Title: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 04, 2012, 10:52:00 PM
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 04, 2012, 10:52:00 PM
Have any of you here done this before? I asked this same question over on another site and wanted to hear your input here. I have never hunted small game at night and I think it could be fun doing so. Here in Maryland we are allowed by law to hunt and pursue,Possom, Fox, Coyote and Raccoon at night. We are allowed to do this with the aid of an artificial light and electronic game call. If some of you have done this before, let me hear what type of light,equipment etc that you used. I also realize some might question the ethics of doing this, because a light is involved, but I still think it would be fun and somewhat of a challenge. While I have taken both Fox and Raccoon with my bows during day light and late evening hours, but not at night. Thanks for your input.
Tony
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/CopyofLastHourRaccoon.jpg)
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/BrerFox.jpg)
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/Coon.jpg)
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/395715-R1-022-9A_009.jpg)
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/IMG_0831.jpg)
Tony
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/CopyofLastHourRaccoon.jpg)
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/BrerFox.jpg)
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/Coon.jpg)
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/395715-R1-022-9A_009.jpg)
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/IMG_0831.jpg)
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Hot Hap on January 04, 2012, 11:00:00 PM
Post by: Hot Hap on January 04, 2012, 11:00:00 PM
Never done it. You look like a killing machine! Nice pictures. Hap
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Brian CS on January 04, 2012, 11:23:00 PM
Post by: Brian CS on January 04, 2012, 11:23:00 PM
Only with a 22 but never a bow. I would think two people would be the way to go, one shoots one spots. Good luck if you do, nice pics.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: huntingarcher on January 04, 2012, 11:23:00 PM
Post by: huntingarcher on January 04, 2012, 11:23:00 PM
You seem to have those fox figured out for sure.Nice pics too,I have hunted hogs at night but thats about it.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: S Biles on January 04, 2012, 11:29:00 PM
Post by: S Biles on January 04, 2012, 11:29:00 PM
Never tried, but i bet its a blast!
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Skipmaster1 on January 04, 2012, 11:39:00 PM
Post by: Skipmaster1 on January 04, 2012, 11:39:00 PM
Awesome! I would love to get a fox with the stickbow! I have taken a few raccoons at night with my longbow. I just held my sure-fire 104 lumen between my pointer and middle finger on my bow hand and shot them out of the trees they were in.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Thumper Dunker on January 05, 2012, 12:13:00 AM
Post by: Thumper Dunker on January 05, 2012, 12:13:00 AM
I have ran thure an orchard with a flash light in my mouth chassing racoons . P.S. you can't shoot a bow with a flash light in your mouth.Hand held light no more than six volts and can not use a electric caller on game animals out here.Its not easy you can't see and they can real good. Nice animals :thumbsup: :clapper:
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: StanM on January 05, 2012, 12:32:00 AM
Post by: StanM on January 05, 2012, 12:32:00 AM
Hi Tony,
I do a LOT of hunting for nutria, possum, and raccoons at night. Have probably taken over 500 in the past 15 years. Small game hunting is just about my favorite activity. From Nov. 15th to March 15th is when our season is open. It is an absolute blast. You can get a good light for this at Wal-Mart, etc. It's a Black and Decker light that takes 4 C cell batteries. Works great and will allow for shots up to 30+ yards if you want to take them. The light has two settings, high beam will last 20 hours and low beam will last 72 or something like that.
The lights that charge up have a lot more power, but die out in less than an hour.
It was the need for a good small game head for shooting nutria at night that actually motivated me to design the Talon small game head that eventually spawned Red Feather Archery.
I've used that head to take dozens of nutria, and dozens of raccoons and opposums. It's great for nutria out of my trad bows, but I would NOT use it for raccoons! They are thick skinned and tough. For traditional shooters broadheads are the way to go with raccoons.
Couldn't tell you on the foxes, haven't ever shot one. If it's legal in your state definitely give it a shot!
I do a LOT of hunting for nutria, possum, and raccoons at night. Have probably taken over 500 in the past 15 years. Small game hunting is just about my favorite activity. From Nov. 15th to March 15th is when our season is open. It is an absolute blast. You can get a good light for this at Wal-Mart, etc. It's a Black and Decker light that takes 4 C cell batteries. Works great and will allow for shots up to 30+ yards if you want to take them. The light has two settings, high beam will last 20 hours and low beam will last 72 or something like that.
The lights that charge up have a lot more power, but die out in less than an hour.
