Yes beautiful under clear glass. just be sure to look over glass well defects will show with that dark wood

I moved to the Tampa area in May and have been slowly learning about bowhunting in Florida after years of living and hunting in the Northeast.  The most challenging part, besides the heat and mosquitos, is the regulations and seasons for all the different WMA's.  Many of the WMA's have quota-only hunts that restrict the number of hunters for the archery season and also how many days you are allowed to hunt.  Some of these quota WMA's only allow a two-day hunt even though the season can be open for a month or more.  The WMA's I'm used to are open 24/7 to anyone with a hunting license as long as the season is open in that area.

Can any longtime Florida hunters share their thoughts on how this came about and if they feel it's the best system?  The few hunters I've met here are split 50-50 on whether they think it helps or hurts.  The proponents say it guarantees a quality hunt, even if restricted to two days.  Those against it say that it forces hunters to travel long distances and puts greater pressure on the few WMA's without quotas, or worse, they are made to hunt out of state.  One resident I know has been putting in for a WMA by his house for nine years and has not drawn a quota permit yet.

As a new hunter in this state, I'm struggling to learn a vastly different terrain and navigate these new regulations that are very different than what I am used to.  I also looked into private property and leases, but they are expensive and hard to find in this area.  I will say that I am enjoying a new and exciting habitat and all its challenges.

Thanks, Roger

Well done!

Based on my experience working in the archery shop, just as many deer, if not more, are missed by compound and crossbow hunters than traditional hunters.  Many hunters think that these devices and all of their accessories guarantee accuracy and success in the field, but the reality is far different.  Otherwise, how does someone miss a deer at twenty yards with a scoped crossbow shooting 400-plus feet per second? 

I think that my buddy said it best: we have become a microwave society where everything has to be instantaneous!  The archery industry takes this concept to a whole new level, pushing equipment and accessories as the holy grail.  Many times, I suggested people spend a couple hundred on shooting lessons rather than buying a new bow, and they always looked at me like I was crazy!

This equipment makes the temptation to take longer shots easier, and many people have spent long nights tracking animals with marginal wounds because they thought they could make the shot.  More bowhunters are than ever pushing the envelope with longer shots because they see others doing it on social media and TV.  Sadly, if XYZ professional does it, many guys consider this the ethical standard and follow suit.  So, in many ways, even though they have all the technological advantages, they still feel limited because they want to reach out even further.

I know it can be incredibly frustrating when you work your butt off to find and close the distance on a good buck or bull, and they stay just out of your effective range, but it's better to show restraint than risk wounding an animal. 

   

Sorry for the late response, but I had to reach out to my buddies who are running the WE steps and get their input.  First, no one has used anything but the ropes that came with the steps from WE.  My one buddy who is very knowledgeable about Amsteel said that it doesn't stretch, so he wouldn't use it on the WE steps.  I agree with this because when I spoke with Andrew from WE, he said the ropes helped the camming action of the steps. 

Everyone I talked with has zero issues with them and is very satisfied with their performance in the field.  One of the guys also uses his steps with a knaider and swaider and has little bumps of JB weld on the crossbar for the hook to sit in while he is using his Knaider & Swaider.  The other guys have just put stealth strips on the steps to help quiet them down during transport to the tree.  None of the guys do anything to the ropes except hang them on a tree for a couple of days to stretch them out properly.

If you search on YouTube, there are all kinds of videos on modifying or making holsters for the WE steps.  I think once the ropes are properly stretched out and you can confidently tie the knot to attach them to the tree, these are an excellent option to sticks or screw in steps.

I hope this helps and safe climbing and hunting!

Roger