Bow light set up for Hogs-n-varmints.....

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

I get many requests on the light set-up I use for night hog and varmints so here it is. I have used many different lights over the years and have come to like the led lights best. Get the one with the colored bulb not the colored lenses if you can. Not that they wont work the color in the bulb is just brighter for me. And I like the ones that run off regular batteries that dont cost an arm and a leg for a 2-pack. Also get a light with a pressure switch if you can , it makes it much better. But any light will work with this set-up , I have used little $5 lights and it worked. The one I have been using is one I bought from a local bow shop ( Marauder ) it runs off 3 AAA batts and has 3 bulbs , Red , Blue and White and a pressure switch. Like I say many lights will work this is just my latest one.                                                                                                                                                    My light attachment is very easy , get you a bicycle innertube and cut it the length of your light.     ( see pics )

Then cut two bands off about 1/4 - 1/2 wide and loop one on to the other.   ( see pics )
 
The one covers the light so it does not scratch your bow , the bands hold the light to the bow.
 
Cut a small velcro strip for the front of your riser for the pressure switch. I use my index finger or my middle finger on the switch.
 
The light can be mounted under or over your hand depending on how you like it. Ground blind or tall thick grass and weeds I go over , most often its under for me.
 
 
I have killed many a hog , coon , fox and other little furry critters and fish with this set-up. Great thing is the tube only costs about $5 and one will do several lights. Havent found a bow it wont work on so there it is , Im sure I will think of some little thing to add but here it is for now , have fun..........
 
 
 
...Sam E...( AKA The Hogfather )....Stephens...

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

 
 
 

[Dogboy900]

Thanks that is very helpful! I have been thinking of how to do this simply for ages!

[Ryan Sanpei]

Sweet Rig!!!

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

Its a good set-up just make sure its legal where you hunt at. I like the pressure switch for the animals that are spooky , the hogs sometimes get a little jumpy when hit with the light. I always hit the light over them to see how they will act , if they are jumpy at the light I will draw and then just hit them full on and take my shot before they can do anything. Most times it dont bother them at all and you can just light em up for as long as you want. When calling I will use the light to scan and look for eyes and dont hit a critter full on until I have a shot. I like the red just seems to do better for me , also I keep 2 lights with me in case one quits on me. And like I said any light will work if you can fit it into the tube. On a riser that has a lot of curve in it or a small longbow handle use 2 tubes over the light or a 1/4inch flat foam piece as long as the light and an inch or so wide. Tape it to the light then put the tube over both that side will go against the bow and will form to the riser for a better fit , This will stay in place much better for you. Once my light is on the bow and a few test draws are done and the light adjusted it is good and solid , the tube kinda grabs and stays put but does not hurt my bow. If you are out stalking and busting the brush check now and then to make sure all is well with the way the light is pointing. It will tic you off if you draw down on something and hit the switch and the light is 3 feet to high.As I think of things I will come back with em , and like I said check your game laws and make sure it legal where you are at.........
,,Sam,,

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

 
 

[Thumper Dunker]

Great idea Been thinking of somthing like that for these coyotes.

[Wolfkiss]

Thanks for posting this Sam, been looking at doing something like this for the dark winter nights here, with Luminocks. Great set up. I think you are right about the pressure switch.

[Aunty]

Perfect.... There will be some very scared possums around here now. Thanks Sam!!!

[fivebears]

I had been wondering why there was a piece of velcro on the front of the t/d you have for sale.Looks very simple and effective.Thanks

[Izzy]

Slick, really slick. When I get back down there I'll be toting one just like that. Thanks.

[Steve O]

Perfect.  Thank you Sam.

BTW, how were the pork chops off that big nasty boar you killed last week?

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

Sure thing guys it is a easy set-up......

Izzy you get back down here look me up I have some hogs that need some arrows in em...........

Steve O , he was very good no smell and all , did little steaks in a black iron pan and a gravy in the same pan with the drippings.......

,,,,,,,,,,Sam,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[FarmerMarley]

Love the setup! I so wish we could hunt hogs at night in CA! A lot of em go nocturnal with the hunting pressure.

I think the only thing you can legally take at night with a light is raccoons here.

[FarmerMarley]

By the way, I love any invention that uses old bike innertubes! There are quite a few good mods and gear adaptations that can utilize them.

[rastaman]

Hey Sam!  You ought to market that!  Cool set-up!

[Jayb]

Sam which is better- light higher or under the shelf?  I missed a hog last week and I'm dying to get back to try again.  I probably need to practice more- shooting to the right for some reason.  I'm thinking I'm torking the grip to keep the light on target.
Thanks!

[TxAg]

I'm working on this very same project over the weekend thanks to reading this thread a couple months ago.

Thanks for posting.