It was the need for a good small game head for shooting nutria at night that actually motivated me to design the Talon small game head that eventually spawned Red Feather Archery.
I've used that head to take dozens of nutria, and dozens of raccoons and opposums. It's great for nutria out of my trad bows, but I would NOT use it for raccoons! They are thick skinned and tough. For traditional shooters broadheads are the way to go with raccoons.
Couldn't tell you on the foxes, haven't ever shot one. If it's legal in your state definitely give it a shot!
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: don_h on January 05, 2012, 12:48:00 AM
Post by: don_h on January 05, 2012, 12:48:00 AM
Will be doing it this year with the bow, have used the 22 plenty, time to make it interesting. Trying to figure a non marking light mount for the bow with a pressure switch then I'll be dialed in. I use an electronic caller and will while bow hunting as well. Best thing about rabbit hunting in the snow during the day is finding yote tracks for the night. Most of your listed animals are nocturnal, so on the issue of ethics, is it unethical to try and catch fish in water?
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on January 05, 2012, 10:09:00 AM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on January 05, 2012, 10:09:00 AM
I have a trip scheduled to go hunt hogs in Texas, and plan on doing some night hunting. They actually do make a lite just for this with either a clicker button or a pressure switch that come with white, red, or green light. These mount on a stabilizer bushing installed below the grip on the back of the riser. Check it out
http://www.thebowlite.com/G3-Bow-Lite-3-Lite-Combo.html
http://www.thebowlite.com/G3-Bow-Lite-3-Lite-Combo.html
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on January 05, 2012, 10:36:00 AM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on January 05, 2012, 10:36:00 AM
I have taken a few coons with a bow at night. Some fun hunting when the dark skys are out...
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: don_h on January 05, 2012, 04:45:00 PM
Post by: don_h on January 05, 2012, 04:45:00 PM
Nice link Kirkll, don't have the bushing on my bows but that little light looks great. Kinda steep, but good to know about.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: KentuckyTJ on January 05, 2012, 05:09:00 PM
Post by: KentuckyTJ on January 05, 2012, 05:09:00 PM
Hunted hogs in TX at night but that's it. Are the critters a little more relaxed at night I would assume. Looks like you have it down to a science.
Nice work Tony.
Nice work Tony.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: TDHunter on January 05, 2012, 05:17:00 PM
Post by: TDHunter on January 05, 2012, 05:17:00 PM
Not legal in BC, I wish it was, looks like good times
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Rob W. on January 05, 2012, 05:26:00 PM
Post by: Rob W. on January 05, 2012, 05:26:00 PM
I have never with a bow but I could see how fox could work. Back when I fox hunted with a buddy we would setup the caller behind us and use red lights when the fox would come in.
Be ready as soon as you turn the tape on. If they are close it doesn't take long for them to get there.
The coyote hunting I have done was similar but they are way more skiddish.
All the raccoon hunting I have done was with dogs. A small game head and lighted nock on a flu flu might be effective in that case. Good luck! :thumbsup:
Rob
Be ready as soon as you turn the tape on. If they are close it doesn't take long for them to get there.
The coyote hunting I have done was similar but they are way more skiddish.
All the raccoon hunting I have done was with dogs. A small game head and lighted nock on a flu flu might be effective in that case. Good luck! :thumbsup:
Rob
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Jim Boettcher on January 05, 2012, 09:01:00 PM
Post by: Jim Boettcher on January 05, 2012, 09:01:00 PM
I would be up for this kind of fun/hunt. In MI I think we can only hunt racoons and coyotes. Dang Tony, you are deadly with them bows. Nice job!
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Steve H. on January 05, 2012, 09:07:00 PM
Post by: Steve H. on January 05, 2012, 09:07:00 PM
Tony, I don't see no pic of you with a skunk! get with it man! Get out there and figure it out and tell us how to do it!
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Steve H. on January 05, 2012, 09:08:00 PM
Post by: Steve H. on January 05, 2012, 09:08:00 PM
BTW, we could combine a small game hunt with Stan in Oregon if the PBS Gathering was a measly two weeks earlier.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: StanM on January 06, 2012, 12:05:00 AM
Post by: StanM on January 06, 2012, 12:05:00 AM
Steve, if we could swing it, I would definitely be up for that! Unfortunately, I will be out of state during the PBS in Portland :( The good news is that I'll be hunting. You could always come down early :)
BTW, I looked into getting one of those high end lights, but the sticker shock almost killed me. Instead I went to a local store and bought a Coleman LED handheld. They've got a couple of models, but you want to get the one with the on/off button on the side, not the end.
