Untwisted Pretzel logic

Just waiting for someone to suggest that the sound of one shot from a single shot shotgun and the entry and exit hole are the same as that from a muzzleloader; so if you are on your own private property - do whatever you want. I would never suggest that and hope that no one does.

So.. maybe try the diet cherry coke?

Try cutting as much of the fat off the meat as you can. That's where the gamey taste and toughness will generally come from. That is my primary suggestion, other than that, you may try some type of overnight marinate with diet cherry coke. Someone suggested this to me many years ago and I'm just now remembering it.

I hate cleaning my muzzleloader , so would love it if it happened, but it never will, so this is just a fun discussion. Oh wait, I forgot that I have 3 muzzle loaders and need to sell 2 of them, so I hope it never happens LOL.

Had the same thing happen to me in Delaware County about 4 years ago. I have pictures of the last seconds of the eye of the bear right next to my camera and then a blur. It was a good thing I was using little bungee cords instead of the strap that came with the camera, otherwise the camera would have been destroyed. At first, I thought the camera was stolen until I looked around and found it about 10 yards away. I had to glue the infrared cover back on with superglue. The camera still works, a Primos 1.0; simple to use and takes good pictures and tough enough to stand up to a bear.

Guessing dumb luck while deer hunting accounts for most NY bears taken. I've had 2 easy chances during bow seasons, however, I have no use for a bear, so did not shoot. I always hope someone has a need for a bear and will take out the bears in our area, as I do believe they have a negative effect on the deer population, as well as their movement.

I've looked at the other place, but won't be joining there. I will still be here to offer information where I can be helpful, however, too much time spent posting stuff takes away from doing other stuff that I like, so I post very little. I consider myself to be pretty good at hunting and fishing ( usually get at least 2 deer each year and go out fishing probably 60 times each year catching many fish). I don't post stories and will certainly not post any pictures after I looked at a picture of a deer that I took with my phone and saw the GPS coordinates when I viewed the properties of the picture showing exactly where I was, over a mile from any road. Hope to help where I can going forward, but will not increase my activity because it just takes too much time. PS The main reason I will go over to look at the other site is to see Wolc's stories, as I do get a kick out of some of them LOL

I think that you will find the crank string cocking device to be money well spent. I found that it not only made life easier when target practicing, but also for making string adjustments. When I got a new string, I was constantly making adjustments to get it where it needed to be until it was broken in. With the string adjustment rig (basically 2 pieces of plastic to go over each tip end, connected by a rope) and the cranking device, it was easy to add twists to the string. Good luck with you Excalibur, you made a good choice.

Used to like going to these, as it would break up the winter a little. Many years ago, I think these were at the Syracuse War Memorial building and there were a lot more vendors. There would always be a coupon in the newspaper that would offset at least half the entry price. I hear you about the entry fee,however,there are expenses that need to be covered unless the rent for the building is being donated which is doubtful. I believe the vendors need to pay a fee as well to pay for their use of space in the building. These shows are becoming more and more scarce, as I imagine they are more of a break even or losing proposition than a money making one. I will consider paying an entry fee for something like this before I ever pay one for a Car or Boat show. That's just my preference, others may feel differently, which is fine.

Have a model 77 in .270 There was a safety notice put out by Ruger about 25 years ago regarding the trigger and safety. Took it to a gunsmith near Sodus, I think his name was Don? . He did the safety modification and adjusted the trigger. It's very accurate. The only thing that I don't like about it is the safety. It needs to be off when loading and unloading. Definitely need to pay attention and keep finger away from the trigger when doing this.

On my crossbow, I have a butler creek flip cap on the front of my scope, not in the back. I have the front one on to keep debris out when pulling it up into my stand, as well as if it's raining and I have it hanging from the holder facing upwards. If it's not raining, after I get it up into the stand, I immediately flip it up, so I don't have to deal with it. I never have the back cover on my crossbow scope. That's how I do it. How anyone else likes to do it is their choice based on what works for them. Use what you like - like what you use.

Maybe she knows something that you don't? Look for something like this to make its debut at the SHOT show in Las Vegas in a few weeks LOL

Cool. Update us on how it works with broadheads.

Agree with the lower power fixed being a good option specifically if you are hunting the deep woods or for something that will not be for long range, such as a .22 Also like matte finish for hunting, however, can see where someone may want to have shiny for a gun that is used for something else. I also see why a company would not want carrying costs for something that is not in high demand and would also cost more to do limited production runs. Can't give any recommendations for anyone looking to buy a new scope, as the last two scopes I bought were a Bushnell Elite 3200 and a Bushnell Elite 4200 that I got on closeout for a great price - can't remember the exact amount, but I'm thinking around $120 each. These scopes are beautiful, I love the crosshairs and the scope is crystal clear and bright. I use the 2x7 for deer hunting.

