Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: returnofsid on February 17, 2014, 04:21:45 PM

Title: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on February 17, 2014, 04:21:45 PM: Last Friday, we took our daughter, Madison, to the Black Sheep, in Coeur d' Alene, ID to try out some bows. Excellent customer service! We're now the proud parents of the newest archer in our family. After shooting a couple different bows, she fell in love with the Mission Craze!

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.staticflickr.com%2F3775%2F12571204684_f9ea583a8e_c.jpg&hash=3323ee7302a403b9a75eac21e8e3c8fa6b961217)

We went to our local club (Evergreen Archery Club) range today, to sight in her bow. Unfortunately, I forgot to take an allen wrench! Also, it was super windy and cold. So, she shot for about 45 minutes and then we came home to warm up. Need to work on her form a bit, specifically keeping her back straight. I also think we need to shorten her draw length to 19", from the current 20". We had a great time!

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One issue that we're experiencing and I hope someone can advise me on the best course of action.

She used to shoot a "toy" Bear Brave, with arrows we purchased from Walmart. We "upgraded" from the toy arrows to the Walmart arrows because the "safety tips" pulled off of the toy arrows the first time we pulled them from a bag target. So, we purchased Walmart arrows that had actual inserts and put field tips on them. Well, when she shoots those arrows, from the Mission Craze, the knock comes out of the arrow, sticking to the string, every time. In fact, I had to remove the knocks from the string and place them back into the arrows, for the above photo. The knocks are actually a bit difficult to remove from the string. Is this happening because the current knocks are too tight, because the string is brand new, needing to "wear in," or because the Draw Weight is only at 17 lbs? We are having custom arrows made up for her, from Big Rack Custom Arrows. They'll be Deer Crossing Arrows, Hunter series, in 600 Spine, cut to 22" and "girlied up." I'm hoping that the different knocks will solve this problem.
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: PolarBear on February 17, 2014, 04:25:10 PM: AWESOME!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: Wazukie on February 17, 2014, 04:26:24 PM: :yeah:
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: earlmarne on February 17, 2014, 04:36:06 PM: thats the good stuff right there.I am going to upgrade the boys bow this year
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on February 17, 2014, 07:06:53 PM: Hmmm, I just realized I posted the same photo twice. Wanted to post different photos, to compare her anchor point in each photo.

In this photo, her anchor point is great, string position off her nose is great, form is really good except for leaning back...

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In this photo, the anchor point seems a bit different but not bad. The string position is nowhere near that of the previous photo...

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Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: sakoshooter on February 17, 2014, 08:22:04 PM: Very cool.
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: Stick em on February 18, 2014, 03:25:50 PM: Congratulations, looks like you have an bow addict on your hands. :IBCOOL: On the nock issue, try a nail file on the inside of the nock where it touches the string. The nock should not have much resistance from the string. Ideally you should be able to nock an arrow and tap the string to get the arrow to fall off. Walmart arrows will work great for her, you may want to have them cut down to the correct size but most shops do that at no charge.
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: 4fletch on February 18, 2014, 05:07:00 PM: For knock problems find some quality knocks , if they are too tight heat up some water dip just the split portion of the knock in to the water and push knock on and off the string a few times this will relieve the tightness . I also see that the arrow is extremely long , not sure if this has anything to do with the problem but I would shorten the arrows up first. Congrats on your new hunting partner , you are a lucky man
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on February 18, 2014, 05:58:15 PM: On the nock issue, I've actually considered using hot water, to "stretch" out the string valley. I may also superglue the nocks into the shafts. The nocks slip in and out of the shaft, way too easily. Yes, the arrows are too long, which may be contributing to the problem. However, they don't have to last much longer. I'm having Big Rack Custom Arrows build her a dozen Deer Crossing Arrows (Hunters) in 600 spine. They'll be cut to 22" to allow for a couple inches of growth. Of course, they'll be completely "girlied up" pink and yellow, along with pink/silver glitter! LOL
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on February 21, 2014, 03:44:28 PM: We lowered the Draw Length on Madison's bow to 19" and raised the Draw Weight to 20 lbs. Her form immediately improved, as did her aim. She had no problems at all drawing the bow back, through 15 shots. She'd have kept shooting if she didn't have to get ready for dance practice!