All you have to do to make a great light (good for shooting up to 30 yards) is drill the end cap, insert a bolt that'll fit your adapter and screw it down.
Here's a couple of pics of mine
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/NightLight.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/Nightlight2.jpg)
BTW, I looked into getting one of those high end lights, but the sticker shock almost killed me. Instead I went to a local store and bought a Coleman LED handheld. They've got a couple of models, but you want to get the one with the on/off button on the side, not the end.
All you have to do to make a great light (good for shooting up to 30 yards) is drill the end cap, insert a bolt that'll fit your adapter and screw it down.
Here's a couple of pics of mine
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/NightLight.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/Nightlight2.jpg)
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: TxAg on January 06, 2012, 12:13:00 AM
Post by: TxAg on January 06, 2012, 12:13:00 AM
A headlamp turned sideways will also work for DIY shots. I've shot some rabbits and coons at night but they wear near camp in the barn. I think it would be a lot of fun traipsing thru the woods looking for them.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: David lozzano on January 06, 2012, 12:18:00 AM
Post by: David lozzano on January 06, 2012, 12:18:00 AM
Wow Tony,
you're a good shot!
sounds like fun, I think I'll give it a try.
you're a good shot!
sounds like fun, I think I'll give it a try.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 06, 2012, 10:44:00 AM
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 06, 2012, 10:44:00 AM
Thanks fellows for your tips and kind words. Steve H, yes Skunk is on the Maryland small game menu, but I think I will pass on him, unless I am thratened(LOL). Stan M thanks for the tip on that Coleman LED handlight, I will check into that today. I will post back and let you know how this works out for me. Thank you much. Shoot Straight and Good Hunting.
Tony
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/2NUTRIAS.jpg)
Tony
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/2NUTRIAS.jpg)
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: maineac on January 06, 2012, 02:23:00 PM
Post by: maineac on January 06, 2012, 02:23:00 PM
Good luck! That grey fox was a big one!
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Butts2 on January 06, 2012, 02:41:00 PM
Post by: Butts2 on January 06, 2012, 02:41:00 PM
Hunting in the dark.
I have trouble at times walking IN in the dark. Amazing how fast you can turn your head to miss a branch approaching your eye.
As the "famous" movie stated "your going to shoot your eye out kid"
Night pictures appreciated :thumbsup:
I have trouble at times walking IN in the dark. Amazing how fast you can turn your head to miss a branch approaching your eye.
As the "famous" movie stated "your going to shoot your eye out kid"
Night pictures appreciated :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Lucas K on January 08, 2012, 10:34:00 AM
Post by: Lucas K on January 08, 2012, 10:34:00 AM
Tony thanks for sharing all the great pictures. I have to try that here...
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 08, 2012, 03:09:00 PM
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 08, 2012, 03:09:00 PM
Thanks Lucas K. Chasing small game is something I love just as well as deer hunting. But this night time hunting will be something new to me. I will give it my best shot and see how it turns out.
Tony
Tony
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: sabas silva on January 10, 2012, 07:57:00 AM
Post by: sabas silva on January 10, 2012, 07:57:00 AM
Tony that was fun, I have heard that Nutria are good table fare, I have tried smoked raccoon and it was good,might try Nutria
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: GANDGOLF on January 10, 2012, 02:26:00 PM
Post by: GANDGOLF on January 10, 2012, 02:26:00 PM
Great Job TONY, LOVE those leather gaiters!! Where did you get THOSE?? :scared:
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 10, 2012, 10:29:00 PM
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 10, 2012, 10:29:00 PM
Thanks sabas silva and GANDOLPH. GANDOLPH, those are not Leather Gaiters(LOL) They are just plain rubber hip boots. Thank you guys much.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 10, 2012, 11:11:00 PM
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 10, 2012, 11:11:00 PM
I do a lot of hog and pest hunting at night , here is the light set-up I use , and it will work on any bow. Get you an old bike innertube and cut it how ever you need it.You dont have to have the pressure switch but it is nice.I use red , green and white light , I like the red the best. Cover the entire light with one piece as not to scratch your bow.Works real good above the arrow also.
