a cutting diameter of 1-1/8″, the G5 Striker is an attractive high-tech alternative for the modern hunter.
A Crossbow Broadhead for Any Hunter
The selection of broadheads for crossbow hunting has never been better. Whether you prefer fixed blades like the Xcalibur Boltcutter or mechanicals like the Rage Crossbow X, or if you like a heavier 150 grain or lighter 100, there is a broadhead for you. Select the right grain and cutting diameter for the type of hunting you like to do and get out there with confidence. All of these broadheads are elite choices and fully capable of taking an animal with a good shot. If you are interested in crossbow hunting for turkey, check out our turkey broadheads guide.
*Last updated 2024-11-10 at 11:06 / Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Headline: “What are They? Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Enigmatic Title”
In this thought-provoking headline, we embark on a captivating journey to explore the true nature of “They.” Delve into an intriguing investigation as we decipher the enigmatic title and uncover its hidden meanings. Brace yourself for a mind-expanding experience that challenges conventional understanding and offers new perspectives. Prepare to unravel the mystery and gain a profound understanding of what lies behind this captivating question – What are They?
1. The Circle of Life: Understanding the Predators and Prey
In this article, the author explores the concept of the circle of life and how it applies to various organisms, including deer. They emphasize that predators are a natural part of the ecosystem and play an important role in maintaining balance. Predators such as humans, bears, coyotes, wolves, bobcats, mountain lions, fishers, foxes, eagles, and alligators are known to hunt and kill deer. This relationship between predators and prey is essential for the survival of both species.
The author discusses coevolution and adaptation as key factors in predator-prey relationships. They explain that prey species have evolved ways to escape from predators, while predators have developed hunting techniques to catch their prey. This dynamic interaction between populations ensures the survival of both parties.
It is mentioned that predators cannot exist without prey and vice versa. Without prey, predators would eventually face extinction. However, prey species also benefit from predation as it reduces competition among them. Mother Nature diversifies her strategies to maintain stability in the predator-prey relationship.
The article addresses common misconceptions about predators and emphasizes that they are simply trying to make a living like any other organism. The author highlights the importance of understanding this complex relationship for a better appreciation of nature.
Overall, this section provides an introduction to the topic of predator-prey relationships and sets the stage for further exploration into specific predators such as coyotes and black bears.
2. Deer and Predators: Exploring the Complex Relationship
Predator-Prey Dynamics
Predators and prey have always had an uneasy but necessary relationship with each other. Predators, such as humans, bears, coyotes, wolves, bobcats, mountain lions, fishers, foxes, eagles, and alligators, play a crucial role in controlling the population of deer. This relationship is based on simple biology and ecology – deer are prey species and predators naturally kill and eat them. It is important to understand this complex dynamic in order to appreciate the balance of nature.
The Circle of Life
Deer are not innocent victims in a grand conspiracy; they are part of the circle of life. Just like any other organism on Earth, deer have their own purpose and place in the ecosystem. They serve as a food source for various predators who rely on them for survival. Understanding this natural process helps us appreciate the intricate web of life that exists in our environment.
Coevolution and Adaptation
Predators and prey do not evolve independently; they coevolve in response to each other’s actions. This means that as predators develop new hunting techniques or strategies, prey species adapt by developing better ways to escape or avoid predation. This constant interaction between predators and prey ensures that neither can gain the upper hand for long periods of time. It is an unbreakable bond that drives both populations to evolve for their survival.
Predator Exclusion
While predators play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, there are instances where human intervention becomes necessary to protect certain prey species from extinction. In some cases, predator exclusion measures may be implemented to ensure the survival of endangered or vulnerable prey populations. However, it is important to consider the potential consequences of such interventions and the overall impact on the ecosystem.
The Burger of the Predator World
Deer, particularly white-tailed deer, are widely distributed and serve as a food source for numerous predators. Their abundance and variety make them comparable to a burger in the predator world. From tropical rainforests where jaguars and ocelots hunt them, to the eastern United States where wolves and mountain lions used to rely on them as their main food source, deer have always been an important part of the predator’s menu.
Coyotes: The Opportunistic Predators
Coyotes are fascinating predators that have adapted well to various habitats. They are opportunistic hunters, relying on their keen senses to search, stalk, pounce or rush their prey. While they do incorporate deer into their diet when they are abundant, removing coyotes from the predator equation does not necessarily result in higher fawn survival rates. Coyotes play a role in controlling deer populations and their presence is a natural part of the ecosystem.
Black Bears: Solitary Omnivores
Black bears have historically inhabited forested areas across North America. They are solitary animals that primarily feed on vegetation but also opportunistically prey on small mammals like mice and squirrels. Fawns are also part of their menu during June and July when they are abundant. While bears may occasionally take down a deer, they mainly rely on other food sources such as berries and birdfeeders.
In summary, the relationship between predators and deer is complex yet essential for maintaining ecological balance. Predators play a crucial role in controlling prey populations while prey species adapt to survive predation pressure. It is important to understand this dynamic relationship in order to appreciate the intricate workings of nature’s circle of life.
3. The Role of Predators in Maintaining Ecosystem Balance
Predators play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. They are an essential part of the food chain and help regulate populations of prey species. Without predators, prey populations can explode, leading to overgrazing and depletion of resources. This can have negative effects on the overall health and biodiversity of an ecosystem.
Predators help control the population size of prey species by hunting and consuming them. This helps prevent overpopulation and ensures that resources are available for other species in the ecosystem. By preying on weak or sick individuals, predators also contribute to natural selection, ensuring that only the fittest individuals survive and reproduce.
In addition to regulating prey populations, predators also influence the behavior and distribution of their prey. Prey species develop strategies to avoid predation, such as camouflage, defensive behaviors, or changing their habitat preferences. This leads to a more diverse range of adaptations within prey populations.
Predators themselves are also subject to natural selection pressures from their prey. As prey evolve ways to evade predation, predators must adapt their hunting techniques or seek alternative food sources. This dynamic relationship between predator and prey drives coevolution, where both species continuously evolve in response to each other’s actions.
Overall, predators play a vital role in maintaining the balance and stability of ecosystems. They help control population sizes, promote biodiversity through natural selection, and drive coevolutionary processes. Understanding and appreciating this complex relationship is essential for effective conservation and management of wildlife populations.
