Petersen's Bowhunting is the source for the tactics, tools, and techniques necessary for successful bowhunting. Get practical shooting tips and useful information on archery, equipment tests, clothing, and product evaluations.
I recently returned from the annual Archery Trade Association (ATA) Show, which was held Jan. 10-12 in Indianapolis, Ind. The ATA Show is the one event each year that brings the entire bowhunting industry together in one place. So, you can be sure that just about everybody who’s anybody in the archery world will be there. The presence of so many bowhunting luminaries was obvious on the show floor, where manufacturers hosted dozens of “celebrity appearances” featuring various television hosts, professional athletes and chart-topping musicians. And while those folks are fine ambassadors for our sport — entertaining and inspiring millions each year — they are far from the only bowhunting heroes in our midst. In fact, the ATA Show aisles are filled with hundreds of unsung heroes whose handiwork fills…
The grip is the only part of your bow you actually touch during the shot process, meaning the way you handle it is critical. Despite that, I believe the grip remains one of the most overlooked aspects of good shooting form. Over the years, I’ve seen many variations of how people grip their bows, and guess what? None of them are necessarily wrong. Just like any other aspect of archery, the proper grip is simply one that can be repeated consistently shot after shot. However, there are several things that can make that task much easier. One is to keep the entire grip on the thumb side of your lifeline. Then you want to point your thumb at about 2 o’clock (10 o’clock for left-handed shooters), making sure it isn’t…
Long on Stability Mathews is following up on the success of its 2016 HALON with the new HALON 32. Measuring 32 inches between the axles, this new rig offers an enhanced string angle and superior stability, while still delivering IBO arrow speeds up to 350 fps. Like the original HALON, the HALON 32 is powered by Mathews’ highly efficient CROSSCENTRIC Cam that employs a partially concentric string payout and AVS technology to produce a stealthy draw and consistent accuracy. The system’s true-center nocking point ensures straight and level nock travel, enhancing shot-to-shot consistency. Other highlights of the HALON 32 include Mathews’ FlatBack Grip, along with a Harmonic Damper and Harmonic Stabilizer to reduce post-shot noise and vibration. The HALON 32 is available with brace heights of 5, 6 or 7…
Amazingly Compact Ravin is this year’s new kid on the crossbow block, and the company is charging hard out of the gate. Ravin’s R9 features patented HeliCoil Technology that achieves an astonishingly narrow 6-inch axle-to-axle width when cocked, along with pinpoint long-range accuracy. HeliCoil Technology coils cables away from both the top and bottom of the cams in helical grooves to keep them perfectly balanced, and allows the cams to rotate 340 degrees while keeping them perfectly level for increased speed and downrange accuracy. It also allows the string and bolt to float freely above the rail, providing a quieter shot and vastly improved string life by eliminating string friction, noise and problems with vane clearance. And, it enables the Trac Trigger Firing System to create a perfectly balanced draw,…
Throwback FMJ Remember Easton’s Autumn Orange XX75 aluminum arrows popular from the 1970s-90s? Well, Easton is throwing back its FMJ with the limited-edition 6MM FMJ AO that closely resembles the XX75s of yesteryear with the modern performance of FMJs. It features the same base carbon core wrapped with a 7075-aluminum jacket as the regular 6MM shaft, but in a retro look all its own. Available in three spine sizes — 320, 390 and 470 — Easton offers the 6MM FMJ AO at a popular price point, giving archers the advanced performance of the FMJ in a throwback design that begs for attention. MSRP: $79.99 per 6 Contact: Easton, 801-539-1400; www.eastonarchery.com Stick It Real Good Trypanophobia is the fear of needles, and Rage’s new Hypodermic Trypan is perhaps the scariest broadhead…
React Gets Even Better Innovation drives the archery industry, and the same is true for the original React sights from Trophy Ridge, which are now replaced by the 2017 React H5 series sights — a lighter, sleeker version of the original. This 5-pin sight utilizes Trophy Ridge’s exclusive React Technology, which allows shooters to sight-in their bows using only two pin adjustments, making you dead-on accurate at any distance. Sight in 20 and 30 yards, and the 40-, 50- and 60-yard pins set automatically. That’s the pure genius behind React Technology and the highlight of the new React H5 series sights. MSRP: $149 (black); $159 (Realtree) Contact: Trophy Ridge, 800-694-9494; www.trophyridge.com Detachable Edge Spot-Hogg’s Edge Swap is the market’s first quick-detach arrow rest. It utilizes the same features as the…