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/bowlight001.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/bowlight002.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/bowlight003.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/bowlight001.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/bowlight002.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/bowlight003.jpg)
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 10, 2012, 11:12:00 PM
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 10, 2012, 11:12:00 PM
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/trailcamsmgame018.jpg)
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 10, 2012, 11:27:00 PM
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 10, 2012, 11:27:00 PM
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/bowlight004.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/fathersdayhog003.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/S5006467-1.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/S5006425.jpg)
Here are some pics with the light on the bow hope this helps.Tony if you ever get to Texas let me know I got plenty of hogs and other critters that need shot.
,,,,,,,,,,Sam,,,,,,,,,,
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/fathersdayhog003.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/S5006467-1.jpg)
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/S5006425.jpg)
Here are some pics with the light on the bow hope this helps.Tony if you ever get to Texas let me know I got plenty of hogs and other critters that need shot.
,,,,,,,,,,Sam,,,,,,,,,,
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 11, 2012, 08:02:00 AM
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 11, 2012, 08:02:00 AM
Thank you much Sam for the info about the light setup. I will have to take you up on that offer to come to Texas. Matter of fact my Wife just returned from Texas. One thing I can say for sure Sam, that between you and Bisch, those critters in Texas don't stand a chance(LOL). I certainly have enjoyed reading and going along with your hunting adventures that you share with us here on Tradgang. And I admire and envy you and Bisch in a good way, to be able to hunt as much as you guys do and have access to places with the amount of game that you have. And it goes without saying, I do LOVE to BOWHUNT. I took this little pig in Texas a few years back,and I shot him darn near at dark, and he was a good eater. And I would love to come down and get at them again. Thank you much. Shoot Straight and Good Hunting.
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/IMG_0060.jpg)
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn230/SNUFFER8/IMG_0060.jpg)
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: StanM on January 11, 2012, 09:42:00 AM
Post by: StanM on January 11, 2012, 09:42:00 AM
Hey Sam, great pics! What type of light is that? I would love the pressure switch, but the ones I found were all in the $100+ range. Did that light come with one or is that an "after market" :)
This is a great thread, Tony. Making me look forward to the weekend. Was going through some old photos and bringing back memories. One of my favorite things about small game hunting is the opportunities it affords to hunt with kids (little ones and big ones). Great times together.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/Stan-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/DSCN0194.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/Stan.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/ChrisandGP.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/P1010484.jpg)
Can you tell who lost the bet on going in after the nutria on that last pic? :)
This is a great thread, Tony. Making me look forward to the weekend. Was going through some old photos and bringing back memories. One of my favorite things about small game hunting is the opportunities it affords to hunt with kids (little ones and big ones). Great times together.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/Stan-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/DSCN0194.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/Stan.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/ChrisandGP.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/P1010484.jpg)
Can you tell who lost the bet on going in after the nutria on that last pic? :)
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: StanM on January 11, 2012, 09:50:00 AM
Post by: StanM on January 11, 2012, 09:50:00 AM
A few more memories.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/AnnaFrog1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/Small%20Game%20Broadhead/AnnaDad.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/Small%20Game%20Broadhead/AnnaCoon.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/Phoenix%20Broadhead/StanTag.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/AnnaFrog1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/Small%20Game%20Broadhead/AnnaDad.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/Small%20Game%20Broadhead/AnnaCoon.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/missstanna/Phoenix%20Broadhead/StanTag.jpg)
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 11, 2012, 12:58:00 PM
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 11, 2012, 12:58:00 PM
Tony its a no B.S. offer as long as I have a few weeks notice so I can get off work , I dont have much but whats mine is yours. The lights I have range from $10 - $100 , do a search tactical lights and hog bow lights you will find many that will work great.I only use the LED lights now with the colored bulb (LED) I saw on a bowhunting site in Texas some guys found the light and pressure switch for $20 ( PM me and I can give you the site ).
Good luck guys.........
,,Sam,,
Good luck guys.........
,,Sam,,
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 11, 2012, 03:00:00 PM
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 11, 2012, 03:00:00 PM
Thanks StanM. Some nice pics and animals you have there, and you have the young ones involved as well. Do you guys have Nutria out there in Oregon Stan. We use to have quite a few of them here in Maryland, but because of their invasiveness and destructive habit, the state have pretty much gotten rid of them. We the members of The Traditional Bowhunters Of Maryland use to have a great time going after the Nutes. Back during the 90's I use to cordinate some of the Nutria Hunts for the club, we really had some good times. Not to mention, those Nutes, as ugly as they are, were quite good to eat barbecued. Thanks for sharing. shoot Straight and Good Hunting.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: StanM on January 13, 2012, 12:53:00 AM
Post by: StanM on January 13, 2012, 12:53:00 AM
We still have quite a few out here. I've been lucky enough to get access to a golf course that wants them eradicated as much as possible for the last 15 years. I've really enjoyed hunting those things. I think I remember reading an article about your nute hunt in an older issue of Traditional Bowhunter a while back. Sounded like a hoot!