4. Predator-Prey Dynamics: A Closer Look at Nature’s Economics
In the complex world of predator-prey dynamics, predators and prey have a necessary but uneasy relationship with each other. Predators cannot exist without prey, and prey may not exist without predators. This balance is crucial for the survival of both populations.
Predators, whether they are single-celled organisms, two-legged humans, or four-legged animals like bears and coyotes, have always hunted and killed deer. Deer, being a prey species, are naturally targeted by these predators. It is a simple fact of biology and ecology that predators kill and eat prey.
While it may be tempting to view deer as innocent victims in some grand conspiracy, it is important to understand that this relationship between predators and prey is essential for maintaining biodiversity and stability in ecosystems. Without predation, some prey species would outcompete others for resources, leading to an imbalance in the ecosystem.
Mother Nature has developed strategies to prevent such imbalances. She diversifies by providing refuge areas for prey species, reducing the efficiency of predators through various means, and increasing investments in alternative prey sources. This results in a dynamic equilibrium where both predator and prey populations can coexist.
Coevolution plays a significant role in this predator-prey relationship. As predators evolve better hunting techniques and strategies, their prey also adapt by developing ways to escape or avoid capture. This constant interaction drives both populations to evolve in response to each other’s changes for survival.
Understanding the complexities of predation is crucial for appreciating the delicate balance of nature. Oversimplifying this relationship would be akin to taking a day off from learning about the intricacies of ecosystems – something we should not do if we want to truly comprehend the circle of life.
In Pennsylvania, where black bears are found throughout all 67 counties, they play an active role as predators in the lives of white-tailed deer. While bears primarily rely on vegetation for their diet, they opportunistically include fawns in their menu during the months of June and July when they are abundant. Bears, like coyotes, are part of the natural predator-prey dynamics that have shaped ecosystems for centuries.
The survival and persistence of predators like coyotes and black bears despite human persecution is a testament to their adaptability and resilience. These animals have learned to coexist with humans even as their habitats have diminished.
In conclusion, the predator-prey relationship is a vital aspect of nature’s economics. Predators and prey rely on each other for survival, and this dynamic equilibrium ensures the continuation of both populations. Understanding this complex relationship allows us to appreciate the intricate balance of ecosystems and the role that predators play in shaping them.
5. Unraveling the Mystery of Predator-Prey Coevolution
In this section, the author delves into the concept of predator-prey coevolution and its importance in maintaining a balance in nature. They explain that predators and prey have a necessary relationship with each other, as predators cannot exist without prey and vice versa. The author emphasizes that predation is a natural process and not a conspiracy against deer or any other prey species.
The author then introduces the idea of coevolution, which refers to the simultaneous evolution of two interacting species. In this case, predators and prey evolve in response to each other’s adaptations for survival. This constant interaction ensures that neither predator nor prey gains an upper hand for an extended period of time, leading to a dynamic equilibrium that allows both species to survive.
The author acknowledges that understanding predator-prey relationships can be complex and warns against oversimplifying the concept. They compare it to an economics lecture, stating that staying awake for it is one thing but truly comprehending it is another.
The section concludes by highlighting the importance of diversity in maintaining stability in predator-prey relationships. Mother Nature employs various strategies such as refuge acquisitions for prey, lower returns on predator efficiency, and increased investments through alternative prey sources to prevent an economic catastrophe and ensure the survival of both predator and prey populations.
Overall, this section explores the intricate dynamics between predators and prey, emphasizing their interdependence and how coevolution plays a crucial role in their continued existence.
6. The Burger of the Predator World: The White-Tailed Deer and its Predators
The white-tailed deer is a widely distributed member of the cervid family, found in various habitats across North and South America. They are often referred to as the “burger” of the predator world due to their popularity among carnivores. Predators such as jaguars, ocelots, and jaguarondis in tropical rainforests prey on these familiar deer species. In the eastern United States, historical accounts indicate that wolves and mountain lions were the main predators of deer before European colonization. However, these iconic predators have since vanished from the landscape.
Despite the absence of wolves and mountain lions, modern-day predators still play an active role in the lives of white-tailed deer. Coyotes, bears, bobcats, and humans are among those that continue to hunt deer as part of their daily survival. Each predator has its own size, hunting techniques, and prey selection preferences when it comes to targeting deer.
Coyotes, derived from the Aztec word “coytl,” meaning the god of music, dance, and song, are fascinating creatures. They may be smaller than a neighbor’s German shepherd but have a reputation for being formidable hunters. Coyotes can adapt to various habitats but thrive in areas with diverse vegetation cover. Their diet includes mice, rabbits, squirrels, snakes, bugs, fruit, carrion (dead animals), and occasionally young deer less than three months old.
Black bears also pose a threat to white-tailed deer populations. Historically found throughout North America’s forested regions from Alaska to Mexico, black bear habitat has become increasingly scarce due to human development. Pennsylvania is located within their range and sightings are possible in all 67 counties of the state. Black bears primarily consume vegetation but will opportunistically target small mammals like mice or groundhogs, colonial insects, and even fawns during the months of June and July.
While predators like coyotes and black bears may prey on white-tailed deer, it is important to note that deer populations have remained abundant historically. Deer have evolved alongside these predators and have developed survival strategies to ensure their species’ continuation. Coyotes, for example, incorporate deer into their diet when they are most abundant in the summer months. Removing coyotes from the predator equation does not necessarily increase fawn survival rates unless alternative prey options are scarce.
In conclusion, white-tailed deer are a popular food source for various predators in different regions. Predators such as coyotes and black bears play an essential role in maintaining a dynamic equilibrium in nature’s ecosystem. The relationship between predators and prey is complex but necessary for the survival of both species. Understanding this intricate balance helps us appreciate the diverse interactions within the “circle of whitetail life.”
In conclusion, “What are they?” is a thought-provoking question that encourages us to explore the diverse aspects of our surroundings. By seeking answers and understanding the world around us, we can gain deeper insights into various phenomena, entities, and concepts. Embracing curiosity and open-mindedness enables us to appreciate the rich tapestry of life’s wonders.
Break barrel air rifles are popular among shooting enthusiasts for their ease of use and accuracy. However, some users may desire more power from their air rifle to improve its performance. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to make your break barrel air rifle more powerful.
How to make a break barrel air rifle more powerful?
Break barrel air rifles are popular among shooting enthusiasts for their ease of use and accuracy. However, some users may desire more power from their air rifle to improve its performance. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to make your break barrel air rifle more powerful.
