I am making this post since hunting season is upon us and many are not familiar with string tracking devices in general and my minimalistic version in particular. I call it the Tradtracker.
I have used various versions of it for around 25 years. Before that I had tried commercially available string tracking devices but have had some bad experiences with them. The worst one was when I once shot it with the string between my fingers and the riser and received a nasty cut. Another time I shot it while forgetting to remove the cap and the arrow bounced back at me. In addition, it was heavy, somewhat cumbersome, the string was noisy, and it did influence arrow flight, especially at the longer distances.
My Tradtracker addresses all these issues. If the string happened to be caught on your hand the string will just break will little or effect on the shot. The protective cap is not secured hard enough to stop the shot if in place so forgetting to remove it is not an issue. The entire unit weighs less than 1.5 ounces and is less than 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. It is hardly noticeable on your bow.
It mounts to the bow with an extremely secure dual lock fastening material but can be easily removed and mounted on other bows. A man recently told me that he did not want to stick anything on his bow, so I came up with an attachment system using 1/8-inch bungee material as an alternative. It can be mounted on any bow in several different places depending on the shooter’s preference. I prefer to place it just opposite my bow hand just above my fingers with the dual lock system. It should be mounted below the hand or a little higher when using the bungee system so the bungee does not interfere with the arrow shelf.
The unit is quiet when shot and at least within the bounds of my shooting ability has no effect on arrow flight at even the outside borders of hunting distances. I have tested it with a compound out to 35 yards and see no more than a 2- or 3-inch difference in groups.
If there is any disadvantage in mine compared to the commercially available tracking systems, it is there is only approximately 330 yards of thread, and it is not nearly as strong as the string used on other systems. Even so, it will generally go through the thickest brush on the animal’s departure. If it does break it will generally get you well started on a blood trail. Also, if you chose to take an exceptionally long shot you can snap it or cut it off with your broadhead.
I have used it on literally dozens of whitetails, the only bear I ever killed, and a handful of Alabama hogs. It has at times lead me straight to the animal, the beginning of a blood trail, or an arrow in the case of a miss. It is a thrill to make a shot and see the string start zipping out of the devise.
As you can tell I am very enthusiastic about it. I have used it for years and my plans have been to improve on the idea and market it after I retired.
I HAVE NEVER ONCE REGRETTED HAVING THE UNIT ON A HUNT BUT I HAVE ON OCCASION REGRETTED NOT HAVING IT ON!
I will say that it is not great while stalking due to having to carry a nocked arrow and the string getting caught up in the brush. However, it is easy to attach and detach the string from the arrow. Easiest with screw in heads where you just wrap it a few times before screwing in the head. On fixed heads I just wrap it a few times just above the broadhead and secure it with a small piece of duct tape.
I have started a website called TRADTRACKR.COM (no E). It is available through the web site or through 3 Rivers Archery. At around $30 it is priced less than many single broadheads! It is sold satisfaction guaranteed or money back.
The response from my Tradgang sponsorship has been great and is greatly appreciated.
I see no downside in having one on your bow. Worst case you can use the thread to sew on buttons!
FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER I WILL INCLUDE AN EXTRA PACK OF THREAD WITH EACH ORDER.
JUST MENTION IN THE NOTES THAT YOU SAW IT ON TRADGANG, OR IF YOU BUY THROUGH 3 RIVERS, SEND ME A TEXT AT 334-462-9346.
Thanks,
Norman (aka BAMA)
Topic: COMPACT STRING TRACKER INFO AND OCTOBER SPECIAL (Read 1999 times)