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Steve H. on January 13, 2012, 01:52:00 AM
Post by: Steve H. on January 13, 2012, 01:52:00 AM
StanM: Looks like you are getting a bit cockie after your two kill night about three posts ago.......you need to pay more attention as you have a THIRD critter sneaking in on you from behind! Watch your SIX Stan!
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Izzy on January 13, 2012, 06:28:00 AM
Post by: Izzy on January 13, 2012, 06:28:00 AM
Sam And Tony, go easy on us! If you fellers get together in Texas there wont be a single hog left in Texas.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 13, 2012, 07:12:00 AM
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 13, 2012, 07:12:00 AM
Yes you are right StanM. The article to which you are refering in Traditional Bowhunter Magazine was in a 1999 issue. Don Thomas was our speaker for our Annual TBM Banquet. He wanted to do some hunting while he was here in Maryland. So he, his Wife lori and my self and a couple of other TBM members went after Nutes. We had a great hunt together. Don wrote the story for Traditional Bowhunter Magazine. Hey Izzy don't worry man. I don't think I can hold a candle to Sam and Bisch, them guys are Texas killing machines, but I will certainly give it my all and have fun doing it(LOL).
Tony
Tony
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2012, 07:18:00 AM
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2012, 07:18:00 AM
Really enjoying this one Tony...cool stuff!! I have a very simple light set up that I will post up later.
It's helped me take 3 hogs at night, an one epic miss last week!!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
Tony, Sam ,and Bisch together is extremely bad news for TX critters!!
It's helped me take 3 hogs at night, an one epic miss last week!
Tony, Sam ,and Bisch together is extremely bad news for TX critters!!
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 13, 2012, 07:30:00 AM
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 13, 2012, 07:30:00 AM
Thanks Curt. Looking forward to the info on your light setup. Man if the 3 of us could get together, that really would be something and I would be in some very good company.
Tony
Tony
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Manitoba Stickflinger on January 13, 2012, 07:34:00 AM
Post by: Manitoba Stickflinger on January 13, 2012, 07:34:00 AM
Hunt at night...wow...the wife wouldn't even know I was gone!
Gonna look into the rules here, but there's a good chance it's not allowed. Thanks for sharing this guys, I find it really interesting as it's unlike anything we do up here in Canada. Never heard of a Nutria either (sounds like a health bar) Look like a cross between a muskrat and beaver?
Thanks Tony.....Ryan
Gonna look into the rules here, but there's a good chance it's not allowed. Thanks for sharing this guys, I find it really interesting as it's unlike anything we do up here in Canada. Never heard of a Nutria either (sounds like a health bar) Look like a cross between a muskrat and beaver?
Thanks Tony.....Ryan
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: StanM on January 14, 2012, 03:09:00 AM
Post by: StanM on January 14, 2012, 03:09:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve H.:LOL Steve, that's Leopard, wish I was half the hunter that guy is! We've watched him a couple of times from the kitchen window putting the stalk on all kinds of critters. He's a stone cold killer.
StanM: Looks like you are getting a bit cockie after your two kill night about three posts ago.......you need to pay more attention as you have a THIRD critter sneaking in on you from behind! Watch your SIX Stan!
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: twitchstick on January 14, 2012, 10:06:00 AM
Post by: twitchstick on January 14, 2012, 10:06:00 AM
Cool stuff Tony! No pic's but have got rid of a few skunks and chased a few song dogs. Our archery club used to have a night shoot for years that was alot of fun. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 16, 2012, 08:42:00 PM
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 16, 2012, 08:42:00 PM
About to load up my BackQuiver and take my new to me " Big Five " out on a night hunt. Dont know what Im after yet mostly fun..........
,,,,,,Sam,,,,,,,
,,,,,,Sam,,,,,,,
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: JO_EZ on January 17, 2012, 11:33:00 AM
Post by: JO_EZ on January 17, 2012, 11:33:00 AM
This is some great information.
