My history of using hinge releases to shoot a bow has been somewhat brief. It is that way, not because I didn’t like using a hinge. I actually really enjoyed shooting them. It was brief because I’m primarily a bowhunter and I didn’t believe that hinge releases were practical for bowhunting. So, I have shot an index-style release and thumb button release for that application the past 10 years or so. My original opinion of hinge releases has been influenced to shift in a different direction and it’s all because of the Evolution Outdoors Ibex. A hinge made for bowhunters by bowhunters.
So, I’m going whitetail deer hunting. This may not sound like a big deal to many of you, but I’ve honestly never done a legit whitetail hunt. This November, though, I’m heading to CO to hunt with a buddy on some ground that he’s got a ton of experience on and manages. This will be a treestand hunt and I’m thrilled about it. With that said, this all called for a different clothing system than I’m used to.
Now, keep in mind, I’m mainly a western hunter. I do mostly backpack hunts, so my normal clothing system reflects that. Everything is based on effectiveness and efficiency with weight and packability in mind. The system I’ve picked down below for my whitetail deer hunt is more about staying warm and quiet. Here goes nothing. A whitetail deer clothing system through the eyes of a western hunter.
Everything mentioned here is made by Sitka Gear. I’ll be doing a full review on BlackOvis.com about my experience with everything after the fact as well as a follow-up video. If you want to save money over there use the code DIALED10 and you’ll save 10% off sitewide.
I’m not going to get much in the weeds at all here with this stuff, because I don’t have an honest opinion about it yet, aside from just first impressions. And first impressions across the board are THIS STUFF IS COMFORTABLE. I love my western system, but everything here is so warm and soft. Of course the packability is extremely limited, but that’s not the point or goal of this system based on the style of hunting.
I’m new to this whitetail deer thing. So, if you think I missed anything here that would be of value, please let me know! I’ve got my western system pretty dialed, but this is a new world to me and I’m stoked to dive in.
There it is! Everything fits great and feels great. My bow is shooting absolutely awesome too. Now, all there is to do is wait for November to come. Thankfully, I’ve got a fall bear hunt here in AZ coming to help pass my time until I head to CO for whitetails. Can’t wait to share everything with you all. Thanks for tuning in.
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There is a whole lot of gear involved with backpack hunting. One of the most important pieces to the system is our insulation for sleeping. I’m talking about your sleeping bag or your quilt. Which brings me to the topic of this here piece. I’ve used both extensively and am going to break down the pros and cons of each. So, here we go. Sleeping bags or quilts for backcountry hunting?
Sheesh, I can’t believe I’m already writing a start of the Fall hunting season update. Feels like spring was just here a few weeks ago, but here we are. At this point in the season, I’ve had two hunts. A black bear hunt in Arizona and an elk hunt in Colorado. Both landed on the rough side, but both held their own lessons.
If there is one thing true about sighting in a bow sight, it’s that there is more than one way to skin a cat. I recently acquired the Spot Hogg Fast Eddie 5-Pin and had to of course get it all sighted in and ready for season. While I was doing this, my buddy was also tackling the same task with the same sight and had some questions. So, I figured if he had questions, there are others that do too. Naturally, I decided to make a video of the process, as I think this is way easier to digest visually than through reading.
There are no shortage of questions that come with being a new backpack hunter. Many of them revolve around the gear side of things, and rightfully so. There is SO MUCH out there and knowing what to bring and what not to bring can seem confusing. Within that gear the Backcountry Sleep System gets a ton of attention. I’m referring to shelters, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags/quilts. It is your home away from home essentially.
In order to help paint a more clear picture, for new backpack hunters especially, I’m going to lay out my own backcountry sleep system. This is not only what I’ve used for years, but what I’ll be using for the 2024 hunting season.
Eagerness flowed through my veins as I stared through the steam of my coffee. It was January in Arizona. A beautiful time of year to be a bowhunter. Bucks were rutting does like mad and I couldn’t wait until the sun climbed its way up the horizon. At this point in my bowhunting journey, I hadn’t yet touched an animal with my arrow. I had a lot to learn back then some 10 years ago from now. One lesson that sticks out the most to me, which was a turning point in my success, was falling victim to paralysis by analysis. From my experience, the biggest mistake of new bowhunters.
I made shirts! This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and finally got around to it. At the moment I have two designs, but there is more merch to come. So, keep you eyes out for that. Until then, let me give you the skinny on the Dialed in Hunter Shirts available now in The Shop.
At the time of writing this, it’s late July 2024. This time of year always makes me think of one thing, besides the unrelenting heat in my great state of Arizona. It’s Fall black bears. Our archery season starts at the end of August and I just returned from my first scouting trip of the year.
If you caught my Custom Arrow Build 101 post, you saw that I got new custom arrows built up from Evolution Outdoors. Right there in the owner Dale’s shop, I was impressed with the build and the level of detail that went into making sure they were all top-notch. Looks are one thing and results are another, though. I just got back from the range with these arrows and I’m liking what I’m seeing so far.
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