I did this a few years ago for TG, but removed it as I was also doing a more detailed article for TBM(it appeared in the Apr/May 2007).I've had countless requests to re-do it here and since I have the time today(sick little boy at home) and turkey season is right around the corner......here's the re-write.........
...I know some might think that string trackers don't have a place in trad bowhunting for turkeys. But why not do all you can to retrieve a bird when all doesn't go as planned. Believe me, just an inch off and you have a critter that is as hard to find as anything you'll ever hunt! Trackers are no guarantee, but if it helps just once it'll be worth it!
My purpose for this is to share how I attach the tracker unit to my bow, and the string to my arrow.
Since the tracker does nothing but hold the spool in place for the shot, I have found it doesn't have to be super rock solid on the bow. It's not like you're fighting a fish on the other end of the line.
First thing I do is drill a hole slightly smaller than the threaded bolt on the tracker unit in the leather(same with plastic) hood of my quiver...1/4" is about perfect. Drill the hole so it is level and in-line straight forward. This will help lessen drag on the arrow when shot.Which is not really an issue at turkey killin' range (5-20yds)......
Once you get the hole drilled,grab your tracker unit and force thread it into the hole. It'll be a little tough to get it started, but once it's started,just screw it in nice and straight. You just need to get it in far enough so you can see a couple threads showing on the inside. Now you can just screw it in and out anytime you need to. I usually put mine in at my first set-up of the day, and take it out at the end of the morning. Or, if I'm walking or riding a long way....in a Selway......
In a Great Northern......
Now that you have your tracker attached to your bow, it's time to attach the string to your arrow. You'll need some self-adhesive velcro for this. The hook part is all you'll need. Cut a piece about 3/8" wide and long enough(depending on the dia. of your arrow).....
Wrap it around the arrow right behind the broadhead. Make it so that the two ends just come together or just short of it. No need to overlap........
To attach the string, make a loop about 2" long in the string. Just double the string and and tie an overhand knot(note-I use the 30# string, the 17# that comes with the unit frays and breaks too easily)......
Now pull the string thru the loop so that you now have a loop that will cinch down on the arrow in the velcro......
I know some guys just wrap the string around the velcro a few times and call it good. But the first time you shoot thru a bird(won't happen too often) and the arrow is free on the other side of the turkey, it will spin and unwrap as the bird runs off. After it unwraps off the arrow, the string will eventually pull back thru the turkey and won't be much help if the bird goes much further...BAD DEAL!!
While moving between spots sometimes I just put the plug in the end of the unit...then spin the arrow toward the quiver so the string wraps around the arrow behind the velcro...then just slide it in the quiver. This way, I can be ready a little faster at my next set-up.......
String trackers are not for everyone(for whatever reason). But for anyone interested I hope this helps out a bit.....I will say this though...tracker or no tracker, there are few things more rewarding than taking a turkey with traditional equipment!!!!
Any questions...fire away.....
Topic: String Tracker....How-to (Read 11260 times)