We do a bowhunting camp out up north in October and this year the coyotes were howling amazingly close to camp. So, I have been planning to go after them at night after supper next year. The pictures of the light rigs have given me some good ideas.
Doyle
We do a bowhunting camp out up north in October and this year the coyotes were howling amazingly close to camp. So, I have been planning to go after them at night after supper next year. The pictures of the light rigs have given me some good ideas.
Doyle
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 17, 2012, 12:40:00 PM
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 17, 2012, 12:40:00 PM
Well I went out last night wind was blowing about 20-25 nothing came to my calls. Got shots at 2 skunks missed the first shot then about an hour later I got this guy.He is my first kill with my "Big Five" , think I might tan the hide.
,,,,,,,Sam,,,,,,,,,
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/886d7f76.jpg)
,,,,,,,Sam,,,,,,,,,
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/886d7f76.jpg)
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: JMR on January 17, 2012, 02:37:00 PM
Post by: JMR on January 17, 2012, 02:37:00 PM
Do skunks spray when you shoot them with an arrow? I shot one with a 22 that was getting in our garbage and had already sprayed the dog twice. Biggest mistake I could have made! The garage stunk for a whole month! :biglaugh:
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Zbone on January 17, 2012, 07:37:00 PM
Post by: Zbone on January 17, 2012, 07:37:00 PM
Can't even imagine shooting a skunk with a bow. Thanx for sharing...
Sam - Sent you an email...
Sam - Sent you an email...
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: smokin feathers on January 17, 2012, 07:52:00 PM
Post by: smokin feathers on January 17, 2012, 07:52:00 PM
i hunt hogs at night all the time and most of the time right at dark they end up as coon hunts as well
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: fmscan on January 17, 2012, 07:53:00 PM
Post by: fmscan on January 17, 2012, 07:53:00 PM
Tony, Great subject, I never even thought of hunting at night. In the north esp. in the winter could be tough, but loved seeing what the boys in other areas of the country are doing. That grey fox was outstanding.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: bow'narrow on January 17, 2012, 08:48:00 PM
Post by: bow'narrow on January 17, 2012, 08:48:00 PM
Have hunted at night with the bow for many years. Put some reflective tape on your shafts. I get mine at Ace Hardware. Hard to lose arrows at night that way.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: bow'narrow on January 17, 2012, 08:49:00 PM
Post by: bow'narrow on January 17, 2012, 08:49:00 PM
Have hunted at night with the bow for many years. Put some reflective tape on your shafts. I get mine at Ace Hardware. Hard to lose arrows at night that way.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: kestimator on January 17, 2012, 09:27:00 PM
Post by: kestimator on January 17, 2012, 09:27:00 PM
Yezzzz.....
Sam is a special breed! One heck of a throw-back woodsman and more importantly...One heck of a friend!!!
BTW....you don't want to possess four legs and a furry hide when Sam is in the woods with a bow :) LOL!!!
I spoke with Sam earlier this afternoon and we may be seeing some big pig photos if any wild swine are unlucky enough to cross his path this evening.
Sam is a special breed! One heck of a throw-back woodsman and more importantly...One heck of a friend!!!
BTW....you don't want to possess four legs and a furry hide when Sam is in the woods with a bow :) LOL!!!
I spoke with Sam earlier this afternoon and we may be seeing some big pig photos if any wild swine are unlucky enough to cross his path this evening.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 18, 2012, 03:21:00 AM
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 18, 2012, 03:21:00 AM
Went out tonight after hogs at a friends place and had a nice 200# boar come in an hour before dark.Bad part was he came around me and did not like how I smelled.A very very cold front blew in and I sat as long as could stand it.Had to get up and move around , walked around in the dark til I found a good place to set-up and do some calling.Well it worked and I called in this fox to about 10yds and as luck would have it I made a good shot.Saw him move into an opening and hit him with the red light and lip squeaked him on in.......
,,,,Sam,,,
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/2aba4dfd.jpg)
,,,,Sam,,,
(http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac45/samstephens71/2aba4dfd.jpg)
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Guru on January 18, 2012, 06:16:00 AM
Post by: Guru on January 18, 2012, 06:16:00 AM
Awesome Sam...congrats bud!
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Izzy on January 18, 2012, 07:04:00 AM
Post by: Izzy on January 18, 2012, 07:04:00 AM
Beautiful fox Sam. Youve inspired me to get out and call if I ever get another day off work.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: kestimator on January 18, 2012, 08:11:00 AM
Post by: kestimator on January 18, 2012, 08:11:00 AM
Congrats again Sam!!!!