Whatever someone decides to do; or not do, based on the information that I provide is not something I will ever be concerned about. Just glad to help out and offer what I can. It should be noted that for those of us with "slower" crossbows LOL, the lines may be helpful. The most pronounced line is for the shortest distance, and I never had issues with acquiring it in my sight line and focusing on it. I never shoot past 30 yards in the deep woods where I hunt, so never had an issue with this scope as the 30-yard line is the next one down from the top for me and is still easy to pick up. One of my friends has the standard, one crosshair scope and he has the adjustment yardage wheel thing on the side (don't know what it's called?) where he can move the scope up or down based on distance. This works for him, but I wouldn't consider it, as usually when action happens in the deep woods where I hunt - it happens fast; so, I don't have time to screw around adjusting something. As with most things -choose what works best for your situation, only you know what that will be. Again, best of luck in whatever you decide to do.

Typed too fast before, as I was heading out the door. Meant to say Hawke. Mine has the speed ring adjustment and lighted crosshairs that can be lit red or green. Super clear and bright and works great even without turning on the crosshair light. I don't see pricing on the Wyvern site, however, I don't think you can beat what he offers. Also, he doesn't charge for shipping or sales tax. I can also tell you that the Hawke customer service is fantastic. You can speak to someone in their shop if you have a problem. The cap for the light battery was hard for me to get off and I used pliers to remove it and scuffed it up a little (even though I covered it with a cloth). They overnighted me a new cap after I called,no charge. Best of luck with your research and your choice, whatever you decide.

Mississippi

I would get a hawks scope. Call Wyvern Creations to get another option and options, the guy is a wealth of information.

Didn't you have a successful test (dead ML deer) on December 31st? Stick with what you know works/don't fix what ain't broke.

Don't worry about the noise walking in. As long as they don't see or scent you; just keep the wind in your favor(face) and proceed to where you want to set up. As far as the deer are concerned, they are hearing other deer moving around. There have been many times when I have crunched my way in, and half an hour later the deer show up in front of where I'm set up. If you are in a tree stand, your noise will hopefully be kept to a minimum. If you are on the ground, clear all the noisy crunchy stuff - leaves or frozen snow, away from where you are sitting and be still and quiet. Good luck.

270 is a great caliber. Been shooting a Ruger M77 for years in 270. Ammo is easily available and relatively inexpensive (got some recently at Walmart for about $28/box incl. Tax). Since I hunt in the deep woods I use 150 grain Remington CorLoks. Recoil is also manageable, so your son won't be gun shy/prone to flinching with this gun and can use it for a long time. The 130 grain may also be considered to start with to get a little less recoil, but probably not too much. Just something to consider. Good luck with whatever you choose. PS - Although I love my M77, I would not recommend it for a beginner (or anyone looking to by a used gun of this type) due to safety issues. You really need to pay attention when loading and unloading this gun, as the tang safety needs to be off when the bolt is moved back and then forward; so your finger should not be anywhere close to the trigger.

My perspective is from shooting less than 350 fps. I can see that if one is shooting a higher speed xbow then sinking into the ground may be an issue. Probably a bigger issue is hitting a rock or something in the ground that will break your bolt. Of the 10 deer that I have killed with a crossbow and six that my 2 friends have killed, we have had no problems finding the bolts from our "slow" crossbows. One of my buddies did break a bolt this year after his passthrough shot hit a rock. It should be noted that we are all hunting from elevated tree stands in the deep woods and not in grass fields. Everyone has a different situation, so choose what will work best for your situation.

Yes, that makes sense. Think about it. If you are doing a video for the internet, then visual effects are important and lighted nocks are good for videos. Also, many of the tv shows are promoting what their sponsors are selling, and if one of their sponsors is lighted nocks - guess what they are going to use? Marketing works, and hunters like to buy new stuff; that's the way it is, which is good for the economy. I believe your Excalibur uses flat nocks on their crossbows. Either with or without adding the nocks, let's say a six pack of bolts will cost around $60. To put lighted nocks on all six bolts will cost another $60 if you are looking to keep things consistent with your practice set up. If you lose one bolt because it doesn't have a lighted nock, so what, you are only out $10. I would be surprised if you lose any bolts, as you will find out crossbows are extremely accurate, and you will be hitting right where you're aiming virtually every time (don't shoot at the same spot if you already have a bolt in the target). You were looking for target suggestions, I would recommend the Hurricane H25. It will easily stop what you are shooting. Good luck in your research and whatever you decide.

Not necessary. Most of your shots in the woods are going to be 30 yards or less. If you take an ethical shot with a crossbow shooting 330 fps or more, in almost all cases you will have a pass through and will find the bolt on the ground behind your target. You will have a good blood trail and can retrieve your animal. Keep it simple. Just get brightly colored vanes. If you are really set on spending $ and playing with another toy; then go for it. Rember you will want everything consistent so you will want the same weight bolts from front - field point/broadhead to back - your nocks. I thought you were just target shooting? Not sure if you need these for target shooting. Probably use good binos to see your arrows in target instead of screwing around with lighted nocks.

I was treated well by that shop several years ago when I purchased my Matrix. I don't think you can beat his prices and you can customize to get what you need. Additionally, his expertise is very valuable. You may decide to get the crank cocking device after you try to manually pull the string a few times to cock it. Recurves take a lot more effort than compounds. Also, the crank cocking device makes it easier to replace or adjust the string using the rope adjustment tool. I think you will be happy with your choice. If you need any help or advice feel free to pm me.