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Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: hollymaster on February 21, 2014, 09:23:06 PM: :tup:
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: jackelope on February 21, 2014, 09:48:32 PM: That's awesome!
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on February 24, 2014, 10:35:06 AM: I just received a progress photo of the arrows that Big Rack Custom Arrows is making for Madison. She's going to LOVE THEM! They're Deer Crossing arrows, 500 spine.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.staticflickr.com%2F3834%2F12752128173_aef9412b1b.jpg&hash=3e3a54717ed674c501cb58ff4518f523409babfe)
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on February 24, 2014, 03:58:45 PM: Here's the newest photo update. All fletched up...

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.staticflickr.com%2F3795%2F12756903075_6917d59780_z.jpg&hash=b37abf8d031d4b3fcc508a746478990e425e23a6)
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on February 24, 2014, 08:15:18 PM: Latest update! Madison was absolutely speechless when she saw these. I've gotta say, I'm very impressed by this company! His customer service, communication and dedication to pleasing the customer are impeccable! Also, his "family values" really impress me! He actually apologized for the arrows taking so long to be completed, explaining that he tries to wait until after his children have gone to bed, before working on arrows, so as not to take time away from his family. These custom arrows took about 3 days to complete, once he received his shipment of materials, that he had to custom order for these arrows. His 5 year old daughter will help "glitter" them up in the morning. The glitter was her idea so Madison requested that he allow her to help him do that part of this custom build.

My answer to him was, "Sounds like your priorities are right where they need to be!" 3 days is nothing to wait, considering the end results!!

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Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on February 27, 2014, 04:02:05 PM: Madison's arrows arrived today! She absolutely loves them! Being 600 spine, they fly REALLY FAST compared to the arrows she's been shooting! Since she has dance practice in a bit, she only had time to take 6 shots. Her first group of 3 wasn't bad at all!

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.staticflickr.com%2F2885%2F12823905685_34473dcff3_c.jpg&hash=6de7d82296423601a1d1759e52e6735f5b0bc9ba)

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Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on March 10, 2014, 05:56:04 AM: Yesterday, Madison and I finally got a chance to do some shooting! This was the first time she's really been able to put a lot of arrows through her bow, even carrying it around a 14 target loop, through the woods. She had no problem with the weight of the bow, through about 90 minutes of hiking/shooting. Before walking the loop, we spent some time at the range, with her shooting 5 and 10 yards. Through the loop, she shot everything from 10 yards. Total, I'd estimate she put about 55 arrows through her bow.

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Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: JJD on March 10, 2014, 06:47:33 AM: Very cool :tup:
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: huntingaddiction on March 10, 2014, 10:23:57 AM: Just looking at some of the pictures and maybe this will help. I think you should buy her a wrist strap and loosen her grip. holding it like that just torques the bow.
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on March 11, 2014, 10:49:43 AM: Quote from: huntingaddiction on March 10, 2014, 10:23:57 AM
Just looking at some of the pictures and maybe this will help. I think you should buy her a wrist strap and loosen her grip. holding it like that just torques the bow.

That's definitely planned for the very near future, before she develops a habit of gripping the bow. My concern is finding a wrist strap that works without a stabilizer. I'm concerned about the added weight of a stabilizer.
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: huntingaddiction on March 12, 2014, 07:50:13 AM: I think that if you were to just buy her a lighter one it would be ok. they make like 3ouce stabilizers.
http://www.bowhunterssuperstore.com/bowjax-stabilizer-pink-p-1867546.html (http://www.bowhunterssuperstore.com/bowjax-stabilizer-pink-p-1867546.html)
Try this it is made by bowjax is inexspensive and i think she would be ok with it.
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on March 12, 2014, 10:37:14 AM: Quote from: huntingaddiction on March 12, 2014, 07:50:13 AM
I think that if you were to just buy her a lighter one it would be ok. they make like 3ouce stabilizers.
http://www.bowhunterssuperstore.com/bowjax-stabilizer-pink-p-1867546.html (http://www.bowhunterssuperstore.com/bowjax-stabilizer-pink-p-1867546.html)
Try this it is made by bowjax is inexspensive and i think she would be ok with it.