That's should make a pretty quiver or wall decoration!!!
That's should make a pretty quiver or wall decoration!!!
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 18, 2012, 07:07:00 PM
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 18, 2012, 07:07:00 PM
Oh yes he will , the last fox hide I sent to get tanned was lost at the tannery. Or that is what they told me he was a real looker also......
,,,,,Sam,,,,
,,,,,Sam,,,,
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: captain caveman on January 20, 2012, 09:28:00 PM
Post by: captain caveman on January 20, 2012, 09:28:00 PM
Ok I'm convinced. Looks like a blast. What call would you suggest for fox coyote? Anyone tried the hawglight marauder that cabelas sells? I'm thinking light and call and I'm ready to head out.
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 21, 2012, 10:43:00 AM
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 21, 2012, 10:43:00 AM
Get you a open reed mouth call , you can make more sounds with this type of call.And they dont get fouled up as bad and they wont ice up in cold weather as a closed reed call does.They are cheap so get a few kinds to play with and it does not matter if you sound like a pro ,they will come.I think our odds here are like 10 to 2 , out of 10 call sets you see something , and I think you prob call in something 9 of 10 calls but you never see them. I like to get as far as I can between call sites cause that call travels a long way ( mile or more depending , wind , woods ect.) Just go for it they will come.......
,,,,,,Sam,,,,,,
,,,,,,Sam,,,,,,
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on January 21, 2012, 12:26:00 PM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on January 21, 2012, 12:26:00 PM
I've got a hog hunt coming up in a couple weeks down in Texas and plan to try the night hunting.
This is my set up. Has anyone used the "Bow Lite" before?
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u301/kirkll/Bows%202012/TD%20Sas%20long%20bows/SANY0113.jpg)
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u301/kirkll/Bows%202012/TD%20Sas%20long%20bows/SANY0112.jpg)
This is my set up. Has anyone used the "Bow Lite" before?
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u301/kirkll/Bows%202012/TD%20Sas%20long%20bows/SANY0113.jpg)
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u301/kirkll/Bows%202012/TD%20Sas%20long%20bows/SANY0112.jpg)
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: Guru on January 21, 2012, 12:55:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 21, 2012, 12:55:00 PM
I just remembered I never did post pix of light that I said I would...this is copied from a different post on TG...
The last two times I've gone to Solana I've killed hogs(3) using this little light set-up. Either in the morning before it gets light, or waiting to be picked up after it gets light...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/Solanabowlight.jpg)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/Solanabowlight1.jpg)
The first year I used it as a white light, like it is in these pix...worked, but seemed to spook them more than when I used it with a red lens like I did last year.
Mine is actually a modified head lamp that velcro's right onto the bow and casts a perfect little beam right where the bow is pointed.
A couple key things...
1. Switch needs to be absolutely silent!
2. It's has to cast a fairly strong and concentrated beam exactly where the bow is pointed.
3. Works best when turned on and the beam is lowered into shooting position, than turning it on while pointed right at the hogs.
With the red lense...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1090306sol12ncopyn.JPG)
The last two times I've gone to Solana I've killed hogs(3) using this little light set-up. Either in the morning before it gets light, or waiting to be picked up after it gets light...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/Solanabowlight.jpg)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/Solanabowlight1.jpg)
The first year I used it as a white light, like it is in these pix...worked, but seemed to spook them more than when I used it with a red lens like I did last year.
Mine is actually a modified head lamp that velcro's right onto the bow and casts a perfect little beam right where the bow is pointed.
A couple key things...
1. Switch needs to be absolutely silent!
2. It's has to cast a fairly strong and concentrated beam exactly where the bow is pointed.
3. Works best when turned on and the beam is lowered into shooting position, than turning it on while pointed right at the hogs.
With the red lense...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1090306sol12ncopyn.JPG)
Title: Re: Night Time Bowhunting For Small Game
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 21, 2012, 10:45:00 PM
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on January 21, 2012, 10:45:00 PM
I like all the posts here guys , any tricks of the trade yall want to give up.The light set-ups are great , I always say find what works and stick with it unless you can improve what you have. I like to call in tight cover when bowhunting the critters seem to get closer and dont hang-up as much...............
,,,,,Sam,,,,,,,,,
,,,,,Sam,,,,,,,,,