Firstly, one of the easiest ways to increase the power of your break barrel air rifle is by upgrading the pellets you use. Opt for heavier pellets as they tend to have more impact and carry more energy. This change in ammunition can significantly enhance the power and range of your shots. Additionally, ensuring that your rifle is properly lubricated can also contribute to increased power. Regularly clean and oil the moving parts of your air rifle to ensure smooth operation and maximize its potential.
Another crucial factor in boosting the power of a break barrel air rifle is adjusting the spring tension. By increasing the spring tension, you can increase the force with which the piston slams forward, resulting in greater muzzle velocity. However, it is important to note that tinkering with spring tension should be done cautiously and preferably with guidance from an experienced shooter or gunsmith to avoid damaging your rifle or compromising safety.
In conclusion, increasing the power of a break barrel air rifle can be achieved through several simple modifications. By upgrading the spring, piston, and sealing components, as well as optimizing the air flow and choosing the right pellets, shooters can enhance the rifle’s performance. However, it is essential to prioritize safety and consult with experts or manufacturers before making any modifications to avoid potential risks or damage to the air rifle .
When it comes to rifle scopes, there are two options: an MOA-based or MIL-based scope. Both options are based on their own set of mathematics, and if you have no prior knowledge, you may be wondering which choice is ideal for you. Because both systems have distinct advantages and limitations, this article will help you decide which one you need to choose.
What Are MIL Reticles?
Credit: Riflesscopesuk
MIL is an abbreviation for “milliradians” or “mils”. These scopes communicate ranging in meters and centimeters. They are most commonly used among law enforcement and military personnel.
When looking through a MIL scope you’ll see crosshairs as well as dots. The gap between these dots reflects a height of 10 centimeters or 3.6 inches on your target at 100 yards, which is a normal distance for sighting in a hunting rifle. The representative distance between your MIL-dots changes as the distance to your target grows or reduces
What Are MOA Reticles?
Credit: MidwayUSA
MOA or “minute of angle” is an angular measurement within a circle. It is similar to a MIL scope in appearance but differs in size, with MIL being the bigger of the two. Additionally, MOA is a little easier to grasp than MIL.
Like a MIL scope, you will be able to see crosshairs as well as lines or dots through an MOA scope. Using the earlier 100-yard scenario, the space between these dots corresponds to a height of 1.047 inches. Because 1.047 inches is so close to one inch, it is typically rounded down. Therefore, one MOA is equivalent to one inch at 100 yards.
MIL vs MOA Scopes: What’s the Difference?
Credit: Envato Elements/ FabrikaPhoto
Although MOA and MIL dot scopes look similar, there are a few differences that distinguish them:
An MOA reticle scope is more accurate than a MIL dot scope.
A MIL reticle is larger than an MOA scope.
MOA adjustments are easier to adjust since they use yards and inches rather than centimeters and meters.
Which One Should You Choose?
Credit: Envato Elements/ byrdyak
When comparing MIL against MOA, neither MIL nor MOA has an edge. Both are angular measurements. The best one for you is determined by your knowledge and comfort level with the system.
However, if you are unfamiliar with scopes, here are two variables that will help you make a decision:
If you’re used to thinking in inches and yards and have expertise in MOA, you might want to stick with it. However, if you are familiar with the metric system or are starting from scratch and do not have MOA expertise, you may want to use MIL scopes.
One option to explore for MIL scopes is the Hawke Vantage Riflescope, while for MOA scopes, the Vortex Optics Red Dot Sight is a noteworthy consideration.
Another thing to think about is what unit your competitors or friends will be using. When a competitor gets off the line, you should be able to communicate and understand what he is saying.
How to Zero Your Scope Using an MOA Reticle or MIL Dot
If you’re new to zeroing a scope reticle, here are a few steps to get you started:
1) Set Your Target
Credit: Envato Elements/ MargJohnsonVA
Begin by selecting an appropriate target like those from EasyShot. These targets are ideal for range practice or dry firing.
Once you have your target, set it on a solid stand 100 yards away from the shooting station. When it comes to your shooting station, ensure that your rifle is properly supported so that you can fire repeatedly.
2) Begin With the First Shot Group
Credit: Envato Elements/ StudioPeace
To zero your scope, start by firing three-shot groups. Set your scope’s crosshairs to the center of the aiming spot and take three shots.
3) Calculate the Corrections
Credit: Envato Elements/ Vailery
Examine the point of impact of your shot. This will determine how much you need to adjust your scope. Estimate the middle of the shots on the target and utilize that position for corrections. The relative center of the shot group shows the average impact point of the shots.
4) Shoot Three More Times at the Same Target
Credit: Envato Elements/ StudioPeace
Hold the sight reticle at the same shooting position as the first round and release three more shots. This shot should hit the target. You may need to make some little tweaks to get your fire cluster precisely where you’d like them. Carefully calculate the necessary modifications.
5) Check Your Settings and Adjust the Aiming Point
Credit: Envato Elements/ orcearo
Move your target and discharge three more shots once you’re pleased with your sight settings. Because you’ll need to reposition your rifle and scope, this will immediately inform you if your sight settings are precise and reliable.
Summary
An MOA and MIL dot reticle is best used for long-range shooting. When choosing between the two, keep your goals in mind. A skilled marksman can make the most of any rifle scope. After all, the greatest precision comes from time behind the trigger, not from reading reviews.
Red frankfurters in a grocery case in Lewiston, Maine. Local and regional traditions are important in many ways, and can be informational, historical, or even humorous in nature. For example, some of the oddest hot dogs I’ve seen are the red frankfurters of Maine. I was curious when I saw these in the grocery store so I asked a manager if they were hot or somehow spicy. “No, they’re not.” How are they different from other natural casing frankfurters from the same meatpackers? “They taste the same” was the answer. Then why are they red? “I really don’t know, that’s always confused me, too.”
Red frankfurters are served in what are called Frankfurter or Frankfort Rolls.
Curious, I flipped over one of the packages of red frankfurters:
Ingredients: Beef and pork, water, corn syrup, contains 2% or less of salt, potassium lactate, flavorings (including extractives of paprika), dextrose, sodium diacetate, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), sodium nitrate, FD&C red #40 and red #3, in a natural lamb casing.
Searching the case I found some meatpackers also throw in FD&C Yellow #6.
