Easy string tracker attachment

[KSdan]

I looked at Curt's awesome turkey anatomy pictorial and noticed some input/discussion on string trackers.  Thought I would post this:

We used trackers regularly when I used to hunt in rainy weather more often.  For an easy install:

Just use a tracker spool. No need for the entire holder. Run the spool thread out until you are down to about 1.5" dia. Then wrap the remaining of the spool with duct tape.  This holds the spool sturdy.  Before you use it- roll the spool in your hand a few times to loosen the spool.  

Then simply attach the taped spool to your riser with a piece of tape, tied on, or even a velcro attachment.  We tied the string onto our broadhead and the the string runs out of the top-center of the spool.

The spool set-up is so small I always carry one in my day supplies just in case I need it in a downpour.

For what it is worth. . .

Dan in KS

[Blackstick]

Hey Dan,

That sounds pretty handy. Any chance of a picture how-to?

[Bowspirit]

Pretty ingenious there, Dan...

[Bowwild]

DAn,
I'm trying to figure this out too and I'm not quite picturing it.  It's been 30 years since I used a string tracker (on one bear), I ended up missing that shot and killed the bear with an unstrung arrow.

I know I'm missing something in the translation. I have no doubt what you describe is working for you. BUt, I'm not understanding the duct tape and bow attachment.

[COOCH]

Great idea Dan I'll bet it also shoots quiter than if it were in the canister.I'm going to give it a shot.

[KSdan]

Bowwild- you take a large spool and run out a bunch of line to get the spool down to a smaller size- throw out the excess line.  Now you have a smaller spool maybe a bit bigger in dia. (and a bit longer) than a sewing machine spool of thread.  Take that spool and wrap it with a few wraps of duct tape.  Now you have a spool with the ends open but the spool, as-a-whole, is wrapped so it can not come undone.  Spools unravel from the center outward.  So, on one end of the tape wrapped spool there should be a loose end of spool string (I just tuck that under the tape for storage).

Okay- now when ready to use the tracker, you just take that taped spool and roll it in your hands to loosen up the roll (it helps the thread pull out easier).  Now attach that taped spool to your riser in any number of ways; tie it on, use velcro, or just tape it to the riser (that is what I do- I had friends use velcro).  

Then take the loose thread from the center of the spool and tie it on your broadhead with a little slack (helps if the head is vented- otherwise you could do what Curt showed).  

When you shoot- the thread will spool out until there is none left.

It just makes a simple and portable way to use a tracker.  Like I said, I always carry a small spool set up (along with a 24-36" piece of tape)in my possibles bag/stuff.  It takes up no space/wt., but in a mid-day downpour on stand it comes in handy.

Hope that helps
Dan

[Guru]

Hey Dan, I don't understand how the spool gets smaller?  As you stated, they go from the inside out?  In my experience, the middle hole just gets bigger as the line goes out....

Another thing, how do you keep the spool from getting squashed/flattened if you fall or something? no protection...

Also, It sounds like you loose a lot of line capacity(tracking capacity if needed) this way?

Not trying to be critical, just want you thoughts on this...

[KSdan]

Gosh Curt- It has been a long time since I needed to set another up. I still have one left from a few years ago that is in my pack.  I will have to go back and look how I spooled it out. I may have "pulled out" the center dia. discarding the outside.

Its pretty surprising how sturdy it is with the duct tape around it.  Mine is very tight and solid- just like a spool of sewing thread.  That is why I have to roll it first in my hands to loosen it.  The attachment to the bow is probably not solid enough for stalking through brush, etc.,  but I use it off of a stand.  It doesn't take much to hold it.  My bear hunting friends use to just stick it on their risers with velcro.  

I do lose a lot of capacity.  But in my case- I just want it as a portable unit if I get caught in a rain storm.  I forget how much is on a full roll- but I still get a bunch.  Hopefully- if I study your anatomy pics on various game I won't have to track too far!       .  

Hope that helps.  
Dan

[Gen273]

I would love to see some pics of your setup.

[KSdan]

Okay guys- here is my current one.  Hope it is self explanatory. The camo tape is the duct tape.  It really is that easy. All you have to do is attach it to your riser. You will notice on the pic a piece of velcro I have on it.  You can actually just place the opposite side of self stick velcro on your riser, then stick this on it when you need to.  I like taping it on when I need it though.  

Curt- I will need to get a new full spool to see how I did this. . . I just can not remember- I think I just pulled off the outer layers and kept the inner core that I wanted.  I have been carrying this sort of thing with me for close to 20 years I think (this one is probably 5 years old).  I just do not use them that often.