Welcome to Stick & String Sunday

Stick and Sting Sunday, is the part of my blog where I will discuss bow hunting tips and tricks. Everything from learning to keep yourself sent free to perfecting your shooting form. This week where going to take a look at your bow grip and sight pictures.

Bow Grip

 Let’s begin with your bow grip, one thing that a lot of shooters, especially the younger ones tend to do is hold there bow too tightly.  This causes torque, which can destroy arrow flight and accuracy.  Too much torque has even been known to cause sting derailment which is a major problem. With today’s cams, the ones with shallow grooves derailment are far more prominent. One way a lot of shooters seek to combat torque is to shoot with an open hand grip.  However; this isn’t necessary or the best technique.  When you pull the trigger you instinctively grasp the handle of the bow, putting all kinds of bad torque on your bow.  Fortunately, there is a way to rid you of all unwanted torque.  The trick here is to wrap your fore finger and your thumb around your grip and just let the rest of your hand relax. Allow the grip to be pulled into the pocket of your hand between your thumb and first finger and this will keep the torque out of your form.

 Sight Picture and the Right Bow Sight

Your sight picture is what you see when looking through your peep and at your pins. A lot of people use the popular 3 of 5 pin sights, however; in the past 3 years I have fallen in love with the single pin adjustable sights. Imagine never having to put your target between your pins again. All you have to do is range the target, adjust the sight to the proper distance and let her fly.  Using a one pin sight has another distinct advantage.  No more bendy pins.  blendy pins is the effect when your fiber optic pins glare together and cause you to lose your target. This becomes a real problem especially at first and last light, which is conveniently the time when deer move the most.  So if you want to be the most effective shooter you can be by following these tips to perfect your form.

As always,

 Good Shooting and God Bless,

Ryan Lilly

Wiley Coyote

                                 



When the moon is full and the night is bright you can see them on the prowl.  If you’ve not seen them already they are probably on their way. These little beasts are coyotes and they are spreading like… well… varmints. There’s only one thing standing between them and total domination the North American hunter.



If coyote hunting is something you have never attempted you should consider giving it a try. This is part one of a two part post that will give you some insights and a good foundation for this side of huntingsport.



Healthier game population

Essentially, killing coyotes is a good way to work your way towards a healthier deer and turkey population. Stress is actually a determining factor for producing quality animals on any property.  Clearly toothy critters cause stress.



Spotlighting

 The government has begun to see issues with these wild dogs in many southern areas. Hunting with spotlights at night is an action that has not been allowed in previous years.  However;

Due to the over-population the rules have started to change .If you want to try your luck at spotlighting check your states rules and regulations before you purchase a spot light.



Baiting.

Most of the time coyotes are scavengers. Unfortunately this doesn’t mean they won’t slaughter and eat a helpless fawn or an injured mature deer.  Typically, they won’t kill for their own food. Knowing this fact gives you a leg up because you can use baits in your hunting strategy. One technique that I find works well is meat or gut pops.  Check out the next post and I will give you my special recipes for meat pops.







Part 2   Coyote Hunting



In order to create meat pops you need to start with a 5 gallon bucket and a deer carcass.   This can be a deer that you or someone else has killed.  I’ve even heard of people taking deer off the road to use for this.  Now for the messy part…Once you have the deer put the guts and blood into your 5 gallon bucket. I like to add some water to the mix just to make it easier to work with. Once I have it mixed I hang the meat/gut pop over a limb right at coyote level.  How long I leave it there before I began my hunt depends on the weather and temperature. However; this is just one way of doing things. I also hunt cow farms and if the owner has had a cow die then I will set up over that providing it’s in a good area. Of course just having any old carouse lying around near your hunting area will help, just remember there is always  the possibility that all the bait will be gone by the time you get out to hunt.

Calling and decoys.

Calling can also be an effective way to bring in the yotes.  I prefer the electronic calls like the Johnny Stewart.  The Stewart call is an an average call that won’t break the bank.  It has good sound and range. Next is to decide which sounds works best for you this will take some trial and error. This can be different in every location.  The sound of the jack rabbit and cotton tail often work well. A great way to tell if your using the right sound is see how other critters react to the calling especially predators.