I then located the Natural Casing Frankfurters from the same meatpacker:
Ingredients: Beef and pork, water, corn syrup, contains 2% or less of salt, potassium lactate, flavorings (including extractives of paprika), dextrose, sodium diacetate, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), sodium nitrate, in a natural lamb casing.
The only obvious difference is the red coloring. The amounts of the other ingredients may have differed, but it wasn’t likely. From a food manufacturing standpoint, I imagined the process would put the completed natural casing frankfurters through a vat of dye prior to packaging.
None of it made any sense at all.
Prepping the red hot dogs and buns in an electric skillet. The buns are buttered before grilling.
Local media in Maine reports on this from time-to-time, noting not only the popularity but also versions of the reason behind the red coloring:
“W.A. Bean & Sons … has been making the natural casing treats since 1918 … ‘We are the only makers of the red hot dogs left in the state of Maine,’ [Sean Smith, director of marketing and sales development] said … W.A. Bean produces an estimated 400,000 pounds of snappers each year, both under its own name and the Rice’s label that the family began producing nearly a decade ago, after negotiating a deal with its former owner and former competitor.
Smith said the company used to have a large U.S. map on display, with push pins marking everywhere their snappers were shipped, sometimes in orders as large as 10 pounds at a time. Over time, the map became so crowded that maintaining it was no longer feasible … Maine exiles also snatch them up while visiting ‘home’ to bring back to share with their families and friends, Smith said, noting that one W.A. Bean fan from North Carolina drives north every three or four weeks to get a fix of his favorite dog.
It isn’t entirely clear why the red coloring was introduced. One legend has it that the coloring historically was added by the original European makers of frankfurters to mask less-than-premium ingredients … Smith, however, speculated that W.A. Bean added its signature coloring as a way of making its frankfurters stand out amid a sea of competitors. ‘And it took off.’” [Gagnon, 2012]
It’s the perception of the red vs. natural colorings that is odd, that not only do people prefer it but that they’ll go to great lengths to make sure that’s what they eat, even though there are no flavor differences.
I also know of one sixth grader in 2018 who will only eat the red ones because, as his mom laughingly told me on social media, “My son won’t eat the brown. Says they taste weird.” Another acquaintance had this to say:
“Red hot dogs are popular in Hawaii too. When I was signing the papers to close on the house, the mortgage guy was telling us all about a trip he just took to NY, but he ended up staying in the room because he got sick and he thought it was the ‘brown hot dogs’, his colleague said, disgustedly, ‘YOU eat BROWN hotdogs?!’ The rest of us died laughing.”
The cuisinologist in me had to discover the true origin, and as it turns out, it does exist. The London-based Newcomen Society “exists to encourage study of the history of engineering and technology from ancient times to the present day.” The former American arm of the Society, founded in 1939 and disbanded in 2007, held their “1992 Maine Meeting” in Portland. Joseph “Chet” Jordan, grandson of the local meatpacker Jordan’s Meats founder and Chairman of the company at the time, was the Guest Of Honor. He gave the address “Jordan’s Meats: A Thriving Business in Its Third Generation-built Primarily on ‘hot Dogs’” on October 9th. The Society subsequently published the text of his address in 1993 as a 24-page pamphlet with historical photos from Jordan’s Meats. Mr. Jordan’s address specifically addressed the history of Maine’s red frankfurters.
“… Charles and Richard Schonland … were sons of German immigrants, and their father ran the leading sausage business in Lawrence [Massachusetts]. In 1891, the brothers had decided to found their own company and ‘investigated several cities’ before deciding on Portland. Schonlands began operations in a leased building … but later built their own building … Schonlands introduced the so called ‘red franks’ to Maine, and their distribution was Portland, Lewiston, Auburn, Biddeford, Saco and Sanford. This is why the ‘red franks’ today are still popular in those areas. They colored their hot dogs red to differentiate their product from the competition … Pa worked at Schonland Brothers, where he learned much and planned for the day when he could start his own company … [I]n 1927, the year I was born, my parents founded Jordan’s Ready-To-Eat-Meats … In 1935 a major benchmark was reached when Pa purchased Schonland Brothers, his former employers … [T]he red hot dogs that so many people associate with Jordan’s are only one of our many products. As I mentioned before this was a kind of trademark for Schonland Brothers which was continued by Jordan’s after the purchase. In fact, it was Jordan’s who introduced the red franks to Aroostook County in the mid-1930s. The ingredients of the red frank are identical to those in our uncolored franks, but demand for the red frank is still traditional in many parts of the state.” [Jordan, 1993: 8, 10, 12, 13, 14]
The tradition of Maine’s red hot dogs has relocated since Chet Jordan’s address. Jordan’s Meats had bought C.H. Rice Co. in Bangor back in 1962. [Jordan 1993: 19] The Iowa Beef Co. subsequently purchased Jordan’s in 2001, which Tyson Foods then bought in 2003. Tyson then closed Jordan’s Augusta plant, where Rice’s red frankforts were made, in 2004. Later that year, the Rice family bought its name back from Tyson Foods and formed a partnership with Bangor sausagemaker W.A. Bean to begin making the Rice version of the red hot dog again. [Associated Press, 2004] In 2008 Kayem Foods of Chelsea, Massachusetts, announced they had purchased the Jordan’s Meats brand from Tyson Foods, along with six other local brands. [Kayem Foods, 2008] Tyson Foods had closed the Jordan’s Meats plant in Portland in 2005, which then burned on May 6, 2010. [Hoey, 2010] As of the time of this writing, W.A. Bean is still producing both their own and the C.H. Rice versions of Maine’s red hot dog in Bangor and is the only in-state manufacturer of the product. [Gagnon, 2012]
Frankfurt or New England Rolls
Hot dog buns next to Frankfurt Rolls at a Hannaford store in Maine. A “Frankfurt Roll” or “Frankfurter Roll” in New England and New York state is a top-split bun with flat sides that’s either buttered and grilled for use with New England hot dogs or seafood rolls, or steamed for use with coney dogs or frankfurters.
The traditional story of the Frankfurt or Frankfurter Roll used with Maine’s red hot dogs, as well as other preparations such as the Lobster Roll, is that sometime in the 1940s the Howard Johnson’s chain commissioned the J.J. Nissen baking company in Maine to create the roll for their fried clam sandwich. USA Pan® is also credited with developing the pan to create the roll. [Tucker, 2020]
The same style of bun is marketed in other parts of the country as a “coney” or “New England” roll. These are two brands available at a grocery store in Ohio. Wonder also offers a New England roll, available in various parts of the U.S.
