The equipment one chooses to use is a personal decision and
usually the result of trial and error over a period of time. Most
archers I know try a variety of things, this is part of the fun of the
sport. I do not experiment with equipment nearly as much as I once did.
Having found what works well for me quite some time ago, my archery
gear varies very little from one year to the next. When something needs
replacing I will usually look at different things that have become
available but, for the most part, I leave well enough alone and stay
with what I am comfortable with, with what I have confidence in, and
what I know works.
My two favorite hunting bows, and the ones I most often take
to the woods with me, are a couple of 25 year old Hill Big 5's. Both
are 70", one (Ole Reliable) pulling 70# and the second (Junior) pulling
66#. I have many bows in my collection of different makes and design,
as well as a few I have made myself,and I shoot them all. Each have
their advantages and disadvantages, but I have yet to find a bow that
does a better job for me than these old Big 5's. The newer Hill
bows being built by Craig Ekin are actually better made, shoot very
nice, and I do own a couple of these bows. However, when it comes time
to head to the woods I find myself reaching for "Ole Reliable" much
the same way you would invite a good friend along on a special trip
rather than a new aquaintence.
Many archers find choosing a quiver to be the most difficult
piece of equipment to select. I do not believe the perfect quiver has
yet been invented. However, for all around versatility the single
strap shoulder quiver comes close. The trick to using these quivers
effectively is to properly make and correctly adjust them, and then
to practice using them. If properly made and adjusted, they hold a
large supply of assorted arrows quietly, and arrows can be extracted
very quickly. I would recommend when making these quivers to lace
rather than stitch. Although stitched quivers are very attractive,
repairing them and adjusting them can be difficult. A good heavy
latigo leather shoulder quiver will last a life time with proper care
and usually the only repair ever needed is to occasionally replace
the lacing. In addition to the shoulder quiver, I use a single arrow
broadhead hood and rubber arrow clamp attached to my bow to carry that
first shot arrow. The two compliment one another very nicely.
The broadhead is the most important piece of equipment the
hunting archer takes to the field with him. Afterall, it is the broadhead
that does the actual work, the bow and arrow being but delivery
systems for the hunting head. Two of the most critical attributes of a
properly designed head are their ability to give accurate flight in all
hunting conditions and to give maximum penetration. Other qualities that
should be considered are quality and temper of metal, ease of sharpening
in the field, durablity, and ease of removing and replacing arrow in
hunting quiver. There are many excellent broadheads available today but
it has been my experience that the original Hill design best satisfies all
of the mentioned attributes necessary for maximum performance. I am
convinced that the concave blade provides the most efficient cutting
shape. Couple a concave blade with a properly
file sharpened
edge and you have a broadhead unequalled in any other design. The two
broadheads I use that fit these parameters are the Hill head and a slightly
modified 190 grain Ribtek head.