You're absolutely right! 3 ounces won't matter at all.
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: huntingaddiction on March 20, 2014, 01:07:40 PM: Quote from: returnofsid on March 12, 2014, 10:37:14 AM
Quote from: huntingaddiction on March 12, 2014, 07:50:13 AM
I think that if you were to just buy her a lighter one it would be ok. they make like 3ouce stabilizers.
http://www.bowhunterssuperstore.com/bowjax-stabilizer-pink-p-1867546.html (http://www.bowhunterssuperstore.com/bowjax-stabilizer-pink-p-1867546.html)
Try this it is made by bowjax is inexspensive and i think she would be ok with it.

You're absolutely right! 3 ounces won't matter at all.
So how doid it turn out did you get her a stabilizer?
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on March 21, 2014, 06:35:43 PM: We've been so busy with college finals and Madison's dance competitions that we haven't made any progress at all. Your post reminded me that I need to get on it! Thanks!
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: lokidog on March 21, 2014, 10:07:04 PM: This is a great thread!
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on March 22, 2014, 08:35:28 AM: Quote from: lokidog on March 21, 2014, 10:07:04 PM
This is a great thread!

It's definitely great to be able to have a reason to create this thread! Thanks!!
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: huntingaddiction on March 25, 2014, 08:37:40 AM: If i didnt live on the other side of th state i would give you a 5oz 6in octane stabilizer for her. I have two for the bowtechs that we just took off and upgraded.
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: Greg Mullins on April 05, 2014, 10:02:00 PM: Good lil huntin buddy
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: Smossy on April 05, 2014, 10:29:10 PM: Such an awesome thread! Good stuff!
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on April 10, 2014, 08:19:49 AM: Thanks everyone, for your kind comments! She's still shooting up a storm, getting more and more consistent. Recently, I changed out her field tips. She'd been shooting my 100 grain tips, which were obviously too heavy. We changed them out for a much lighter tip and her groupings immediately tightened up. Here's her best groups to date, all at 10 yards...

Oh what the heck!? Flickr changed and I can't figure out how to post photos, using IMG tags...GRRR
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on April 10, 2014, 10:15:37 PM: Finally figured out how to deal with the "New and Improved" Flickr...UGH!

Anyway, here's a few of her recent groups, all at 10 yards.

She was actually aiming at the Yellow Jacket, but this was before I'd made any adjustments to her sights. She now understands what "Follow the arrow" means.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/13546632253_5a2a861995_b.jpg)

This is after adjusting her sights. She's aiming at the orange sticky dot.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/13760658713_06edc68dd4_b.jpg)

Her first four arrows of this morning

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/13772477615_5f37ac9dfb_b.jpg)

This evening, after we finally got her a dozen 50 grain field tips. This is the first time she's been able to shoot ALL of her arrows. She shot all of them 3 times this evening. This was her first, and best group.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7246/13772826774_4535037e2d_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: DeerHarvester on December 14, 2014, 02:42:57 PM: A
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on December 14, 2014, 02:52:42 PM: :tup:
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: boneaddict on December 14, 2014, 03:35:46 PM: Fantastic
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: jkthomps on December 18, 2014, 10:24:41 PM: This is awesome. I have twin girls that are 10 years old and I am getting them into archery. One lefty and one righty. I may have to pick your brain in the near future if that is okay with you. They saw the photos of your daughter and her bow and arrows and said they want to similar "designs" lol.
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on December 19, 2014, 06:49:22 AM: Thank you all and left and right handed twins!? That's terrifying! My mind, what little is left of it, is yours to pick.
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: jkthomps on December 19, 2014, 03:37:12 PM: Hahaha you would have thought I learned my lesson but now we have the twins, a 15 month old boy and my wife is expecting again. Lol. I think someone needs to explain to me how this happened hahahaha
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: returnofsid on December 19, 2014, 05:03:28 PM: Quote from: jkthomps on December 19, 2014, 03:37:12 PM
Hahaha you would have thought I learned my lesson but now we have the twins, a 15 month old boy and my wife is expecting again. Lol. I think someone needs to explain to me how this happened hahahaha

Other than twins, I've got you beat on failure to learn lessons...

I have a 26 year old daughter, a 24 year old son, a 22 year old daughter, and Madison, our 8 year old daughter...haha. Oh and 6 grandkids.
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: jkthomps on December 19, 2014, 10:16:01 PM: Haha yeah you have me beat there lol
Title: Re: Newest Archer in our family!!
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on January 08, 2015, 05:21:43 PM: Looks real good! :tup: