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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: nightowl1 on July 22, 2011, 11:24:00 PM

Title: Small game only?
Post by: nightowl1 on July 22, 2011, 11:24:00 PM
How many of you use your bow for small game most or all of the time?

I love shooting my bow and the feeling of sneaking through the woods after squirrel without disturbing a single other creature is unparalleled. Same with everything between rabbits and even dove.

I am a big lever action guy and have a little light powered beauty (357) I call my bow hunting gun that I do all of my deer hunting with.

Just curious who is a dedicated small gamer like me?
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: stevewills on July 22, 2011, 11:26:00 PM
i own 1 gun and the only reason for that is its hard to conceal a bow..i use my bow for everything...
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: nightowl1 on July 22, 2011, 11:43:00 PM
I know that is how a lot of people feel and do. I have much respect for that.

I am just curious if, just like some are not hunters but target shooters, there are some who are dedicated to small game. To me it is the ultimate challenge and excitement. Very small targets usually on the move and often multiple shots in a day. Not to mention the great eating and wonderful furs you can get. I may even make up a small game bucket list haha
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: Roadkill on July 23, 2011, 01:47:00 AM
We have to draw for all big game and some birds. Rabbitsv and quail are available. Sunday we hunt them. I have the distinction of stalking and shooting an already dead rabbit under a pallet. Howls at the archery shop.  
They keep you sharp. I have a photo of me and a judo withe abrabbit ear on it.  We never got that rabbit.  Seems we could have snuk up a half deaf bunny.  Love hunting bunnies
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: Eugene Slagle on July 23, 2011, 05:43:00 AM
Not as often as I like but on occasion I'll put on a stalk of a bunny or squirel & try my skill at taking it.

Steve, you & I are very similar but I do own 2 muzzleloaders that may see deer woods once every 3-5 years.
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: magnus on July 23, 2011, 06:01:00 AM
When I hit the woods it's with bow in hand. I just get more out of it than with a gun anymore.
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: b.glass on July 23, 2011, 06:04:00 AM
I'm getting excited about bushytail season coming up soon here in Indiana.

I too use my bow for everything. It's good practice and fun to go after small game. Sometimes it sounds more appealling during deer season than deer hunting.

Bona
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: Recurve50 LBS on July 23, 2011, 06:47:00 AM
I like small game (squirrel, rabbit, ground hog) hunting with my bow.Last few deer seasons I bring a couple blunts with me in my quiver.
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: stabow on July 23, 2011, 07:27:00 AM
I split my time between longbow and flintlock......stabow
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: Night Wing on July 23, 2011, 07:53:00 AM
When it comes to bowhunting, the only small game I take with my two recurves are rabbits and frogs.
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: nightowl1 on July 23, 2011, 08:38:00 AM
So, so far I'm on the outskirts of the bell curve? Haha
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: Gordon Jabben on July 23, 2011, 09:01:00 AM
I really enjoy hunting small game.  I think bowhunters are really missing a lot of fun when they just deer and elk hunt.  Last year, three buddies and I drove four hours to western Kansas just to rabbit hunt.  Added bonus, you can take your dog along and get a lot of stump shooting in while you're hunting.
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: sweeney3 on July 23, 2011, 09:39:00 AM
I enjoy small gaming with the bow.  Around here I get after squirrel, rabbit, and dove.  If I ever get to move back to Kansas to be around the upland birds full time, I'm going to try it on pheasant, Prarie Chicken, and quail too.
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: Jake Diebolt on July 23, 2011, 01:15:00 PM
I've only done a little bit of small game hunting with a bow, but I liked it. I can go after rabbits, grouse and pheasants around here. No squirrels, the red squirrels we have are considered fur-bearers and can only be taken by trappers.
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: chopx2 on July 23, 2011, 01:50:00 PM
I only use a bow, unless I'm hunting with a group of shotgunners that I don't know well. Many get annoyed when I break out the bow.

Before you tell me not to hunt with those losers...they are customers and suppliers so I play nice, especially in this economy.
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: Mike Vines on July 23, 2011, 04:30:00 PM
I go after anything that is in season.  Be it a chipmunk, squirrel, rabbit, deer, fish and even targets.  I just flat out enjoy having a bow and arrow in my hand.  Own plenty of "bang sticks", but have no desire to even get them out.
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: PaddyMac on July 23, 2011, 07:12:00 PM
The only thing my wife and I hunt together is grouse. She uses a shotgun. I use a bow. We are equally ineffective. Oh, we get some. Maybe three per trip and have a bunch of fun.

I am not fond of snowshoe hare but I might try them again this fall.

I miss the cottontails and fox squirrels back in Illinois where I grew up.
Title: Re: Small game only?
Post by: calgarychef on July 24, 2011, 05:08:00 AM
I love big game hunting but for pure fun small game makes for a wonderful day outdoors.  We've become pretty good gopher killers around here.