Images provided by Food Historian Dr. Eleanor Bartlett of the University of Cambridge (@historyeats) indicated that evidence from Europe strongly suggests this really wasn’t a new development in any manner. The soft French roll, a light bread dough rolled out thinly then rolled into a tight cylinder before baking closely to one another, had been included in paintings as far back as the early 17th century. Visually almost identical to the roll developed by J.J. Nissen, it appears the only real differences are the addition of the top slice for insertion of the meat or seafood components, and the buttering and grilling of the sides of the rolls.
Left: Kitchen interior with a maid preparing meat and gentlemen drinking at a table beyond, by Jeremias van Winghe, 1613; Right: The Baker, Job Adriaenszoon Berckheyde, 1681.
A Frankfurt Roll as made by Country Kitchen, a commercial bakery in Lewiston, Maine.
Another issue with the traditional story of the New England roll pan is that, according to their web site, USA Pan® wasn’t founded until 2009. It’s a subsidiary of Bundy Baking Solutions, makers of factory baking pans and equipment. According to the USA Pan site Bundy Baking was founded in 1959, while the Bundy Baking Solutions site indicates 1964. Both of these facts discredit the supposed J.J. Nissen/USA Pan® connection in the 1940s described in [Tucker, 2020].
Other sources provide a seemingly more accurate history. In the Boston Globe Holly Jennings wrote “J. J. Nissen knew it would need a special pan for an automated production line. Industrial baking-pan manufacturer Ekco Products designed the first commercial pan for the bakery.” [Jennings, 2013] As Ekco had been founded as a manufacturer of non-electric houseware in 1888, this origin makes more sense. Ekco became a subsidiary of American Home Products in 1965. Bundy Baking Solutions founder Russell T. Bundy had begun his career at Ekco. Chicago Metallic had acquired Ekco in 1996, and Bundy Baking Solutions then acquired Chicago Metallic in 2005.
Some of the verbal history in [Jennings, 2013] appears to be a bit of marketing though. One of the interviewees stated “The hinged and side-sliced hamburger and hot dog buns used in most regions of the country today … did not come until later, sometime in the mid-’50s, with the invention of the mechanical side slicer.” This is disproven in U.S. Patent 2,059,108, “Frankfurter Roll Slitting Machine”,assigned to Laurence G. Hobbs and Knut J. Cederholm of Fitchburg, Massachussetts, on October 27, 1936.
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To bake the buns properly, USA Pan® offers a retail ten-bun New England Hot Dog Bun pan for use with any recipe for the buns, which is the pan I’ll use here. Why 10, and not 8? I’m guessing that’s because the end buns only have one side that’s flat and grillable. This pan shows up in the catalog for Bundy subsidiary Chicago Metallic.
For retail New England bun production, Bundy Solutions’ industrial New England pan, with capacities such as six 12-bun loaves, is considered a custom baking pan having various available options and configurations for industrial bakery use. It’s from the Hot Dog, Sub & Hoagie Bun Pan collection from their American Pan subsidiary.
One issue with this pan is that it’s not very tall, at 1-5/16″, so buns made with it are really too short to fill very well. The technique described in many recipes for it mention inverting a baking sheet over the pan, weighted by a piece of cast iron. As the buns cook upside down, this ensures the bottoms of the buns are flat. Photos then show the bottoms of the buns even with the top of the pan.
The real trick is to find a recipe that rises enough to become taller than the New England Hot Dog Bun pan. I needed to find one that gives the buns an extra 3/4″ to grow, to just over 2″ tall.
Many commercial Frankfurt or New England rolls are made of a simple bread dough. The recipe USA® Pan offers for use with their pan includes milk, butter, and potato flakes. It also describes the dough as being stretched and placed in the pan as a whole before the second proofing instead of the rolls being individually formed. This is clearly how the commercial buns are made that are available in New England groceries, and would be the most authentic. Unlike many other recipes it calls for instant yeast vs. active yeast.
To get the buttery sweetness of a good New England classic, you could use one of the better recipes for a Parker House Roll, such as this recipe from the James Beard Foundation. Originally developed at Boston’s venerable Parker House Hotel, the roll is not only still served there, its recipe has been printed in countless cookbooks since Fannie Farmer’s first Boston Cooking School Cook Book in 1896.
Other available recipes available include butter, and either milk or milk flakes, minus the potato flakes, making for a fluffier roll with less density. A version from The Flavor Blender illustrates forming the buns individually. King Arthur Flour has posted this recipe for a version which also includes potato flour or flakes. In the King Arthur version the buns are formed in the pan as a flat layer, which is then cut into the individual rolls after baking.
The following recipe is a modification of the recipe for the pan itself from USA Pan®. Modifications include using more water to get a fluffier bun that can grow more, and not using a sheet pan and weight to flatten the dough as it bakes as suggested in other recipes for the pan. This allows the buns to grow past the hight of the pan, giving them more room for fillings.
Notes On This Recipe
The New England Hot Dog Bun Pan is available from USA Pan® at: https://www.usapan.com/new-england-hot-dog-bun-pan-1190ne
The New England Hot Dog Bun Pan from USA Pan® has a silicone coating that doesn’t respond well to non-stick sprays or metal utensils. It’s best not to use either with it. However, it it makes you feel better, greasing and flouring the pan is alright, although it’s not necessary.
In some ovens, particularly smaller convection ovens, the tops of the buns won’t be quite browned. About 9 minutes into the bake time, remove the buns from the oven and flip them out to check the tops. If they haven’t started browning, set the baked bun mass right-side-up on a baking sheet and bake the remaining 9 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
Bibliography
Associated Press, October 27, 2004. A dog-meet-dog world – Longtime Bangor competitors combine their frankfurter forces. seacoastonline.com.
Gagnon, Dawn, August 17, 2012. Bangor company’s “red snapper” hot dogs are a beloved taste of Maine. Bangor, Maine: Bangor Daily News.
Hoey, Dennis, May 7, 2010. Fire tears through Jordan’s Meats site. Portland, Maine: Portland Press Herald.
Jennings, Holly, July 2, 2013. New England-style bun, from HoJo’s to homemade: Boston Globe.
