Little help needed w/Hunt Ed class

[JoeM]

Hey guys
My friend has invited me into his bow class next week to speak about traditional archery. I have a plan, but would like to have some ideas or thoughts from you guys. If anyone has done this before would love to hear from you.  Thanks Joe

[VTer]

Do a broadhead penetration test through some leather. That's always a real eye opener when it comes to showing the difference between cut on contact, replaceable blade broadheads  and expandables.

Also explain the benefits of a helical fletched arrow as opposed to the straight vanes a lot of compound guys use.

[ArrowCrester]

I am a Bowhunter Education Instructor here in California. Chapter 4 of the IBEP (International Bowhunter Education Program) handbook is titled Know Your Bow and Arrow.

In that chapter there is opportunity to explain the difference between compound bows and the traditional LB and Recurve.

In my classes I like to bring my recurve bow and show physically what the book describes as the differences btwn compound bows, longbows and recurves. It also discusses Dominant/Master Eye determination.  You should discuss the importance of matching arrows to bow draw weight and the nomenclature of how shafts are labeled. Make sure to discuss "Archers Paradox", "Spine Weight", types of fletching (straight, helical, flu-flu), nock point location, type of arrow points ( Judo, blunts, bowfishing, broadheads (types of).

I always touch on safety when attaching and using BHs (always use a BH wrench). To illustrate  BH sharpness I use a wire clothes hanger  bent into a square (roughly 7/7" square) I stretch rubber bands about 1/4" apart across opposite sides of the square to create a checkerboard pattern across the opening made by the square. The rubber bands  closely simulate the consistency of an animals vanes and arteries. Then I take one of my arrows out of its quiver and push the BH tip thru this checkerboard. If the BH passes thru without popping all the rubber bands it touches, it is NOT sharp enough to hunt with. If it does, I show that this is the proper BH to hunt with. ( I make sure I am using a freshly sharpened BH..LOL)

You can have students come up with their hunting arrows and have them do the same experiment. It is a very good lesson.

I also stress the simplicity of traditional bows over modern bows (not as a criticisim but as a contrast and option to consider)

Be sure to cover bow tuning to insure accurate arrow flight and the importance to hit the vitals for a quick humane kill.

If you have any questions, email me and I will be glad to help.

                                     

[shbne]

That's all good advice, and on top of anything traditional you might talk about, Its always good to double and triple reinforce anything thats been said about treestand safety.