Decoys….One thing I have never seen in a Bass pro or any other hunting establishment is a coyote decoy.  I have discovered that there is nothing wrong with a little bit of southern ingenuity. One of my favorites is to staple a turkey fan or even just a single feather to a 2 by 4 board and stand it up in a field near my meat pops.  This technique also works well with squirrel tails.




Guns… guns… guns. As far as guns go it doesn’t take much to drop a song dog, (coyote).  My favorites are the 223,243 and even 22s. However; I also like to carry a secret weapon my old reliable 12 gauge.

 For the most part any one coyote hunting will be using scopes although; this brings up one major disadvantage close distance shots. If that coyote has been sneaking up on you and he gets close before you realize it the last thing you want to do is have to aim through a scope.  That is where the 12 gauge will come in mighty handy along with some buckshot.  I’ll admit I’ve never had to go to this tactic but consider it a security blanket. If night hunting is your thing you will definitely want to get a light on that shotgun, even if you have to duct tape it on there.


Well, boys and girls I hope you find this helpful Hit the woods and give it a try.



 Good hunting and God bless

Ryan Lilly

 

chasing thunder chickens

Spring is in the air and the birds are chirping. Clear skies are overhead and it is time to  break out the 12 gauge in pursuit of the thunder chickens, (aka turkeys).

 

 This  blog post will be separated into 4 different sections: the art of calling, gear selection, general information and techniques, and decoy strategy .

 

 I’d like to start this first section off by saying if you’re a new hunter heading into the spring woods for your first turkey hunt there are two words you will live and die by...

bug spray… Keep in mind this isn't like deer hunting where scent free is a must. Protection is the key work here; a turkey will never bust you with its nose.  It’s those beady little eyes that you need to worry about.

 

 First let’s talk about camouflage. Down to your gun or bow and of course what you wear. Although, any pro turkey hunter you see on the outdoor Chanel will no doubt look like a bush, this is not a must. I know this because the first two turkeys I killed while wearing my deer hunting cover-alls and using a house protection shotgun. I know, don’t laugh I thought it was perfect until I realized that 3D gear defiantly makes a world of difference.  That’s when I joined all the other bushes out there in our quest for long beards.  Keep in mind that any bare skin will flash in the sun light and so will your gun. You will want to keep them covered.

 

 For all of you who have yet to take the “hunter’s education class” first of all, sign up now, but in case you don't take my advice remember Turkey is considered the most dangerous North American game to hunt. This is not because a love struck tom can get mighty upset when he finds out that the hen turkey he’s been talking to is just a bunch of foam. Remember you are imitating the animals that other hunters are chasing. Others may not choose their targets as well as you and me. With this said if not careful you could end up with a decoy that has a bad case of lead poisoning or worse yet, your leg, so avoid the colors red and bronze and even the ever so fashionable black.  

 

Enough about fashion, let’s talk guns, ammo and broad heads.  if you’re like me and nothing gets your blood pumping harder than hunting with stick and string, here are some tips: first of all your deer hunting draw weight is about perfect for turkeys but you will want to change your broad heads.  A large diameter expandable is the way to go.  Don’t use fixed blades the rage 2 blade mechanicals work well.  

 

When most turkeys are shot with an arrow they tend to either run or fly for a short distance so mark the spot you last saw the bird mentally. This will create a good recovery. When choosing a  gun, a 12 gauge with at least a 3in. chamber is a must, 3 1/2 is even better.  Pick a turkey choke compatible with your gun ask your pro shop what they suggest with regards to chokes. Red dot sights are nice but not necessary. The old beads are still taking birds no problem. When a turkey is shot it’s like killing a chicken, it will flop and roll.   You don’t want to shoot a second shot and risk losing meat or destroying feathers. If necessary, it is best to pick the bird up by its feet or ring its neck.

 

If you decide to put this information to  use this spring  it will serve you well!

 

 Good hunting and God bless,

 

Ryan Lilly

 

Guide to Trail Cameras

.As our equipment evolves so do we, in our quest to be more proficient hunters.  One evolution that has come about in recent years is the trail camera. When the season is over and you are beginning your own hibernation, resting up from another hard year the trail camera is still hard at work.   In the field these little troopers are always out scouting around the clock and making our jobs just a little bit easier.  Now, no doubt as hunters our job does include scouting and most of us, me included enjoy taking to the field if even just to scout.  However; let’s face it no one can be out there all the time so game cams just make sense. 