Jordan, Joseph, 1993. Jordan’s Meats: A Thriving Business in its Third Generation-Built Primarily on ‘Hot Dogs’. Portland, Maine: The Newcomen Society Of The United States.
Kayem Foods, May 20, 2008. Kayem Foods Acquires Jordan’s, Deutschmacher, Kirschner and Essem Brands From Tyson Foods. Chelsea, Massachusetts: Kayem Foods Press Release.
Tucker, Aimee, May 6, 2015. The New England Hot Dog Bun. Dublin, New Hampshire: New England Today
Choosing the best fixed blade broadhead for traditional archery can be challenging considering the sheer number of options available these days. You want one that is razor-sharp, tunes well with your arrow of choice, and holds up to the demands of practice sessions and hunting situations.
To save you a lot of time and stress, we did the research for you. We scoured the internet, got personal recommendations from various hunting Facebook groups, and tested some ourselves to bring you what we feel are the 10 best broadheads for traditional archery on the market today.
Which of these will work best for you depends on numerous factors, and what you prefer in a broadhead. Of course, cost almost always impacts the decision-making process, so we were sure to touch on that aspect as well.
Overall Best Broadhead
Zwickey Delta Broadhead
When I polled other bowhunters in one of my traditional archery Facebook groups, one brand that kept popping up was Zwickey. Zwickey has been producing quality fixed blade broadheads for traditional archery since 1938!
The Delta is a big, two-blade, cut-on-contact model constructed of high-carbon steel. The broadhead is 2 9/16 inches long with a 1 3/8-inch cutting diameter and weighs in at 170 grains. While Zwickey offers a glue-on model (featured below), this particular broadhead includes an adapter that allows it to screw into a standard arrow insert.
To prove its toughness, Zwickey claims a Montana hunter took eight bears with the same Delta 2 broadhead.
Best Single Bevel Broadhead
Iron Will Single Bevel SB-150
Iron Will broadheads are known for their high quality and strength which comes at a premium cost. These are the most expensive broadheads on our list, and one of only two single bevel broadheads that made the cut (pun intended) as well.
The single bevel broadhead is designed to maintain the arrow’s rotational spin through impact, resulting in a bone splitting effect and more tissue damage throughout the animal.
Iron Will broadheads feature super beefy .062-inch thick A2 tool-steel blades that are cryogenically treated and triple tempered to 60 HRC hardness. That will allow the Iron Will’s blades to withstand the demands of big game hunting for years, and allow frequent resharpening as needed to maintain a razor-sharp edge.
Best Heavy Broadhead
Steel Force Traditional Series Single Bevel Broadhead
This is the second of two single-bevel broadheads on our list. The long, lean design of the Steel Force provides maximum penetration and superb flight. Of course the single-bevel design will provide maximum damage and break bone if necessary.
The Steel Force is built like a tank out of 0.08-inch thick, knife-grade stainless steel. The broadhead is three inches long and one inch wide with an 11/32-inch ferrule, and is available in right or left bevel in 225 or 300 grains.
Best Glue-On Broadhead for Traditional Archery
Zwickey Eskimo Glue-On Broadhead
This is our second set of Zwickey broadheads on the list, but instead of being a screw-in model for a traditional insert, the Eskimo is made to glue onto a wood arrow or special insert. As we mentioned earlier, Zwickey has been making quality broadheads for decades and is a favorite among traditional bowhunters, and the Eskimo is probably the most popular broadhead they manufacture.
The Eskimo is a two-blade option with a 1 1/8-inch cutting diameter, and a weight of 125 grains. It feature an 11/32-inch taper hole. The cut-on-contact broadhead is made from special high-carbon steel so you can get the edges hair-shaving sharp. The triple-thick tip with special heat-treating resists curling and blows through bone for maximum damage. If you need a glue-on broadhead, you can’t go wrong with the Zwickey Eskimo!
Best 3 Blade Broadhead for Traditional Archery
EBBQ Woodsman Glue-On Broadhead
If you’re looking for a great three-blade option in a glue-on broadhead, then the EBBQ Woodsman may be the perfect option. The Woodsman is machined from a solid piece of tool-grade steel and features a pyramid tip for increased strength.
The broadhead has a one-inch cutting diameter and is coated in advanced pure Teflon for maximum durability. The Woodsman is made in the USA and backed by a lifetime guarantee. Unlike the other options listed here, EBBQ offers the Woodsman in a six pack.
Four Other Great Options
Simmons Land Shark
Another name that kept popping up among diehard traditional bowhunters was Simmons broadheads. The Montana-based company offers a variety of broadheads for traditional archery ranging in weight from 100 to 225 grains to cover every bowhunting scenario from whitetails to cape buffalo.
You won’t go wrong with any of Simmons’ numerous broadhead options, but for this article, we went with the 160-grain Land Shark. The Land Shark features tough .050-inch thick high-carbon steel blades with a respectable 1 5/8-inch cutting diameter. The concave blade design gives them unsurpassed penetration on both big and small game.
Every Simmons broadhead is made by hand here in the U.S. and inspected for perfect alignment before they leave the factory.
Magnus Stinger 4 Blade Arrow Broadhead
My broadhead of choice for my compound and recurve bows over the last two deer seasons has been the 150-grain Magnus Stinger 4-blade head. Like most of the broadheads on our list, the Stinger is a large, cut-on-contact broadhead that can be purchased with or without small bleeder blades.
Made from knife-grade stainless steel, the Stinger is razor-sharp right out of the package. The patented diamond tip provides bone-splitting performance on the largest of game animals, and the aircraft aluminum ferrule is spin tested to within .002 of an inch, providing perfect flight right out of the package.
One of my favorite aspects about Magnus broadheads is their lifetime replacement guarantee. If at any time you break, bend or have any concern with a Magnus broadhead, they will replace it.
Wasp Archery SharpShooter Broadhead
Wasp was one of the first companies to come out with replaceable blade broadheads, and they’ve been providing great broadheads ever since. They’ve recently started offering a traditional broadhead, the SharpShooter, that looks similar in design to the Magnus Stinger.
The 100% steel, cut-on-contact SharpShooter broadhead weighs in at 150 grains and features a razor-sharp .040-inch thick main blade with a 1-inch cutting diameter, and .027-inch thick bleeder blades.
