Gametracker question

[tamure]

I posted a little while ago about duck hunting with a bow. Someone suggested using a Gametracker. After looking at them a bit, it looks like they are designed for pretty much just one shot. For those of you who have used them before, how practical is it to "reel in" your arrow and rewind the string?

[David Mitchell]

Tamure, I don't think you can rewind the string on a Gametracker.  It is designed to just cut the string and retie it to your next arrow.  Reeling in the arrow may work in your situation but reusing the line won't.....Dave

[MI_Bowhunter]

Not very practical.  For open water shots it may work ok as there is nothing for it to tangle with but I don't know how well it would work for reeling something in.

You can get several shots per spool, but you have to cut the line after each shot.  There is no rewinding it and reusing.  

THe first couple of shots per spool are wasted as they have too much drag.  A few shots are needed to break in a spool.

With my old wheel bow the arrow flight suffered exponentially the furthur the shot was due to the accumulating drag of the string.  I have not tried it since going trad.

I find it snags on everything as you try to pick up the used line.

My dad has hit and found several deer using one but I can tell you just as many horror stories.  Its one of those things you have to try yourself and evaluate it if you are interested.

[legends1]

I have used them on bear,and for that it was fine . Although like you said its a one shot deal.After the shot the string is lost,you dont reel it in.My thought is for what you want its not realy designed.

[tamure]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. That's exactly the info I needed. They seem to be relatively inexpensive, which might make it worth giving a shot. But I also need to keep considering other methods. Thanks!  

[IB]

Kerry.....GO FOR IT        

You may VERY well may become a TREND SETTER        

At the very least you'll have an investment that WILL WORK for other applications.

Be sure and get  the HEAVY LINE, 30# TEST stuff

[MI_Bowhunter]

Kerry,

I have an old string tracker holder and I'm pretty sure I have at least one unused string refil for it.

You can have it if you want it. Just shoot me a PM with a mailing address and I'll throw it in the mail for you.

While I am a little skeptical, I also very curious to know if it will work.

[draco]

It wont work for what your doing.I used one for years before getting a good deer dog. It`s just for close range shooting and easier recovery of game where trailing might be hindered in some way.