Tip #1 Take one cam off the beaten path to get pictures of that camera shy buck:   The first thing a lot of people will do when trying to set a camera location is set up near game sign. However;  if you want to see the bruisers that cruise the brush that no weekend adventurer wants to tread follow this tip.   Put on your high boots and get ready to go through some gnarly cover. Big deer are creatures of solitude for the most part and want to be secluded. Of course, during the rut this all goes out the window, but for the most part this is true. 




Tip # 2 Master the art of using funnels:  Place your trail camera near funnels.  Rivers, fences any type of barricades that will push deer in a certain direction are very useful. Remember deer are lazy and will most often take the path of least resistance. A fence with a missing beam that makes it easier to jump, or  a fence with a missing strand of barbed wire making it possible for  a deer to slide under it  also help to create that funnel.  You can make these modifications yourself, however:  if it’s not your land check with the owner.


Tip #3  Don't be afraid to get the camera close to the trail:   As long as there’s no audible noise or flash (however if its an info red camera you wont have to worry about visible flash) coming from your camera when taking the picture close is good.   Remember it’s better to have that camera in the deer’s face than to have it so far away that you are unable to make out the pictures.


Tip # 4  The best way to view  the pictures is by using a picture viewer.
Although, a picture viewer is not the only way. If you don't want to invest in an expensive viewer, just purchase an economical digital camera that accepts the same type of SD card as your trail cam. You can check your pictures in the field using this and delete the unwanted ones. It is also a good idea to always bring another card along, this way you can switch out the SD card and bring your pictures back with you.



 
  Tip # 5 Baiting is never a bad idea   (where it’s legal and if it’s not, then well it’s a very bad idea).   If baiting is not allowed, then go to the next best thing; find out what your deer like to eat by research and experimenting. Then get your trail cam close to this food source for some great snap shots, as far as deer browse goes acorns are the old standby and make for some good results.



Good hunting and God bless,
Ryan Lilly


                        


White oak acorns are preferred like the ones pictured here,  reds work well also just not as well

                                                                                 

Striking "pher" since 2011 the Mcpherson series gets uncaged

For 2011, the Monster MR7 bow is a true beast.   It has evolved with all the advantages of its predecessors while doing away with some of the bugs often associated with dual cams. Much of this is due to revolutionary AVS cam technology. This new take on duel cams assures perfect cam timing.

 

 Another nice thing about this bow is the more forgiving 7 inch brace height. Every shooter has heard the term, “dead in hand,” this bow truly is.  There is no vibration whatsoever; making this the most comfortable speed bow you’ll ever shoot.  One thing all Mathews bow have in common is their harmonic dampeners and stabilizers. This is one of the traits that separate Mathews from the competition. The Monster bow can now be customized to show your own personal colors.

 

 The monster 7 brings another very useful accessory to the table that the monsters before it lacked. The dead end string stop is a vibration dampening break through and also works to silence the already stealthy quite bow    

 

 While Mathews will no doubt keep putting out new amazing bows like the Monster Chill or the Creed nothing is wrong with a rewind to get your hands on a 2011 MR 7, this power house brings explosive speed tack driving accuracy and one heck of a recipe for a successful season.

 Hope this review was helpful

 

Good hunting and God bless!

 Ryan Lilly

Welcome to the south

Welcome everyone to Southern Roots Outdoors.

This is a blog where outdoors men and women of all kinds can come for tips, gear reviews and other helpful informationor just to chat and catch up on what’s going on in the world we all love, the great outdoors. This blogs home is a small town in North Carolina called Salisbury, a place where roots and tradition run deep and one’s heritage is sacred. I have been taking to the woods for going on 11 years.  In the beginning my time was spent just watching and learning from my dad and uncle.  For the last 8 or 9 years I have been venturing out on my own awesome adventures with gun and more recently with bow.  

Enough about me, this blog is for all of you, the ones who share this passion for adventure in the woods or on the water. I hope this blog will be useful for everyone from the rookie just getting his feet wet to the grizzled old hunting dog trying to learn new tricks.  This blog is for all of us. It will hopefully capture the true essence of what it means to be an outdoors man or (women).  As always good luck to all of you in your 2013 season no matter what you are after, good hunting and God bless.

                                                               Ryan Lilly