While I love my Magnus Stingers, the Wasp SharpShooters are cheaper and seem to be more readily available through Amazon. At the time I’m writing these, they also feature a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Amazon with over 170 reviews. That’s really good for a broadhead.
Dead Ringer The Butcher Broadhead
Dead Ringer The Butcher broadheads also have a very similar look to the Magnus Stinger with a large main cut-on-contact head and smaller bleeder blades. The Dead Ringer heads feature a 0.925-inch cutting diameter and is only offered in 100-grain weight.
One thing that stands out to me on The Butcher broadhead is its long, tapered tip (as opposed to Magnus’s diamond tip). That lower blade angle makes The Butcher a great choice for anyone shooting a lower-poundage setup to help provide maximum penetration. On the flip side, the long, tapered tip will likely bend if it comes in contact with any hard bone, rocks or trees.
Dead Ringer’s website is lacking in information, so I can’t report on what the broadheads are made from or the thickness of the blades. I will mention that Dead Ringer’s reviews on Amazon are pretty favorable with a 4.4 out of 5 rating at the time I write this with over 220 reviews.
SIK F4 Fixed-Blade Broadhead
You probably haven’t heard of SIK broadheads. I hadn’t before I started researching for this article, but these appear to be great broadheads for traditional archery. These 100-grain, cut-on-contact, fixed-blade broadheads feature four blades for creating a maximum wound channel.
The laser-welded stainless steel broadhead features a .04-inch cut-on-contact main blade with .03-inch bleeder blades to deliver a 1.35″ cutting diameter. The 27° razor-honed edge angle on the full blade enables the F4 to cut forward or backward. All this wrapped into a compact design with field-point accuracy.
Summary
Choosing the best broadhead for traditional archery can be a pain, but you can’t go wrong with any of the ten broadheads featured in this article. Take into consideration what arrows you’ll be using, the overall weight you’re targeting with your arrow setup, and whether you’ll need a screw-in or glue-on broadhead. From there, you can try a few of the options listed here to help you find the perfect broadhead for your longbow or recurve bow this season.
If you have a favorite broadhead for your traditional archery setup not covered here, we’d love to hear about it! Feel free to drop us a note in the comments section below letting us know what you shoot.
Have you been practicing your shooting form at home, only to grow weary of chasing stray arrows around? Try putting a backstop behind your target and save yourself the hassle.
A backstop is material placed behind archery targets to catch arrows. Backstops are normally made of a thick, spongey material that absorbs the arrow’s shock. If you released an arrow into a wall, fence or anything else solid, the arrow would break upon impact. Backstops give the arrow something to sink into if it sails past the target. Keep in mind that while backstops will help provide a larger base for the arrows to land, you should always make sure you have a wall behind the target and backstop or plenty of open space.
Hay bales are a great, inexpensive way to create a backstop for your arrows. Photo Credit: Clearwater Cottage Blog
The most common and inexpensive backstop is a hay bale. The hay is very forgiving, although it won’t last as long as a foam material. The hay bales will still serve their purpose, but you might need to rearrange it regularly and fill in any gaps that come about with use.
You can also use foam play mats – the kind that young children use in classrooms. Or other floor mats work too. No matter the material, always use an arrow puller to remove the arrows from the stop. If an arrow gets stuck, you could break it by trying to yank it out. An arrow puller gives you a good grip so you can pull cleanly without breaks.
Make sure your backstop is wider and higher than your target so you don’t have to run around to collect stray shots that miss their mark. If you need to work on your precision, or you’re practicing with a novice, a backstop will help you avoid losing arrows in the woods or backyard.
Choose a material that is long-lasting and can hold up through many rounds. Photo Credit: Tradgang
Your backstop should also be sturdy – how much so partially depends on the intensity of your draw weight. The higher the draw weight on the bow, the more force behind the arrow. For a lower draw weight, you can probably afford a thinner backstop. As you practice with your backstop, you’ll see how the material absorbs the velocity of the arrows and adjust accordingly. The fix may be as simple as moving the target and backstop further away.
The supply list is fairly minimal. All you need is:
A horse stall mat, foam play mat or hay bales
2x4s or cables
If you’re feeling crafty, you can build the backstop yourself. Photo Credit: amzn.to
You can build your backstop against your fence, create a frame for your target and backstop, or leave it free-standing. If you build your own stand, hang the backdrop from the same pipes or boards you used for the stands. Hay bales can remain free standing and can be stacked as high or wide as necessary.
Backstops are an often-overlooked part of the archery arsenal, but it’s never too late to start using one. Save yourself broken arrows and broken fences by building your own backstop in just a few hours. Backstops are a time-saver and safety precaution that can benefit every archer.
Deer hunting in Oklahoma is available from October 1st until the middle of January, and is regulated by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). Different bag restrictions apply to hunting for antlerless deer in each of the state’s 10 antlerless deer zones. All you need to know about deer hunting seasons, permits, and laws in the Sooner State may be found in this page.
Oklahoma deer seasons
Oklahoma Deer Season
Hunting seasons, rules, and bag limits for deer are all established by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). Different bag restrictions on antlerless deer are enforced in each of the state’s 10 antlerless deer zones. Both residents and non-residents need a hunting license, with choices including yearly and five-year permits. Depending on the method of hunting (archery, muzzleloader, or firearm), hunters must get the appropriate license. Certain permits are available for young hunters.
General Deer Season
MethodOklahoma Deer Seasons Start DateOklahoma Deer Seasons End DateBag Limits (Deer Archery)1-Oct-2315-Jan-24Six: Only two may be antlered. The hunter’s overall deer archery season quota of six deer is unaffected. (Youth Deer Gun)20-Oct-2322-Oct-23Two: One may be antlered. Antlerless mule deer cannot be harvested. The hunter’s combined season limit of six deer includes all juvenile deer gun season kills, but they do not count against the regular deer gun season limit of four. (Deer Muzzleloader)28-Oct-235-Nov-23Four: one may be antlered. Antlerless mule deer cannot be harvested. Zones limit antlerless animal harvests. Zone 1—No antlerless harvesting. Deer-free zones 2-8. 3-9 antlerless zones. One zone-10 antlerless. Antlerless Deer Zones. The hunter’s six-deer muzzleloader season restriction is unaffected. (Deer Gun)18-Nov-233-Dec-23Four: one may be antlered. Antlerless mule deer cannot be harvested. Zones limit antlerless animal harvests. One zone-1 antlerless deer. Deer-free zones 2-8. 3-9 antlerless zones. One zone-10 antlerless. Antlerless Deer Zones. The hunter’s six-deer season restriction is unaffected. (Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun)18-Dec-2331-Dec-23Two: Solely antlerless. Antlerless mule deer cannot be harvested. Hunters may shoot six deer every season, except holiday antlerless deer gun season deer.
