Method Archery is offering the next generation of hunting arrows. Built to your specs and delivered to your door.
In all honesty, I’m not a guy that shops around too much for hunting arrows. For one, when I find something I like and that works, I stick with it. There are way too many things to go wrong in bowhunting to leave even more chances to arrows that I am not well acquainted with. With that being said, I’m also a busy guy and always looking for ways to become more efficient. This is where Method Archery caught my attention.
Another year and another Fall hunting season has passed us by. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been doing some serious e-scouting for next year, crushing workouts, and making sure you’re proficient with your weapon. Maybe you’ve even got out on some after-season scouting trips. It’s pre-season prep time for next Fall and I love this just as much as I love hunting season. I don’t know if it’s because of the anticipation it holds, being proactive in the process, or if it just helps make hunting season not seem as far away as it is. Whatever it is, it plays a vital role in consistent success in the field. Pre-season preparation leads to a positive mindset and a positive mindset leads to filling tags. There are a few things I like to stay conscious of as I go through this process each year.
It’s no secret that backpack hunting is physically demanding. From carrying camp on your back and traversing merciless terrain day in and day out to just going through the motions of the whole thing. And that doesn’t even touch on when an animal lay at your feet accompanied by the effort it takes to handle that situation. The bottom line is everything is harder out there and it should be in your best interest to have backcountry hunting prep on your mind.
You’re excited. With a loaded-down backpack, a desolate trail ahead, and a big game tag in your pocket, adventure is no doubt on the horizon. Each step you take is one closer to a cozy backcountry camp and endless opportunities. Along the way though, you’re greeted by an uninvited guest. A muscle cramp proceeds to begin “cramping your style.” Now with each step you take, all that’s on your mind is “why me, and how the heck do I get this cramping in the backcountry to go away?”
You’ve been lacing bullseye after bullseye most of the year with your bow. Confidence levels are at an all-time high as is the anticipation of the coming archery hunting season. In light of that, you finally pick up those broadheads and give em a whirl downrange. Suddenly, the confidence that once stood tall is squashed into the very ground you stand upon. While your field-tipped arrows rest in the bullseye they’ve grown to know so well, your broadhead-tipped arrow does not. It is the outlier in a suddenly uneasy situation. The reality of broadhead tuning is now present.
Coues deer are a special little deer that have a way of capturing the hearts of hunters. This is the story of how that very thing happened to me years ago. Since I started hunting them on accident as a kid, they’ve ingrained themselves in me for the long haul. From many failed attempts to simply watching them do their thing, they captivated me. Coues Deer are found in Mexico, a little in New Mexico, and my home state of Arizona. It’s a privilege to live in a state where I get to see and hunt them as often as I do.
The full film will be covering how I started hunting coues, my struggles through the years of doing so, the Arizona landscape, and then underneath all of that is an actual archery coues hunt. The hunt took place earlier this year in January. It turned out to be a great time with good friends.
You can look for the full film to be released on my Youtube Channel October 4th! Don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date with future posts and videos. I’d also love to know how you got started hunting coues deer! It’s always nice hearing stories from likeminded folks. Drop them below in the comments!
Here’s another spring hunting season video to keep the train rolling! I’m so stoked that I drew this tag. It’s bringing me into some areas that I haven’t stepped foot into for years. Last time I had the tag though, my strategy was mostly spot and stalk. This time, I’m mainly focusing on water sources. So my scouting throughout the pre-season is really just going to be about finding somewhat remote water sources that I can potentially ambush hunt a bear on. I’m not used to this, but trail cameras will be super helpful for this hunt. Not only do I just have to find a water source, but the water needs to be huntable. Meaning that there needs to be a spot for me to set up and wait for a thirsty bruin to come in.
Next stop at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah was FHF Gear. I’ve used the FHF Gear Bino Harness for quite a few years. You can find a review I did HERE. While newer models have come out since then with minor changes, the overall concept remains the same. A no guff, low profile, and easy to use harness to hold your binoculars. There are also several attachments that one can add on as well, such as a rangefinder pouch, GPS pouch, and bear spray holster to name a few. They don’t just stop at hunting though. Fishing gear is also part of their lineup.
In this video, owner and founder Paul Lewis goes through what FHF Gear has in store for 2020. One of the coolest things that stood out to me was the orange panel they are offering. This can be used as a stuff sack to store a jacket, a cushion seat, or something to throw over those antlers on the way out of the mountains. Enjoy!
Boom! Hope you all are enjoying these quick little gear videos I grabbed from the show. To learn more about FHF Gear you can visit www.fhfgear.com. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube Channel and blog to stay up to date with future posts! Thanks for watching and until next time, shoot straight and be safe out there!
Just recently, Exo Mountain Gear came out with their new 1800 day pack model for the new K3 frame that they introduced last year. If you aren’t familiar with the new K3 system or other bags that they offer, head on over to the review and comparison I did of the K3 4800 bag HERE. Their new 1800 bag is exactly what it sounds like really. A bomber day pack that can still handle packing out elk quarters, due to the universal frame that Exo Mountain Gear offers.
I’ve never been much of a day pack kind of guy, but I’ve gotta admit, this little pack has grown on me a bit. It’s everything you need and nothing that you don’t. So far I’ve used it on multiple archery deer hunts and javelina hunts down here in Arizona. I even got to pack out a javelina with it! Pretty awesome.
Something that I dig about this pack is that it really makes you question what you do or don’t need. Sometimes, things can build up in my backpack and honestly get lost from time to time. It’s nice saying to myself, “actually I don’t need this at all for a day hunt.”
The 1800 bag is compatible with the K3 frame, as is all of the new bags. That’s one of the cool things about this system. I’ll likely use the day pack for quick scouting trips and placing trail cams. Once it comes time to pack in, I’ll just swap the 1800 out for the 4800 and get to the trail. A handy system every day of the week.
Something to note, is that this pack doesn’t come with a lid. Exo does offer straps that one can attach to the 1800 to use a lid from another K3 bag. This is exactly what I did, and it worked out swimmingly. There are two small loops that are located under each side stretchy pocket of the pack. That is what the extra straps attach to from the lid.
The layout of this new 1800 day pack is simple. You’ve got one main compartment in the middle of the pack, two side pockets, two stretchy side pouches(water bottle), and a small little stash pocket on the backside of the horseshoe panel. One of the side pouches is slightly longer than the other, and is perfect for housing a 65mm spotting scope. The other isn’t quite as long and I use it for carrying an extra release and medical kit. Just like on the other K3 bags, there is also a waterproof pouch to hold your water bladder. That’s it. Easy peasy.
Here, I go through the layout of the pack and how I personally am packing it for an upcoming hunt. If you like the video, please SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube Channel for future content!
For a quick trip on the mountain, or even around hiking trails in town, this new day pack is perfect fit for the bill. I’ll absolutely be using it this coming spring bear season in Arizona as I scout out new areas and place trail cameras. For more information on this pack and others visit www.exomtngear.com.
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