Antlerless Deer Zones
Zone-1
Antlerless Days Zone 1Season Dates Archery SeasonOct 1, 2024 – Jan 15, 2024 Youth Deer Gun SeasonOct 20 – 22, 2024 Muzzleloader SeasonNo antlerless days Deer Gun SeasonNov 18 – Dec 3, 2024 Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun SeasonClosed
Deer hunters are only allowed to harvest a total of six deer throughout the season, with only two of those animals allowed to have antlers. The same holds true for other forms of hunting, such as young deer gun, muzzleloader, and gun seasons for deer. The last year total season restriction will be applied to any deer harvested between January 1 and January 15. Antlerless deer killed during the holiday antlerless deer gun season or during a controlled hunt do not count against the combined season quota.
Elk Hunting Seasons
Elk Consolidated Season Limit
SpeciesDateBag Limit ElkJan. 1 – Jan. 31, Two ElkArchery, youth elk gun, elk muzzleloader, elk gun, holiday antlerless elk gun seasonsTwo Controlled huntsNot Included Total Combined SeasonTwo
Open Zones Seasons
TypeHunting Dates Elk ArcheryOct 1, 2024 – Jan 15, 2024 Youth Elk GunOct 13, 2024 – Oct 15, 2024 Elk MuzzleloaderOct 28, 2024 – Nov 5, 2024 Elk GunNov 18, 2024 – Dec 3, 2024 Holiday Antlerless Elk GunDec 18, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024
Elk Open Zones Bag Limit
Zone NameBag Limit Panhandle ZoneTwo elk (1 antlerless) Special Northwest ZoneOne elk, regardless of sex Northwest ZoneOne elk, regardless of sex Northeast ZoneOne elk, regardless of sex Southeast ZoneOne elk, regardless of sex Southwest ZoneOne elk, regardless of sex
Special Southwest Zone
Elk Special Southwest Zone SeasonHunting DatesArcheryOct 7-11, 2024 Dec 2-6, 2024 MuzzleloaderSeason closed GunOct 5-8, 2024 Dec 7-10, 2024 Youth Elk GunOct 13-15, 2024 Additional Antlerless Gun Season (antlerless only)Nov 18 – Dec 3, 2024 Jan 1-31, 2024
Note:
Limit of two (2) elk per hunter per zone; one (1) must be antlerless.
There is no harvest quota in this zone.
Regulations
You must first get permission from the owner to hunt on private land.
It is prohibited to have a deer that was taken by another individual without the proper tags.
Hunting from a motorized land, air, or sea vehicle is prohibited, as is firing over a public road, highway, or railroad.
Prime shooting time is between half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after dark.
While it is prohibited to employ dogs for deer hunting, you may use a leashed dog to locate a fallen buck if you first notify a game warden.
It is forbidden to bury a dead animal in a water source such as a well, spring, pond, or stream, or to leave the corpse of a dead animal within a quarter mile of an occupied structure or public road.
Hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter daylight bright orange, including a hat and clothing, to meet with requirements.
The total season deer bag limit is six; however, only two may be antlerless (defined as having at least 3 inches of antler protruding above the hairline).
Remember the following rules to prevent weapon accidents: Always assume a weapon is loaded, point the muzzle away from yourself and others, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire, and be aware of what is beyond your objective.
Keep broadheads covered, choose your target deer, and ensure there are no other deer or people in the area.
Hunters should understand how to correctly climb and secure tree stands, and they should always use a full-body safety harness and a safety line to avoid accidents from falls.
Rather of lugging anything up the ladder, climb above it and stroll down into it. The hauling is done by hand.
Dogs are not permitted to be used to hunt bears, deer, elk, antelope, or turkeys.
The hunter has 24 hours after leaving the hunting area to report his or her capture to the Department, whether it be a deer, elk, antelope, bear, or turkey. Following the submission of a report, a body tag or online confirmation number will be supplied. This tag or confirmation number must accompany the corpse at all phases of processing and storage at a commercial facility.
No person shall take, attempt to take, catch, capture, kill, or attempt to kill any deer, feral animal, or other wildlife, except fish and frogs or as provided by law, by means of a vehicle-mounted spotlight or other powerful light, by what is commonly referred to as “headlighting” (or “spotlighting”), or any light enhancement device used at night (night scope).
Except for deer gun seasons, an owner or agricultural lessee or their authorized agent may use any legal means of take, day or night, to safeguard agricultural crops, animals, processed feed, seed, or other commodities utilized in the production of an agricultural commodity.
Reporting & Deer Tagging
A deer harvested in Oklahoma must have a field tag attached as soon as possible. The hunter’s name, customer ID number, date of harvest, and time must all be included on the tag. Once the deer have been tagged, they may be field dressed and relocated. Within 24 hours after capturing a deer, the hunter must register the animal via the Go Outdoors Oklahoma smartphone app, the online E-check system, or an authorized department personnel. Checking the deer results in the hunter receiving a carcass tag or an online confirmation number, both of which must stay with the deer until the corpse is processed or stored.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
Deer are among the animals most at risk for contracting Chronic Wasting Illness (CWD), a deadly wasting disease of the nervous system. Holes in the brains of infected deer have been discovered in many locations in the United States and Canada. However, in 2022, a case of CWD was discovered only 2.5 miles south of the Oklahoma-Texas line. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation set up a Selective Surveillance area in the state’s southern region as a reaction. In this zone, only specific sections of killed deer and elk are permitted to leave the area, and the whole animals must be processed before leaving. Hunters are asked to volunteer their killed deer for testing, and the CDC advises against ingesting meat from animals that seem unwell or test positive for CWD. draft a few bullet points
Hours for Deer Hunting and Shooting.
An hour and a half before the scheduled dawn to an hour and a half after the scheduled dusk. Visit the website of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife here.
Define antlered deer.
Any deer, male or female, with antlers that extend at least three inches above the hairline on either side.
When it comes to shooting sports and hunting, having a reliable and accurate scope is essential. However, there are different types of scopes available...